Every company involved in creative spaces needs an interior designer, and every interior designer resume worthy of a potential employer's consideration must excel in multiple areas.
Interior designers understand that attention to aesthetic detail and functional planning is crucial for successful projects, and the same meticulousness applies to crafting your resume. Your resume is the first impression for hiring managers, so it's vital to make it captivating and professional.
Resume guide for an interior design resume
Fitly here to assist. Our resume builder and practical resume examples across over 500 professions give you the edge to succeed in the competitive interior design job market. This resume guide and corresponding interior designer resume example will cover the following topics:
- Choosing the perfect resume format for interior design
- Including your contact details
- Utilizing a compelling summary
- Showcasing your interior design experience
- Highlighting relevant key skills
- Detailing your education & certifications
- Selecting the appropriate resume layout and design
Let's get started!
Resume example (text format)
Holly Quinn
Interior Designer
holly.quinn@mail.ie 875558877 Kilkenny, County Kilkenny, IE
Profile
Senior Interior Designer with over 10 years of expertise leading large-scale commercial and luxury residential projects. Skilled in strategic planning, conceptual development, and team leadership, with a proven track record of elevating design standards and exceeding client expectations. Successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams, delivered award-winning projects, and contributed to firm growth by establishing innovative design processes and cultivating key client relationships.
Work Experience
03/2020 - Present, Interior Designer, Kilkenny Design Studio, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
- Led interior design projects for residential and commercial clients, increasing client satisfaction scores by 15%.
- Developed conceptual designs and detailed plans, collaborating closely with clients and contractors to ensure project success.
- Selected materials, furnishings, and finishes, adhering to both aesthetic and budget considerations.
07/2016 - 02/2020, Junior Interior Designer, Kilkenny Interiors, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
- Assisted senior designers in creating innovative interior solutions for diverse projects.
- Prepared 3D models and presentation boards to communicate design concepts effectively to clients.
- Coordinated with suppliers and contractors to ensure timely procurement and installation of design elements.
01/2013 - 06/2016, Interior Design Assistant, Studio Kilkenny, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
- Supported design team with measurements, material sourcing, and presentation drawings for residential projects.
- Conducted site visits to monitor progress and ensure design specifications were met.
- Assisted in maintaining project documentation and client communication records.
Education
09/2016, Bachelor of Interior Architecture, University College Dublin, Dublin
06/2018, Certified Interior Designer (CID), Irish Institute of Interior Designers, Dublin
03/2020, LEED Green Associate, U.S. Green Building Council, Dublin
Skills
- AutoCAD and SketchUp
- Space Planning
- Color Theory and Material Selection
- Creative Problem Solving
- Client Communication and Presentation Skills
How to write an interior design resume
Before creating your resume, you should know what sections an interior designer resume must include. Typically, these are:
- Profile
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
Your resume should showcase what makes you a distinct interior designer. Begin by researching the company and role you’re applying for. Understand their design philosophy and objectives, and tailor your resume to demonstrate how your skills and experiences align perfectly with their needs. Follow this guide:
- Emphasize your achievements and project outcomes, not just your responsibilities. Detailing successful design projects, client satisfaction, and innovations will highlight your value.
- Customize your resume style and content for each application to resonate with the prospective employer’s expectations.
- Create a streamlined, professional look in your resume that reflects your creativity and reliability as a designer.
- Incorporate relevant keywords like CAD software, space planning, sustainable design, or specific interior design certifications to ensure your resume passes automated screenings and appeals to human readers.
Choosing the right resume format for interior design
Your resume should be clear, visually appealing, and professional—the same qualities clients seek in an interior designer.
The reverse chronological format works best, putting your most recent design projects and roles up front. This showcases your current capabilities and growth trajectory.
If you’re transitioning careers or have unconventional experience, a functional resume emphasizing skills like conceptual design, project management, and client communication may be effective. Alternatively, a hybrid format can combine chronological and skill-based features.
Explore our resume templates to find one that complements your professional narrative. Use clean, modern designs that reflect your creativity without sacrificing clarity.
Include your contact information
At the top of your resume, clearly present your name and contact details so employers can easily reach you. Keep this section clean and professional.
Include:
- Your full name
- Your professional email address
- Your phone number
- Your portfolio website or LinkedIn profile (if applicable)
Avoid including:
- Your home address
- Personal details unrelated to the job
Make use of a summary
Interior design balances artistic vision with practical execution, and your resume summary is the ideal place to illustrate this blend of creativity and professionalism.
Think of your summary as a snapshot of your design philosophy, stylistic strengths, and professional achievements. It’s one of the few sections where you can adopt a narrative tone to engage the reader.
Use vivid, energetic language and action verbs to bring your story to life. Avoid simply restating your resume content; instead, highlight themes like client collaboration, innovative problem-solving, or award-winning designs.
Below are adaptable interior designer resume summary examples you can draw inspiration from:
Entry-level adaptable resume summary/profile example
Mid-level adaptable resume summary/profile example
Senior adaptable resume summary/profile example
Showcase your interior design work experience
Following a reverse chronological format, list your most recent design positions and projects first, working backward in time. Avoid including experience older than about 10–15 years unless highly relevant.
