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Interior Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Type Full-time Description Shive-Hattery's Iowa City office has an immediate full-time opening for an Interior Designer with 2 to 5 years of experience. We are a full-service design firm offering ...

Job Title Project Designer Summary Project Designer will develop documents, drawings, and diagrams ... Architecture, --Interior Design, Corporate Real Estate, Facilities, Project or Construction ...

Job Title Project Designer Summary Project Designer will develop documents, drawings, and diagrams ... Architecture, --Interior Design, Corporate Real Estate, Facilities, Project or Construction ...

Job Title Project Designer Summary Project Designer will develop documents, drawings, and diagrams ... Architecture, --Interior Design, Corporate Real Estate, Facilities, Project or Construction ...

Job Title Project Designer Summary Project Designer will develop documents, drawings, and diagrams ... Architecture, --Interior Design, Corporate Real Estate, Facilities, Project or Construction ...

Sr. Project Designer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$75K/yr

Lead the interior design effort of special or more complex projects. * Support Project Designers in quality review of design deliverables. * Contribute experience to the interior environment with ...

Sr. Project Designer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$75K/yr

Lead the interior design effort of special or more complex projects. * Support Project Designers in quality review of design deliverables. * Contribute experience to the interior environment with ...

Sr. Project Designer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$75K/yr

Lead the interior design effort of special or more complex projects. * Support Project Designers in quality review of design deliverables. * Contribute experience to the interior environment with ...

Sr. Project Designer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$75K/yr

Lead the interior design effort of special or more complex projects. * Support Project Designers in quality review of design deliverables. * Contribute experience to the interior environment with ...

Senior Designer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$96K - $102K/yr

The Senior Designer position is responsible for generating advanced creative designs and channeling ... Associates or Bachelors degree in Interior Design or related field. AAP/EEO Statement CKF provides ...

Senior Designer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$96K - $102K/yr

The Senior Designer position is responsible for generating advanced creative designs and channeling ... Associates or Bachelors degree in Interior Design or related field. AAP/EEO Statement CKF provides ...

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Showing results 1-20

Interior Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$28.6K

$68.4K

$101.4K

How much do interior designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for interior designer in Iowa is $68,425.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kind of jobs can an interior designer get?

Interior designers can work in residential, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, and retail environments, creating functional and aesthetic spaces. They often collaborate with architects, contractors, and clients, and may specialize in areas such as kitchen and bath design, space planning, or sustainable design. Job roles include design consultant, project manager, space planner, and design director, often requiring proficiency with design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp.

What are some common challenges interior designers face when working with clients, and how can they be addressed?

Interior designers often encounter challenges such as managing client expectations, balancing budgets, and incorporating personal tastes while maintaining design integrity. Effective communication is key—clarifying the project scope early on and providing visual aids like mood boards or 3D renderings can help align visions. Additionally, being transparent about costs and timelines helps build trust and ensures smoother project execution. Collaborating closely with clients and other professionals, such as contractors and architects, is essential for overcoming obstacles and delivering successful results.

What is the difference between Interior Designer vs Interior Decorator?

AspectInterior DesignerInterior Decorator
CredentialsOften requires a degree or certification in interior designNo formal certification typically required
Work EnvironmentInvolves space planning, layout, and design developmentFocuses on decorating and aesthetic enhancements
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by design firms, architecture firms, or independentlyUsually hired by homeowners or clients for decorating projects
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for design scope and qualificationsCompared for decorating style and aesthetic choices

Interior designers and interior decorators both work to improve interior spaces, but interior designers typically have formal education and focus on space planning, layout, and functional design. Interior decorators mainly concentrate on decorating, color schemes, and furnishings. Understanding these differences helps clients choose the right professional for their project needs.

How much is an interior designer paid?

Interior designers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and project scope, but the median annual wage in many regions is around $60,000. Entry-level designers typically earn less, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills can earn significantly more, especially when working independently or on large projects.

Is it hard to get a job as an interior designer?

Getting a job as an interior designer can be competitive and often requires a relevant degree, a strong portfolio, and proficiency with design software. Entry-level positions may be easier to obtain with internships or certification, but experienced roles typically demand a proven track record and industry connections.

What do you do as an interior designer?

An interior designer plans and creates functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing indoor spaces. They collaborate with clients to determine needs, develop design concepts, select materials and furnishings, and use design software to visualize projects. The role often requires knowledge of building codes, space planning, and project management skills.

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

To thrive as an Interior Designer, you need a solid background in design principles, space planning, and a relevant degree or certification in interior design. Familiarity with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of building codes and materials, is typically required. Creativity, communication, and project management skills are essential soft skills that help deliver client-centered solutions and manage timelines. These abilities ensure functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that meet client needs while adhering to technical standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Interior Designer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Interior Designer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Interior Designer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Interior Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Interior Designer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,425 per year, or $32.9 per hour.

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description

Shive-Hattery's Iowa City office has an immediate full-time opening for an Interior Designer with 2 to 5 years of experience.


We are a full-service design firm offering interior design, architecture, engineering, and landscape architecture. You will be an integral member of the design team working on all phases and aspects of our varied projects. 


Requirements:

  • Recent graduate from an accredited Interior Design program 
  • Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design
  • NCIDQ Certification or the ability to become certified
  • Ability to develop, communicate, and present design concepts with the project team, to the client, and to outside vendors/agencies
  • Experience or interest in working on commercial workplace projects 
  • Experience using REVIT, Sketch-up, Adobe Creative Suites, Microsoft Office Suite, and/or other related graphic software programs is expected
  • Current knowledge of materials, finishes, furnishings, and equipment; including industry standards for selection, procurement, and install management of such items
  • Excellent communication skills 

Requirements

*Interested applicants should submit their cover letter, resume, and portfolio for consideration. If unable to submit your portfolio due to size constrains, please include a link to your portfolio in your cover letter.

Responsibilities:

  • Engage with the project team from programming/scope definition, design, and documentation through implementation
  • Collaborate with the project architect and / or senior Interior Designer on all aspects of project delivery 
  • Assist in design presentation development 
  • Revit/BIM modeling and project documentation 
  • Follow project development and production standards 
  • Continuous personal improvement and education 

Why Shive-Hattery?


Our learning and teaching culture is founded on collaboration. You will learn from and teach other employees while working across disciplines. You will grow your skills and continue your professional growth at Shive-Hattery.


Shive-Hattery offers an outstanding and competitive total compensation package including competitive pay and over 35 different benefits.


Benefit Highlights

  •             Medical, Dental, Vision - 4 tiers of coverage
  •             Voluntary Life Insurance - Employee, Spouse, and Child 
  •             Voluntary Insurance Plans - Accident, Critical Illness, & Hospital Indemnity
  •             FSA - Medical & Dependent Care
  •             8 Paid Holidays + PTO 
  •             Paid Parental Leave
  •             401K/Roth 401K with Company Match 
  •             Overtime Bonus 
  •             Profit Sharing Bonus
  •             First Time License Bonus
  •             Tuition Reimbursement & Licensure/Certification Financial Support
  •             Professional Development Opportunities 
  •             Calm Meditation & Stress Relief Subscription
  •             ...And Many More! 


U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

  • At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must have current and ongoing authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: To protect the interests of all parties, Shive-Hattery and its partners will not accept unsolicited candidate submissions from a recruiter or staffing agency who is not operating under an executed recruiting or staffing services contract with Shive-Hattery. Please do not contact our employees directly in that regard or otherwise submit unsolicited candidate information in any form.


Shive-Hattery offers a flexible work environment and supports balancing personal and professional responsibilities. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.