25 Interior Designer Resume Examples & Guide for 2025

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Welcome to the world of interior design, where creativity meets functionality, and where your resume is your personal blueprint for success. Just as a well-designed space can transform a room from bland to grand, a carefully crafted resume can open doors in the thriving interior design industry.

But what does it take to design a resume that stands out in this competitive field? Much like a flawless interior plan, it requires a blend of creativity, technical skill, and a keen eye for aesthetics. Whether you're a seasoned professional with a portfolio full of transformations or a fresh graduate looking to color your career, your resume needs to reflect your unique design philosophy and professional prowess.

In this article, we'll help you draft a resume that’s not just functional but also a true reflection of your style and expertise. After all, in the job market, you'll want to make sure your resume is furnished just right to accommodate your career aspirations.

Let's get started on constructing a career canvas that captures your spirit and skillset, ensuring your job application is anything but off-the-shelf.

Here are some of the integral points we’ll go over in the article:

  • Resume formats and related tips for achieving the best results.
  • The importance of including a portfolio on an interior design resume.
  • How to effectively list your employment history and what to do if you lack one.
  • Steps and tips on including a rich skills section.
  • The best way to display your education and certifications on a resume.
  • Understanding the purpose of resume summaries and objective statements.
  • Some common problems facing interior design candidates.
  • A few additional sections that can be interesting to take advantage of.

If interior design isn’t what you’re looking for, try these other related guides:

The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live. It’s about the realities of what makes for an attractive, civilized, meaningful environment, not about fashion or what's in or what's out. This is not an easy job.

Renowned interior designer Albert Hadley

The first step to any resume is deciding on which format is right for you. Let’s go through the different options and have a look at some tips to keep in mind while crafting your next resume.

How to format an interior designer resume

Creating the perfect resume as an interior designer is all about making a compelling and organized presentation. Here’s how you can format and design your resume to ensure you shine in the competitive field of interior design:

Resume Formats

  • Reverse-chronological format: This is the most traditional and widely accepted format, especially useful if you have a robust history of work in interior design. A reverse-chronological format lists your work experience starting from the most recent job back to the earlier ones. This format is excellent for showing a steady career progression and deepening experience and responsibilities.
  • Functional Format: This format focuses on your skills and experiences rather than your job history. It's particularly useful for those who may have gaps in their employment, are changing careers, or are newly entering the field. For an interior designer, the functional format could mean highlighting specific design skills, software competencies, or projects rather than the chronological order of jobs.
  • Hybrid Format: A combination of the reverse-chronological and functional formats, the hybrid resume format allows you to showcase your relevant skills at the top of your resume, followed by a reverse-chronological listing of your work history. This format works well for interior designers with a strong set of specific technical skills (like CAD software expertise or a unique design style) and a solid work history that demonstrates these skills in action.

Which one is best for an interior designer?

Although all of the resume formats have their positives, for most interior designers, especially those with some experience or specific skill sets that align closely with the job description, the hybrid format is often the best choice. It allows you to highlight your strongest skills upfront while still providing the chronological context of your work history that employers value.

Remember, resume layouts can vary by country – for example, a Canadian resume format could look different.

A fascinating fact about the interior design industry is its significant contribution to the global economy. The global interior design market is expected to reach an impressive USD 255.4 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 7.8% during the forecast period from 2020 to 2027. This growth is driven by increasing consumer interest in home renovation and remodeling, along with the rising demand for attractive yet functional workplace designs, reflecting how both residential and commercial clients are placing more emphasis on the quality of their indoor environments.

Key formatting tips for interior designers

Resume designs

  • When crafting your resume, it's crucial to pay attention to several key design elements to ensure it's both aesthetically pleasing and professional.
  • Begin by setting the resume margins between 0.5 inches and 1 inch on all sides to keep the document clean and well-framed.
  • When it comes to resume color, use it sparingly; opting for one or two shades besides black can add a subtle design flair without overwhelming the content. Neutral or soft tones are usually the most effective.
  • For the resume font, select professional and easy-to-read options like Arial, Calibri, Rubik, or Helvetica, with body text around 10-12 points and resume headings slightly larger for a clear hierarchy.
  • For interior designers, a two-column format can enhance the visual appeal and help condense information effectively—just ensure it remains well-organized and readable.
  • Finally, aim to keep your resume length to one page if you have less than 10 years of experience, though two pages may be acceptable for those with more extensive careers.

The header

  • The home for all of your contact information is in the header of your resume, be sure to include your name, phone number, and professional email address. Typically, there's no need to list a full physical address; mentioning just your city and state is usually sufficient.
  • It’s a good idea to add links to your professional online profiles, such as LinkedIn. As an interior designer, your portfolio could be your greatest ally. For example, a link to your online portfolio at the top of your resume header. This can greatly enhance your resume by providing deeper insight into your professional capabilities.
  • However, it's generally advised to avoid including a photo in your resume when applying for jobs in the U.S., as this can lead to HR compliance issues.

ATS compatibility

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software tools used by employers to scan resumes and cover letters, filtering out candidates based on criteria such as resume keywords, design, layout, length, and salary expectations.

To enhance your resume's ATS compatibility, it's crucial to use standard headings such as "Work Experience," "Skills," and "Education." These familiar labels help ensure that the ATS can effectively read and categorize your information.

Additionally, it's important to avoid including graphics and tables in your resume, as these elements can confuse the ATS and potentially lead to your resume being overlooked in the screening process.

File formatting and naming convention

When finalizing your resume, it's crucial to pay attention to these two elements.

  • Ensure that your resume maintains its intended formatting across different devices and platforms, and save the document as a PDF. This preserves the layout and design exactly as you intended it to be viewed.
  • When naming your file, opt for a professional approach. A common and effective format is “[FirstNameLastNameResume].pdf.” This not only looks tidy but also helps recruiters and hiring managers easily identify and remember your file among many others.

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Here are the top 5 resume sections on your interior designer application. Pay particular attention to them.

