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Interior Design Intern Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

About This Role The Interior Design Leader is responsible for elevating design excellence across the organization. This role ensures all interior designs achieve high levels of aesthetic quality ...

Sr Interior Design Professional

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

Performs complex interior design assignments receiving specific and detailed instruction as to tasks required and results expected. Responsible for working with the project team to assist overall ...

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Interior Design Intern information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$10

$22

$41

How much do interior design intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for interior design intern in Seattle, WA is $22.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.39 and $24.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 most commonly searched types of Interior Design jobs in Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Interior Design jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What job categories do people searching Interior Design Intern jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Interior Design Intern jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Interior Design Intern jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Interior Design Intern job openings:
Infographic showing various Interior Design Intern job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,867 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

DAHLINis a diverse, award-winning architecture, planning, and interiors firm practice with officeslocated throughout the Western United States.We offer 50 years of experience building communities where we live and work, driven by the vision of creating places that promote human fulfillment and well-being. This samePassion for Placeยฎstarts with our own working environment - a positive community where people thrive. Please visit our website (www.dahlingroup.com) to learn more.
The Director - Interior Design will serve as DAHLIN's market ambassador for the Pacific Northwest Interior Design sector, helping strengthen the firm's reputation, expand its client portfolio, and drive sustainable revenue growth through strategic relationships and market leadership.
This hybrid doer-seller leadership role combines high-level business development with deep interior design expertise and credibility to advise clients on interior design, procurement, and project delivery. The ideal candidate brings an established network of developers, owners, builders, investors, and industry partners throughout the Pacific Northwest, along with a proven track record of generating new business.
Working closely with firm leadership, practice leaders, and marketing, this individual develops market strategies, identifies emerging opportunities, leads pursuit efforts, and serves as a trusted advisor throughout the client lifecycle-from initial relationship development through project execution. Success in this role is measured by revenue growth, expansion of strategic client relationships, development of a robust pipeline, market influence, and long-term partnerships that reinforce DAHLIN's leadership throughout the Pacific Northwest.
How We Lead
We believe organizational health is our greatest competitive advantage. We expect every member of our leadership team to put the interests of the enterprise ahead of their individual goals and to actively contribute to the health and effectiveness of the firm. Technical excellence matters, but we believe healthy leadership teams outperform brilliant but dysfunctional ones. We value humility over ego, clarity over complexity, and teamwork over individual achievements.
What You'll Do
Strategic Business Development
  • Develop and execute DAHLIN's Interior Design business development strategy for the Pacific Northwest, aligned with firmwide growth initiatives.
  • Leverage an established network ("book of business") to generate new client relationships and project opportunities.
  • Lead business development efforts focused on interior design in collaboration with architectural leaders and the firm's marketing team .
  • Build relationships with developers, owners, municipalities, brokers, consultants, contractors, and industry influencers.
  • Represent DAHLIN at industry organizations, conferences, speaking engagements, and community events.
  • Develop annual market development plans identifying target clients, market sectors, revenue opportunities, and strategic initiatives.
  • Develop and maintain executive-level relationships with developers, ownership groups, investors, and strategic partners to expand DAHLIN's market share throughout the Pacific Northwest..

Client and Sales Leadership
  • Build and lead executive-level meetings with owners, investors, and development teams.
  • Act as a trusted advisor by understanding client business goals and aligning DAHLIN's services accordingly.
  • Ensure exceptional client experience from pursuit through project completion.
  • Lead major pursuit strategies and Go/No-Go decision-making.
  • Partner with Marketing and technical teams to position DAHLIN competitively.

Technical, Market, and People Leadership
  • Utilize interior design and architectural expertise to engage clients in meaningful discussions regarding design solutions and project delivery.
  • Provide technical insight that builds client confidence and differentiates DAHLIN from competitors.
  • Partner with practice leaders to position DAHLIN's design expertise as a competitive differentiator during client pursuits.
  • Monitor interior design trends and competitive market conditions to identify emerging opportunities.
  • Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive team environment that supports engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Provide coaching, technical guidance, and professional development opportunities that help team members grow and perform at their highest potential.
  • Establish clear performance expectations and promote open communication to align individual contributions with firm goals.
  • Mentor interior designers and project leaders in business development and client engagement.

What You Bring
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or Architecture.
  • Certified Interior Designer (CID) preferred.
  • 10+ years of progressively increasing management and leadership experience within highly regarded design firms.
  • 10+ years of successful business development experience.
  • Experience working in the Pacific Northwest.
  • Must be legallyauthorized to work for any employer in the United States without any restrictions. Please note that visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience leading complex pursuit strategies and negotiating professional service agreements.
  • Excellent presentation, communication, and executive relationship-building skills

Leadership Competencies
  • Demonstrates genuine humility while possessing strong professional confidence.
  • Comfortable engaging in healthy conflict rather than avoiding difficult conversations.
  • Values team success above personal recognition.
  • Naturally seeks clarity before consensus.
  • Believes culture is measurable, manageable, and every bit as important as financial performance.
  • Holds peers accountable with respect and courage.
  • Enjoys building trust before building process.

Why Join DAHLIN?
We offer a competitive compensation package based on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage. We also offer the opportunity to participate in a pre-tax Flexible Spending plans for medical, childcare, and commuter expenses, Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and 401k.
The salary range for this position is$150,000-$162,500 depending on qualifications.Placement within this pay range will be determined by factors such as education, qualifications, project complexity and/or experience. The maximum is reserved for candidates who currently meet all job requirements. We believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as part of any final offer.
One last note...We regret that due to the large volume of inquiries, we are unable to accept phone calls regarding the status of applications. We'll be sure to contact you if we need more information. Apply now!
#LI-Hybrid
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to welcoming and supporting a diverse community of professionals. As such, women and people of color are especially encouraged to apply. Our firm participates in E-Verify.
DAHLIN is committed to integrity in hiring. Please click here for an important notice on Recruitment Fraud.
DAHLIN values your privacy. Please click here for additional information.
We do not accept resumes from recruiters, placement agencies, or other staffing vendors who have not signed an agreement with us. Unsolicited resumes will be ineligible for referral fees.