12 Inspiring Interior Design Internships That Will Transform Your Career

Entering the world of interior design is exciting, creative, and full of possibilities — but every great designer starts somewhere. That “somewhere” is often an interior design internship. Whether you’re a design student dreaming of working in luxurious spaces or a recent graduate aiming to build your professional portfolio, internships bridge the gap between imagination and execution.

An interior design internship gives you the opportunity to experience real projects — from client consultations and concept sketches to material selection and space planning. You’ll not only refine your aesthetic sense but also understand how design functions in the real world. It’s where theory meets practice, and creativity meets deadlines.

But what truly makes interior design internships so valuable is the hands-on mentorship. You’ll learn directly from professionals who’ve shaped homes, offices, and commercial spaces with innovative ideas and practical know-how. These experiences can transform your entire career trajectory, helping you discover your design style, build connections, and even land your first full-time role.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 inspiring interior design internships that can transform your career, boost your confidence, and open the doors to the design industry’s most rewarding opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a paid internship in New York, a creative agency in Los Angeles, or a remote position from home — we’ll help you find your next big step toward becoming the designer you’ve always envisioned.

1. Gensler Interior Design Internship — Where Global Innovation Meets Creativity

When talking about prestigious interior design internships, Gensler stands out as one of the world’s most respected architecture and design firms. Known for its innovative projects and global reach, Gensler’s internship program offers students a truly transformative experience. Interns get to work alongside some of the brightest minds in design, contributing to large-scale projects that shape cities and redefine modern living.

At Gensler, you’re not just observing — you’re participating. Interns collaborate on real-world design solutions, using advanced tools like AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp to bring creative concepts to life. You’ll learn how design thinking drives the success of commercial and residential spaces, while also developing essential communication and project management skills.

The best part? Gensler’s interior design internship emphasizes both innovation and culture. You’ll experience how sustainable design, teamwork, and creativity come together to create timeless environments. This hands-on exposure helps you grow from a student into a professional ready to contribute meaningfully to the global design community.

2. HOK Interior Design Internship — Building the Future of Functional Beauty

When it comes to interior design internships that balance creativity and practicality, HOK is a global leader. Known for its forward-thinking approach to architecture and interior environments, HOK’s internship program gives design students and graduates a chance to work on world-class projects that shape how people live, work, and interact with space.

As an HOK intern, you’ll dive into projects that range from corporate offices and universities to healthcare and hospitality environments. You’ll be mentored by design professionals who encourage you to think strategically while remaining artistically expressive. The company places strong emphasis on sustainable design practices and encourages interns to experiment with new technologies like BIM modeling and digital rendering.

What makes this interior design internship stand out is the responsibility given to interns — you’re not fetching coffee or taking notes; you’re part of a creative team making real contributions. Through this immersive experience, you’ll gain confidence, industry exposure, and a portfolio filled with professional-level design work that can help you secure future opportunities in the field.

3. IA Interior Architects Internship — Designing Human-Centered Spaces

Among the most meaningful interior design internships available today, the IA Interior Architects Internship stands out for its focus on people-first design. IA is a global firm specializing in creating functional, aesthetic, and emotionally resonant environments for corporate and commercial clients. Their internship program immerses aspiring designers in the full lifecycle of design — from concept sketches to space planning and final presentations.

Interns at IA learn how to approach design through the lens of human experience. This means understanding how space influences productivity, creativity, and well-being. Whether you’re helping to plan an innovative office space or developing mood boards for an urban co-working hub, you’ll see firsthand how great design transforms the way people connect and work.

One of the biggest advantages of this interior design internship is mentorship. IA’s professionals work closely with interns, guiding them in both technical and creative growth. You’ll also gain real-world exposure to project coordination, client presentations, and cross-disciplinary teamwork. For any student passionate about human-centric design and modern workplace aesthetics, this internship can be a defining chapter in their design career.

4. Perkins & Will Interior Design Internship — Shaping Sustainable Spaces

If you’re passionate about sustainability, innovation, and timeless design, the Perkins & Will Interior Design Internship is one of the best opportunities to explore. As one of the world’s leading architecture and design firms, Perkins & Will focuses on sustainability, wellness, and socially responsible design — principles that are woven into every project.

Interns here don’t just observe; they collaborate with experienced designers on real projects involving healthcare centers, educational buildings, and corporate environments. You’ll learn how sustainable materials, biophilic design, and energy-efficient layouts contribute to healthier, more human spaces. The firm’s holistic approach ensures that interns understand the full impact of design on people and the planet.

