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How to get hired as a beginner interior designer when everyone is looking for experienced ones?
How to get hired as a beginner interior designer when everyone is looking for experienced ones?
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6 answers
Updated
ADRIENE’s Answer
Begin with small steps. Start creating a portfolio by collaborating with your friends and family. This will help you build your "portfolio" and gain momentum. Most importantly, keep going and don't give up!
Updated
Céline’s Answer
Hi Alistair. The job market right now is overflowing with AI-enhanced resumes and applications. HR people are overwhelmed with applications they do not have the human resources to screen properly - It's a little ironic. It is becoming a trend that despite 100s of applications for large firms, job postings get reposted because they still cannot find the right person - Or more accurately that the AI algorithm used to screen the applications has failed to identify the candidates who were right for the position but did not pass the AI screening.
I think it's the time to be creative and think old-fashion way: meet people, build your network, create human connections. Beside dressing well and looking professional, I would target the design studios you are interested in and either call or drop by if it's a large firm with a store front. I would work on my elevator speech, show you are eager to contribute, learn. If you visit, try to talk to the person at the front desk - They can be your best advocate if you are kind and respectful. If you have a good sense of humor, use i! Be bold and charming. Show them you have people skills. Tell them you want to work there (for XYZ reasons you have researched) and ask them how you can reach and impress the person in charge of hiring. Ask friends and family to stage their places for free or for a small fee (you can buy things that you can return - A lot of time, when you stage well, people want to keep what you brough to stage), and you can charge them a small % of the items value to help cover for your time shopping/staging/returning. You can take pictures of the spaces before/after. If you select canvas artwork, they can be pretty lightweight and be hung using removable Velcro strips or hooks. Be creative! Yes you may spend few $, but building your portfolio is important. Showing you are a reliable, hard-working designer who has good social skill and is a team player.
Internships are a luxury as most are not paid, despite some efforts from some state to have interns paid at least a minimum wage. If you can afford to do it, you may offer to work for them for one day a week for few weeks, so they can assess you "risk-free".
Finding a job has always been difficult and soul-crushing, unless you have already a relative/family friend well connected and the job gets delivered to you on a platter. But for most of us, it is not true. If you are an introvert, loves spending your days drafting in AutoCAD or rendering, rather than talking to clients or selecting materials at showrooms, you may want to check some online platforms for free-lance work, which would increase your portfolio too. You may even want to offer your services as a free-lance designers: managing the workflow can be tricky for some companies, and they may need some temporary help: you get no benefits, but you will start to learn the ins and outs of the job, figure out what you like best, develop your portfolio and you may get a full-time job. Employers need reassurance you are the right fit, and starting as a free-lancer will get you the foot into the door. Best of all, if you work for few firms, you will be able to assess the work ambiance in each and see where you best fit. You may find a toxic work environment, but where you will learn a lot. You may find some a very lovely team, but where the design projects are a bit boring and repetitive.
Best of all: stay positive. If you have talent and work ethics, you will get noticed. Best of luck!
PS: zero AI help on this. Staying human is nice!
I think it's the time to be creative and think old-fashion way: meet people, build your network, create human connections. Beside dressing well and looking professional, I would target the design studios you are interested in and either call or drop by if it's a large firm with a store front. I would work on my elevator speech, show you are eager to contribute, learn. If you visit, try to talk to the person at the front desk - They can be your best advocate if you are kind and respectful. If you have a good sense of humor, use i! Be bold and charming. Show them you have people skills. Tell them you want to work there (for XYZ reasons you have researched) and ask them how you can reach and impress the person in charge of hiring. Ask friends and family to stage their places for free or for a small fee (you can buy things that you can return - A lot of time, when you stage well, people want to keep what you brough to stage), and you can charge them a small % of the items value to help cover for your time shopping/staging/returning. You can take pictures of the spaces before/after. If you select canvas artwork, they can be pretty lightweight and be hung using removable Velcro strips or hooks. Be creative! Yes you may spend few $, but building your portfolio is important. Showing you are a reliable, hard-working designer who has good social skill and is a team player.
