Crafting a CV that effectively showcases your unique aesthetic and project management skills can be a daunting challenge for an interior designer. Our guide provides actionable tips and industry-specific insights to help you highlight your design expertise and professional accomplishments, ensuring your CV stands out to potential employers.
Learn how to create your next interior designer CV by:
- Applying the simplest CV design, so that recruiters can easily understand your expertise, skills, and professional background;
- Ensuring you stand out with your header, summary or objective statement, and a designated skills section;
- Creating your CV experience section - no matter how much expertise you have;
- Using real life professional CV examples to enhance the structure and outline of your profile.
If you still have no muse to write your professional CV, find some more industry-leading examples.
Resume examples for interior designer
Explore additional interior designer cv samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.
By Experience
Trainee Interior Designer
- Comprehensive Experience in High-End Design - Joshua Patel's CV showcases a robust career trajectory specifically focused on high-end residential projects, demonstrating not only experience but significant contributions to design quality and project success. Each role, from Assistant Interior Designer to FF&E Designer, is tailored toward enhancing his expertise in this niche market, culminating in his current position where he independently prepares FF&E tender documentation.
- Emphasis on Industry Tools and Methodologies - The CV highlights Joshua's proficiency in industry-standard design tools such as AutoCAD and Adobe, essential for high-quality interior design projects. His commitment to continuous learning is evident through his certifications, like the Advanced AutoCAD for Interior Design course, that provide him with a competitive edge and demonstrate a deeper technical understanding crucial for his role.
- Strategic Goal Orientation and Impact - The achievements section of the CV effectively showcases Joshua’s capability to drive business outcomes. The detailed accomplishments, such as reducing project costs by 15% and enhancing design quality by 30%, reflect his strategic planning and execution skills which contribute to significant improvements in project efficiency and client satisfaction. These results underscore his ability to positively impact business and project objectives consistently.
Junior Interior Designer
- Clear and Structured Content Presentation - The CV utilizes a well-organized structure, with sections segmented clearly and concisely presented. Each section, ranging from experience to education, flows logically, making it easy to follow Freya’s career path without overwhelming the reader.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Freya's career growth is notable, with a steady advancement from an intern to an assistant and then a junior designer in renowned companies. This progression within high-end interior design firms demonstrates her commitment to skill enhancement and industry immersion.
- Technical Proficiency in Industry Tools - The CV highlights Freya's adept use of specific design tools like SketchUp, Photoshop, and CAD software, showcasing her technical depth. The ability to create detailed visuals and manage complex design elements reflects a sophisticated understanding of interior design requirements.
Lead Interior Designer
- Structured Content Presentation - The CV is meticulously organized with clear headers, making it easy to navigate through Freddie Hughes' professional history. Each section is distinct and follows a logical flow, beginning with contact information and ending with passions, ensuring all relevant aspects of his career are concisely presented.
- Progressive Career Trajectory - Freddie Hughes demonstrates a clear upward trajectory in his career by progressing from an Assistant Interior Designer to a Senior Interior Designer in notable firms. This path reflects not only his growth in terms of responsibilities and skills but also shows consistent recognition of his talent within the industry.
- Use of Industry-Specific Tools - The CV highlights Freddie’s technical expertise and proficiency with industry-standard software like AutoCAD, Sketchup, and Enscape. This technical depth indicates a strong foundation in interior design tools, which is critical for delivering high-quality, detailed design solutions.
Freelance Interior Designer
- Clear Career Progression - Lucas Adams' CV showcases a clear and upward career trajectory, starting from an Architectural Designer role and moving up to a Senior Interior Designer at prestigious firms. This reflects his growth in responsibility and expertise, demonstrating his continued development and increasing industry recognition over time.
- Integration of Advanced Design Tools - The CV highlights Lucas's expertise in industry-specific tools such as Vectorworks, AutoCAD, and SketchUp. His advanced knowledge and successful deployment of these tools in major projects indicate his technical proficiency and ability to deliver detailed and efficient design solutions, critical for high-stakes architectural projects.
- Significant Achievements with Business Impact - Lucas has a track record of implementing impactful initiatives, such as leading a hotel redesign that increased guest satisfaction by 25% and boosting retail foot traffic by 15%. These achievements not only showcase his creative and strategic design capabilities but also underline his contributions to enhancing client success and profitability.