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The top sections on an interior designer resume

  • Summary statement: It provides a brief, impactful statement of your professional experiences, skills, and goals, tailored to the position applying for.
  • Work experience: This section needs to be included, as it highlights past involvement in decorating or design roles, demonstrating skills and expertise in the field.
  • Design projects/achievements: Showcase your accomplishments and specific projects that you've successfully completed; this can make your resume stand out and demonstrate your competencies and commitment to the field.
  • Skills: Highlight your skills relevant to interior design such as your proficiency in design software (CAD, SketchUp), space planning, project management, and client relationship skills.
  • Education and certifications: It demonstrates your formal training and knowledge of relevant tools and design principles. Also mention industry-specific certifications, and affiliations to interior design associations to underscore credentials.

Now that you’re keeping your eye on those sections, try to include the following aspects within them. These are some of the most valued elements that can easily impress a recruiter.

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What recruiters want to see on your resume

  • Portfolio of work: Including your portfolio is particularly essential for an interior designer as it visibly illustrates the candidate’s creativity, style, and abilities.
  • Knowledge of design software: Proficiency in interior design software like AutoCAD and SketchUp is key as most of the design planning and modeling happen on these platforms.
  • Experience in project management: This demonstrates the ability to oversee a project from inception to completion, handle vendors, manage timelines, and coordinate with various stakeholders.
  • Detail orientation: Attention to minute specifics is critical for an interior designer as they translate broad-brush ideas into detailed designs.
  • Understanding of building codes and safety regulations: This indicates that the designer can create designs that aren’t just aesthetically pleasing but also safe and compliant with regulations.

Including an interior designer portfolio

As an interior designer, your portfolio is a powerful tool to showcase your creativity and design skills. Include a link to your online portfolio or attach a PDF document with samples of your work.

pro tip icon
PRO TIP

Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, up-to-date, and showcases your best work relevant to the job or opportunity you're applying for. This approach demonstrates your professionalism and dedication to your craft.

Where you should put your portfolio link

Placing your portfolio link in a prominent position on your interior designer resume is crucial for ensuring it catches the attention of potential employers. Here are the most effective places to include it:

  • Header: Right alongside your contact information. This is one of the first places employers look, making it an ideal spot for your portfolio link. It ensures visibility regardless of how much time someone spends looking at your resume.
  • Top of your resume: Just under your name and contact details. Before you dive into your professional experience or skills, having your portfolio link here acts as an invitation to view your work upfront.
  • Summary or objective section: If you include a brief summary or objective at the beginning of your resume, consider adding your portfolio link at the end of this section. It naturally invites readers to explore your work after getting an overview of your background.
  • End of your resume: As part of your closing remarks or in a separate section labeled "Portfolio" or "Online Portfolio." This placement works well if you want to leave a lasting impression.

Regardless of where you place it, ensure your portfolio link is easy to read and type into a browser, consider using a URL shortener if necessary.

Design projects or achievements section

Separate section: This is yet another section that deserves a bit more detail. You may consider creating a separate section dedicated specifically to any significant projects that are independent of your employment history or if you have achievements that stand out on their own (such as awards, recognitions, or independent contracts).

Place this section after your Work Experience and before your Education, especially if these projects are highly relevant to the positions you’re targeting. This section can be particularly useful for freelance or contract work that doesn’t fit neatly into a traditional employment timeline.

Within the Work Experience Section: The most common method is to incorporate your design projects and achievements directly into your work experience entries.

For each relevant job you've held, list your key projects and achievements as bullet points. Describe the scope of the projects, your role, the skills you applied, and any notable outcomes. This method not only highlights your achievements but also contextualizes them within your job roles, showing how you've successfully applied your skills in a professional setting—we’ll see some examples of this in the next section of our article.

How to write your interior designer resume experience

Listing work experience on an interior designer resume is crucial as it demonstrates your practical skills, project management capabilities, and ability to deliver visually appealing and functional spaces. It provides concrete examples of how you've applied your design knowledge in real-world settings.

Each entry should include your job title, the company name, location, dates of employment, and a list of key responsibilities and achievements. Use bullet points to highlight significant projects you contributed to, specific design skills used, and any client or employer accolades received. This structured approach showcases your direct impact and professional growth, making you a compelling candidate.

Tailor your experience to the job description. Identify keywords and required skills, and make sure to include experiences that demonstrate them.

Here’s an example of an entry.

Experience
Interior Designer
Designs R Us
Near Columbus, OH
  • Involved in various design projects.
  • Worked with team members and met client needs.
  • Used software tools for designing.
  • Helped make decisions about materials.
WRONG

Here are the things that they definitely need to improve:

  • Vague descriptions: The job responsibilities are vaguely described ("involved in various design projects") without specifying the types of projects, scope, or any achievements.
  • Lack of specifics: There are no quantifiable results or specific examples that show the impact of the candidate’s contributions (e.g., budget management, client satisfaction, project outcomes).
  • Generic language: Phrases like “worked with team members” and “met client needs” are overly broad and don’t communicate the candidate's role or the skills they applied.
  • Missing technical details: It mentions "used software tools for designing" without specifying which software, missing an opportunity to highlight important technical skills relevant to the job.
  • Uninspiring company description: The company description is uninformative ("This company does interior design for various clients.") and fails to provide context that might enhance the candidate’s experience (e.g., specializing in residential, commercial, sustainable design).

Now, let’s remedy those issues and see what we can come up with.

