Interior Designer Resume Examples and How to Write
Are you struggling to translate your creative vision and design expertise into a resume that captures the attention of Australia’s leading design firms and clients? You’re not alone in this competitive industry where employers seek designers who can balance aesthetic excellence with practical functionality and client satisfaction. Whether you’re a recent design graduate building your portfolio, an experienced designer seeking new opportunities, or a career changer bringing fresh perspectives to interior design, crafting a compelling resume is essential for standing out in Australia’s vibrant design market.
This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything needed to create an interior designer resume that showcases your creative abilities, technical skills, and project management capabilities. From highlighting your design philosophy to demonstrating your expertise in Australian building codes and sustainable design practices, we’ll help you present your experience in a format that resonates with hiring managers across residential, commercial, and hospitality design sectors.
Interior designers are increasingly in demand across Australia as the design industry experiences significant growth driven by residential renovations, commercial fit-outs, and hospitality developments. With the right resume showcasing your design expertise, technical proficiency, and client relationship skills, you’ll be well-positioned to secure opportunities in this creative and rewarding field that offers excellent career progression and the satisfaction of transforming spaces.
Interior Designer Resume (Text Version)
Emma Rodriguez
Interior Designer
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Mobile: 0434 567 890
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emmarodriguez-interiordesign
Portfolio: www.emmarodriguezdesign.com.au
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Creative Interior Designer with 8+ years of experience delivering award-winning residential and commercial projects valued up to $2.8M across Melbourne’s premium design market. Successfully completed 120+ projects while maintaining 98% client satisfaction rating and generating $450K in repeat business annually. Expertise in sustainable design practices, space planning, and project coordination from concept to completion. Passionate about creating functional, aesthetically striking spaces that reflect client lifestyle and brand identity.
EXPERIENCE
Senior Interior Designer
Studio Tate | March 2021 – Present
– Lead design development for high-end residential and boutique commercial projects ranging from $150K-$2.8M in project value
– Manage complete design process from initial client consultation through to final styling and installation
– Coordinate multidisciplinary teams including architects, builders, and specialist trades across 15+ concurrent projects
– Achieved 25% increase in project profitability through strategic supplier partnerships and efficient procurement processes
– Mentor junior designers and oversee design documentation ensuring compliance with Australian building standards
– Featured in 8 design publications including Vogue Living and Australian House & Garden for innovative residential concepts
Interior Designer
Hecker Guthrie | June 2018 – February 2021
– Designed and delivered luxury residential interiors and high-end retail spaces for prominent Melbourne clientele
– Developed comprehensive design concepts including space planning, material selection, and custom furniture specifications
– Managed project budgets averaging $800K while maintaining cost control within 5% variance
– Collaborated with international suppliers and artisans to source unique fixtures and finishes
– Increased client referral rate by 40% through exceptional project delivery and ongoing relationship management
– Won Interior Design Excellence Award for innovative use of sustainable materials in residential renovation
Junior Interior Designer
Biasol Design Studio | February 2016 – May 2018
– Supported senior designers on commercial hospitality projects including restaurants, bars, and boutique hotels
– Created detailed design documentation including floor plans, elevations, and material specifications using AutoCAD and SketchUp
– Conducted site visits and progress inspections, liaising with contractors to ensure design intent was maintained
– Researched and presented material options, contributing to design libraries and resource databases
– Assisted with client presentations and design concept development for 25+ hospitality venues
– Contributed to team winning Australian Interior Design Award for Best Commercial Design
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Interior Design
RMIT University, Melbourne | 2015
– Graduated with High Distinction (GPA: 6.4/7.0)
– Dean’s List recipient (2014, 2015)
– Final year project: “Biophilic Design in Urban Commercial Spaces” – awarded Best Sustainable Design Solution
– Relevant coursework: Space Planning, Building Systems, Colour Theory, Furniture Design, Design History
Certificate III in Interior Decoration
Kangan Institute, Melbourne | 2013
– Distinction average
– Specialisation in residential styling and colour consultation
SKILLS
• Space planning and spatial design • Colour theory and material selection
– AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit proficiency • 3D rendering and visualisation
