Crafting an effective resume is a crucial step for any interior designer seeking to advance their career. An interior design resume is more than just a document outlining your professional history; it is a showcase of your creativity, skills, and unique perspective.

Whether you're a professional or just starting out, your application must effectively communicate your qualifications and philosophy to potential employers or clients.

This guide will provide you with essential tips and strategies to create a compelling interior design resume that stands out in a competitive job market.

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Design is knowing which ones to keep.

Scott Adams

Interior design resume examples

Creative interior design resume template

Creative interior design resume template
Use template Download PDF

Commercial interior designer resume sample

Summary

Dynamic and creative Commercial Interior Designer with over 10 years of experience in designing impactful and functional commercial spaces. Adept at managing large-scale projects from initial concept through to execution, with a strong track record of enhancing client brands through innovative and effective design solutions.

Experience

Lead Commercial Interior Designer

Innovative Spaces, Miami, FL, March 2018 – June 2024

  • Designed and executed multiple high-profile commercial projects, including the renovation of a flagship retail store that increased foot traffic by 25% and a corporate office redesign that improved employee productivity and satisfaction.
  • Successfully integrated client branding into commercial interiors, resulting in enhanced brand visibility and a cohesive user experience across various locations.
  • Managed a team of junior designers and collaborated with architects and contractors to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.

Commercial Interior Designer

Urban Design Solutions, Fort Lauderdale, FL, August 2014 – February 2018

  • Created innovative design solutions for various commercial spaces, such as restaurants, hotels, and office environments, focusing on functionality and aesthetic appeal.
  • Developed strong relationships with clients through effective communication and understanding their unique needs, leading to repeat business and referrals.
  • Coordinated with vendors and managed project milestones to ensure timely completion and adherence to design specifications.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design

Florida International University, Miami, FL

  • Graduated: May 2014

Core Competencies

  • Commercial Space Planning
  • Brand Integration
  • Project Management
  • Sustainable Design
  • Client Consultation
  • AutoCAD
  • Revit
  • SketchUp
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • 3D Rendering Tools

Additional Information

  • Languages: Fluent in Chinese
  • Professional Associations: Member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) from 2021
  • Awards: Recipient of the 2019 Design Excellence Award for Outstanding Commercial Interiors

Portfolio

Website: www.teresiasgraneydesigns.com

Featuring a comprehensive selection of commercial design projects, including detailed case studies, process descriptions, and client testimonials.

Interior designer resume format

Creating a visually appealing and professional document is crucial for interior designers, as it reflects their sensibility and attention to detail.

Design is so simple. That's why it's so complicated.

Paul Rand

Fonts:

  • Use an easy-to read font such as Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
  • Font size for body text should be 10-12 pt.
  • Utilize bold or italics sparingly to emphasize important information.
  • Choose a larger size for your name (18-22 pt) and a slightly smaller for contact details (10-12 pt).

Margins:

  • Employ standard margins (1 inch) on all sides for a clean look.
  • You can reduce the margins (0.75 inches) if you need more space, but ensure the info is not cluttered.

Alignment:

  • Left-align most of your text for readability.
  • Center-align your name and header information for a balanced look.
  • Use bullet points for job descriptions and skills to enhance readability.

Colors:

  • Stick to neutral tones like black, dark gray, or navy for text.
  • Pick a single accent color (e.g., a shade of blue, green, or any color that aligns with your brand) to highlight section headings or important information.
  • Ensure the tone complements the overall design and does not distract from the content.

Length:

  • Aim for a one-page resume if you have less than 10 years of experience.
  • For more experienced designers, two pages are acceptable, but check if the content is concise and relevant.

However, remembering all the formatting rules and guidelines can be overwhelming. This is where a resume builder comes in handy. It streamlines the creation process, saving you valuable time.

Choose from a variety of stylish and industry-specific templates designed by professionals. These interior design resume templates are optimized to highlight your qualifications and design portfolio effectively.

Our online service also provides helpful tips and examples as you build your application to make sure you include all the essential information.

With Resume Trick, you can easily customize applications to match your personal style. Adjust colors, fonts, and layouts with just a few clicks, ensuring your document stands out while maintaining a polished appearance.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume

Contact information

The effective writing of interior design resume involves finding a happy medium between sharing adequate personal and contact details with prospective employers, while also preserving a sense of confidentiality and professionalism.