Experience
Interior Designer
Creative Space Designs
Columbus, OH
A leading interior design firm specializing in modern commercial and residential spaces, known for its innovative use of sustainable materials.
  • Led the design and renovation of over 40 residential and commercial projects, enhancing client satisfaction and aesthetic appeal.
  • Collaborated closely with a team of architects, designers, and contractors to ensure project requirements were met and exceeded, resulting in a 95% client approval rate.
  • Expertly utilized AutoCAD and SketchUp to create detailed renderings and layouts, significantly improving project visualization and client buy-in.
  • Spearheaded a cost-saving initiative that reduced project materials costs by 20% without compromising on quality or design integrity.
  • Conducted comprehensive client consultations to tailor design solutions that align with their vision and functional needs, leading to repeat business and referrals.
RIGHT

This improved version communicates a clear, professional, and compelling narrative of the candidate’s capabilities and achievements. Here’s what they did better:

  • Detailed job responsibilities and achievements: The revised entry clearly outlines specific responsibilities and quantifies achievements, such as the number of projects led, the percentage of client approval rate, and cost savings, which effectively demonstrate the impact and value added by the candidate.
  • Technical skills highlighted: Specifies the use of industry-standard software like AutoCAD and SketchUp, showcasing relevant technical skills.
  • Effective collaboration and leadership: Indicates collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team and highlights leadership in managing and exceeding project requirements, emphasizing teamwork and management skills.
  • Innovative and client-focused approach: The mention of leading initiatives and tailoring solutions to client needs shows innovation and a strong client-oriented approach.
  • Compelling company description: Provides a descriptive and relevant company background, positioning the candidate within a specialized and reputable firm, thus enhancing the perceived value of their experience.
  • Action verbs: Used action verbs in every bullet point, such as ‘conducted,’ ‘spearheaded,’ etc.

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of quantifying your achievements and accomplishments. Below are some industry-related areas that you would do well by quantifying. Have a look and try to incorporate as many as you can and are relevant.

How to quantify impact on your resume

  • Include revenue generated from your designs: This quantifies the commercial value of your work, showing your designs are viable and profitable.
  • Specify the square footage of the largest project handled: This displays the capability to manage large-scale projects.
  • State percentage improvement in client satisfaction scores: Improved client satisfaction demonstrates your ability to understand and deliver according to the client’s needs.
  • Mention the number of design awards won: This can highlight your recognition in the industry and adds credibility to your skill set.
  • Indicate how much under budget your projects usually run: This shows financial efficiency and your respect for a client’s budget constraints.
  • List the number of repeat clients: Repeat business from clients demonstrates your reliability and the quality of your work.
  • Provide the number of markets you have designed for: This could indicate the breadth of your experience and your adaptability to varied styles and preferences.
  • Indicate the reduction in project completion time under your management: This would translate your efficiency in project management and respect for deadlines.

However, not everyone has the experience and achievements to quantify. If you find yourself with a lack of interior design experience, you’re not alone.

How do I write an interior designer resume with no experience

Writing an interior designer resume without any direct experience in the field can still bear fruit if approached properly. Here’s how to showcase your potential and passion for interior design even if you’re just starting out:

  • Objective statement: Start with a compelling professional summary that highlights your enthusiasm for interior design, your educational background, and any transferable skills you have.
  • Education: Place your educational background near the top of your resume, especially if you have relevant coursework or a degree in a related field like fine arts, architecture, or design studies. Include any design-related projects or theses that demonstrate your skills and understanding of design principles.
  • Skills section: Emphasize the skills that are relevant to interior design. This can include both technical skills (like software competencies) and soft skills (like communication and creativity).
  • Projects: If you’ve done any freelance work, school projects, or even personal projects that involve design, detail these experiences. Describe the project, your role, the design principles you applied, and the outcome.
  • Internships and volunteer work: Any experience in related fields, even if unpaid, can be very valuable. Detail any internships or volunteer work where you applied skills pertinent to interior design.
  • Work experience: Include other work experiences that can indirectly relate to interior design. Focus on roles where you demonstrate creativity, attention to detail, customer service, or project management.
  • Certifications: If you have any certifications that can bolster your credibility (like CAD certification), list them. Even certifications in related areas (like project management) can be beneficial.
  • Professional affiliations: Mention any memberships in relevant organizations, such as the American Society of interior designers (ASID), even as a student or an associate member.

pro tip icon
PRO TIP

By structuring your resume to highlight your related skills, educational background, and any relevant projects, you can make a strong case for your candidacy as an interior designer, even without direct experience in the field. Always remember to tailor your resume to each job you apply for, emphasizing the most relevant skills and experiences.

Now let’s get further into those skills you need to include.

How to list your hard and soft skills on your resume

Listing resume skills showcases your creative vision, supports your portfolio, and highlights your technical capabilities. Include both hard skills (specific, teachable abilities like software proficiency) and soft skills (interpersonal attributes like communication and leadership). Hard skills demonstrate your ability to execute projects, while soft skills highlight how you manage teams and collaborate.

This balance is crucial in the interior design field. Tailor your skills to match the job description, emphasizing those most relevant to the position.

Hard skills

Also commonly referred to as technical skills, hard skills on a resume are usually job-specific tasks that are easy to show in a quantifiable way.

Here are some of the most common for the interior design field.

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Best hard skills for your interior designer resume

Soft skills

Soft skills on your resume, also called people skills, aren’t specific to a certain workplace and focus on skills like communication and leadership. Individuals who are proficient in their soft skills can thrive in the interpersonal environment of a workplace. Soft skills are best demonstrated throughout your resume in areas such as work experience, education, and your resume summary/objective.

Below is a collection of the most frequent we saw on interior designer resumes.

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Best soft skills for your interior designer resume

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

Certifications and education on an interior designer resume affirm your formal training and expertise, ensuring employers that you do meet industry standards. They boost your credibility and showcase a commitment to professional development, making you a more attractive candidate in a competitive field.

Education entry

An education entry on a resume should be more than just window dressing—it should clearly outline your academic credentials. Here’s what to include:

  1. Name of the degree and major: Specify your degree type and major/minor to highlight your relevant educational background.
  2. Name of the institution: Include the name of the educational institution to add credibility.
  3. Graduation date: Mention when you graduated or expect to graduate to indicate the recency of your education.
  4. GPA (if impressive): Adding a high GPA to your resume (only if it’s 3.5 or over) can demonstrate academic excellence.
  5. Relevant coursework or achievements: Coursework on a resume can showcase specific skills or areas of expertise.