Only include experience pertinent to interior design roles you are targeting. To highlight additional experience, consider an "Other Experience" section.
Under each role, use concise bullet points to explain your responsibilities and key achievements. Start each with impactful action verbs such as designed, collaborated, led, sourced, or implemented.
Avoid just listing duties; quantify your impact by including things like budget sizes, project timelines, increases in client satisfaction, or awards. This specificity makes your resume memorable and credible.
For example, these points lack impact:
- Worked on space planning for commercial clients
- Managed client projects
- Coordinated with contractors
Enhanced with details, they read better:
- Designed comprehensive space plans for 15+ commercial clients, enhancing functionality and aesthetics
- Led client projects averaging budgets of $500K, delivering on time and within budget
- Collaborated with contractors and suppliers to ensure design integrity and timely completion
Below is a sample interior design employment history you can reference:
Interior Designer employment history resume sample
03/2020 - Present, Interior Designer, Kilkenny Design Studio, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
- Led interior design projects for residential and commercial clients, increasing client satisfaction scores by 15%.
- Developed conceptual designs and detailed plans, collaborating closely with clients and contractors to ensure project success.
- Selected materials, furnishings, and finishes, adhering to both aesthetic and budget considerations.
07/2016 - 02/2020, Junior Interior Designer, Kilkenny Interiors, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
- Assisted senior designers in creating innovative interior solutions for diverse projects.
- Prepared 3D models and presentation boards to communicate design concepts effectively to clients.
- Coordinated with suppliers and contractors to ensure timely procurement and installation of design elements.
01/2013 - 06/2016, Interior Design Assistant, Studio Kilkenny, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny
- Supported design team with measurements, material sourcing, and presentation drawings for residential projects.
- Conducted site visits to monitor progress and ensure design specifications were met.
- Assisted in maintaining project documentation and client communication records.
Highlight relevant key skills
Interior design requires a mix of hard technical skills and soft skills. Hard skills include proficiency in design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit, knowledge of building codes, and space planning expertise. Soft skills focus on creativity, communication, client relations, and project management.
Avoid listing every skill you possess; instead, tailor your skills to match the specific job requirements. Maintain a master list of your competencies for reference when customizing each resume version.
Our resume builder features a selection of pre-written key skills ideal for interior designers, and you can add your own specialized skills as well.
Here’s an example of what a skills section may look like in an interior designer resume:
Interior Designer key skills resume sample
- AutoCAD and SketchUp
- Space Planning
- Color Theory and Material Selection
- Creative Problem Solving
- Client Communication and Presentation Skills
Detail your education & certifications
Your education section is where you highlight your qualifications as an interior designer. Most professional interior designers hold a bachelor's degree in interior design, architecture, or a related field. Advanced degrees can also be relevant.
List notable industry certifications or licenses, such as NCIDQ certification (National Council for Interior Design Qualification), LEED accreditation for sustainable design, or other relevant credentials.
Include any specialized training, workshops, or professional memberships in design organizations, such as ASID (American Society of Interior Designers).
If you are new to the field, internships or assistant roles can also be featured to demonstrate practical experience.
Interior Designer education & certifications resume sample
09/2016, Bachelor of Interior Architecture, University College Dublin, Dublin
06/2018, Certified Interior Designer (CID), Irish Institute of Interior Designers, Dublin
03/2020, LEED Green Associate, U.S. Green Building Council, Dublin
Select the right resume layout and design
Your resume’s layout and design are critical to capturing attention and reflecting your personal brand as an interior designer. Presentation matters greatly in this creative field.
Opt for a clean, modern, and elegant design that showcases your aesthetic sensibility without overwhelming the content. Balance creativity with readability.
Consider your target employer’s culture and preferences; a corporate firm may prefer a more understated look, while a boutique agency might appreciate bold, innovative designs.
Review our curated resume templates crafted specifically for creative professionals to find the ideal balance of style and professionalism.
Interior Designer job market and outlook
The demand for skilled interior designers continues to grow as businesses and homeowners seek functional, sustainable, and stylish spaces. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 7% growth in this field from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
Growth is driven by increasing focus on improving interiors for health, wellness, and efficiency, as well as new construction and renovation projects.
The median annual salary for interior designers is around $60,000, with top professionals earning significantly more depending on experience and specialization.
Employment opportunities are particularly strong in urban areas with thriving real estate and commercial development sectors.
Expanding your skills in areas like sustainable design or 3D modeling can further enhance your employability.
Key takeaways
Interior design is a flourishing creative profession offering many opportunities for those with strong aesthetic sense, technical skills, and client management abilities.
The job market is growing steadily, fueled by demand for innovative, functional interiors.
Salaries are competitive, especially with specialization and advanced skills.
Customize your resume carefully by focusing on achievements, tailoring key skills, and selecting an appealing, professional format.
Utilize polished resume templates designed specifically for interior designers to make a strong first impression.