– Project management and coordination • Client consultation and relationship management
– Sustainable design and green building practices • Furniture design and custom joinery specification
– Building codes and Australian standards compliance • Budget management and cost estimation
– Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) • FF&E specification and procurement
– Lighting design and electrical planning • Construction documentation and detailing
SOFTWARE & TECHNICAL SKILLS
• Design Software: AutoCAD 2024, SketchUp Pro, Revit, 3ds Max
– Rendering: V-Ray, Lumion, Enscape
– Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Lightroom
– Project Management: Monday.com, Asana, Microsoft Project
– Specification: Material ConneXion database, Design Files resource library
CERTIFICATIONS & MEMBERSHIPS
• Member, Design Institute of Australia (DIA)
– Sustainable Design Specialist Certification – Green Building Council Australia
– Certified Interior Design Practitioner – Australian Institute of Architects
– Working with Children Check (Current)
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
• Interior Design Excellence Award – Residential Category (2022)
– Melbourne Design Week Featured Designer (2021, 2023)
– Australian House & Garden Rising Star Designer (2020)
– RMIT Interior Design Graduate of the Year (2015)
What is The Best Format for an Interior Designer Resume?
The most effective format for an Interior Designer resume is the reverse chronological format, which showcases your design evolution and demonstrates increasing project complexity and creative responsibility. This format is particularly valuable for design positions as it allows employers to see your career progression, project types, and growing expertise in specific design sectors or styles.
Key formatting guidelines include:
– Font: Clean, modern fonts such as Helvetica, Montserrat, or Lato that reflect design sensibility while maintaining readability
– Font size: 11-12 point for body text, 14-18 point for your name and section headings
– Margins: 2-2.5cm margins to create adequate white space and visual balance
– File type: PDF format to preserve formatting and ensure professional presentation
– Length: 2 pages maximum, with emphasis on visual clarity and impactful content
Essential resume sections for Interior Designers:
Header: Include your full name, location (suburb and state), mobile number, professional email, LinkedIn profile, and most importantly, your portfolio website URL that showcases your design work.
Professional Summary: A compelling 3-4 line summary highlighting your design specialisation, years of experience, notable achievements, and design philosophy or unique value proposition.
Experience: Focus on project types, client outcomes, creative solutions, budget management, and any recognition or publication of your work.
Education: Include relevant design qualifications, with emphasis on prestigious institutions, academic achievements, and specialisations that differentiate your design approach.
Other sections: Skills (both technical and creative), software proficiency, certifications, awards, and professional memberships that demonstrate your commitment to design excellence.
What Experience Should Be on Your Interior Designer Resume?
Your experience section should demonstrate your ability to create compelling interior spaces, manage design projects, work with clients and contractors, and deliver projects that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. Include roles that showcase your design evolution, project management skills, and ability to work within various design sectors and budget parameters.
What to include:
• Interior design and space planning roles
– Project management and design coordination positions
– Client consultation and relationship management experience
– Retail or commercial design projects
– Residential design and styling work
– Furniture design and custom specification experience
– Design research and concept development roles
– Visual merchandising and styling positions
– Architecture or building design collaboration
– Sustainable design and green building projects
Correct Example:
Interior Designer
Mim Design | April 2020 – Present
– Design and deliver luxury residential interiors and commercial hospitality spaces with project values ranging from $200K-$1.5M
– Led design team of 4 on flagship restaurant project, creating cohesive brand experience that increased customer dwell time by 35%
– Developed innovative space planning solutions for 15+ compact urban apartments, maximising functionality in spaces averaging 65sqm
– Established strategic partnerships with 20+ premium suppliers, negotiating volume discounts that reduced material costs by 18%
– Managed complete design process from initial brief through to installation, maintaining 96% on-time project delivery
– Achieved feature coverage in Belle Magazine and Architectural Digest for award-winning penthouse design
Incorrect Example:
Interior Designer
Mim Design | April 2020 – Present
– Designed interiors for different clients
– Worked on restaurant project
– Did space planning for apartments
– Found good suppliers
– Finished projects on time
– Got featured in magazines
The correct example includes specific project details, quantifiable outcomes, demonstrates technical expertise and creative problem-solving, and shows measurable contributions to business success and industry recognition.