This interior design internship is also known for its research-driven environment. Perkins & Will encourages interns to engage in design thinking, environmental analysis, and material innovation. You’ll not only refine your creative and technical abilities but also develop a deeper awareness of how good design can solve real-world problems. For those who dream of designing spaces that are as responsible as they are beautiful, this internship offers a career-defining experience.

5. HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates) Interior Design Internship — The Art of Hospitality Design

If luxury, elegance, and storytelling through space fascinate you, then the HBA Interior Design Internship is a dream opportunity. Hirsch Bedner Associates, often referred to as HBA, is one of the most prestigious firms specializing in hospitality and luxury interior design. With projects spanning five-star hotels, high-end resorts, and boutique properties across the globe, HBA gives interns the chance to work in one of the most creative sectors in design.

During this interior design internship, you’ll gain exposure to how beauty, comfort, and cultural identity are merged into breathtaking interiors. From conceptual sketches to selecting premium materials and lighting design, every step involves learning how to craft memorable guest experiences through design. You’ll see firsthand how spaces like luxury lobbies, suites, and restaurants are shaped to tell stories that connect emotionally with guests.

Interns are encouraged to contribute ideas, assist in rendering visual concepts, and understand the business side of hospitality design. Working in such an environment sharpens both your artistic vision and attention to detail — two critical skills that can elevate your future career. HBA’s global reach and commitment to mentorship make it a standout among interior design internships, especially for those who aspire to design spaces that inspire awe and comfort around the world.

6. Rockwell Group Interior Design Internship — Blending Imagination and Experience

The Rockwell Group Interior Design Internship is perfect for aspiring designers who see every space as a stage for storytelling. Based in New York City, Rockwell Group is an award-winning firm known for its theatrical and experiential approach to design — blending architecture, art, and technology into immersive environments. From luxury restaurants to entertainment venues and boutique hotels, this firm transforms ordinary interiors into unforgettable experiences.

During this interior design internship, you’ll learn how to think like both an artist and a strategist. Interns participate in brainstorming sessions, digital modeling, and material selection for live projects, gaining a deeper understanding of how to craft spaces that evoke emotion. Rockwell Group’s collaborative culture encourages creativity while teaching practical design workflows, presentation skills, and project management.

What makes this internship truly exciting is its multidisciplinary nature. You’ll work with architects, lighting designers, and even set designers — experiencing firsthand how collaboration turns ideas into impactful visual stories. For students who love creative challenges and want to break boundaries in design, this internship exemplifies why interior design internships are so valuable for turning passion into professional excellence.

7. Studio O+A Interior Design Internship — The Future of Workplace Design

For students intrigued by the evolution of modern workplaces, the Studio O+A Interior Design Internship offers a front-row seat to the creative revolution transforming how people work. Based in San Francisco, Studio O+A is widely recognized for its trailblazing approach to office and corporate interiors — designing spaces that boost creativity, collaboration, and employee well-being.

As an intern, you’ll dive deep into the process of shaping dynamic office environments for tech giants and forward-thinking companies. You’ll assist in concept development, 3D visualization, and the selection of textures and furnishings that reflect each brand’s identity. This hands-on experience reveals how the smallest design choices — from color palettes to spatial flow — influence productivity and mood.

What makes this interior design internship stand out is Studio O+A’s commitment to storytelling. Every workspace they create has a narrative, rooted in the culture of the client. Interns learn not only the technical side of design but also how to think emotionally and strategically. If you’re fascinated by the intersection of architecture, innovation, and human behavior, this internship will show you why interior design is more than just decor — it’s the future of experience-driven environments.

8. Yabu Pushelberg Interior Design Internship — Crafting Luxury and Emotion

If you’re drawn to timeless elegance and emotional storytelling through design, the Yabu Pushelberg Interior Design Internship is a dream come true. Founded by George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg, this world-renowned studio redefines the concept of luxury interiors. With offices in Toronto and New York, Yabu Pushelberg’s projects span high-end hotels, upscale residences, and exclusive retail spaces — all infused with artistic emotion and refined minimalism.

As an intern here, you’ll be immersed in the meticulous world of hospitality and luxury design. You’ll learn how to balance form and feeling — how a lighting fixture can create intimacy, or how fabric selection can influence a guest’s emotional response. You’ll participate in digital renderings, model-making, and concept research while observing how small details shape the larger experience of space.

The environment at Yabu Pushelberg is highly collaborative, giving interns the chance to interact directly with seasoned designers and architects. You’ll witness the journey from concept sketches to final installations, understanding how emotional intelligence and aesthetic precision come together to define the brand’s legacy.