Here are the key components to include:

  • Use your full name, and consider making it slightly larger than the rest of the text to stand out.
  • Provide a number where you can be easily reached during business hours. Include the country code if you’re applying for international or remote positions.
  • Add an email, ideally one that includes your name. Avoid using nicknames.
  • Mention your city and state (or country for working abroad). You don’t need to record your full street address.
  • Attach a link to your online portfolio or personal website.

Resume summary

A resume summary is a brief statement at the beginning of your interior design resume that highlights your most important experiences. It's created to give potential employers a quick overview of what you bring to the table.

Steps to write a interior design resume summary:

  • Begin your statement with your professional title or the position you're targeting.
  • State the most relevant skills and experiences that align with the job you're applying for.
  • Include a few notable achievements or projects that highlight your success in previous roles.
  • Quantify accomplishments with numbers or percentages if possible.
  • Start your sentences with strong action verbs to convey confidence and proactivity
  • Optionally state your philosophy or what drives your passion for interior design.
  • Aim for 3-5 sentences. Your summary should be a snapshot, not a detailed account.

Example 1:

Experienced Industrial Designer with 8 years of expertise in developing innovative and user-centric product designs for consumer electronics and home appliances. Skilled in CAD software, prototyping, and manufacturing processes, with a proven ability to bring concepts from idea to market. Recognized for delivering designs that enhance functionality while reducing production costs by 15%.

Example 2:

Versatile Retail Interior Designer with a decade of expertise in crafting compelling spaces that drive sales and enhance customer satisfaction. Proficient in developing concepts, managing budgets, and coordinating with vendors to deliver projects on time and within scope. Notable for designing flagship stores that reflect brand values and attract a strong customer base.

Example 3:

Seasoned Hospitality Interior Designer with over 7 years of experience in creating luxurious and functional spaces for high-end hotels, resorts, and restaurants. Skilled in conceptual design, space planning, and client collaboration. Successfully led redesigns that increased guest satisfaction scores by 20% and achieved a 35% boost in occupancy rates.

Experience

If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.

William Morris

When outlining and structuring professional background on a resume for interior designer, it is essential to present the facts clearly and concisely. This not only aids the reader in comprehending your previous work, but also displays your proficiencies and expertise.

One of the key things to keep in mind while listing work history is to do it in chronological order. Beginning from your current position and going backwards to your earliest job, this is what is expected.

For each position, include the following details:

  • Job title
  • Company name
  • Location (city and state)
  • Dates of employment
  • Main responsibilities and tasks
  • Specific accomplishments with quantifiable results

Tailor the descriptions of your past roles to match the requirements of the occupation. Highlight relevant projects and incorporate keywords from the job posting to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Example:

Senior Interior Designer

Urban Spaces Design, New York, NY, June 2020 – Present

  • Lead design projects for high-end residential and commercial spaces.
  • Manage a team of junior designers and coordinate with contractors to ensure timely and on-budget project completion.
  • Develop innovative design concepts that increase space utilization by 20% in multiple client projects.
  • Successfully executed a redesign of a flagship store, boosting foot traffic by 25% and sales by 15%.

Interior Designer

Design Innovations, Chicago, IL, March 2017 – May 2020

  • Created detailed design plans and 3D renderings for various commercial and residential projects.
  • Collaborated with clients to understand their vision and requirements, translating them into functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.
  • Utilized CAD software and other design tools to develop and present design concepts, contributing to a 10% reduction in turnaround time.

Junior Interior Designer

Creative Interiors, Los Angeles, CA, January 2015 – February 2017

  • Assisted senior designers in developing design concepts and preparing presentations.
  • Conducted site visits and assisted in space planning and furniture selection for residential projects.
  • Managed documentation and client communications, ensuring smooth project execution.

Education

Listing your education on a resume of interior designer is an important part of showcasing your qualifications and relevant academic background.

Here’s how to effectively organize and present your education section:

  • Use reverse chronological order.
  • Specify the type of degree (e.g., Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Interior Architecture).
  • Mention your major or field of study if relevant.
  • Note the name of the school or institution where you obtained your credentials.
  • Include the city and state (and country if international).
  • Provide the month and year of graduation. If you haven’t graduated yet, you can list your expected date.
  • Incorporate any honors or distinctions you received, such as cum laude, Dean’s List, or scholarships.