Here’s a polished example of how an education entry should look like:

Education
Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design
University of Creative Arts
San Francisco, CA
GPA
3.8
/
4.0
  • Relevant Coursework: Advanced Design Studio, CAD for Designers, Lighting Fundamentals, which equipped me with practical design and technical skills.
  • Awarded Top Design Project 2020: Recognized for the most innovative community housing project design.
RIGHT

This entry is effective because it not only lists the necessary educational details but also includes specific courses that are pertinent to jobs in interior design, and highlights a noteworthy achievement that adds a unique distinction to the academic experience.

Another element to reinforce here is quantifying achievements. This can make your resume stand out by providing concrete evidence of your capabilities and success.

Here’s an example of a quantified educational achievement for an interior design resume:

  • Led a team of 5 students in a national interior design competition, securing a 2nd place finish among 50 participating universities.

This example highlights leadership skills, collaborative experience, and a significant competitive achievement, all of which are attractive to potential employers.

Certifications

Certifications on a resume are vital because they demonstrate a commitment to professional standards, continuous learning, and specialized expertise. They significantly enhance your credibility and appeal to employers who seek designers with validated skills and knowledge in specific areas of interior design.

Here’s what to include in a certification entry:

  1. Name of the certification: Clearly state the full name of the certification to ensure it's recognized by industry professionals.
  2. Certifying body: Include the name of the organization that issued the certification to add legitimacy.
  3. Date of certification: This isn’t always applicable but if it needs a renewal then mention when you were certified to show the recency of your qualifications.
  4. Relevant details: Briefly describe what skills or knowledge the certification covers, especially if it’s directly relevant to the job you’re applying for.

The example below is what you’re aiming for:

Certifications
Certified Interior Decorator (CID)
Certified Interior Decorators International
  • Date Certified: March 2022
  • Focused on residential design: Enhances my expertise in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing home environments.
  • Coursework included sustainable materials and ADA compliance: Equips me with the knowledge to incorporate eco-friendly choices and accessibility into my designs, meeting current trends and regulations.
RIGHT

This provides all the necessary details about the certification, emphasizing areas of specialization that can set you apart in the job market. Highlighting specific coursework assures potential employers of your preparedness to handle diverse and contemporary design challenges.

Here are the top 5 certifications in your field—we strongly recommend exploring them.

That leaves only one more section to cover—the all-important resume personal statement.

How to write your interior designer resume summary or objective

These two ingredients are crucial to an interior designer's resume. They provide a concise introduction of your skills and goals, capturing the employer's attention right away as it’s located at the top immediately following the header.

But what’s the difference between the two?

Resume summary: Highlights your experience, key achievements, and skills, emphasizing what you bring to the table. This is the option for candidates with a good deal of background in interior design.

Objective statement: Focuses on your career goals and how you aim to grow while benefiting the employer, ideal for those with less experience or changing careers.

pro tip icon
PRO TIP

Tailor your statement specifically to the job and company you're applying for. Mention specific skills and experiences that align with the job description. For instance, if the job emphasizes sustainable design, highlight your expertise and projects in that area. This targeted approach shows your enthusiasm for the position and demonstrates how your unique qualifications make you the ideal candidate for the job.

Here’s an example of a resume summary that’s best to avoid:

Summary
Interior designer looking for a job. Familiar with designing interiors and using some software.
WRONG

This summary is ineffective because it's vague and lacks specific details about the candidate’s skills, experience, and what they can uniquely bring to a potential employer. It also fails to mention any achievements or software expertise, which are critical in the interior design field.

Let’s improve it.

Summary
Resourceful Interior Designer with 5 years of experience, specialized in residential and commercial spaces. Proficient in AutoCAD and SketchUp, with a proven track record of increasing client satisfaction by 30% through innovative design solutions.
RIGHT

This summary is effective because it provides specific details about the designer’s experience, skills, and a quantifiable achievement, clearly illustrating their ability to not just design spaces, but also elevate client happiness—a real blueprint for success!

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Problems facing an interior designer resume creation and possible solutions

We have put together some common issues that many interior designers come up against in their quest to create the best resume. It’ll be beneficial for you to have a careful read and make note of the advice we provide.

  • Demonstrating practical experience: An interior designer's resume needs to showcase their ability to translate conceptual ideas into a physical space. The challenge lies in showing this experience in a document format rather than a visual portfolio style. Hence, the use of job-specific tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or other 3D modeling software becomes vital.
  • Highlighting design-specific skills: While soft skills like communication and teamwork are important, a standout interior designer's resume also needs to highlight design-specific skills including space planning, color theory, and knowledge of textiles. Missed inclusion of these important skills may lead the resume to be sidelined.
  • Be convincing about the knowledge of safety regulations and building codes: Many interior design projects need to comply with local safety regulations and building codes. Demonstrating awareness and understanding of these codes becomes a significant challenge. Any certification from institutions like the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) can help tackle this issue.
  • Including links to your online portfolio: An interior designer's strength lies in their creative work. Not being able to provide a direct link or reference to an online portfolio on websites like Behance, Pinterest, or a personal website undercuts the resume's effectiveness.
  • Limitations while using job boards: Many popular job boards filter resumes based on keywords. Due to the visual and conceptual nature of interior design work, it can be difficult to incorporate the correct keywords without making the resume read unnaturally. Moreover, job boards like Indeed, Glassdoor, or LinkedIn might not support direct links to portfolios.

In addition to that, there are some extra sections you could include on your resume to make it a bit more appealing.  Check out the following ideas.

Additional sections for an interior designer resume

Adding supplemental information can greatly enhance your presentation by highlighting unique skills and experiences relevant to the field. Here are a few valuable additional sections you might consider:

  • Awards and recognitions: Highlight any awards or recognitions you've received within the field. This could include design competition awards, recognition from professional associations, or accolades from previous employment.
  • Workshops and seminars: Mention any continuing education you have that may be relevant to the job you're applying for. This could include workshops on sustainable design, lighting design, or even project management seminars.
  • Languages: If you speak multiple languages, this can be a significant advantage in working with diverse clients and teams, enhancing communication in varied project settings.