Internships are a luxury as most are not paid, despite some efforts from some state to have interns paid at least a minimum wage. If you can afford to do it, you may offer to work for them for one day a week for few weeks, so they can assess you "risk-free".
Finding a job has always been difficult and soul-crushing, unless you have already a relative/family friend well connected and the job gets delivered to you on a platter. But for most of us, it is not true. If you are an introvert, loves spending your days drafting in AutoCAD or rendering, rather than talking to clients or selecting materials at showrooms, you may want to check some online platforms for free-lance work, which would increase your portfolio too. You may even want to offer your services as a free-lance designers: managing the workflow can be tricky for some companies, and they may need some temporary help: you get no benefits, but you will start to learn the ins and outs of the job, figure out what you like best, develop your portfolio and you may get a full-time job. Employers need reassurance you are the right fit, and starting as a free-lancer will get you the foot into the door. Best of all, if you work for few firms, you will be able to assess the work ambiance in each and see where you best fit. You may find a toxic work environment, but where you will learn a lot. You may find some a very lovely team, but where the design projects are a bit boring and repetitive.
Best of all: stay positive. If you have talent and work ethics, you will get noticed. Best of luck!
PS: zero AI help on this. Staying human is nice!
Updated
Julie Ann’s Answer
Hi Alistair,
This is a great question, and honestly? It's perplexing. The experience catch-22 is real, and I'm glad you're asking how to break through it.
Here's the thing: getting hired when you have no experience isn't about luck. It's about being smart and persistent. My internship professor had us work through this exact process, and it changed everything for me in the interior design field.
THE STRATEGY
First, decide what city you'd like to live and work. This matters because location shapes everything—the design culture, the firms worth your time, your network.
Next, research design firms in that area that feel like a fit. Study their portfolios. Read their reviews on GlassDoor, Google, Yelp. See what style they do and what people say about working there. (This is important—some firms look good on their website but the reality is different.)
Once you have your list, start making calls to set up a 13-minute interview. I know that sounds oddly specific. It is. Here's why: saying "13 minutes" tells them you respect their time and won't waste it. The odd number? It catches their attention in a way "15 minutes" doesn't.
If you can't travel, set up Zoom interviews instead. Either works.
HERE'S YOUR SCRIPT
"Hi, I'm Alistair, and I'm studying design at [school name]. I have a project where I'm interviewing designers in [city], and I understand you're extremely busy. However, would you be able to help me out with a 13-minute interview for my project?"
If they say yes, great. Schedule it and get their name and contact information.
If they say no, don't hang up. Instead say: "No problem, I understand how busy you are. What's your name? [Wait for answer.] Can I ask you just two quick questions right now?"
If they say no again, thank them and move on. If they say yes, ask:
1. "What's one thing you love about being a designer, and what's one thing you don't love about it?"
2. "Who do you respect most in this field?"
Listen. Take notes. Be genuine. Then thank them and actually mail a handwritten note—not an email. A real note gets remembered.
IF YOU GET THE FULL INTERVIEW
Whether it's in person or on Zoom, here are your questions. Set a timer for 13 minutes and stop when the time is up. Respecting that boundary matters.
1. "What's one thing you love about being a designer, and what's one thing you don't love about it?"
2. "Who do you most respect in this field?"
3. "What helped you the most when you were first starting out in interior design?"
4. "Who would you say is your firm's biggest competition?"
Those four questions will take about 13 minutes if you listen well (which you should).
After, send a handwritten thank-you note.
Here's something else: listen carefully if someone warns you about a firm. I didn't listen once. I got hired as an intern at the firm they warned me about, and it was genuinely traumatic. You don't need to learn that lesson the hard way.