If specific courses are particularly relevant to the job you’re applying for, incorporate them. Generally, you should omit high school if you have higher degrees. However, if you're early in your career and lack higher education, you might include it.

Example:

Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design

Parsons School of Design, New York, NY

  • Graduated: May 2017
  • Relevant Coursework: Advanced Space Planning, Sustainable Design Practices
  • Honors: Graduated with Distinction

Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture

University of California, Los Angeles, CA

  • Graduated: June 2015
  • Relevant Coursework: Architectural Drafting, Environmental Design
  • Honors: Dean’s List (2013-2015)

Interior design skills for resume

Creativity is nothing but a mindset free.

Torrie T. Asai

A successful interior design resume should feature a balanced combination of soft and hard skills, showcasing your versatility and value to potential employers.

  • Soft skills are crucial as they illustrate a person's aptitude for effectively conveying ideas, working together, and finding solutions.
  • Hard skills exhibit technical proficiency and understanding.

Having a mix of both types of abilities on a resume can greatly benefit an interior designer by making them more marketable and desirable to employers.

Hard skills:

  • CAD Software (e.g., AutoCAD, SketchUp)
  • Space Planning
  • 3D Modeling
  • Color Theory
  • Materials Selection
  • Lighting Design
  • Project Management
  • Budget Management

Soft skills:

  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Problem-Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Collaboration
  • Time Management
  • Client Relations

Additional information

Supplementary details add depth to your resume for interior designer, providing a richer narrative of your career and achievements beyond basic job descriptions.

Certifications and licenses

These indicate that you meet specific industry standards and have specialized computer knowledge, making you more competitive.

Example:

  • LEED Accredited Professional – U.S. Green Building Council, 2023
  • NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer – National Council for Interior Design Qualification, 2022

Professional affiliations

Memberships in relevant organizations suggest that you are well-connected and actively involved in your industry.

Example:

  • Member, American Society of Interior Designers
  • Member, International Interior Design Association
  • Chair, ASID New York Chapter Design Committee (2022-2024)

Recognitions

These serve as third-party endorsements of your skills and accomplishments, which can lend credibility to your claims.

Example:

  • Winner, Interior Design Magazine’s Best Residential Project (2023)
  • Recipient, Design Excellence Award: from the National Association of Home Builders (2022)

Publications

These showcase your thought leadership and expertise, highlighting your contributions to your field.

Example:

  • "Sustainable Design Trends for 2024", Interior Design Weekly, February 2024
  • "Innovative Space Planning Techniques", Design Professionals Journal, November 2023

Portfolio

Provides tangible examples of your work, allowing potential employers to see your skills in action.

Example:

  • Online Portfolio: www.janedoeinteriordesign.com

Languages

Being multilingual can be a significant asset, particularly if the job involves working with diverse populations or international clients.

Example:

  • Fluent in Spanish
  • Proficient in French

Volunteer work

Demonstrates your commitment to social responsibility and can reflect transferable skills relevant to the job.

Example:

  • Lead Designer, Habitat for Humanity – Designed and coordinated community housing projects (2020-2022)
  • Volunteer, Design Workshop for Local Schools – Developed creative space solutions for classroom renovations (2019-2021)

Personal projects

Reflect your creativity and ability to manage projects independently, often demonstrating passion and initiative.

  • Designed a series of eco-friendly tiny homes featured in "Green Living Magazine" (2023)
  • Created a home office redesign series for an online design blog (2022)

Interior design cover letter

A cover letter for interior designer allows you to convey your unique personality and enthusiasm, which a resume alone cannot do. It offers a glimpse into who you are and why you are interested in the role.

Use template Download PDF

Below is a step-by-step guide to crafting an effective cover letter.

Header

Your contact information:

  • Include: Your full name, address, phone number, and email.
  • Format: Align this information to the left or center of the page.

Employer’s contact information:

  • Include: The hiring manager’s name, title, company, and address.
  • Format: Place this data below your details.

Salutation

  • Address the cover letter to a specific person if possible.
  • If you cannot find a name, use a general greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager".

Introduction

  • Underline the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing.
  • Convey your excitement about the opportunity and briefly introduce why you are a great fit.