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Confucius

Key takeaways

Now with all this information at your fingertips, let’s recap some of the more prominent points we covered.

  • Choose the right resume format: Select a format that best showcases your skills and experiences. The hybrid format is recommended for most interior designers as it highlights both skills and chronological work history.
  • Design elements: Use professional fonts, appropriate colors, and a clean layout to ensure your resume is visually appealing and readable. A two-column format can be particularly effective for interior designers to enhance visual appeal.
  • Portfolio link: Include a link to your online portfolio prominently on the resume, ideally in the header or at the top, to provide easy access to your work samples.
  • Quantify achievements: Highlight your achievements with specific metrics, such as revenue generated, square footage handled, or client satisfaction rates, to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities.
  • Skill listing: Include both hard and soft skills to show a balance of technical proficiency and interpersonal abilities. Tailor these skills to match the job description.
  • Education and certifications: Clearly list your educational background and any relevant certifications, emphasizing any special coursework or achievements that relate to interior design.

Interior Designer resume examples

Explore additional interior designer resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

By Experience

Junior Interior Designer

  • Showcasing tailored insight into the company's aesthetic – A resume that carefully aligns project experience or design interests with the firm’s signature style, be it modern minimalism or eclectic luxury, immediately signals the applicant’s genuine enthusiasm and preparedness to contribute meaningfully to the firm’s ongoing projects.
  • Crafting a concise snapshot of professional value – By deploying succinct bullet points, streamlined formatting, and selective highlights of crucial design skills, a junior interior designer can communicate their capabilities quickly and effectively, ensuring the most relevant information is front and center for busy recruiters.
  • Delivering a polished and role-ready profile at a glance – The initial impression of the resume, through intelligent layout and harmonized visual elements, communicates the candidate’s sense for design and attention to detail, both key qualities that show suitability for a creative and exacting role in interior design.
View Junior Interior Designer Resume

Entry-Level Interior Design

  • Demonstrates relevant design software capabilities and workflow knowledge – A standout entry-level interior design resume distinctly details familiarity with core industry tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Adobe Creative Suite. It might reference academic projects or internships where digital and hand-rendered plans were produced on tight deadlines, showing readiness for real-world client deliverables and teamwork within a studio environment.
  • Showcases quantifiable project outcomes and creative contributions – A compelling entry-level applicant conveys the tangible effects of their efforts, whether contributing to university exhibition installations or taking initiative in group projects. The resume highlights measurable improvements like elevating visitor engagement, reducing project delivery times, or even winning design competitions, clearly indicating value brought to previous collaborations.
  • Uses clean formatting and strategic spacing for easy scanning – Visual presentation is key: a resume that thoughtfully balances text and white space immediately feels professional and approachable. Bullet points, logical section divisions, and consistent font styling make information digestible at a glance, reflecting a designer’s innate sense of composition and an appreciation for functional aesthetics.

Senior Interior Design

  • Demonstrates a signature design perspective – A top-tier Senior Interior Design resume highlights the candidate’s ability to infuse projects with a distinctive blend of creativity and innovation, showcasing a recognizable style that sets them apart from peers. By emphasizing portfolio pieces that reflect both trendsetting aesthetics and thoughtful functionality, the candidate communicates not just skill, but a remarkable vision that resonates with clients and stakeholders alike.
  • Builds a narrative of evolving responsibility – The resume illustrates a clear trajectory from foundational roles to leadership positions within diverse design environments, reflecting how accumulated knowledge and increasing project complexity have shaped a robust professional identity. Experience leading multi-faceted teams or steering major commercial and residential transformations signals strategic acumen and alignment with the broader challenges of senior-level positions.
  • Highlights mastery in technical and project domains – Detailed references to proficiency in advanced design software, sustainable materials, regulatory compliance, and budget management affirm the candidate’s command of essential tools and industry practices. This depth is further reflected through mentions of certifications, specialized training, and a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions within tight timeframes or budgetary constraints.

Entry Level Interior Designer

  • Alignment across digital identity – A distinctive entry level interior designer resume seamlessly mirrors the candidate's personal branding found on platforms like LinkedIn, featuring a unified style, consistent typography, and matching color accents. This coordinated approach reassures employers of professionalism and attention to detail, both crucial qualities for design-centric roles.
  • Clear articulation of enthusiasm – The resume stands out when the applicant explicitly conveys their excitement for the company or design field through thoughtful wording in the summary or objective. Rather than generic statements, strong resumes reference specific inspirations or company values, demonstrating genuine interest and a deliberate choice in pursuing the position.
  • Convincing wrap-up and action prompt – A memorable resume concludes with a confident closing that goes beyond a routine statement, such as expressing eagerness for an interview or specifying a desire to discuss how their skills meet the needs of the team. This proactive language encourages the employer to engage, giving the application a final assertive push.

Senior Interior Designer

  • Evidence of agility across diverse project scopes – A top-tier Senior Interior Designer resume distinguishes itself by showcasing the candidate’s seamless navigation through a wide array of design environments, from luxury residential spaces to complex commercial interiors. Highlighting successful collaborations with varied client profiles and adaptability to shifting project priorities or design trends reinforces the designer’s resourcefulness and breadth.
  • Immediate alignment with leadership expectations – The strongest resumes make an unforgettable first impression by instantly displaying the executive competencies required for senior positions. Strategic use of quantifiable achievements—like managing multimillion-dollar budgets, overseeing interdisciplinary teams, or winning prestigious industry awards—proves that the applicant is not only a talented designer but a trusted decision-maker poised for leadership.
  • Captivating narrative woven through professional milestones – An engaging Senior Interior Designer resume resonates emotionally by telling a compelling story of creative passion and client impact. By interlacing project highlights with insights into personal design philosophy and testimonials from satisfied clients, the resume draws the reader in, making the candidate’s journey both memorable and relatable.