Assistant Interior Designer
- Structured Career Path - Harry Williams' career trajectory is clearly defined, with progressive roles in reputable firms like Foster and Partners, BDP, and Gensler. Each position shows a logical progression in responsibilities and skill development, reflecting a consistent dedication to growth within the interior design field.
- Strong Technical Proficiency - The CV highlights Harry's command of industry-specific tools like AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop, as well as advanced skills in 3D rendering programs like Sketch-up and Rhino 3-D. The inclusion of completed courses on "Advanced AutoCAD for Interior Design" and "Lighting Design and Application" further demonstrate his technical sophistication.
- Effective Impact Measurement - Harry's numerous achievements emphasize his ability to generate tangible business results, such as improving drafting speed by 15% and reducing project timelines by 10%. These metrics reflect his focus on process improvements and efficiency gains, reinforcing his capability to drive project success and client satisfaction.
Principal Interior Designer
- Well-structured Presentation for Quick Insights - The CV's layout is meticulously organized, allowing readers to swiftly grasp key information. Clear sections for experience, education, skills, and achievements enable effortless navigation, while concise bullet points highlight the candidate's accomplishments effectively.
- Demonstrates Significant Career Progression - Mia Ward's career trajectory showcases a steady progression from Interior Designer to Principal Interior Designer, indicative of her growing expertise and leadership within top aerospace companies such as Ryanair, Boeing, and Airbus, underscoring her commitment and impact in the field.
- Showcases Strategic Leadership and Mentorship - The CV emphasizes Mia's strong leadership capabilities, illustrated by her success in mentoring teams and enhancing project outputs. Her ability to foster creativity and drive significant improvements in project turnaround times and innovation is a testament to her strategic problem-solving skills.
Head of Interior Design
- Impressive Career Progression - Ava Phillips' career path demonstrates a clear progression in terms of responsibility and industry influence. Starting as a Product Designer, she advanced to more strategic roles such as Design Director, highlighting her ability to scale her expertise in leading innovative design projects and managing teams effectively. Her trajectory across different locations, including Oslo and Pittsburgh, reflects not just growth but adaptability to different market dynamics and company cultures.
- Leadership and Mentorship Excellence - The CV emphasizes Phillips' strong leadership and mentorship skills, especially noted in her role at Kahoot!, where she not only led significant design initiatives but also focused on team development. The ability to foster creativity and improve project delivery speed by 15% showcases her influence within teams and her capacity to elevate their collective performance, resulting in strategic design enhancements.
- Strategic Achievements and Industry Impact - Among her achievements, Ava Phillips' successful redesign initiatives and the consequent 20% increase in user engagement underscore her strategic handling of design projects. Additionally, her recognition through a Gold UK Design Award for impactful educational software design highlights her ability to deliver innovative and influential project outcomes that advance company goals and expand market reach.
Interior Design Director
- Strategic Career Growth - Lily Cooper's career trajectory demonstrates consistent upward mobility within the luxury interior design sector. Starting as an Interior Design Manager and progressing to a Director role showcases her ability to advance through strategic contributions, leadership, and consistently achieved results, underscoring her capability to manage larger teams and more complex projects over time.
- Unique Industry-Specific Tools and Practices - The CV includes detailed references to tools such as AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite, along with sustainable design methodologies. Cooper's adoption of cutting-edge design technology and her focus on strategic procurement reflect her keen awareness of modern design practices and her dedication to maintaining relevancy in a rapidly evolving industry.
- Leadership and Team Collaboration - A notable strength of Cooper's profile is her ability to lead and collaborate effectively with diverse teams. Her experiences illustrate how she has successfully managed cross-functional teams, directed design workshops, and fostered a creative environment, ultimately improving team output and client satisfaction. Her leadership is further evidenced by her ability to drive sustainable initiatives and achieve high levels of project approval.
By Role
Residential Interior Designer
- Impressive career growth and stability - Ava Phillips' CV demonstrates a progressive career trajectory from a Junior Interior Designer to a Senior Interior Designer at prestigious firms such as Foster + Partners. This upward movement, coupled with long tenures at each company, highlights her commitment and ability to thrive and grow within the field.