Entry-Level Interior Designer Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, emphasise relevant internships, student projects, freelance work, and transferable skills from related fields. Focus on any experience with design software, client interaction, project coordination, or creative problem-solving, even in non-design contexts.
Correct Entry-Level Example:
Interior Design Intern
Carr Design Group | February – November 2023
– Assisted senior designers with concept development and design documentation for 8+ commercial and residential projects
– Created detailed 3D renderings and visualisations using SketchUp and V-Ray, contributing to successful client presentations
– Conducted material research and prepared sample libraries for luxury hotel fit-out project valued at $3.2M
– Supported site visits and installation coordination, ensuring design specifications were implemented accurately
– Developed social media content showcasing completed projects, increasing firm’s Instagram engagement by 40%
– Contributed to design team winning Melbourne Design Award for innovative retail concept
Incorrect Entry-Level Example:
Interior Design Intern
Carr Design Group | February – November 2023
– Helped designers with projects
– Made 3D pictures
– Found materials for hotel
– Went to building sites
– Posted on social media
– Team won award
How to Write the Education Section for Your Interior Designer Resume
The education section is crucial for Interior Designer positions, particularly for recent graduates or those seeking positions with prestigious design firms. Australian employers value qualifications from recognised design institutions that provide strong foundations in design theory, technical skills, and industry knowledge. Many positions also require specific qualifications for compliance with building industry standards and professional registration requirements.
List your qualifications in reverse chronological order, including degree name, institution, graduation year, and relevant academic achievements. Include specific coursework, major projects, or design competitions that demonstrate your expertise and creative approach. For design graduates, academic projects can be particularly valuable in demonstrating your design process and problem-solving capabilities.
Interior Designer Resume Example [Education]
Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Honours)
University of Technology Sydney | 2022
– First Class Honours (GPA: 6.8/7.0)
– Honours thesis: “Adaptive Reuse of Industrial Spaces: Sustainable Design Strategies for Urban Renewal”
– Relevant coursework: Advanced Space Planning, Sustainable Design Systems, Building Codes and Compliance, Design Psychology
– Major project: Aged care facility design focusing on dementia-friendly environments – Winner, Student Design Excellence Award
– Industry collaboration: 6-month design studio partnership with Woods Bagot on commercial workplace project
Advanced Diploma of Interior Design
Billy Blue College of Design | 2019
– High Distinction average
– Capstone project: Boutique hotel design incorporating biophilic design principles
– Specialisation: Commercial design and hospitality environments
How to Write the Skills Section for Your Interior Designer Resume
The skills section is essential for Interior Designer resumes as it demonstrates both your creative abilities and technical competencies required for successful project delivery. Australian employers seek designers with strong software proficiency, knowledge of building codes and standards, project management capabilities, and excellent communication skills for client and contractor relationships.
Include 12-18 skills that showcase your design expertise, technical proficiency, and professional capabilities. Balance creative and aesthetic skills with practical and business skills that show you can manage projects from concept to completion while meeting client expectations and regulatory requirements.