This internship doesn’t just teach you interior design — it teaches you how to craft experiences that linger in people’s memories. If you aspire to master the art of creating luxury environments that speak to the soul, this program will elevate your design perspective forever.

9. HOK Interior Design Internship — Blending Innovation with Sustainability

For aspiring designers who want to combine creativity with responsibility, the HOK Interior Design Internship offers the perfect balance between innovation, sustainability, and real-world design solutions. HOK (Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum) is one of the world’s largest architecture and design firms, known for its eco-friendly projects and forward-thinking interiors that serve communities and corporations alike.

As an intern at HOK, you’ll gain exposure to all stages of the design process — from initial concept ideation to detailed space planning and final execution. You’ll work alongside multidisciplinary teams on projects that include office spaces, airports, hospitals, and educational institutions. HOK emphasizes green design, so you’ll learn how to use sustainable materials, energy-efficient lighting, and biophilic elements to improve occupant health and environmental impact.

What truly sets this interior design internship apart is its mentorship culture. Interns are paired with experienced designers who guide them through every stage of project development. You’ll participate in client meetings, collaborate on Revit models, and see firsthand how large-scale interior projects come to life within budget and time constraints.

HOK’s internship experience goes beyond technical skills — it builds your mindset as a global designer. You’ll understand how thoughtful interior design can influence sustainability goals, community well-being, and even corporate culture. By the end, you’ll realize that great interiors don’t just look beautiful — they make the world better.

10. Rockwell Group Interior Design Internship — Designing Experiences That Inspire

If you’re passionate about storytelling through design, the Rockwell Group Interior Design Internship is one of the most dynamic and artistic opportunities available. Founded by the acclaimed designer David Rockwell, this New York-based design firm is globally celebrated for creating immersive environments in hospitality, entertainment, and residential spaces.

Interning at Rockwell Group is not just about arranging furniture or choosing materials — it’s about crafting experiences. Interns are encouraged to think conceptually, blending art, architecture, and technology into every project. You’ll learn how design can evoke emotions and connect people, whether it’s through a hotel lobby, a restaurant interior, or a theatrical stage set.

During your internship, you’ll assist with everything from concept development and rendering to model building and project presentations. You’ll use industry-standard tools like SketchUp, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite to bring your ideas to life. Collaboration is at the heart of Rockwell Group’s process, so you’ll work alongside architects, lighting designers, and multimedia artists — giving you exposure to how multidisciplinary design truly functions.

Another unique aspect of this internship is the emphasis on human-centered design. Rockwell Group believes every space should tell a story, and as an intern, you’ll learn how to weave that narrative through textures, lighting, color, and form. This kind of creative approach is what makes the firm’s work stand out across luxury hotels, Broadway theaters, and landmark restaurants.

By the end of your internship, you’ll leave with more than just technical skills — you’ll develop the mindset of a storytelling designer, capable of transforming spaces into experiences that move people emotionally and aesthetically.

11. Gensler Interior Design Internship — A Launchpad for Global Talent

The Gensler Interior Design Internship is one of the most sought-after opportunities for aspiring designers who dream of working in a global, multidisciplinary environment. Gensler is a leading design and architecture firm with offices in over 50 cities worldwide — and their internship program is a true gateway to international experience and professional growth.

As an intern at Gensler, you don’t just assist with basic design tasks — you become part of a collaborative team that works on high-impact commercial, retail, and corporate interior projects. This internship allows you to experience the entire creative process: from brainstorming concepts and preparing design presentations to developing technical drawings and assisting in client meetings.

What sets Gensler apart is its mentorship-driven culture. Interns are paired with senior designers who guide them through real-world design challenges and help them understand the importance of balancing creativity with functionality. You’ll also gain exposure to sustainable design principles, learning how eco-friendly materials, lighting, and layouts can enhance both the aesthetics and environmental performance of spaces.

Gensler’s internship is also known for its focus on digital design tools — interns are trained in software such as Revit, Enscape, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite, all while working on live projects that demand precision and creativity. Many interns get the chance to present their ideas directly to clients, which builds confidence and professional communication skills early in their careers.

Another highlight is Gensler’s Diversity Scholarship Program, which provides financial aid and a guaranteed internship for students from underrepresented backgrounds in design. This initiative reinforces the company’s belief that the best spaces are created when different perspectives and cultures come together.

By the end of the Gensler internship, you’ll have built a strong portfolio, developed a professional network across multiple disciplines, and gained a clear understanding of what it takes to thrive in a fast-paced, world-class design firm.

12. Perkins & Will Interior Design Internship — Merging Innovation with Sustainability

The Perkins & Will Interior Design Internship is ideal for students and graduates who want to blend creativity with a strong sense of environmental responsibility. As one of the world’s most forward-thinking design firms, Perkins & Will is known for its commitment to sustainable design, innovation, and social impact.

