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Interior Designer Intern Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Interior Designer Intern information

Are there internships for interior designer interns?

Yes, internships for interior designer interns are available at many design firms, architecture companies, and retail organizations. These internships typically provide hands-on experience with design software, project planning, and client communication, often during summer or semester breaks. Applicants usually need a background in interior design or related fields and may be required to showcase a portfolio of their work.

What does an interior designer intern do?

An Interior Designer Intern assists professional interior designers with various tasks such as creating design concepts, selecting materials and finishes, preparing drawings and presentations, and conducting site visits. They often help with administrative duties, client communication, and research to support the design process. The internship provides hands-on experience and exposure to real-world design projects, which helps interns develop their skills and understanding of the industry.

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

AspectInterior Designer InternInterior Designer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant education, may have internship or entry-level certificationsProfessional certification or licensing often required, such as NCIDQ
Work EnvironmentAssist in design projects, support senior designers, work in design firms or studiosLead projects, client consultations, manage design process independently or with team
Employer & Industry UsageInternship positions in architecture and interior design firms, educational settingsFull-time employment in interior design firms, architecture companies, or related industries

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. An Interior Designer Intern is typically a student or recent graduate gaining practical experience, while an Interior Designer is a licensed professional managing projects and clients independently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an interior designer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Interior Designer Intern, you need a foundational understanding of design principles, spatial planning, and proficiency in design software, typically supported by academic coursework or a related degree. Familiarity with tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and presentation platforms is highly valued. Strong communication, creativity, and attention to detail help interns collaborate with teams and convey ideas effectively. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting design projects, meeting client needs, and gaining practical experience in a competitive industry.

What types of projects and tasks can an interior designer intern expect to work on during their internship?

As an Interior Designer Intern, you can expect to be involved in a variety of tasks that support the design team, such as assisting with space planning, preparing presentation boards, sourcing materials and furnishings, and creating digital renderings or CAD drawings. Interns often participate in client meetings, help with site visits, and contribute to project documentation. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to the design process, teamwork, and communication with clients and vendors, which are key for developing your skills and understanding the industry's workflow.

What do you do in an interior designer internship?

An interior designer intern assists with project research, space planning, and creating design concepts using tools like AutoCAD or SketchUp. They may also help select materials, finishes, and furnishings, gaining hands-on experience in the design process under supervision.

How to get into interior designer intern with no experience?

To become an interior designer intern with no experience, focus on building a portfolio through personal projects or volunteering, and learn design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp. Pursuing relevant coursework or certifications can also improve your chances, and applying to internships that accept beginners can provide valuable industry exposure.
What are the most commonly searched types of Interior Designer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Interior Designer jobs in Tennessee are:
Infographic showing various Interior Designer Intern job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Senior Architectural Designer

Southern Land Company

Nashville, TN • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Why Southern Land?
Our full-service company is comprised of planning, architecture, design, construction, marketing, and resident experience professionals-all in-house and working together every day to envision and create uniquely beautiful places.
Position Summary
Southern Land Company, a national real estate development and construction firm headquartered in Nashville, TN is seeking a full-time Senior Architectural Designer to join our dynamic team.
The Senior Architectural Designer oversees, manages, coordinates, designs, and documents high-end speculative and custom homes, and small commercial structures, for construction within Southern Land Company and other communities. This includes the oversite of client and project schedules, maintenance and implementation of design and documentation standards, quality control, staff training and mentorship, and a working knowledge of project and department responsibilities. Will be required to conduct complex, important work under minimal supervision and with a wide latitude for independent judgement. The salary range for this position is $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Ability to oversee, manage, coordinate, design, and document high-end speculative and custom homes, and small commercial structures.
  • Manage, coordinate, and design client requirements during the schematic and design development stages for residential projects.
  • Manage and/or produce clear and concise "Builder Set" drawings that incorporate the original vision of the client while working within the confines of the schedule and fees established.
  • Implement architectural standards, policies, and procedures related to architectural design, documentation, and quality control.
  • Provide the final quality control efforts for all work product created and released.
  • Assist with revisions and maintenance of the Single-Family Residential AutoCAD standards library.
  • Collaborate cross functionally with other departments to ensure effective communication between architecture, homebuilding, landscape architecture, sales, interior design and marketing for all staff and projects.
  • Responsible for the training, development, and mentorship of junior staff.
  • Coordinate and lead daily project activities. Will spend a portion of time performing the work of those they supervise and coordinate.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of team functions within the department.
  • Maintain an up-to-date and comprehensive understanding of applicable building codes and zoning regulations as they relate to the design and construction of residential structures.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of the costs of construction of various elements of the building of a house.
  • Seek an ongoing knowledge of the successful trends within the industry.
  • Make exterior material and color recommendations as needed.
  • Participate in the enforcement of architectural guidelines through the completion of each neighborhood.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • A fundamental understanding of construction documentation methods for wood frame construction.
  • Proficiency in the following technical programs: AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, Adobe CS5 or later, Sketchup or other computer rendering software experience.
  • Ability to keep sensitive information highly confidential.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to deal professionally with clients, vendors, and co-workers on the phone and in person.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills, ability to take initiative, use good judgment, demonstrate a strong sense of urgency and attention to detail, and carry multiple projects through to completion.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, prioritize work and ask for further clarification when necessary.
  • Ability to work under pressure with tight time constraints, as well as the ability to deal with frequent interruptions, unresolved situations, frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Architectural Designer
  • Jr/Intern Architectural Designer

Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture or related field from accredited school.
  • 5+ years' experience in similar position.

Preferred Education and Experience
  • Experience in Single-Family architecture or Traditional Neighborhood Design.
  • Knowledge of historically accurate residential design and detailing.
  • Knowledge of Single-Family design trends.
  • AIA certification is not required, but beneficial.

Company Overview
Southern Land Company believes that community is the heart of every successful development project. With that as our starting point, we create residential developments around the country that provide a generous, comfortable lifestyle to those that call them home. In support of our single family and multifamily projects, we also undertake key retail, office, and recreation developments to craft convenient, complete communities. We believe in big ideas and paying attention to every detail required to realize them.
We Have...
  • A strong brand recognized for quality, performance, and artistry
  • Guiding principles of creativity and innovation
  • An open mind for new ideas and creative methods
  • A strong compensation and benefits package, including health, vision, dental, 401k with a strong match and more!

Southern Land Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and we seek to create an inclusive work place that embraces diverse backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives. Southern Land Company offers a competitive benefits package, including 401k and paid time off. Southern Land Company is a Drug Free Workplace. For more information, please visit our website at www.southernland.com.
The above information is only an illustration of the general nature and level of work performed by the employee within this classification. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Company and employee and is subject to change by the Company as the needs of the Company and requirements of the job change.
#SLC2
Equal Opportunity Employer
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.