- Commitment to eco-friendly and sustainable practices - The CV underscores a strong focus on sustainability, evident in the pivotal projects and courses completed. Leading projects with sustainable materials and obtaining green certifications, along with a certification in Sustainable Interior Design, Alyssa showcases her dedication to eco-friendly practices which align with modern industry trends.
- Advanced technological proficiency - Expertise in advanced 3D rendering and virtual reality technology is a standout feature throughout this CV. By leveraging these tools, Ava has improved client presentations and approval rates significantly, reflecting a forward-thinking approach and technical depth that is crucial in contemporary interior design.
Commercial Interior Designer
- Clear presentation of technical competencies - The CV effectively showcases Alice's proficiency in industry-standard tools such as Revit and Vectorworks. This clarity underlines her technical depth and ability to contribute to complex commercial projects efficiently.
- Consistent career growth and specialization - Alice's career trajectory displays a steady progression from an Architectural Interior Designer to a Middleweight Interior Designer at a renowned firm like Gensler. Her specialization in commercial projects and quality finishing highlights her focused expertise and commitment to excellence.
- Impactful achievements with business relevance - Alice's contributions are expressed through measurable achievements like a 30% increase in project delivery speeds and a 95% client satisfaction rate. These figures not only highlight her efficiency and effectiveness but also directly correlate to improved business outcomes for her employers.
Hospitality Interior Designer
- Clear presentation with a focus on commercial interior design - The CV is structured to highlight the candidate's specialization in commercial projects, ensuring clarity by delineating key roles and achievements in a concise manner. It effectively uses bullet points to present responsibilities, achievements, and key performance indicators, making the content easily scannable for potential employers.
- Consistent career progression emphasizing leadership - The career trajectory of the candidate shows a clear path of growth from a Junior Interior Designer to a Senior Interior Designer, underlined by positions of increasing responsibility. This upward movement reflects not only expertise in design but also the development of leadership skills, particularly in training and managing junior designers, thus demonstrating advancement within the industry.
- Impressive application of technical tools and methodologies - The CV highlights a range of industry-specific tools and methodologies, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, showcasing technical proficiency. The inclusion of advanced courses in AutoCAD and Revit further underscores the candidate's commitment to technical skill enhancement, presenting them as a well-rounded and knowledgeable professional in commercial interior design.
Retail Interior Designer
- Effective Content Structure and Clarity - The CV is structured in an easy-to-read format, where each section follows logically from the previous one, allowing readers to quickly assess key qualifications. Bullet points are employed effectively to concisely present important achievements and responsibilities, minimizing verbosity while highlighting critical information.
- Diverse Career Development - Sienna's career trajectory showcases significant growth and refinement of her expertise, moving from an Interior Designer role to a Senior Retail Interior Designer position. This progression, marked by increasing responsibilities and impactful outcomes, is indicative of her upward mobility and continued professional development in the retail design industry.
- Proficiency in Industry-Specific Tools - The CV highlights expertise in essential design tools, particularly Revit and 3D Rendering. These skills are crucial for producing detailed visualizations and construction documentation, underscoring Sienna's technical depth and her capability to deliver on client expectations and project requirements in the retail interior design field.
Healthcare Interior Designer
- Structured Presentation with High Readability - The CV's well-organized format divides information into clear sections, allowing easy navigation through George Johnson's professional journey. Effective use of bullet points ensures a concise presentation of experiences and accomplishments, supporting quick comprehension for potential employers.
- Demonstrates Career Progression and Leadership - George's career trajectory from Junior Interior Designer to a leadership role illustrates steady growth and increased responsibility. The transitions between roles highlight his ability to lead teams and partake in significant projects, underlining his strong leadership potential within the interior design realm.
- Emphasis on Industry-Specific Tools and Techniques - Proficiency in Revit, highlighted throughout the CV, underscores George's technical depth and critical role in design processes. Additionally, his experience in pioneering new techniques and contributing to project efficiencies positions him as a forward-thinking designer with a strong grasp of innovative methodologies.
Exhibition Interior Designer
- Strategic Career Growth - Oscar's career progression from Exhibition Design Assistant to Senior Exhibition Designer highlights a clear trajectory of professional development within prestigious museums. Each role demonstrates increased responsibility, showcasing his growing influence and leadership within the exhibition design industry.