Interning here means being part of a team that designs spaces with purpose — places that promote wellness, productivity, and sustainability. From educational institutions and corporate offices to healthcare centers and cultural hubs, you’ll learn how design can transform human experiences while reducing environmental footprints.

Interns at Perkins & Will are immersed in real-world projects from day one. You’ll assist in developing space planning, 3D renderings, and material selections, gaining hands-on experience in creating interiors that are not just visually stunning but also LEED-certified and environmentally efficient. The firm takes pride in using recycled and renewable materials, advanced lighting systems, and energy-saving solutions that inspire future generations of designers.

One of the highlights of the internship is the Research Lab Program, which allows interns to collaborate with scientists and material experts to explore innovative technologies — like biophilic design, acoustic comfort, and human-centered architecture. You’ll also attend design critiques, mentorship sessions, and firm-wide innovation talks, which broaden your understanding of the global design landscape.

Perkins & Will’s culture emphasizes collaboration and continuous learning. Interns are encouraged to ask questions, experiment with ideas, and think beyond conventional design boundaries. You’ll also build valuable technical skills through exposure to Revit, SketchUp, and AutoCAD, all while developing your eye for balance, proportion, and environmental harmony.

By the time your internship ends, you’ll not only have sharpened your professional design skills but also developed a deep appreciation for sustainable design — the cornerstone of modern interior design practice. This experience makes Perkins & Will interns some of the most well-prepared and ethically grounded professionals entering the field today.

Final Thought

Choosing the right Interior Design Internship can be one of the most defining steps in your creative career. It’s the bridge between academic learning and real-world application — where your classroom knowledge transforms into hands-on experience, and your passion for design begins to take professional shape.

Whether you’re interning at a globally recognized firm like Gensler, Perkins & Will, or Rockwell Group, or working with boutique studios that focus on personalized residential or sustainable design, each opportunity offers a unique perspective on how interiors influence human behavior, emotion, and productivity.

An internship teaches you much more than how to design a beautiful space — it shows you how to solve problems through creativity, communicate ideas effectively, and collaborate with experts across architecture, engineering, and art. You’ll gain confidence, adaptability, and a stronger sense of design purpose that will help you thrive in a competitive industry.

In today’s design landscape, where innovation meets sustainability, and technology merges with artistry, interior design interns are the pioneers shaping the future of how we live, work, and interact with our environments. The experience you gain through an internship doesn’t just fill your résumé — it builds your identity as a designer.

So, whether your dream is to design luxurious hotel interiors, cutting-edge offices, or cozy, functional homes — start with an internship that aligns with your vision and values. The journey may begin as a student project, but with passion, consistency, and the right mentorship, it will evolve into a lifelong creative calling.

The world of interior design internships isn’t just about learning — it’s about becoming. Every sketch, every mood board, and every client interaction shapes you into a designer who understands the profound impact of spaces on people’s lives. Your first internship could very well be the stepping stone to a career filled with innovation, artistry, and purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What skills do I need to get an interior design internship?

To land a good interior design internship, you’ll need a mix of creative and technical skills. Strong visualization abilities, basic knowledge of color theory, space planning, and proficiency in design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Revit, and Adobe Creative Suite are essential. Communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are equally important, as internships often involve collaboration with architects, designers, and clients.

2. Do interior design internships pay well?

Pay varies depending on location and company size. In the U.S., most interior design internships offer hourly wages between $15 and $25, while some high-end firms or corporate design offices may pay more. However, many unpaid internships still provide significant professional experience, networking opportunities, and portfolio growth, which can lead to well-paying positions after graduation.

3. What do interior design interns actually do?

An interior design intern assists with a range of tasks, such as drafting floor plans, creating 3D renderings, sourcing materials, preparing design presentations, and attending client meetings. They also support senior designers with research, sample organization, and documentation. Interns gain valuable exposure to both the creative and technical sides of the industry.

4. How long do interior design internships last?

Most interior design internships last between 8 to 12 weeks, especially during summer programs. Some firms also offer semester-long or year-round internships, which allow for deeper involvement in ongoing projects. The duration may vary depending on the company’s workload, project timelines, and the intern’s availability.

5. How can I make the most of my interior design internship?

To get the best results from your interior design internship, approach every task with curiosity and professionalism. Ask questions, take notes, and actively participate in meetings and design discussions. Keep updating your portfolio with the work you contribute to. Building relationships with mentors and showcasing a proactive attitude can open doors to full-time job offers after your internship.

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