1

Junior Interior Design Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Junior Interior Design information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$30.6K

$55.9K

$84.9K

How much do junior interior design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior interior design in Rochester, NY is $55,942.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,900.00 and $64,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Interior Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Interior Designer, you need a solid background in design principles, spatial planning, and a relevant degree or diploma in interior design or a related field. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite is commonly required. Strong communication, creativity, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for collaborating with clients and senior designers. These skills ensure that design concepts are effectively communicated and executed, resulting in successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Junior Interior Design vs Interior Designer?

AspectJunior Interior DesignInterior Designer
CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in Interior Design, entry-level certificationBachelor's degree, professional certification (e.g., NCIDQ)
Work EnvironmentAssists senior designers, supports project tasksLeads projects, interacts directly with clients
ResponsibilitiesPrepares drawings, research materials, supports design developmentCreates design concepts, manages client communication, oversees project execution

Junior Interior Design roles typically require foundational education and support tasks within interior design projects. Interior Designers have more experience, responsibilities, and client interaction. The junior role is a stepping stone toward becoming a fully licensed Interior Designer.

How do you get into interior design with no experience?

Junior interior designers can start by building a portfolio through personal projects or volunteering, and gaining knowledge of design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp. Pursuing relevant education such as a certificate or degree in interior design can also improve job prospects, even without prior experience.

What is the 3-5-7 rule in interior design?

The 3-5-7 rule in interior design is a guideline for creating balanced and harmonious spaces by grouping objects or furniture in odd numbers—typically three, five, or seven items—since odd groupings are more visually appealing. Junior interior designers often use this rule to arrange decor and accessories to achieve a cohesive look and improve visual interest in a room.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a Junior Interior Designer expect to handle in their first year?

As a Junior Interior Designer, you’ll typically assist senior designers with design development, sourcing materials, preparing presentations, and drafting floor plans or mood boards. Your daily work may include site visits, measuring spaces, and communicating with vendors or clients under supervision. While you may not lead projects initially, you’ll have opportunities to contribute creative ideas, gain exposure to various design phases, and develop technical skills, all within a collaborative team setting. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building your portfolio and progressing toward more independent roles in the future.

What does a junior interior designer do?

A junior interior designer assists senior designers by creating design concepts, preparing drawings, selecting materials, and coordinating with clients and vendors. They often use design software like AutoCAD or SketchUp and may handle tasks such as space planning and sourcing furnishings. This entry-level role provides hands-on experience in the interior design process and typically requires a relevant degree or certification.

What are junior interior designers?

Junior interior designers are entry-level professionals who assist senior designers in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. Their responsibilities often include preparing design presentations, sourcing materials, creating mood boards, and drafting floor plans or layouts. They work under supervision, gaining practical experience while developing their technical and creative skills. Junior interior designers usually have a relevant degree or diploma and a keen eye for detail, organization, and design trends.

What skills do you need to be a junior interior designer?

Junior interior designers need strong creativity, good communication skills, and proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD or SketchUp. Attention to detail, time management, and the ability to collaborate with clients and team members are also essential for success in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Interior Design jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Interior Design jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Junior Interior Design jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Junior Interior Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Junior Interior Design job openings in Rochester, NY as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,942 per year, or $26.9 per hour.
Science & Technology Senior Mechanical Designer

Science & Technology Senior Mechanical Designer

Colliers Engineering & Design

Rochester, NY • On-site

$101K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Colliers Engineering & Design rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

258th of 442 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

Colliers Engineering & Design is seeking a Senior Mechanical Designer to join our Science, Technology & Industry (STI) team in Rochester, NY!

Our Science, Technology & Industry (STI) Practice excels in developing cutting-edge, high-tech, and critical facilities. With a deep understanding of the unique requirements and drivers of these advanced industries and specialized spaces, our team delivers innovative, tailored solutions that align with each client's business goals and facility objectives. From initial concept development and project design to execution and completion, our STI experts guide clients through every phase of development for projects across the biotechnology, healthcare, life sciences, materials manufacturing, and pharmaceutical sectors

Our team of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) engineers brings extensive experience across a diverse range of projects, including commercial, institutional, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing facilities. We serve a variety of clients, including private, government, municipal, industrial, and institutional sectors.

