1

Interior Design Internship Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

... and Internships with transportation design companies * Ability to interpret customer needs and ... Demonstrated creative exterior/interior design perceptions and capability. A design portfolio (pdf ...

You will collaborate closely with interior and exterior design studios, product planning, brand ... Previous professional work experience or internship, as a user experience designer, interaction ...

We are looking for multiple Cost Engineers with a Design/Release or Product Development background ... INTERIOR TRIM - HARD/SOFT - Headliner, Insulator, NVH * SEATING - Foaming process, Sewing and ...

You will collaborate closely with interior and exterior design studios, product planning, brand ... Previous professional work experience or internship, as a user experience designer, interaction ...

Interior Design Internship information

See Michigan salary details

$7

$16

$32

How much do interior design internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for interior design internship in Michigan is $16.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $18.85 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 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 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 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.

How do I get an interior design internship?

To secure an interior design internship, applicants should build a portfolio showcasing their work, gain familiarity with design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp, and apply to firms or companies that offer internship programs. Relevant coursework, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach can improve chances of selection.

Is an interior design internship worth it?

An interior design internship provides practical experience, skill development, and industry connections that can enhance a candidate’s resume and job prospects. It often involves working with design software, learning project management, and understanding client needs, making it valuable for those pursuing a career in interior design.

What do you do in an interior design internship?

An interior design internship involves assisting with design projects, creating mood boards, selecting materials and furnishings, and supporting project coordination. Interns often gain experience using design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp and observe client meetings and site visits to understand project execution. The role provides practical exposure to the design process and industry standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Interior Design jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Interior Design jobs in Michigan are:

What job categories do people searching Interior Design Internship jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Interior Design Internship jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Interior Design Internship jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Interior Design Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Interior Design Internship job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,129 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Interior Design Assistant

Franklin, MI • On-site

Perlmutter-Freiwald, Inc.
Specialized Design Services • 1 - 10 employees

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

About the Opportunity

Perlmutter-Freiwald, an established luxury residential interior design firm located in Franklin, Michigan, is seeking a talented and highly motivated Design Assistant to join our team.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a recent interior design graduate—or an outstanding student entering
their final year who is interested in an internship—to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in a
professional luxury residential design environment.
The Design Assistant will work closely with and directly support the Owner/Principal Designer of the firm,
providing exposure to the creative, technical and organizational aspects of the design process. Because of
the close working relationship and level of involvement, we are looking for someone special: an emerging
design professional who demonstrates talent, maturity, initiative and the potential to grow into greater
responsibility within the firm.

Responsibilities:
  • Assist with sourcing furniture, lighting, fabrics, wallcoverings, accessories and other materials.
  • Research products, finishes and design resources.
  • Request and organize samples, finish materials and product information.
  • Assist with preparation of client presentations, presentation materials and design boards.
  • Support space planning, drawings and other design documentation as appropriate to experience level.
  • Assist with maintaining project specifications, selections and other project information.
  • Communicate and coordinate with vendors and manufacturer representatives.
  • Assist with pricing, product information, lead times and availability.
  • Maintain organization of the studios sample and resource materials.
  • Assist with preparation for client meetings and project presentations.
  • Provide general design, project and administrative support to the Principal Designer and design team.
  • Participate in the day-to-day activities of a busy luxury residential design studio.
  • Assist with other project-related responsibilities as needed.

Who Were Looking For
  • Technical skills are important, but we are equally interested in finding an individual with the aptitude, professionalism and potential to become an important member of our design team.

Ideal Candidate:
  • A recent graduate of an Interior Design or closely related program, or a student entering their final year.
  • Who is interested in an internship opportunity.
  • Creative with strong design instincts and an appreciation for high-quality residential interiors.
  • Highly organized and exceptionally attentive to detail.
  • Professional, polished and comfortable working closely with firm leadership.
  • Resourceful and willing to take initiative.
  • Curious, enthusiastic and eager to learn.
  • Able to manage multiple assignments and changing priorities.
  • A strong communicator with good interpersonal skills.
  • Collaborative and comfortable working as part of a design team.
  • Dependable, conscientious and committed to producing high-quality work.
  • Comfortable receiving direction while increasingly taking ownership of responsibilities.

Technical Skills:
Familiarity with interior design and presentation software is preferred. Experience with programs such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite or other design/visualization tools is beneficial.

We recognize that a recent graduate or final-year student is still developing professionally. We are therefore looking not only at current technical proficiency, but also at the candidates design sensibility, ability to learn, work ethic and long-term potential.

Why This Opportunity Is Different
This is not simply a behind-the-scenes administrative position. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work directly alongside the Owner/Principal Designer, gaining firsthand exposure to how luxury residential projects are developed and executed from initial concepts and sourcing through presentations, procurement and project completion.

For the right individual, this position offers an unusual opportunity to learn directly from an experienced design professional, develop practical industry knowledge and become an integral part of an established
design firm.

To Apply
Please submit a résumé and portfolio or examples of design work. If available, along with a brief introduction describing your interest in the position.

We welcome applications from both recent graduates and exceptional final-year students seeking an internship that could potentially develop into a longer-term opportunity.