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Interior Designer Internship Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Interior Designer Internship information

See Tennessee salary details

$8

$17

$33

How much do interior designer internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for interior designer 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 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.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Interior Designer Internship job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,581 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Graduate Electrical Engineer - Healthcare

Salas O'Brien, Inc.

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 20 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

163rd of 450 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.


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