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Interior Designer Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lionakis

Interior Designer (Mid to Senior)

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$70K - $122K/yr

Are you an Interior Designer who thrives in an imaginative and inventive environment? Do you ... internships * Proficiency in BIM/Revit, SketchUp or other 3D modeling software, Adobe Creative ...

Lionakis

Interior Designer (Mid to Senior)

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$59K - $106K/yr

Are you an Interior Designer who thrives in an imaginative and inventive environment? Do you ... internships * Proficiency in BIM/Revit, SketchUp or other 3D modeling software, Adobe Creative ...

BAMO, Inc.

Senior FF&E Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Mentor junior and intermediate designers and interns in office standards Job Requirements: * College-level degree (interior design) * Minimum of 8 years experience with high-end hospitality and/or ...

BAMO, Inc.

Senior FF&E Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Mentor junior and intermediate designers and interns in office standards Job Requirements: * College-level degree (interior design) * Minimum of 8 years experience with high-end hospitality and/or ...

BAMO, Inc.

Senior FF&E Designer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$85K - $100K/yr

Mentor junior and intermediate designers and interns in office standards Job Requirements: * College-level degree (interior design) * Minimum of 8 years experience with high-end hospitality and/or ...

BAMO, INC

Senior Designer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

Mentor Junior and Intermediate Designers and Interns * Expand your knowledge of high-end interior design resources (vendors, professional sources) with regular in-house presentations and travel to ...

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Interior Designer Internship information

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How much do interior designer internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for interior designer internship in California is $19.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $21.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an interior designer internship?

An Interior Designer Internship is a temporary position for students or recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in the interior design industry. Interns work under the supervision of professional designers, assisting with tasks such as creating design concepts, sourcing materials, preparing presentations, and visiting project sites. This opportunity allows aspiring interior designers to develop practical skills, build a professional portfolio, and network within the industry. Internships are often a stepping stone to full-time employment in interior design.

What are the qualifications to get an interior designer internship?

The minimum qualifications for an interior design internship depend on the employer. Some require that you be a junior or senior student in your four-year degree program or your second year if you are attending a technical school’s two-year program. Many employers have a minimum GPA requirement. Being proficient with CAD, 3D, Microsoft Office applicants, and Revit is beneficial. Previous experience in a customer service or office position can help you stand out above other applicants. It also helps to have strong organization and communication skills as an intern.

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

To thrive as an Interior Designer Intern, you need a foundational understanding of design principles, spatial planning, and often enrollment in or completion of a relevant design program. Familiarity with industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is typically expected. Strong attention to detail, creativity, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities are essential for producing innovative designs, collaborating with clients and colleagues, and efficiently supporting project workflows.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an interior designer intern?

As an Interior Designer Intern, you'll typically assist with tasks such as preparing design presentations, sourcing materials, drafting floor plans using design software, and supporting project managers with administrative duties. You may also participate in site visits, client meetings, and help update project documentation. Interns often collaborate closely with senior designers and other team members, gaining exposure to the full design process from concept development to implementation. This hands-on experience provides valuable insight into industry standards and helps you build a strong portfolio for future opportunities.

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

AspectInterior Designer InternshipInterior Designer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate of interior design programProfessional certification or licensing often required
Work EnvironmentTemporary, learning-focused, often in design firms or studiosFull-time, client-facing, project management roles in design firms or independently
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with design concepts, research, and draftingLeading projects, client consultations, and design execution

In summary, an Interior Designer Internship is a temporary, entry-level position aimed at gaining experience, while an Interior Designer is a licensed professional responsible for managing design projects and client relationships.

Is an interior designer internship worth it?

An interior designer internship provides practical experience, skill development, and industry insight that can enhance a candidate's portfolio and employability. It often offers networking opportunities and exposure to design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp, which are valuable for future roles. Overall, internships can be a worthwhile step toward a career in interior design.

What do you do in an interior designer internship?

An interior designer internship involves assisting with design projects, creating mood boards, selecting materials and furnishings, and gaining experience with design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp. Interns often observe client meetings and support project coordination to develop practical skills in interior design. The internship provides hands-on exposure to the design process and industry standards.
More about Interior Designer Internship jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Interior Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Interior Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Interior Designer Internship jobs in California?

For Interior Designer Internship jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Interior Designer Internship jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Interior Designer Internship jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Interior Designer Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most Interior Designer Internship job openings:

Interior Designer Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Interior Designer Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 65% Full Time, 26% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,777 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Interior Designer (Mid to Senior)

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Lionakis
See more jobs at Lionakisexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Are you an Interior Designer who thrives in an imaginative and inventive environment? Do you flourish when part of a cohesive team where collaboration and ideas flow freely? Want to work for a firm that's taking concrete steps toward Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion? We’re looking for an Interior Designer to join our Interiors team in our Sacramento office where you may be working on projects in Education (K-12), Healthcare and/or Civic markets. 
As an Interior Designer, you will…
  • Contribute to interior design projects through various phases of planning, design, documentation, and construction administration, with responsibilities aligned to experience and project needs.
  • Support the development of drawings, specifications, presentations, and other project deliverables using BIM/Revit and related design technologies.
  • Collaborate with project teams, consultants, and clients to help achieve project goals, maintain quality standards, and support successful project outcomes.
  • Participate in material research, finish selection, furniture specification, and coordination efforts throughout the design process.
  • Apply The Lionakis Way standards for design excellence, quality control, and continuous improvement while seeking opportunities for professional growth and knowledge sharing.

The Must Haves
  • Bachelor's degree in Interior Design or equivalent, or Associate's degree with equivalent related experience; ability to perform successfully across a range of experience levels from emerging designer to project lead.
  • 2+ year(s) of professional experience beyond internships
  • Proficiency in BIM/Revit, SketchUp or other 3D modeling software, Adobe Creative Suite, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Nice to Haves
  • Strong understanding of interior design documentation, building codes, construction administration, consultant coordination, and project delivery processes.
  • Experience with Bluebeam, Newforma, eBuilder, or similar project management and constructability tools.
  • LEED accreditation
  • Demonstrated experience mentoring staff, supporting fee development, and managing multiple complex projects.

Why You’ll Love Lionakis…
At Lionakis, people and design come first. You’ll find:
  • A collaborative, design-forward culture that values creativity, mentorship, and shared success.
  • The chance to shape stories that impact real communities.
  • Hybrid work flexibility, every-other-Friday off options, and a comprehensive benefits package (bonus plan, 401(k) with match, health/dental/vision, generous PTO).
  • A workplace deeply committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – in our projects, our people, and our culture.
Join us and help bring our design vision to life—one story at a time.
Salary Range: $59,500–$106,800 annually. Compensation and level DOE.
Studies have shown that underrepresented individuals like women; LGBTQIA+; and BIPOC, among others, are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications in a job description or posting. Because we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, we understand the best candidate may come from a non-traditional background to our field of work. We strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of the qualifications described above. Diversity makes us better. 
 

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