BUILDING YOUR EXPERIENCE NOW
You can't wait around for someone to hire you. Start building a portfolio while you're doing these interviews.
Create projects for your portfolio—actual design concepts. Use "theoretical" projects (made-up rooms) to show your thinking. Pick a bedroom in your own house and redesign it. Create a small coffee shop concept board. Design a tiny apartment living room on a budget.
Learn the tools: SketchUp, Canva, or PowerPoint. You don't need fancy software to prove you can think like a designer.
Start a simple design page on one social media platform (or a blog). Don't spread yourself across five platforms—that's overwhelming. Pick one and share your ideas and projects there.
Volunteer if you can. Ask everyone you know: "Does anyone want a free room redesign?" Churches, schools, family friends—someone will take you up on it.
Once, I used winter break and asked local residential design firms if I could come in and help with seasonal decorating since I had December off. They said Christmas decorating was done, but offered me a week of shadowing instead. You never know what might happen when you ask.
NEXT STEPS
Here's what I'd do this week: Make a list of 10 firms and call the first three. That's how you begin.
Then in about 3 months after the information interview, call those same contacts back and say: "Thanks again for the interview. It really helped to find out about (insert something interesting.) I'm now looking for work. Do you know anyone who is hiring?" Don't ask them directly for a job—ask if they know someone. That's different, and it matters.
You're going to feel uncomfortable making calls. That's normal. That's the moment where doing the harder thing gives you a better result.
Let me know how it goes.
This is a great question, and honestly? It's perplexing. The experience catch-22 is real, and I'm glad you're asking how to break through it.
Here's the thing: getting hired when you have no experience isn't about luck. It's about being smart and persistent. My internship professor had us work through this exact process, and it changed everything for me in the interior design field.
THE STRATEGY
First, decide what city you'd like to live and work. This matters because location shapes everything—the design culture, the firms worth your time, your network.
Next, research design firms in that area that feel like a fit. Study their portfolios. Read their reviews on GlassDoor, Google, Yelp. See what style they do and what people say about working there. (This is important—some firms look good on their website but the reality is different.)
Once you have your list, start making calls to set up a 13-minute interview. I know that sounds oddly specific. It is. Here's why: saying "13 minutes" tells them you respect their time and won't waste it. The odd number? It catches their attention in a way "15 minutes" doesn't.
If you can't travel, set up Zoom interviews instead. Either works.
HERE'S YOUR SCRIPT
"Hi, I'm Alistair, and I'm studying design at [school name]. I have a project where I'm interviewing designers in [city], and I understand you're extremely busy. However, would you be able to help me out with a 13-minute interview for my project?"
If they say yes, great. Schedule it and get their name and contact information.
If they say no, don't hang up. Instead say: "No problem, I understand how busy you are. What's your name? [Wait for answer.] Can I ask you just two quick questions right now?"
If they say no again, thank them and move on. If they say yes, ask:
1. "What's one thing you love about being a designer, and what's one thing you don't love about it?"
2. "Who do you respect most in this field?"
Listen. Take notes. Be genuine. Then thank them and actually mail a handwritten note—not an email. A real note gets remembered.
IF YOU GET THE FULL INTERVIEW
Whether it's in person or on Zoom, here are your questions. Set a timer for 13 minutes and stop when the time is up. Respecting that boundary matters.
1. "What's one thing you love about being a designer, and what's one thing you don't love about it?"
2. "Who do you most respect in this field?"
3. "What helped you the most when you were first starting out in interior design?"
4. "Who would you say is your firm's biggest competition?"
Those four questions will take about 13 minutes if you listen well (which you should).
After, send a handwritten thank-you note.
Here's something else: listen carefully if someone warns you about a firm. I didn't listen once. I got hired as an intern at the firm they warned me about, and it was genuinely traumatic. You don't need to learn that lesson the hard way.
BUILDING YOUR EXPERIENCE NOW
You can't wait around for someone to hire you. Start building a portfolio while you're doing these interviews.