Mid-Level Interior Designer

  • Demonstrates signature strengths through specialized achievements – A resume that captures attention reveals a designer’s original vision, featuring quick highlights of award-winning projects, innovative space solutions, or key partnerships with renowned clients. Showcasing such distinctive contributions positions the candidate as more than a technical executor, but as someone who elevates every project with a recognizable design sensibility and creative edge.
  • Showcases breadth by describing a range of project experiences – Versatility shines when the resume details work across multiple sectors—such as residential remodels, workplace upgrades, or hospitality renovations. Emphasizing adaptability to diverse client preferences, budget scales, and team environments signals readiness to tackle new challenges and thrive within dynamic, fast-paced design studios.
  • Conveys a tone blending reliability with creative energy – The most compelling resumes manage to communicate both the candidate’s professionalism—through clear organization and focused language—and their genuine passion for design through energetic phrasing and select vibrant details. This combination underlines a commitment to both high standards and the joy of transforming spaces.

Lead Interior Designer

  • Demonstrating breadth through varied project experience – Standout Lead Interior Designer resumes often highlight a rich tapestry of projects, from residential lofts to commercial offices and hospitality spaces, showcasing the candidate’s ability to seamlessly transition between different styles, scales, and client demands. This adaptability assures employers of creative agility and a proven record of tailoring design solutions to diverse environments.
  • Structuring content for easy scanning and impact – An impressive resume in this field features thoughtful spacing with balanced margins, clear section headings, and concise bullet points that prevent visual clutter. This overall readability, combined with strategic use of white space, enables recruiters to quickly absorb key information, ensuring each accomplishment and skill set is distinctly visible.
  • Highlighting advanced industry proficiencies – To convey expertise, exceptional resumes provide in-depth specifics about technical skills such as CAD drafting, 3D rendering, and project management, as well as knowledge of relevant codes and sustainable design practices. This technical fluency underscores a designer’s preparedness for leadership roles, assuring hiring managers of both hands-on competency and strategic oversight capabilities.

Assistant Interior Designer

  • Drawing readers in from the outset – A compelling Assistant Interior Designer resume often launches with a succinct, energetic sentence highlighting a unique design philosophy or signature achievement. Such an introduction immediately demonstrates the candidate’s understanding of aesthetics and space, while signaling a genuine enthusiasm for transforming interiors in line with client visions.
  • Crafting a memorable emotional connection – The best resumes in this field go beyond listing tasks; they weave in stories of collaboration, client satisfaction, and moments of creative problem-solving. By evoking a sense of pride in impactful projects or describing the joy of exceeding expectations, the candidate brings authenticity and warmth that engage hiring managers on a personal level.
  • Leaving a lasting impression with the conclusion – Rather than using a generic closing, standout resumes end with a confident statement of intent, clearly expressing eagerness to contribute fresh ideas and support senior designers. A strategic call to action—such as inviting a conversation about a portfolio—shows professionalism and prompts the reader to initiate the next step.

Principal Interior Designer

  • A polished and harmonious layout highlights expertise – Generous use of whitespace, organized subheadings, and precise bullet points create a clean look that guides the reader’s eyes smoothly across the resume, reflecting the candidate’s own attention to detail and design sensibility, which are crucial in top-level interior design roles.
  • Demonstrates depth of leadership in design innovation – Specific mention of completed large-scale projects, integration of emerging technologies, and leadership of multidisciplinary teams signals a mastery of both the creative and operational aspects central to principal-level responsibilities, reinforcing advanced industry acumen.
  • Showcases a distinctive signature approach – The résumé conveys the designer’s unique value, such as pioneering sustainable methods, forging influential client relationships, or establishing award-winning branded environments, ensuring the candidate stands out as a trailblazer rather than just a seasoned professional.

By Role

Kitchen Designer

  • Captivating the reader through tangible stories – An exceptional Kitchen Designer resume invites the reader into real-life project narratives, allowing recruiters to connect emotionally with the candidate’s genuine passion for transforming culinary spaces. By describing the journey from concept sketches to client reactions, the document evokes engagement and leaves a memorable impression.
  • Standing apart with a blend of technical flair and creative ingenuity – What differentiates a remarkable candidate is the demonstration of both expertise in advanced design software and an innovative approach to space optimization that solves clients’ problems in unique ways. This blend of skills and inventive solutions elevates the candidate above others who may only focus on generic tasks.
  • Projecting a seamless professional identity across platforms – Consistency between the resume and online presence, such as LinkedIn, reinforces the candidate’s reliability and commitment to their field. Uniform branding, highlighted by a distinctive personal statement and matching project portfolios, ensures the professional narrative remains cohesive and trustworthy to potential employers.
View Kitchen Designer Resume

Lighting Designer

  • Candidates who communicate a compelling creative vision – Standout lighting designer resumes vividly detail how the individual's design sensibility brings productions to life, spotlighting inventive concepts or signature aesthetics that have distinguished their contributions from peers. This personal creative flair, combined with a clear articulation of artistic influences, sets them apart by demonstrating vision that goes beyond technical skill alone.
  • Applicants displaying a wide range of project experiences – Versatility shines through when a resume highlights adaptability across various production types, from theater and live concerts to television and architectural lighting. By showcasing successful adaptations to differing environments, budgets, or artistic teams, candidates position themselves as nimble professionals able to thrive under diverse creative and logistical demands.
  • Individuals emphasizing advanced technical mastery – Exceptional resumes communicate not just proficiency but also expertise in the latest lighting technologies, control systems, and industry software. An emphasis on specialized certifications, knowledge of current equipment, and experience with innovative lighting techniques demonstrates a depth of competence that signals readiness for complex professional challenges.
View Lighting Designer Resume

Corporate Interior Designer

  • Demonstrates a persuasive wrap-up that inspires next steps – A standout resume for a Corporate Interior Designer closes with a compelling statement that not only summarizes key strengths but also expresses genuine enthusiasm for contributing to the company’s goals. This well-crafted ending provides a clear invitation for further discussion, motivating hiring managers to initiate contact.
  • Skillfully weaves together relevant professional history – The most impactful resumes present a seamless connection between past design roles and the specialized demands of corporate interiors. By detailing specific projects—such as office refurbishments or workspace reconfigurations—the candidate clearly illustrates their readiness to excel in this niche, proving their direct experience is tailored to the position.
  • Sets themselves apart with a distinct creative vision – What truly catches an employer's eye is when the resume pinpoints the candidate’s original design perspective or innovative workflow. Whether highlighting unique problem-solving strategies, mastery of sustainable office solutions, or award-winning design concepts, this differentiator gives a clear reason to prefer this candidate over others.