We specialize in designing new and renovated mechanical building systems, along with advanced energy control solutions. Our services include both new building commissioning and retro-commissioning. With a focus on energy efficiency, our experts optimize energy use while ensuring comfortable interior environments. Our professional engineers carefully assess the impact of design decisions on both short-term capital costs and long-term operational expenses. Additionally, we conduct constructability reviews to help reduce project costs and accelerate timelines.


Responsibilities
  • Design mechanical systems, including sizing, routing, and coordinating piping and ductwork with minimal supervision. Skilled in generating coordinated plan layouts from schematic flow diagrams
  • Coordinate designs with various disciplines, including civil, architectural, structural, electrical, and process engineering teams.
  • Prepare construction drawings for bid sets, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company standards and project requirements.
  • Mentor junior design staff by providing clear guidance, assigning specific tasks, and outlining expected outcomes.
  • Conduct site investigations and fieldwork to assess existing facilities and ensure seamless integration of new mechanical system layouts.
  • Provide construction administration services, including responding to RFIs and reviewing shop drawings and submittals.
  • Ability to perform QA/QC on drawings from drafters or designers on projects.
  • Occasional travel to client/project sites.

Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experience required.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field is a plus.
  • Familiar with commercial, institutional, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing facilities for private, government, municipal, industrial and institutional clients.
  • Prior experience designing HVAC and piping systems on commercial or industrial facilities.
  • Familiar with navigating the various building codes and industry standards associated with MEP design.
  • Technical knowledge of HVAC systems including ductwork, hydronic, and steam systems, with expertise in sizing and design.
  • Technical knowledge of plumbing systems is a plus, including expertise in compressed air, specialty gases, RO/DI water, and laboratory piping system.
  • Technical knowledge of NFPA-13 sprinkler system design is a plus, including expertise in standpipes, fire pumps, and other common fire protection systems serving facilities.
  • Experience with industry standards (ASHRAE, ASPE).
  • Experience with attending design meetings and review meetings with clients.
  • Proficient in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD.
  • Proficient user of Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Team player who is also able to work independently.
  • Ability to read, write and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

Compensation: $101,500 to $121,100 per year (depending on qualifications) 


What We Offer

At Colliers Engineering & Design, our people are our most important resource. That’s why we are committed to providing all our employees with a safe, comfortable work environment, potential for career advancement, and the ability to impact society through their projects as well as Company sponsored activities.
This dedication begins with supporting a work life balance through a generous compensation package that includes: company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid pregnancy disability leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; a company-matched 401(k)/Roth; paid time off that includes parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses and a straight time policy that compensates exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 billable hours within a work week.
We have also created an internal culture that provides the resources and technology needed to encourage personal and professional growth opportunities through reimbursement for education; a free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses; mentorship program; wellness program; Women’s Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.
Apply today to learn how you can join our team of professionals, so we can help you Accelerate Your Success!

Qualifications:
  • 7+ years of experience required.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field is a plus.
  • Familiar with commercial, institutional, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing facilities for private, government, municipal, industrial and institutional clients.
  • Prior experience designing HVAC and piping systems on commercial or industrial facilities.
  • Familiar with navigating the various building codes and industry standards associated with MEP design.
  • Technical knowledge of HVAC systems including ductwork, hydronic, and steam systems, with expertise in sizing and design.
  • Technical knowledge of plumbing systems is a plus, including expertise in compressed air, specialty gases, RO/DI water, and laboratory piping system.
  • Technical knowledge of NFPA-13 sprinkler system design is a plus, including expertise in standpipes, fire pumps, and other common fire protection systems serving facilities.
  • Experience with industry standards (ASHRAE, ASPE).
  • Experience with attending design meetings and review meetings with clients.
  • Proficient in Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD.
  • Proficient user of Microsoft Word and Excel.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Team player who is also able to work independently.
  • Ability to read, write and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

Compensation: $101,500 to $121,100 per year (depending on qualifications) 

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Colliers Engineering & Design employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Colliers Engineering & Design logo

About Colliers Engineering & Design

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colliers Engineering & Design, an affiliate of Colliers, is a trusted provider of multi-discipline engineering and architecture, design and consulting services to public and private sector clients. Headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey with offices throughout the United States, we specialize in providing a comprehensive suite of services including civil/site, architecture, transportation, survey/geospatial, infrastructure, governmental, geotechnical/environmental, telecommunications, utilities/energy and project management. We employ professionals who utilize the most advanced technologies to deliver customized solutions for our clients.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Holmdel, NJ, US

Year founded

1984