Create projects for your portfolio—actual design concepts. Use "theoretical" projects (made-up rooms) to show your thinking. Pick a bedroom in your own house and redesign it. Create a small coffee shop concept board. Design a tiny apartment living room on a budget.
Learn the tools: SketchUp, Canva, or PowerPoint. You don't need fancy software to prove you can think like a designer.
Start a simple design page on one social media platform (or a blog). Don't spread yourself across five platforms—that's overwhelming. Pick one and share your ideas and projects there.
Volunteer if you can. Ask everyone you know: "Does anyone want a free room redesign?" Churches, schools, family friends—someone will take you up on it.
Once, I used winter break and asked local residential design firms if I could come in and help with seasonal decorating since I had December off. They said Christmas decorating was done, but offered me a week of shadowing instead. You never know what might happen when you ask.
NEXT STEPS
Here's what I'd do this week: Make a list of 10 firms and call the first three. That's how you begin.
Then in about 3 months after the information interview, call those same contacts back and say: "Thanks again for the interview. It really helped to find out about (insert something interesting.) I'm now looking for work. Do you know anyone who is hiring?" Don't ask them directly for a job—ask if they know someone. That's different, and it matters.
You're going to feel uncomfortable making calls. That's normal. That's the moment where doing the harder thing gives you a better result.
Let me know how it goes.
Updated
Mauricio’s Answer
Dear Alistair,
That’s a situation that’s very common, not just in interior design but across many professional fields. From my own experience, studios hire students or beginners not only because it’s more affordable or project-based, but also as part of a philosophy of “giving back”—it’s a little altruistic. It’s also a way for them to discover new talent and stay connected to market trends and fresh ideas.
For me, what really matters is being fully prepared with the skills the market demands: mastering software, training your eye, knowing design history and building both technical and conceptual knowledge. Soft skills are just as important—they can really set you apart.
One thing I find key in shaping your career is finding a unique element that defines you—your style, your favorite materials, the types of projects or clients you connect with. That’s when you can start developing your personal brand and that’s when people start noticing you and reaching out for collaborations.
Your portfolio is crucial—not just the final results, but your philosophy, your process, your creativity. And above all, it’s about showing your passion.
--- > Being patient and recognizing opportunities that truly align with your vision is what builds a meaningful and fulfilling career. <---
May the force be with you.
That’s a situation that’s very common, not just in interior design but across many professional fields. From my own experience, studios hire students or beginners not only because it’s more affordable or project-based, but also as part of a philosophy of “giving back”—it’s a little altruistic. It’s also a way for them to discover new talent and stay connected to market trends and fresh ideas.
For me, what really matters is being fully prepared with the skills the market demands: mastering software, training your eye, knowing design history and building both technical and conceptual knowledge. Soft skills are just as important—they can really set you apart.
One thing I find key in shaping your career is finding a unique element that defines you—your style, your favorite materials, the types of projects or clients you connect with. That’s when you can start developing your personal brand and that’s when people start noticing you and reaching out for collaborations.
Your portfolio is crucial—not just the final results, but your philosophy, your process, your creativity. And above all, it’s about showing your passion.
--- > Being patient and recognizing opportunities that truly align with your vision is what builds a meaningful and fulfilling career. <---
May the force be with you.
