17 Interior Design Intern Interview Questions and Answers

An interior design intern is responsible for a variety of tasks that help to create beautiful, functional, and safe interior spaces. This may include selecting furniture, fabrics, and finishes; drawing up floor plans and design sketches; and collaborating with clients, contractors, and other professionals.

If you’re interested in becoming an interior designer, it’s important to be prepared to answer questions about your design style, experience, and education. In this guide, we’ll provide you with sample questions and answers that will help you shine in your next interior design interview.

Are you familiar with the basics of interior design?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the field. It also allows you to show that you have an interest in interior design and are willing to learn more about it. If you’re not familiar with all aspects of interior design, consider reading up on them before your interview.

Example: “I am very interested in interior design and have been following trends for quite some time. I know what elements make up a room’s color scheme, furniture placement and lighting. I’m also aware of how different textures can affect a space. However, I would love to learn more about these things as well as other important aspects of interior design.”

What are your favorite styles of interior design and why?

This question can help employers learn more about your design preferences and how you might fit into their company culture. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few styles that you enjoy and why you like them. You can also include some of the interior designs you’ve created in those styles if you have examples.

Example: “I really love Scandinavian-style interiors because they’re so clean and simple. I find that they make spaces feel calm and peaceful, which is something I strive for when designing rooms. I also really enjoy modern styles because they are so bold and unique. I think there’s always room for new ideas in interior design, and I’m excited to try out new things.”

How would you approach designing a space if you were given very little budget to work with?

This question can help employers understand how you approach challenges and use your creativity to create beautiful spaces. In your answer, try to explain how you would find ways to make the space look great without spending a lot of money.

Example: “When I was working on my senior project, we were given a very small budget to work with. At first, I was worried about what I could do with such little funds, but then I remembered that sometimes it’s not always about the money. Instead, I focused on finding creative ways to repurpose items or using materials that are more affordable. For example, instead of buying expensive furniture, I found thrift stores where I could buy used furniture for cheap. Then, I painted them in bright colors to give the room a fun vibe.”

What is your process for researching new trends in interior design?

Employers ask this question to see if you have the ability to stay up-to-date with current trends in interior design. They want to know that you can use your research skills to find information about new products, materials and designs. In your answer, explain how you would go about researching these types of things.

Example: “I subscribe to several interior design blogs and newsletters so I can keep up with what’s happening in the industry. I also follow a lot of interior designers on social media because they often post photos of their work or share articles about new trends. I think it’s important to be aware of what other professionals are doing so I can learn from them.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

This question can help employers determine how you handle stress and prioritize your tasks. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a time when you had multiple projects due at the same time and how you managed them all effectively.

Example: “In my last semester of interior design school, I was working on two final projects that were due within one week of each other. One project was designing an office space for a small business owner, while the other was designing a living room for a family with young children. In order to complete both projects in time, I had to work late nights and weekends to ensure I met all deadlines. While it was challenging, I was able to successfully complete both projects by their respective deadlines.”

If given the opportunity, would you like to learn how to draft floor plans and 3D models?

This question can help employers determine whether you’re willing to learn new skills and how eager you are to advance your career. If you have drafting experience, share that information with the interviewer. If you don’t, explain why you would like to learn this skill.

Example: “I’ve always been interested in learning how to draft floor plans and 3D models because I think it’s a valuable skill for interior designers. In my last internship, I asked my supervisor if she could teach me some of these skills, but unfortunately, she didn’t have time. However, I’m excited about the opportunity to learn these skills at this company.”

What would you do if you noticed a mistake in a design you had already presented to a client?

This question can help employers determine how you respond to mistakes and challenges. It’s important to be honest in your answer, as it can show that you’re willing to take responsibility for your actions. In your response, try to explain what steps you would take to fix the mistake or error.

Example: “If I noticed a mistake in a design I had already presented to a client, I would first apologize to my supervisor and then meet with the client to discuss the issue. I would offer to redesign the space at no additional cost and work with my team to create a new plan. If I made the mistake on my own, I would ask if they could give me another chance to complete the project.”

How well do you work under pressure?

Employers ask this question to see if you can handle the stress of an internship. They want to know that you are able to work hard and meet deadlines even when there is a lot going on around you. Use your answer to show that you have good time-management skills and can prioritize tasks effectively.

Example: “I am very organized, so I find it easy to stay on top of my workload. However, I also understand that sometimes unexpected things happen. If I ever feel overwhelmed or like I won’t be able to complete all of my tasks by their due date, I will let my supervisor know right away. I always try to communicate with my team members and supervisors so they know what’s going on.”

Do you have any questions for me about the position or company?

This is your chance to show the interviewer that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the position. It’s also a good time to ask any questions you have about the company culture or how the internship program works.

Example: “I was really impressed by the diversity of projects you work on here, from hospitals to hotels. I’m curious what it’s like working with such a large team on these projects. Also, I noticed there are quite a few opportunities for advancement within this company. What do you think makes someone successful at this company?”

When given an assignment, do you prefer to work independently or with a team?

This question can help employers determine how you might fit into their company culture. They may be looking for someone who is comfortable working independently, but they also want to know that you are willing to collaborate with others when necessary. In your answer, try to explain why you prefer one method over the other and what situations you would use each approach in.

Example: “I have found that I am most productive when I work on my own projects. However, I do think it’s important to get feedback from others along the way. For this reason, I usually start by doing all of the research myself and then ask a senior designer or interior design intern to review my work before I submit it.”

We want our interns to learn from their mistakes. How would you approach a project differently after realizing you made a mistake?

This question can help employers learn about your problem-solving skills and how you react to challenges. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a time when you made a mistake but learned from it.

Example: “When I first started my interior design internship, I was working on a project that required me to create a color palette for the client. At first, I thought I would use colors that were similar to what they already had in their home. However, after talking with the client, I realized they wanted bolder colors than what they currently had. If I could do the project over again, I would have asked more questions about the client’s preferences before creating the color palette.”

Describe your ideal work environment.

Employers ask this question to make sure you’ll be happy in their office. They want an intern who will fit into the company culture and work well with others. When answering, think about what makes your current workplace ideal. Consider things like the people you work with, the tasks you do or the environment itself.

Example: “My ideal work environment is one where I can focus on my work without distractions. I enjoy working independently but also collaborating with other designers. I feel most productive when I have a quiet space to work in, so I prefer an office over a coffee shop. I also need access to computers and design software, as well as some natural light.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this position?

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

Example: “I am passionate about interior design and have been working toward becoming an interior designer since I was in high school. Throughout my college career, I took several courses in interior design and completed two internships at local interior design firms. During these internships, I learned valuable skills like sketching floor plans and creating mood boards. These skills make me an ideal candidate for this internship because they show that I am ready to take on professional projects.”

Which design software programs are you most familiar with using?

This question is a great way to see how much experience you have with interior design software. Employers ask this question because they want to know if you can be productive right away or if you need training. In your answer, let the employer know which programs you are most comfortable using and why. If you don’t have any experience with specific programs, explain that you’re willing to learn new ones.

Example: “I am most familiar with SketchUp Pro and Adobe Creative Suite. I learned these programs in my previous internship where I was responsible for creating 3D models of spaces and designing marketing materials. These skills helped me create designs that were more visually appealing than what other interns created.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of interior design?

This question is a great way to see how much an applicant knows about the field. It also helps employers determine whether their interns will be able to work independently or if they’ll need more guidance. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention something specific that you’ve learned in your studies and apply it to your answer.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of interior design is color. Color has so many different meanings and emotions associated with it, which makes it such a powerful tool for creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. I took a class on color theory last semester, and it really helped me understand why certain colors go well together while others don’t.”

How often do you think a space should be updated to reflect current trends in design?

Employers may ask this question to see if you’re aware of the latest interior design trends. They want to know that you can keep up with current styles and are able to implement them in your designs. In your answer, try to show that you have a good understanding of what’s currently popular in interior design. You can also mention how often you would update a space based on its style or function.

Example: “I think it depends on the style of the room. For example, I wouldn’t update a modern-style living room every year because it doesn’t need to be updated as much as a more traditional style room. However, I do think spaces should be updated at least once every five years to reflect current trends.”

There is a wide range of personalities that enter our spaces. How would you help clients and guests feel comfortable in a space designed by you?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your interpersonal skills and ability to create a positive experience for clients. In your answer, try to highlight how you would use your communication and design skills to make the client’s or guest’s experience in the space as comfortable as possible.

Example: “I believe that interior design is more than just creating beautiful spaces. It’s also about making sure those spaces are functional and comfortable. I always take into account my client’s personality when designing their space so they can feel at home in it. For example, if I were working with a family of five, I would want to ensure there was enough seating for everyone and plenty of light in the room.”