Body

  • Highlight your most relevant qualifications. Explain how your skills and achievements align with the requirements. Use specific examples.
  • Mention any relevant certifications or specializations.
  • Relate your skills to the company’s needs and demonstrate how you can address their challenges or goals.

Closing

  • Reiterate your interest in the company.
  • Indicate your desire for an interview or further discussion.
  • Show appreciation for their time and consideration.

Now, let's examine both a strong and a weak example to illustrate what makes a cover letter successful.

Good interior design cover letter example:

  • Dear Hiring Manager,

    I am thrilled to apply for the Residential Interior Designer position at Ideo, as advertised on your company’s careers page. With a robust background in design gained at Redesigna and a deep passion for creating innovative and personalized living spaces, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your agency.

    During my tenure as a Lead Interior Designer, I spearheaded numerous residential projects, including a high-end apartment renovation that received accolades for its sophisticated use of space and sustainable materials. My experience involved collaborating closely with clients to understand their needs and preferences, and translating those insights into functional and aesthetically pleasing designs.

    For instance, a recent project I led involved redesigning a family home, which included optimizing space for a growing family and integrating eco-friendly materials. This project not only enhanced the functionality of the space but also achieved a 20% increase in energy efficiency.

    At Ideo, I am particularly drawn to your emphasis on innovative and user-centric design solutions. Your recent project, the urban loft design, showcased a blend of creativity and practicality that resonates with my design philosophy.

    I am eager to bring my expertise in space planning, materials selection, and client engagement to your team. My proficiency in design software, including AutoCAD and SketchUp, combined with my ability to manage multiple projects, aligns well with the qualifications you seek.

    Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further explore how I can contribute to Ideo's continued success.

    Sincerely,

    Alice Wong

This cover letter example is effective because it demonstrates a strong understanding of the company's philosophy and recent projects, showing the job seeker's genuine interest. It highlights achievements from the applicant's previous position, directly aligning with the job requirements.

The letter effectively communicates both technical and soft skills, such as client relationship management and attention to detail. Additionally, it maintains a professional tone while conveying enthusiasm and readiness to contribute to the team.

Create your professional Cover letter in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Cover Letter

Bad interior design cover letter example:

  • Dear Hiring Manager,

    I am writing to express my interest in the position at Bright Interiors. Although I have never worked in this sphere, I am looking to switch careers. I believe this job might be a good opportunity for me. I am excited about the idea of working in a new field. My previous job in accounting might offer some unique viewpoints.

    In my previous role, I handled a lot of spreadsheets and number-crunching. This is quite different from design, but I’m confident that my skills with data will be useful. I am eager to learn more about interior design and am open to any training you might offer.

    I am available for an interview whenever convenient and look forward to discussing how I might fit into your team.

    Thank you for considering my application.

    Sincerely,

    Jordan Smith

The letter fails to connect any relevant skills or experiences from the past career to the role of an interior designer, making it unclear how their background applies. It does not explain why the person is interested in design specifically or how their previous job has prepared them for this career shift.

The cover letter is vague and does not present a compelling argument for why the applicant would be a good fit, lacking examples.

Proofread

Accurate and error-free writing builds trust with your audience. It shows that you are a reliable source of information and that you have put in the effort to produce high-quality work.

  • After writing an interior design resume, take a break before you start proofreading.
  • Reading the document aloud can help you catch errors and awkward phrasing.
  • Check for typos and misspelled words.
  • Ensure correct use of tense, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure.
  • Verify the proper placement of commas, periods, apostrophes, etc.
  • Utilize built-in spell check and grammar tools in word processing software.
  • Printing out your papers can help you spot errors that you might overlook on a screen.
  • Ask someone else to read your document. A fresh set of eyes can catch mistakes you may have missed.

Conclusion

Everything is designed. Few things are designed well.

Brian Reed

By tailoring your resume to highlight your unique style, demonstrating your impact on past projects, and showcasing your ability to solve complex design challenges, you can make a compelling case to potential employers.

Remember to keep your interior design resume visually appealing and aligned with the latest industry trends, ensuring that it reflects both your sensibility and your attention to detail.

Approach this task with the same creativity and dedication you bring to your projects, and you’ll be well on your way to making a memorable impression in the competitive world of interior design.

Create your professional Resume in 10 minutes for FREE

Build My Resume