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hey Alistair! Speaking from experience, the biggest thing is to just start building a portfolio and stacking up skills however you can, even if it's not through a traditional full-time role. For example, on my own journey I started in an entry-level analyst position that wasn't even in my target field, but I used it to sharpen transferable skills like data management, vendor communication, and reporting that later made me a stronger candidate for consulting roles I actually wanted. I also leaned heavily into certifications and continued education to show employers I was serious and constantly leveling up, picking up credentials in project management, data science, and industry-specific tools that made my applications stand out even when I didn't have years of experience. For interior design specifically, you could do the same thing: get certified in software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit, take on freelance or volunteer projects (like redesigning a friend's living room or staging a local business), and document everything in a clean portfolio. Internships and even short-term project-based gigs are gold because they give you real client-facing stories to tell in interviews, and I found that an internship I did over one summer ended up being a huge credibility booster even though it was brief. Don't underestimate the power of networking either; I got opportunities by doing demos and workshops that put me in front of decision-makers, so for you that could look like attending design expos, joining local design associations, or even posting your work on social media to attract attention. Basically, nobody starts with experience, so the trick is to create your own through side projects, certifications, and any hands-on work you can get, then present it confidently so employers see potential and initiative rather than just a blank work history. I hope this helps!
Thank you Rafael for your detailed answer. I appreciate the practical steps you shared about building a portfolio, gaining certifications, and taking on freelance or volunteer projects. I actually applied for a position at Cairenn Foy Interiors (Interior design studio in Ireland) recently but haven’t received any response yet, which is partly why I asked this question here. Your suggestions give me concrete ways to strengthen my profile and hopefully improve my chances with firms like them in the future.
Alistair
Updated
Umar-Faruq’s Answer
Breaking into interior design at the beginning can feel unfair because almost every job asks for experience. I’ve faced something similar in architecture, and what helped me shift things was realizing that employers are not just looking for years of work. They are looking for proof that you can actually think and deliver as a designer.
So instead of waiting for experience, focus on building evidence.
Start with your portfolio. That is your strongest tool right now. Create a few solid projects that feel real and intentional. Redesign a bedroom, a small apartment, a café, or even a workspace. Do not just show nice images. Show your process. Include mood boards, layouts, material choices, and short explanations of why you made each decision. That ability to explain your thinking is what makes you stand out.
Then look beyond full-time roles. At the beginning, your goal is exposure, not just a job title. Apply for internships, assistant roles, or even reach out to designers and offer to support them on small tasks. Being close to real projects will teach you faster than anything else.
Also, use your immediate environment. Friends, family, or people around you who might need help with a space. Offer to redesign something small and document it properly. One real project, even if unpaid, can make a big difference in how people see your work.
Presentation matters more than most people think. Your CV and portfolio should reflect your design sense. Keep them clean, simple, and intentional. You are already showing your skill through how you present information.
And apply anyway, even if you feel underqualified. A lot of people hold themselves back before anyone else does. Some employers are actually open to beginners who show potential, effort, and a clear way of thinking.
At this stage, think of it less as “getting hired” and more as “becoming hireable.” If you keep building, improving your work, and putting yourself out there, opportunities will start to come your way. Goodluck, Alistair!
So instead of waiting for experience, focus on building evidence.
Start with your portfolio. That is your strongest tool right now. Create a few solid projects that feel real and intentional. Redesign a bedroom, a small apartment, a café, or even a workspace. Do not just show nice images. Show your process. Include mood boards, layouts, material choices, and short explanations of why you made each decision. That ability to explain your thinking is what makes you stand out.
Then look beyond full-time roles. At the beginning, your goal is exposure, not just a job title. Apply for internships, assistant roles, or even reach out to designers and offer to support them on small tasks. Being close to real projects will teach you faster than anything else.
Also, use your immediate environment. Friends, family, or people around you who might need help with a space. Offer to redesign something small and document it properly. One real project, even if unpaid, can make a big difference in how people see your work.
Presentation matters more than most people think. Your CV and portfolio should reflect your design sense. Keep them clean, simple, and intentional. You are already showing your skill through how you present information.
And apply anyway, even if you feel underqualified. A lot of people hold themselves back before anyone else does. Some employers are actually open to beginners who show potential, effort, and a clear way of thinking.
At this stage, think of it less as “getting hired” and more as “becoming hireable.” If you keep building, improving your work, and putting yourself out there, opportunities will start to come your way. Goodluck, Alistair!