Visual Merchandising Internship Jobs in Michigan

Summary:

The Junior Interior & Visual Designer supports the development of innovative retail environments, showroom concepts, and customer experiences across all Gardner White stores.

This role combines interior design, visual communication, product presentation, and retail development. The ideal candidate is a highly creative, self-motivated designer with a passion for home furnishings, fashion, retail environments, and emerging design trends. They are naturally curious about consumer behavior and innovation and enjoy bringing ideas to life through presentations, renderings, specifications, and visual storytelling. Equally comfortable thinking strategically and executing details, they thrive in a collaborative environment, embrace feedback, and take initiative to move projects forward while supporting the development of new store concepts, showrooms, signage, and customer experiences.

The position plays a key role in supporting store remodels, new store openings, prototype development, and future retail concepts while helping bring the Gardner White brand experience to life.

Essential Functions:

Design & Space Planning

• Assist in the design and development of retail showrooms and specialty store concepts.
• Participate in site visits, field surveys, and store assessments. • Create floor plans, space plans, and furniture layouts.
• Develop SketchUp models and presentation renderings.
• Support store remodels, new store openings, and prototype development initiatives.

Visual Communication & Storytelling

• Create compelling presentations using Canva, PowerPoint, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Develop concept boards, mood boards, and storytelling materials.
• Translate ideas into clear visual communications for leadership and project teams.
• Assist with signage, environmental graphics, and in-store branding initiatives.
• Create presentation materials that communicate design intent, strategy, and customer experience concepts.

Project Support & Specifications

• Develop and maintain fixture, furniture, finish, and signage specifications.
• Organize design documentation and project files.
• Assist with vendor coordination and material sourcing.
• Support project timelines, installations, and implementation planning.
• Maintain accuracy and consistency across project deliverables.

Retail Innovation & Concept Development

• Research home furnishings, fashion, retail, hospitality, and lifestyle trends.
• Contribute ideas for future customer experiences and retail concepts.
• Support merchandising, product presentation, and showroom storytelling initiatives.
• Participate in innovation workshops, brainstorming sessions, and concept development activities.
• Monitor emerging retail trends and competitive environments for inspiration.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This role does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications needed to perform this role:

• Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Retail Design, Graphic Design, or related field.
• 1–3 years of professional or internship experience in design, retail, interiors, or related creative fields.
• Strong proficiency in Canva and presentation development.
• Experience with SketchUp and visual rendering tools.
• Excellent visual communication and storytelling skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. • Exceptional attention to detail.\
• Preferred
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• AutoCAD or Revit experience.
• Experience in retail, furniture, home furnishings, hospitality, or lifestyle brands.
• Knowledge of design specifications and documentation.
• Basic understanding of retail construction and store environments.

Work Environment:

This role operates in a retail office setting and in stores.

Physical Demands:

The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Travel:

This role will require travel as needed.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position working general business hours but may be required to adjust the schedule to support the needs of the business. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, duties, or responsibilities associated with the role.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Date: 04/2026