17 Interior Design Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

As an interior design assistant, you’re responsible for a wide range of tasks that help to create beautiful, functional spaces. From measuring and sketching to ordering materials and supervising contractors, you’ll be an integral part of the team that brings a client’s vision to life.

If you’re looking for an interior design assistant job, you’ll likely need to go through an interview process. One way to prepare for this important meeting is to learn how to answer interior design assistant interview questions before talking with an interviewer.

Employers look for interior design assistants who are creative, detail-oriented, and able to work independently. You’ll also need physical strength and stamina, as well as knowledge of the best ways to clean different types of surfaces. A interior design assistant interview is your chance to show that you’ve polished these skills to a shine. To help you get ready, we’ve listed interior design assistant questions and answers that will help you figure out what you want to say during an interview.

Are you familiar with AutoCAD or other design software?

The interviewer may ask this question to see if you have experience with the software they use in their office. If you are not familiar with AutoCAD, explain that you are willing to learn it and include any other design software skills you have.

Example: “I am very comfortable using SketchUp for interior design projects. I also have some experience with Photoshop and InDesign, which I used during my internship at a marketing firm last summer. I’m eager to learn more about AutoCAD as well.”

What are some of your past experiences in the design industry?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your background and experience. They want to know what you have done in the past that is relevant to their position. When answering this question, think of a few things you have accomplished as an interior design assistant. You can also mention any awards or certifications you may have earned.

Example: “In my last role as an interior design assistant, I helped plan several events for clients. One client wanted to host a dinner party with a specific color scheme and theme. I worked with the event planner to create a menu, decorations and seating arrangements. We even created a custom floral arrangement for the table centerpieces. The event turned out beautifully, and the client was very happy.”

How would you describe your past work as a design assistant in terms of impact?

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you’re proud of the work you’ve done in the past and how it’s helped others. When answering this question, try to focus on the positive impact you’ve had on projects and clients.

Example: “In my last role as an interior design assistant, I was responsible for creating mood boards with color palettes and furniture options for our clients. This process helped me learn more about different styles and trends in interior design so I could help our clients find what they were looking for. In one instance, I created a mood board for a client who wanted a modern style but also wanted to incorporate some traditional elements. After seeing the mood board, the client decided to go with a more transitional style.”

What is your favorite design style and why?

Employers ask this question to see if you have a passion for interior design. They want to know that you enjoy the work and are excited about being part of their team. Your answer should include what you like about the style, how it relates to your own personal style and why you think it’s popular.

Example: “My favorite style is modern because I love clean lines and neutral colors. It’s also very versatile, so I can use it in many different types of spaces. For example, I recently worked on a project where we had to create an office space with cubicles. We used modern elements like metal accents and bold colors to make the space more fun and inviting.”

Provide an example of a time you helped a client find the perfect piece of furniture.

An employer may ask this question to learn more about your interior design skills. They want to know how you can help clients find the right furniture for their home or office space. In your answer, explain what steps you would take when helping a client find new furniture. Explain that you would consider the client’s style and budget before making any suggestions.

Example: “I once worked with a client who was looking for a new dining room table. I asked her about her favorite colors and styles. She told me she liked modern pieces but also wanted something classic. We looked at several different websites together until we found one that had exactly what she was looking for. It was a beautiful piece of furniture that fit perfectly in her dining room.”

If a client disagreed with your design choices, how would you handle the situation?

An employer may ask this question to make sure you have the confidence and skills to handle disagreements with clients. In your answer, try to show that you can remain calm and respectful when a client disagrees with your design choices. You can also mention how you would use your communication skills to help resolve the disagreement.

Example: “If a client disagreed with my design choices, I would first listen to their concerns and take notes on what they liked about the current space and what they disliked. Then, I would explain why I chose the design elements I did and offer suggestions for other options that might work better for them. If the client still wasn’t satisfied with my ideas, I would continue to be patient and helpful as we worked together to find a solution.”

What would you do if you were working on a project and one of the items you needed was out of stock?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you handle challenges in the workplace. Your answer should show that you are willing to take initiative and find a solution to any problems that arise during your workday.

Example: “If I was working on a project and one of the items I needed was out of stock, I would first check with my supervisor to see if they had another source for the item. If not, I would contact the client to let them know what happened and ask if there were any other items they could use instead. Then, I would start looking online for similar items at different stores or websites until I found something that matched the original design.”

How well do you pay attention to detail?

Attention to detail is an important skill for interior designers. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the ability to notice small details and ensure that your designs are accurate. When answering, show them that you can pay attention to detail by describing a time when you noticed something others might not have.