Interior Designer Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• AutoCAD drafting and technical documentation
– SketchUp 3D modelling and design development
– Revit BIM and architectural coordination
– Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator)
– 3D rendering and visualisation (V-Ray, Lumion, Enscape)
– Space planning and furniture layout optimisation
– Building Information Modelling (BIM) coordination
– Australian building codes and accessibility standards
– Material specification and FF&E procurement
– Lighting design and electrical coordination
– Project scheduling and budget management
– Construction documentation and detailing
– Colour theory and material selection
– Sustainable design and green building certification
Interior Designer Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Creative problem-solving and design innovation
– Client consultation and relationship management
– Visual communication and presentation skills
– Team collaboration and multidisciplinary coordination
– Time management and deadline prioritisation
– Attention to detail and quality control
– Adaptability and design flexibility
– Negotiation and vendor relationship management
– Cultural sensitivity and inclusive design awareness
– Project leadership and team coordination
– Trend analysis and market research
– Critical thinking and design evaluation
– Client education and design guidance
– Conflict resolution and design compromise
How to Pick the Best Interior Designer Skills:
1. Analyse job descriptions from target employers to identify frequently requested technical and creative skills
2. Research the design sector to understand current industry trends, preferred software, and emerging design technologies
3. Match your portfolio to skills you can demonstrate through completed projects and measurable design outcomes
4. Include industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite that are essential for professional practice
5. Balance creative and business skills to show you can manage both design development and project delivery
6. Consider specialisation areas and include skills relevant to your target design sectors (residential, commercial, hospitality)
7. Stay current with emerging technologies like virtual reality, sustainable materials, and smart home integration
8. Include client-facing skills that demonstrate your ability to manage relationships and communicate design concepts effectively
Interior Designer Resume Examples [Skills]
• 3D visualisation: Created photorealistic renderings using V-Ray and SketchUp for 30+ client presentations, achieving 90% design approval rate on initial concept presentation
– Space planning: Optimised floor plans for 25+ residential projects, increasing functional space utilisation by average 22% while maintaining aesthetic appeal
– Project management: Coordinated multidisciplinary teams across 15+ concurrent projects valued at $8.5M combined, maintaining 95% on-time delivery record
– Client relationship management: Built and maintained relationships with 80+ repeat clients, generating $650K in referral business over 3-year period
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Interior Designer Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your Interior Designer resume by showcasing your creative achievements, industry engagement, and professional development that sets you apart in the competitive design market. These sections are particularly valuable in the creative industries where employers value innovation, recognition, and ongoing commitment to design excellence.
Valuable bonus sections for Interior Designers include:
Awards and Recognition: Design awards, competition wins, or industry recognition that demonstrates excellence in your creative work and professional standing within the Australian design community.
Publications and Media Coverage: Features in design magazines, blogs, or media coverage of your projects that showcase industry recognition and marketing value to potential employers or clients.
Professional Development: Recent workshops, masterclasses, or certifications in emerging design areas like sustainable design, smart home technology, or specialised design software that keep your skills current.
Exhibition and Portfolio Shows: Design exhibitions, showhouse participation, or portfolio displays that demonstrate your ability to present work professionally and engage with the broader design community.
Languages: Additional languages that enable you to work with diverse clientele, particularly valuable in Australia’s multicultural design market and for luxury international clients.
Volunteer Design Work: Pro bono design projects, community involvement, or charitable design contributions that show your commitment to using design skills for social impact.
Interior Designer Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Right Example:
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
– Australian Interior Design Excellence Award – Residential Category Winner (2023)
– Melbourne Design Week Featured Designer – “Future Living” Exhibition (2022)
– Interior Design Student of the Year – RMIT University (2020)
– Belle Magazine “Designer to Watch” Feature (2021)
PUBLICATIONS & MEDIA
– Featured Project: “Sustainable Urban Living” – Vogue Living Australia, Issue 3, 2023
– Design Feature: “Small Space, Big Impact” – Australian House & Garden, March 2022
– Expert Commentary: “Biophilic Design Trends” – The Design Files, September 2022
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
– Sustainable Design Masterclass – Green Building Council Australia (2023)
– Advanced SketchUp and V-Ray Rendering Workshop (2022)
– Universal Design and Accessibility Training – Australian Institute of Architects (2022)
Wrong Example:
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
– Photography, painting, shopping
– Watching home renovation shows
– Collecting vintage furniture
– Travelling to different countries
PERSONAL
– Creative person who loves beautiful things
– Good eye for colour and style
– Enjoys working with people
Additional elements you might consider: Speaking engagements at design events, guest lecturing at design schools, design competition judging roles, or involvement with design industry associations and professional bodies.
