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Interior Design Internship Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Interior Design Internship information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$17

$33

How much do interior design internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for interior design internship in Tennessee is $17.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.08 and $19.62 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 Tennessee?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Interior Design Internship job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,581 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Graduate Electrical Engineer - Healthcare

Salas O'Brien Engineers Incorporated

Nashville, TN • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Salas O'Brien rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Graduate Electrical Engineer - Healthcare
At I.C. Thomasson Associates, Inc, A Salas O'Brien Company we tell our clients that we're engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That's why we're committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career-and they'll receive great total rewards along the way.
About Us:
Founded in 1975, Salas O'Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow's requirements are today's opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Job Summary:
We are looking for a graduate electrical engineer to join our team! This position will be within our healthcare division working on projects in hospitals, medical office buildings, clinics, ambulatory buildings, and other buildings focusing on healthcare. The responsibilities of this position include interior and exterior lighting design, building power distribution, emergency power systems, and fire alarm systems.
Responsibilities:
  • Assists in the preparation or modification of reports, specifications, plans, construction schedules, studies, permits and designs for assigned projects.
  • Uses computer assisted engineering and design software and equipment to prepare engineering and design documents.
  • Assists in client contact and communication pertaining to specific projects.
  • "Teams" with Senior Engineer and participates in all the work the Senior Engineer is performing as an observer.
  • Operates engineering software to solve specific problems, and inputs the data required by the program.
  • Familiarize themselves with state-of-the-art design and various state and local regulations.

Qualifications:
  • B.S. in an Electrical Engineering degree from ABET accredited school.
  • Past experience through co-op or summer internships helpful.
  • E.I.T a plus.

Benefits:
  • Gain invaluable industry experience and practical engineering skills.
  • Work with a diverse team of professionals, fostering networking opportunities.
  • Access to mentorship and guidance from experienced engineers.
  • Competitive compensation package.

Location: Nashville, TN
Travel: Yes
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O'Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O'Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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