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Interior Design Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lead the development of interior design concepts under the supervision of a senior designer, including program assessment, space planning, furniture layouts, material selections, and color schemes

Posted today

As an Interior Design Professional with 3-5 years of experience, you will play a key role in developing and executing interior design projects from concept through completion. You will collaborate ...

As an Interior Design Professional with 3-5 years of experience, you will play a key role in developing and executing interior design projects from concept through completion. You will collaborate ...

They will work in collaboration and partnership with RH Interior Design to ensure the clients' design needs are met and their expectations exceeded. Our Design Consultants are innovators with an ...

They will work in collaboration and partnership with RH Interior Design to ensure the clients' design needs are met and their expectations exceeded. Our Design Consultants are innovators with an ...

In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every ...

In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every ...

In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every ...

In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every ...

In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every ...

In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every ...

In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every ...

In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every ...

In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every ...

In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every ...

In our global network of Design Centers, we offer complimentary interior design service and sell a full range of home furnishings, including custom furniture and artisan-crafted accents for every ...

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Interior Design Intern information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$19

$37

How much do interior design intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for interior design intern in Chicago, IL is $19.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an interior design intern do?

An Interior Design Intern supports professional interior designers in the planning, design, and execution of interior spaces. Their tasks may include assisting with project research, preparing mood boards, sourcing materials, creating drawings or renderings, and helping with client presentations. Interns gain valuable hands-on experience by shadowing designers, learning about industry tools, and participating in meetings with clients and vendors. This role is a great way to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects and develop practical skills for a future career in interior design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interior design intern?

To thrive as an Interior Design Intern, you typically need a background in interior design or a related field, a strong design portfolio, and a basic understanding of design principles. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is often required, along with knowledge of project management tools. Creativity, attention to detail, effective communication, and a willingness to learn are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting design teams, contributing innovative ideas, and ensuring client satisfaction in a collaborative work environment.

What is the difference between Interior Design Intern vs Interior Designer?

AspectInterior Design InternInterior Designer
CredentialsEnrolled in or recently completed relevant educationProfessional certification or degree in interior design
Work EnvironmentAssisting in projects, learning, supporting senior staffLeading projects, client consultations, project management
Employer & Industry UsageInternship programs, entry-level positions in design firmsFull-time professional roles in design firms or independently
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, gaining experienceSeeking professional design services or career info

In summary, an Interior Design Intern is a student or recent graduate gaining hands-on experience under supervision, while an Interior Designer is a licensed professional responsible for managing design projects independently.

What are the most commonly searched types of Interior Design jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Interior Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Interior Design Intern jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Interior Design Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Interior Design Intern job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,519 per year, or $20 per hour.

Interior Design Professional

Actalent

Darien, IL • Hybrid

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

An integrated Design, Engineering, and Construction firm located in the suburbs of Chicago is looking to add an Interior Design Professional to their team!

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of interior design concepts under the supervision of a senior designer, including program assessment, space planning, furniture layouts, material selections, and color schemes
  • Create detailed design documentation and presentations that clearly communicate design intent
  • Participate in client meetings to understand project needs, goals, and vision, and assist in developing design solutions that align with project objectives and user requirements.
  • Oversee key aspects of the interior design process, including managing project timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure projects remain on schedule and within scope
  • Source and select appropriate materials, furnishings, and finishes that support the design concept, budget constraints, and performance requirements
  • Manage relationships with vendors and suppliers, including obtaining samples, reviewing product options, and ensuring timely delivery and quality control of furnishings and finishes
  • Support and oversee the furniture procurement process, including the development of furniture specifications packages and coordination with vendors for ordering and installation
  • Conduct site visits to assess existing conditions, monitor design implementation, verify that construction aligns with design documents, and address any issues or discrepancies during construction
  • Manage multiple projects concurrently, balancing design development, documentation, client communication, and coordination responsibilities

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or a related field from an accredited institution
  • 3+ years of professional experience in interior design, including managing and delivering projects that involve furniture design and procurement
  • Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD and Revit for developing plans, details, and construction documentation
  • Experience with construction documents and an understanding of how interior design is translated into buildable drawings and specifications
  • Strong skills in interior design and interior architecture, including schematic design, space planning, and furniture layout development
  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite for design presentations, graphics, and visual communication
  • Experience with 3D modeling and rendering tools, with the ability to visualize and communicate three-dimensional design concepts
  • Experience working on K–12 and higher education projects (including classrooms, campus facilities) or on sporting facilities (such as college baseball stadiums and turf football fields, particularly in the context of interior and support spaces) is preferred
Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Darien, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $72000.00 - $83000.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Darien,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 3, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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