- Industry-Specific Technical Expertise - The CV emphasizes Oscar's proficiency in essential design tools like SketchUp and Adobe Creative Suite, which are crucial for creating engaging exhibitions. His technical depth is further illustrated by his ability to streamline workflows and reduce design time by substantial margins, underscoring his efficiency and innovation.
- Business Impact through Achievements - Oscar not only presents past roles and responsibilities, but he also highlights impactful achievements such as enhancing visitor interaction by 30% and achieving a 15% cost reduction in exhibition design. These accomplishments demonstrate his ability to contribute significantly to a museum’s success and operational effectiveness.
Marine Interior Designer
- Structured and Cohesive Information Presentation - The CV is well-organized, with sections clearly segmented to provide a concise and logical flow of information. Each segment—such as achievements, experience, and education—is distinctly separated, making it easy for readers to access specific details promptly.
- Career Growth and Established Expertise - Poppy's career trajectory reflects a consistent progression in the marine interior design field, starting from an Interior Designer role to a Senior Marine Interior Designer position. This growth demonstrates not only industry-specific expertise but also the ability to climb the professional ladder within a specialized niche, showcasing her dedication and adaptability to new challenges.
- Industry-Specific Tools and Methodologies - The CV highlights Poppy's proficiency with specialized design tools like AutoCAD and DesignSpec, critical for the marine interior design industry. Her ability to implement advanced FF&E strategies and applying maritime-specific compliance standards underscore her technical acumen and dedication to excellence in her field.
Interior Design Consultant
- Logical and Well-Organized Presentation - Grace Bailey's CV is structured cohesively, with clear section headings that highlight key components like experience, education, skills, courses, achievements, languages, and passions. Each part of the CV is concise yet informative, allowing the reader to quickly grasp her qualifications and career trajectory without being overwhelmed by unnecessary details.
- Diverse Career Path with Clear Progression - Grace's career trajectory is impressive, showcasing steady growth and a series of promotions within the interior design and sales sector. From starting as an Assistant Store Manager at IKEA to becoming a Sales and Design Consultant at John Lewis & Partners, her path reflects not only increased responsibility but also her capability in adapting to different roles and expectations in a dynamic industry.
- Highlighting Advanced Use of Design Tools - Unique to her industry experience is Grace’s proficiency in tools like Home Creator design software, which she utilized to exceed customer service outcomes. This skill, coupled with her leadership in redesigning showroom layouts, exemplifies her technical depth and innovative approach to interior design, setting her apart in a competitive field.
Interior Space Planner
- Structured and Clear Presentation - The CV is structured with well-defined sections such as experience, education, skills, and achievements, making it easy for the reader to navigate. Each section is concise, focusing on key accomplishments and roles which enhances the clarity of the document.
- Impressive Career Growth and Advancement - The career progression from a Junior Interior Designer to a Senior Interior Designer illustrates a significant upward trajectory. The varied locations, from Belfast to London, and the movement through prestigious firms like Gensler and HOK International, demonstrate a stable yet upward-moving career path in interior design.
- Industrial Expertise in Sustainable Design - The CV highlights a solid grasp of sustainable design practices, integrating eco-friendly methodologies into over 20 projects. This is reinforced by specialized training, such as the RIBA course on sustainable design strategies, showing a commitment to reducing environmental impact and staying informed about industry advancements.
Interior Design Project Manager
- Structured and Comprehensive Presentation - The CV is well-organized, with clearly defined sections that make it easy for the reader to navigate through Scarlett's qualifications. Each section, from experience to education, is concise and tailored, providing only the most relevant information. This precision ensures that key accomplishments and skills are highlighted without overwhelming the reader.
- Clear Career Progression in Interior Design - Scarlett Murphy's career trajectory demonstrates steady growth within the interior design industry, moving from an Interior Designer to a Project Manager at a renowned design firm. The progression indicates not only a deepening expertise in her field but also an increasing level of responsibility and trust placed upon her, showcasing her capability to handle complex projects and manage teams effectively.
- Emphasis on Leadership and Team Development - The CV highlights Scarlett's capacity for leadership through her role in enhancing team productivity and client satisfaction. By leading a team of 10 designers to improve workflow efficiency by 30%, Scarlett shows her ability to foster a collaborative work environment. Additionally, her management of client relationships with a 95% satisfaction rate underscores her proficiency in nurturing strong, trust-based connections.