How to Write an Interior Designer Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary is essential for Interior Designer resumes as it immediately communicates your creative vision, technical expertise, and professional achievements to potential employers. This section should be 3-4 lines that capture your design specialisation, years of experience, notable projects or recognition, and what unique value you bring to design projects and client relationships.
Key elements to include:
– Years of experience and design specialisation areas
– Types of projects and clients you’ve worked with
– Quantifiable achievements in project delivery, client satisfaction, or industry recognition
– Technical skills or design approaches you specialise in
– Your design philosophy or unique creative perspective
Interior Designer Resume Summary Examples
Right Example:
Award-winning Interior Designer with 6+ years of experience creating luxury residential and boutique commercial spaces across Melbourne’s premium design market. Successfully delivered 85+ projects valued up to $1.8M while maintaining 97% client satisfaction and generating $380K in annual referral business. Expertise in sustainable design practices, custom furniture specification, and innovative space planning solutions. Passionate about creating timeless interiors that balance aesthetic excellence with functional living and environmental responsibility.
Wrong Example:
Creative interior designer with good design skills and knowledge of software. Experienced working on different projects and with various clients. Good communication skills and attention to detail. Looking for challenging interior designer position where I can use my creativity and grow my career in design industry.
For entry-level candidates or career changers, a resume objective can be more appropriate as it focuses on your career goals, relevant skills, and enthusiasm for contributing to the design industry.
Entry-Level Interior Designer Resume Summary Examples
Right Example:
Recent Bachelor of Interior Design graduate with exceptional academic record and 400+ hours of practical experience through industry internships and freelance projects. Demonstrated proficiency in AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite through successful completion of 12+ design projects including award-winning sustainable residential concept. Strong foundation in space planning, colour theory, and client consultation with particular interest in biophilic and wellness-focused design. Eager to contribute fresh perspectives and technical skills to [Company Name]’s reputation for innovative and client-focused design solutions.
Wrong Example:
New interior design graduate looking for entry-level position to start career. Studied design at university and learned software programs. Good at drawing and have creative ideas. Want to work for design company where I can learn and develop my skills in interior design.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Interior Designer Resume
Maintaining alignment between your resume and LinkedIn profile is crucial for Interior Designers, as the platform serves as an extended portfolio and networking tool where potential clients, employers, and collaborators can discover your work and professional brand. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume by providing a more comprehensive view of your design philosophy, creative process, and industry engagement.
When updating your LinkedIn profile to align with your Interior Designer resume, focus on showcasing your visual work, design thinking, and professional personality. LinkedIn’s multimedia capabilities make it an ideal platform for designers to share project images, design process videos, and client testimonials that bring your resume achievements to life.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Interior Designers
Your LinkedIn headline should be more descriptive and search-friendly than your resume header, helping you appear in searches by potential clients and employers while immediately communicating your design specialisation and unique value proposition.
Effective Headlines:
• “Award-Winning Interior Designer | Luxury Residential & Commercial Specialist | Sustainable Design Advocate | Melbourne”
• “Senior Interior Designer | Hospitality & Retail Expert | 3D Visualisation Specialist | Creating Memorable Brand Experiences”
• “Interior Design Director | High-End Residential | Custom Furniture Design | Featured in Vogue Living & Belle Magazine”
Ineffective Headlines:
• “Interior Designer at Studio XYZ”
• “Creative Professional”
• “Making Beautiful Spaces Every Day”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
While your resume summary focuses on achievements and technical competencies, your LinkedIn summary should be more engaging and personal, allowing your design philosophy and creative passion to shine through. Use first-person language to share your design journey, inspirations, and approach to creating meaningful spaces for clients.
Your LinkedIn summary should be 4-6 paragraphs and can include:
– Your design philosophy and what drives your creative process
– The story behind your specialisation or signature design approach
– Key achievements with context about creative challenges and innovative solutions
– Your vision for the future of interior design and industry trends you’re passionate about
– Personal interests that inform your design perspective
– Invitation for potential clients and collaborators to connect
Showcasing Interior Designer Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn allows you to create rich, visual descriptions of your design projects with multimedia content that demonstrates your creative capabilities and problem-solving approach. For each position, expand beyond resume bullet points to tell the story of your design process, client relationships, and the impact of your creative solutions.
Consider adding:
– High-quality before and after photos of your design projects (with client permission)
– Video tours or time-lapse content showing design transformation
– Client testimonials and project reviews that speak to your professional service
– Design process documentation showing your methodology and creative thinking
– Links to media coverage, awards, or online portfolio features
– Mood boards or concept presentations that showcase your creative development process
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Interior Designers
LinkedIn’s skills section should include 20-30 relevant competencies that reflect both your creative abilities and technical expertise. Focus on skills that clients and employers commonly search for and those that demonstrate your proficiency with current design tools and methodologies.
Priority skills for endorsements:
– Interior Design
– Space Planning
– AutoCAD
– SketchUp
– 3D Rendering
– Project Management
– Client Consultation
– Colour Theory
– Furniture Design
– Sustainable Design
– Adobe Creative Suite
– Residential Design
– Commercial Design
– Design Development
Actively seek endorsements from clients, colleagues, contractors, and suppliers you’ve worked with. Consider taking LinkedIn skill assessments for relevant competencies to display proficiency badges that validate your technical abilities.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Interior Designers
Networking strategies specific to the Australian market:
Connect with professionals from major Australian design firms, furniture suppliers, property developers, and design media publications. Follow Australian design influencers, major design events like Melbourne Design Week, and industry bodies such as the Design Institute of Australia to stay engaged with the local design community.
Optimise for Australian design market:
Use Australian design terminology and reference local suppliers, building standards, and design trends throughout your profile. Showcase projects in recognisable Australian locations and mention work with notable Australian brands or developers. Engage with Australian design content and participate in discussions about local market trends and opportunities.
Content strategy for designers:
Share design insights, behind-the-scenes project content, and trend observations through regular posts and articles. Comment thoughtfully on industry discussions and share projects or achievements that demonstrate your expertise. This activity helps establish your reputation as an engaged professional and keeps you visible to your network.
Use LinkedIn’s publishing platform to write articles about your design experiences, industry observations, or project case studies that showcase your expertise and thought leadership in the design community.
Creating an exceptional Interior Designer resume is your gateway to securing exciting opportunities in Australia’s thriving design industry. By following the strategies outlined in this guide—from showcasing your creative achievements to demonstrating your technical expertise and project management capabilities—you’ll position yourself as a compelling candidate who can deliver beautiful, functional spaces that exceed client expectations.
Remember that your resume should reflect both your aesthetic sensibility and professional competency, showing that you can balance creative vision with practical execution and business success. Whether you’re seeking your first design position or advancing to senior creative roles, the key is demonstrating your unique design perspective alongside proven ability to manage projects, budgets, and client relationships effectively.
To further strengthen your application, consider developing a targeted interior designer cover letter that expresses your design philosophy and demonstrates your understanding of the specific company culture and project types. Additionally, regularly reviewing opportunities on Seek and specialised design platforms like Design Jobs Australia will keep you informed about market trends and employer expectations.
The interior design industry in Australia continues to offer excellent opportunities for creative professionals, with growing demand for sustainable design expertise, wellness-focused spaces, and innovative commercial environments driving industry growth. With a well-crafted resume, strong portfolio, and strategic approach to your career development, you’ll be well-positioned to secure interviews and build a successful design career. For ongoing professional development and industry connections, consider joining the Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and attending local design events to build your network within Australia’s vibrant creative community.