Commercial Interior Designer

  • Conveying a strong sense of professional drive – Applicants shine when their resume clearly expresses a passion for shaping functional and aesthetic commercial environments, linking their career aspirations to how they can help improve workplace experiences or retail atmospheres through design innovation.
  • Demonstrating deliberate alignment with the firm’s ethos – A standout resume references the company’s values, signature projects, or design style, effectively signaling that the candidate has thoroughly researched the employer and can seamlessly integrate into their specific culture and project philosophy.
  • Employing accurate and current design terminology – Highlighting familiarity with concepts like space planning, LEED certification, FF&E coordination, and workplace strategy, the resume reflects both technical knowledge and awareness of prevailing trends unique to commercial interiors, setting the applicant apart as industry savvy.

Exhibition Interior Designer

  • Distinctive expertise mixed with creative flair – A standout Exhibition Interior Designer resume highlights not only technical proficiency in space planning and material selection but also showcases an innate sense for designing experiential environments that captivate attendees. Demonstrating successful collaborations with leading brands or international expos sets the candidate apart by proving their ability to deliver impactful, memorable displays under pressure and on tight timelines.
  • Immediate engagement through a compelling beginning – The introduction paragraph is most effective when it offers a succinct yet persuasive snapshot of the applicant’s professional journey, seamlessly blending their passion for spatial storytelling with measurable achievements. By opening with a strong narrative that quickly positions the candidate as both a visionary and a problem-solver, the resume hooks the reader’s interest from the outset.
  • Clearly stated enthusiasm for the role and its challenges – When the resume transparently communicates the candidate’s motivation for seeking this specific opportunity—such as a desire to work on high-profile industry showcases or to drive innovation in interactive design—it reassures employers that the application is considered, intentional, and aligned with their organizational vision.

Hospitality Interior Designer

  • A strong connection through storytelling – A standout Hospitality Interior Designer resume immediately draws the reader in by weaving together specific project stories that highlight a passion for crafting welcoming environments. This narrative approach helps decision-makers envision how the applicant’s design philosophy will translate into memorable guest experiences, stirring a sense of excitement and trust from the outset.
  • Clear intention behind the application – The best resumes go beyond listing qualifications by succinctly expressing why the applicant is eager to contribute to the hospitality industry and what uniquely drives their pursuit of interior design in this sector. By outlining a genuine motivation tailored to the particular employer, the candidate’s commitment and alignment with company values become unmistakably clear.
  • Compact content that spotlights essentials – Exceptional resumes in this field present their information without overcrowding, making every word purposeful. This uncluttered and direct approach ensures that hiring managers can quickly grasp the core competencies, signature achievements, and relevant software skills, efficiently communicating the value the designer will add to the team.

Residential Interior Designer

  • Mastery of design software and project execution – A strong resume highlights proficiency in industry-standard tools such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, alongside hands-on experience overseeing residential projects from initial concept through to final installation. This technical grounding ensures the candidate can translate design concepts into practical solutions that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements.
  • Consistent professional trajectory within residential design – Resumes that shine often reflect a clear progression in roles directly related to residential interiors, showcasing involvement in projects like apartment renovations, space planning for family homes, or bespoke furnishings. Relevant internships or prior positions help demonstrate that each career move has purposefully built expertise suited to the specific demands of residential spaces.
  • Immediate sense of creativity and client focus – What makes an application memorable is an instant impression of style, attention to client preferences, and adaptability to different homeowners’ tastes. A high-impact resume not only lists skills but conveys an enthusiasm for transforming living environments, marrying innovative vision with practicality in personalized ways.

Retail Interior Designer

  • Balance between whitespace and hierarchy enhances visual appeal – A Retail Interior Designer’s resume that skillfully uses ample whitespace between sections and crisp paragraphing immediately boosts readability. Thoughtful placement of headings, bullet points, and subheadings prevents visual clutter, allowing hiring managers to easily scan qualifications and key achievements. This careful attention to layout resonates with the aesthetics valued in retail design itself, subtly reinforcing the candidate’s eye for visually compelling arrangements.
  • Strategic structuring highlights specialized expertise – Organizing the resume so that professional experience, core competencies, and design software proficiency are distinctly separated helps spotlight relevant skills for retail-focused roles. By leading with a concise professional summary, followed by clearly delineated project accomplishments and quantifiable results, the candidate demonstrates not only their skillset but also their ability to communicate complex projects in a streamlined, accessible manner.
  • Unified branding tells a cohesive professional story – Ensuring the resume’s style, terminology, and design philosophy align seamlessly with the candidate’s LinkedIn profile and portfolio signals strong personal branding. Consistently using the same colour palette, logo, or tagline across platforms reinforces the designer’s identity. This holistic presentation makes the candidate memorable and guarantees that potential employers see a singular, polished brand image at every touchpoint.

