ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Interior Design Internship Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

All JobsInterior Design JobsInterior Design Internship JobsInterior Design Internship Jobs in Iowa

Interior Design Internship information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$18

$34

How much do interior design internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for interior design internship in Iowa is $18.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.56 and $20.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Interior Design Internship?

An Interior Design Internship is a temporary position where students or recent graduates work with professional interior designers to gain practical, hands-on experience in the field. Interns assist with tasks like creating design presentations, sourcing materials, conducting site visits, and supporting project management. This experience helps aspiring interior designers develop essential skills, build a professional portfolio, and make industry connections. Typically, internships can be part-time or full-time and may last a few months, depending on the employer and program requirements.

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

AspectInterior Design InternshipInterior Designer
CredentialsTypically students or recent graduates; no required licensingLicensed or certified with relevant credentials
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, often in design firms or showroomsFull-time professional work in design firms, client sites, or self-employment
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with projects, learning design software, researchLeading projects, client consultations, project management

In summary, an Interior Design Internship is an entry-level position focused on learning and assisting, while an Interior Designer is a licensed professional responsible for managing design projects and client relations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Interior Design Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Interior Design Intern, you should have a strong foundation in design principles, spatial planning, and a relevant degree or coursework in interior design or a related field. Proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is typically expected. Creativity, attention to detail, openness to feedback, and effective communication are standout soft skills. These skills and qualities are crucial for contributing to design projects, collaborating with teams, and developing professional expertise in a competitive industry.

What types of projects and tasks can I expect to work on during an Interior Design Internship?

As an Interior Design Intern, you can expect to assist with a variety of tasks such as creating mood boards, sourcing materials and furnishings, supporting design presentations, and helping with site visits or installations. Interns often collaborate closely with senior designers and project managers, gaining exposure to the entire design process from concept development to final execution. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into client communications, vendor management, and the practical aspects of turning design ideas into reality. The internship is structured to help you build technical skills, expand your portfolio, and understand the collaborative nature of interior design firms.
What are the most commonly searched types of Interior Design jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Interior Design jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Interior Design Internship jobs in Iowa? For Interior Design Internship jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Interior Design Internship jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Interior Design Internship jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Interior Design Internship jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Interior Design Internship job openings:
Interior Design Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interior Design Internship job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,857 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Lecturer for Interior Design

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago

Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:Lecturer for Interior DesignAppointment Type:FacultyJob Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Interior Design, in the College of Design at Iowa State University (ISU), invites applications for the position of a part-time Lecturer. The position will teach undergraduate studios and lecture courses addressing topics such as the design process, spatial design, materials and finishes, lighting design, color theory and applications, and cultural and historical contexts. Teaching responsibilities will also include integration of technologies and communication methods related to the field, such as Revit, AutoCAD, rendering software, building codes, and construction documentation. In addition to teaching, this position will serve as a professional mentor to students, supporting their academic and professional growth through guidance and engagement in design education. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2026 with an initial term of one semester, ending December 31, 2026, with the possibility for renewal.

The candidate will be expected to contribute meaningfully to the department's teaching mission and participate in institutional service. We're looking for individuals with strong communication skills who share our commitment to fostering excellence. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the potential for long-term leadership in advancing the goals of the department, college, and university.

The Department of Interior Design is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and the collective benefit of all. All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within department, college, and university activities, interact collegially and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master's degree

Preferred Qualifications:

  • NCIDQ certification, or certification in progress

  • Proficiency with industry-standard design technologies, including Revit, AutoCAD, and rendering or visualization software

  • 5 years relevant interior or architectural industry experience

  • At least one degree specifically in Interior Design (bachelor's or master's level) from an accredited program

Department/Program & College Description:

About the Interior Design Department

The Department of Interior Design is a vibrant program in the College of Design at Iowa State University, along with Architecture, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Art and Visual Culture, Landscape Architecture, and Urban Planning and Development. The Department of Interior Design in a CIDA accredited program that offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design (BFA), a Master of Arts in Interior Design (MA), a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design (MFA). The department offers experiential learning in immersive study abroad programs, a professional internship program, many interdisciplinary opportunities, and strategic collaboration with other highly ranked colleges and departments.

Department Unit/Website:

For more information about our department's program, see: http://www.design.iastate.edu/academics/departments/interior-design/

Proposed Start Date:August 16, 2026Proposed End Date or Length of Term:December 31, 2026Number of Months Employed Per Year:09 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Part timeApplication Instructions:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by July 6, 2026. All interested, qualified persons must apply for this position online at http://jobs.iastate.edu to Job Requisition Number R19464.

The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format:

  • An application letter addressing how the candidate's experience and qualifications align with some or all of the preferred qualifications

  • A curriculum vitae or professional resume

  • Contact information for at least three references, including name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information

  • A professional portfolio showcasing relevant work in interior design. Applicants may include examples from professional projects or other relevant work

  • A one-page teaching statement, describing your teaching philosophy, approach, and potential contributions to student learning. Applicants with limited or no formal teaching experience should focus on their perspectives and ideas.

Direct questions to Kotaro Nakamura, Chair, Department of Interior Design, at kotaro@iastate.edu.


If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:June 29, 2026Posting Close Date:Job Requisition Number:R19464

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

What Iowa State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply