Thinking about launching your interior design career as an assistant?
Or, maybe you’re looking to hire the right support.
Either way, understanding the role of an interior design assistant is key to success. For aspiring assistants, this position offers a dynamic and hands-on opportunity to learn the ins and outs of the industry. For those hiring, finding the right assistant can be a game-changer, freeing up valuable time to focus on the bigger picture.
In this post, we’ll explore the world of interior design assistants from both sides, giving you the tools you need to move forward with your goals.
Table of Contents
What does an interior design assistant do?
Interior design assistants follow the lead of the designer they work for, tackling any and all tasks assigned to them. Often, their responsibilities include handling tasks that the designer may not have the time or desire to focus on.
Some key responsibilities of an interior design assistant include:
- Communicate with clients
- Schedule meetings
- Manage calendars
- Organize documents and project materials
- Assist with invoicing, billing, and budget tracking
- Prepare design presentations
- Create mood boards and color palettes
- Draft floor plans and layouts
- Assist with product sourcing
- Coordinate product and material procurement
- Communicate with vendors and contractors
- Help coordinate final installation and client walkthroughs
As an assistant, look for roles that align with your strengths and passions. If you thrive on organization and detail, consider seeking opportunities with designers who need help with administrative tasks. If you aspire to one day run your own design firm, focus on positions where you’ll have the opportunity to create mood boards and assist with drafting floor plans.
For those hiring, remember that interior design assistants can work both virtually and in-person, offering flexibility to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re a full-service designer or working remotely, a virtual assistant can help with everything from administrative tasks to design work and client communication, no matter where they are located.
How much do interior design assistants make?
Interior design assistant wages can fluctuate greatly based on location, education, experience, and the specific responsibilities of the role. On average, assistants earn between $17 and $25 per hour.
If this rate feels challenging for your business, consider starting with a limited number of hours—some assistants work as few as 5 hours per month. As your business grows and your profits increase, you’ll have the flexibility to delegate more tasks.
Job seekers: If you land a role that only covers a few hours per month, consider taking on multiple positions until you find your perfect, full-time fit.
15 places to find interior design assistant jobs
Here are some of the most common websites for finding (and posting) interior design assistant jobs.
Job Boards:
Gig websites:
Industry Websites:
Social media:
Applicants: You can also find interior design assistant jobs by visiting websites of companies you admire. Check the “Careers” or “Employment” sections of their sites regularly for new openings.
Interior designers: use this list as a starting point for where to post your assistant ads. The more places you post, the more likely you are to find the right fit.
How to hire an interior design assistant
Designers: Follow these steps to find and hire a valuable and efficient interior design assistant.
- Create a detailed job description — Begin by clearly outlining the role. Include a specific job title, key responsibilities, required skills and qualifications, as well as details about compensation and benefits.
- Share your job posting — Post your job opening on prominent career websites like LinkedIn and Glassdoor, along with design-focused platforms such as Coroflot. Don’t forget to promote the position on your social media channels to reach a wider audience.
- Review resumes and portfolios — As applications come in, carefully assess resumes and portfolios for relevant experience, proficiency with design software, industry knowledge, and creativity.
- Interview your strongest applicants — Invite your strongest applicants for an interview. Use this time to dive deeper into their experience, discuss the role in more detail, and understand what motivates them.
- Check references — As you make your decision, it’s important to always check the applicant’s references. This will provide insight into their past performance and give you a clearer picture of how they might fit into your design team.
- Offer a trial period — Once you find a good fit, offer a trial period—whether it’s one, three, or six months. This gives both you and the assistant the opportunity to ensure you work well together before committing to a long-term arrangement.
How to train an interior design assistant
Once you’ve found the perfect interior design assistant, it’s time to equip them with brand knowledge and industry-specific skills to help them be successful.
1. Define the role’s scope and responsibilities
Clearly outline your assistant’s duties. Identify tasks that are time-consuming, repetitive, or no longer bring you joy, and consider whether they align with your assistant’s skill set. If so, incorporate these duties into a detailed, written job description.
2. Share your brand style and design preferences
To help your assistant align with your brand, share details of your past projects and unique style and aesthetic preferences. Depending on their experience level, you may also need to provide training on key design principles, such as space planning, procurement, color theory, and material knowledge.
3. Train your assistant on your preferred design software
Whether you use DesignFiles, Coohom, or another 3D design tool, give your assistant access to the platform. If they’re unfamiliar with it, dedicate some time to walk them through the tool’s features so they can become proficient in using it to support your work.
4. Have your assistant shadow you for a day
Allow your assistant to shadow you, either virtually or in person, for a set period. Consider having them attend client meetings, assist with material sourcing, and collaborate on creating mood boards to gain insight into your process and the practical aspects of the job.
5. Continue to mentor and provide feedback
Ongoing mentorship is key to helping your assistant excel. Provide constructive feedback regularly to guide their growth and encourage self-reflection. Share the latest industry trends and best practices to help them stay current and continue improving in their role.
Applicants: Be sure not to overlook the sections of this article aimed at industry professionals. By gaining insight into what designers look for in an assistant and how they find and hire the best candidates, you’ll be better equipped to secure your ideal assistant role.
If you’re serious about becoming an interior design assistant—or hiring one—spend some time exploring our DesignFiles resources. From project management to product sourcing and procurement, you’ll find valuable insights to help you succeed in the industry.
Supercharge your workflow with DesignFiles
With so much on your plate, the last thing you need is a steep learning curve. DesignFiles offers a user-friendly platform for interior designers and assistants. It’s fast to set up and packed with features that simplify the job. From moodboard creation and product sourcing to client communication, scheduling, and procurement—everything lives in one place. Assistants can stay aligned with designers and easily manage timelines, feedback, and calendars. Whether you’re collaborating on designs or managing a full project, DesignFiles makes it seamless.
Interested in designing more efficiently? Check out DesignFiles, the top-rated solution for solo designers and small firms.