Sustainable Interior Designer

  • Emphasizing a personal approach to eco-conscious problem-solving – An exceptional sustainable interior designer resume highlights the individual’s ability to craft tailored, environmentally responsible solutions, illustrating a clear commitment to reducing resource consumption and improving indoor environmental quality beyond industry norms.
  • Showcasing alignment with the organization’s mission and values – A standout application interweaves knowledge of the company’s sustainability initiatives, design philosophy, and recent projects, reflecting a well-researched understanding and readiness to contribute to current and future green goals.
  • Utilizing precise sector-specific language for credibility – The resume gains authority through the use of discipline-relevant terminology such as “biophilic design,” “low-VOC materials,” “circularity principles,” and “LEED accreditation,” immediately signaling expertise and familiarity with the latest in sustainable interior practices.

Marine Interior Designer

  • Understanding of company ethos shines through – A top-tier Marine Interior Designer resume clearly references details unique to the employer, such as specialized marine aesthetics or prestigious client projects, indicating that the candidate has researched and internalized what sets the company apart within the industry.
  • Personal branding remains unified across all platforms – Consistency in design style, narrative voice, and key skill highlights between the resume and LinkedIn profile reinforces the candidate’s professional identity, making it clear they are committed to marine-focused interior design and adaptable to roles within this niche sector.
  • Immediate relevance for the position is apparent from the outset – The resume impresses by placing relevant certifications, project experience, and technical prowess front and center, leaving no doubt that the candidate possesses the hands-on expertise and creative flair essential for excelling in a marine-oriented environment.

Healthcare Interior Designer

  • Shows personalized alignment with the organization's mission – A standout Healthcare Interior Designer resume illustrates an in-depth familiarity with the prospective employer’s culture and long-term vision, highlighting specific ways the candidate’s aesthetic sensibility and technical expertise reflect the company’s design philosophy and patient care priorities.
  • Offers quantifiable results from past healthcare projects – The most memorable resumes don’t just list responsibilities; they emphasize measurable achievements, such as implementing evidence-based design elements that reduced patient recovery time by a documented percentage, or managing projects under budget and ahead of schedule, demonstrating real value brought to previous employers in the healthcare sector.
  • Balances precision with passion in overall presentation – A resume that truly excels fuses a crisp, professional style with a clear, underlying passion for healing environments, ensuring the enthusiasm for both client well-being and design innovation is palpable but never overshadows an organized, results-focused impression.

Consultant Interior Designer

  • Demonstrates agile project engagement – The resume shines when it highlights the designer’s ability to successfully navigate different types of design environments, such as seamlessly shifting between residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Detailing experiences where the designer adjusted to diverse client needs or embraced rapid changes—like working within varying cultural aesthetics or accommodating new regulations—shows a high degree of versatility.
  • Shows a purposeful career direction – A compelling resume communicates the candidate’s genuine enthusiasm for contributing their unique creative vision to new challenges. By articulating specific reasons for pursuing a consultant role—such as the desire to collaborate with innovative teams or to further hone problem-solving skills in dynamic settings—the designer demonstrates focus and intentionality.
  • Provides tangible proof of transformative outcomes – Standout resumes clearly quantify the value brought to past clients or employers, for instance by referencing increases in client satisfaction, successful completion of projects ahead of schedule, or budget savings through resourceful planning. Including awards, portfolio recognitions, or client testimonials underscores the designer’s concrete achievements in leaving a lasting impact on interior environments.

Interior Design Director

  • Depth of project leadership and technical expertise – A compelling Interior Design Director resume demonstrates hands-on mastery in leading multidisciplinary teams, overseeing the entire design process, and ensuring project execution from initial concept through to realization. It details proficiency in advanced design software, budget management, and regulatory compliance, highlighting how the candidate successfully merges aesthetic vision with functional requirements.
  • Use of sector-specific language and practices – A standout resume incorporates relevant terminology such as spatial planning, FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) coordination, sustainability integration, and client-facing design presentations. This specialized vocabulary not only signals familiarity with industry standards but also showcases the candidate’s fluency in communicating complex ideas to stakeholders and collaborators.
  • Career history tailored to senior-level design leadership – A strong candidate traces a progression of increasingly responsible roles, demonstrating how their background in conceptual design, client management, and team mentorship prepares them for directing entire creative departments. It clearly links each previous position to the strategic and managerial demands expected of an Interior Design Director.

Interior Design Manager

  • Effective formatting highlights information efficiently – A standout Interior Design Manager resume immediately catches attention with its use of clear headings, succinct bullet points, and logical organization, enabling hiring managers to locate essential details at a glance without wading through dense text.
  • Measurable results emphasize professional impact – Incorporating quantifiable achievements, such as leading projects that increased client satisfaction scores or managing budgets that reduced costs, demonstrates a direct connection between the candidate’s work and outcomes vital to success in the targeted managerial role.
  • Progressive roles reveal readiness for leadership – The resume draws clear links between previous design positions and the responsibilities of an Interior Design Manager, showcasing a trajectory that includes experience with team coordination, client relations, and project oversight, reinforcing suitability for this advanced opportunity.

Freelance Interior Designer

  • Demonstrated flexibility across diverse project types – A standout freelance interior designer resume showcases an ability to pivot between various client needs and design environments, detailing success stories in both residential and commercial spaces as well as adaptability in collaborating with different cultural styles and budgets.
  • Signature blend of creativity and client focus – What elevates a candidate's profile is their capacity to infuse each project with a distinctive design perspective while keeping the client’s vision at the forefront, evidenced by innovative solutions tailored to unique briefs and an impressive gallery reflecting this personalized approach.
  • Information is distilled for maximum impact – The most compelling resumes make every line count; bullet points are concise, achievements are quantifiable where possible, and visually organized layouts ensure a recruiter can immediately spot skills, credentials, and core accomplishments with minimal effort.
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Rory Miller, CPRW
Rory is a published author and editor with a diverse professional background. With over 100 resume guides and blog posts contributed to Enhancv, he brings extensive expertise in writing and editing. His skills extend to website development, event organization, and culinary arts. Additionally, Rory excels in proofreading, translation, and content production. An avid brewer, he values effective communication and believes in the power of random acts of kindness to drive progress.
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