Example: “I am very good at paying attention to detail. In my last role, I was working on a project where we had to match colors exactly. I made sure to take notes of every color in each room so I could find the exact paint chips later. After looking through all of the paint swatches, I realized one of the rooms had two different shades of blue. I matched both blues perfectly, which helped me complete the project.”

Do you enjoy working with clients?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re a good fit for the role. They want someone who is patient and willing to listen to clients’ needs. In your answer, explain that you enjoy working with people in general. Explain how you use your interpersonal skills to help clients feel comfortable during their design process.

Example: “I love meeting new people and getting to know them. I find it rewarding when I can create something beautiful for my clients that they’ll enjoy for years to come. I’m always looking for ways to improve my client experience. For example, if I notice a client is uncomfortable with heights, I might suggest using lower furniture pieces or changing up the color scheme so they don’t have as many dark colors.”

When working with a team of designers, how do you handle constructive criticism?

As an interior design assistant, you’ll likely work with a team of designers and architects. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle constructive criticism from your superiors. In your answer, show the interviewer that you’re willing to take feedback and use it to improve your designs.

Example: “I’ve worked in teams before, so I know how important it is to be open to receiving feedback. When my supervisor gives me feedback on my designs, I listen carefully and try to understand their perspective. Then, I think about what they said and decide if there’s anything I can do to improve my design. If I’m unsure about something, I always ask for clarification.”

We want to be known for our modern designs. Are there any design trends you would avoid when designing rooms for our clients?

This question can help the interviewer determine how well you understand current design trends and whether you’re able to adapt your designs to meet clients’ needs. Your answer should show that you know what’s popular in interior design and why it’s important to avoid certain styles or themes when designing rooms for clients.

Example: “I would avoid using too many patterns, colors or textures in a room because I’ve found that this can make spaces feel busy and overwhelming. Instead, I prefer to use neutral tones with pops of color to create more visually appealing spaces. Another trend I try to avoid is overuse of technology in interior design. While there are some benefits to incorporating smart home features into a space, I find that most clients don’t want their homes to look like they belong in a science fiction movie.”

Describe your process for completing a room design from start to finish.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer how you approach interior design projects and the steps you take to complete them. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe each step of the process in detail so that your interviewer can see how you use your skills and knowledge to create beautiful designs for clients.

Example: “I start by meeting with my client to learn more about their preferences and style. I also ask questions about what they like and don’t like about their current home decor. After our initial consultation, I research different color schemes and furniture options to help me decide on a final plan for the room. Then, I draw up sketches of the proposed design and share them with my client to get feedback before moving forward with the project.”

What makes you the best candidate for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your relevant work experience, education or any other credentials that are important for interior design assistants.

Example: “I am passionate about interior design and have been working in this field for five years. I have gained valuable experience as an assistant designer at my current company, where I’ve learned how to create floor plans, select furniture and decorate homes according to clients’ needs. My communication skills are excellent, which makes it easy for me to collaborate with designers and clients. I also have a degree in interior design from XYZ University.”

Which design trends do you think will be popular in the next few years?

Employers may ask this question to see if you’re up-to-date on the latest interior design trends. They want to know that you can use your creativity and knowledge of current styles to create beautiful designs for their clients. In your answer, try to name a few popular trends while also explaining why you think they’ll continue to be popular in the future.

Example: “I think geometric patterns will remain popular because they’re so versatile. You can use them in everything from accent pieces to entire room designs. I also think natural elements like wood and stone will stay popular as well. People are starting to realize how important it is to incorporate nature into our homes.”

What do you think is the most important part of the design process?

This question can help the interviewer determine your priorities and how you approach a project. Your answer should show that you understand what’s important in interior design and why it matters to clients.

Example: “I think communication is the most important part of the design process because it allows me to make sure I’m meeting my client’s needs. When I communicate with them about their preferences, budget and timeline, I can create designs that fit all of these factors. This helps ensure that when I present my ideas to the client, they’re going to be happy with the final product.”

How often do you think designers should update their personal style and how do you implement that change in your own designs?

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your design philosophy and how you apply it in your work. Your answer should show that you’re aware of the latest trends in interior design, but also that you can implement them into your own designs while still maintaining a personal style.

Example: “I think designers should update their personal style every six months or so because there are always new materials and colors available on the market. I try to do this myself by taking online courses and reading blogs about current trends in interior design. Then, I incorporate those elements into my own projects as much as possible.”

There is a miscommunication with a vendor and they sent the wrong pieces for a room design. What would you do?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you would handle a challenging situation. In your answer, try to highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to communicate with others.

Example: “I would first ask the client if they wanted me to return the pieces or use them in another room. If they want me to return them, I would call the vendor immediately and explain that there was a mistake and we need to exchange the pieces for what we originally ordered. The vendor will likely send someone out to pick up the pieces, so I would make sure everything is ready before they arrive.”