Interior Design Coordinator
- Impressive Career Growth and Specialization - Noah Jones' career trajectory demonstrates a clear progression in the field of interior design, evolving from an Interior Architect to a Senior Interior Designer. This rise through prestigious firms like Foster + Partners and Zaha Hadid Architects showcases his growing influence and specialization in sustainable architecture. His roles highlight an upward trend in responsibility and leadership, underscoring his commitment to and expertise in sustainable interior design.
- Incorporation of Industry-Specific Tools and Methodologies - The CV is notable for its emphasis on proficiency with tools such as Revit, Rhino, and Adobe Creative Suite, which are crucial for modern interior design. Additionally, Noah demonstrates a commitment to sustainable materials and practices, enhancing his projects' environmental impact. His adeptness at cutting-edge design technology and sustainable methodologies distinguishes him as a leader in eco-friendly interior architecture.
- Noteworthy Achievements with Tangible Impact - The achievements section highlights Noah's significant contributions, such as leading a project to achieve LEED Gold certification and improving design efficiency. These accomplishments speak to his ability to not only lead but also drive significant environmental and economic benefits for his clients. By quantifying successes like a 30% improvement in project timelines, Noah provides clear evidence of his valuable impact on project outcomes.
How complex should the format of your interior designer CV be?
Perhaps, you decided to use a fancy font and plenty of colours to ensure your interior designer CV stands out amongst the pile of other candidate profiles. Alas - this may confuse recruiters. By keeping your format simple and organising your information coherently, you'll ultimately make a better impression. What matters most is your experience, while your CV format should act as complementary thing by:
- Presenting the information in a reverse chronological order with the most recent of your jobs first. This is done so that your career history stays organised and is aligned to the role;
- Making it easy for recruiters to get in touch with you by including your contact details in the CV header. Regarding the design of your CV header, include plenty of white space and icons to draw attention to your information. If you're applying for roles in the UK, don't include a photo, as this is considered a bad practice;
- Organising your most important CV sections with consistent colours, plenty of white space, and appropriate margins (2.54 cm). Remember that your CV design should always aim at legibility and to spotlight your key information;
- Writing no more than two pages of your relevant experience. For candidates who are just starting out in the field, we recommend to have an one-page CV.
One more thing about your CV format - you may be worried if your double column CV is Applicant Tracker System (ATS) complaint. In our recent study, we discovered that both single and double-column CVs are ATS-friendly . Most ATSes out there can also read all serif and sans serif fonts. We suggest you go with modern, yet simple, fonts (e.g. Rubik, Lato, Raleway) instead of the classic Times New Roman. You'll want your application to stand out, and many candidates still go for the classics. Finally, you'll have to export your CV. If you're wondering if you should select Doc or PDF, we always advise going with PDF. Your CV in PDF will stay intact and opens easily on every OS, including Mac OS.
PRO TIP
For certain fields, consider including infographics or visual elements to represent skills or achievements, but ensure they are simple, professional, and enhance rather than clutter the information.
The top sections on a interior designer CV
- Professional Summary to reveal the designer's philosophy.
- Design Skills showcasing software and artistic competencies.
- Portfolio Link to present real-world design examples.
- Work Experience to detail industry relevance and impact.
- Education and Training showing formal qualifications.
What recruiters value on your CV:
- Highlight your design philosophy and creative process, as this showcases your unique approach and methodology to potential employers or clients seeking an interior designer with a distinct style.
- Include a portfolio link or images of your past projects to demonstrate your aesthetic sense, understanding of space, and ability to translate ideas into tangible designs.
- Detail your proficiency in industry-specific software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, and 3D visualisation tools, as mastery of these applications is essential for modern interior design.
- Emphasise any collaborative projects or team leadership experience to indicate your ability to work effectively with clients, architects, contractors, and other stakeholders in the design process.
- Showcase your knowledge of current trends, materials, furniture, and fixtures, as well as any sustainability practices you integrate into your designs, to highlight your commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
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How to present your contact details and job keywords in your interior designer CV header
Located at the top of your interior designer CV, the header presents recruiters with your key personal information, headline, and professional photo. When creating your CV header, include your:
- Contact details - avoid listing your work email or telephone number and, also, email addresses that sound unprofessional (e.g. koolKittyCat$3@gmail.com is definitely a big no);
- Headline - it should be relevant, concise, and specific to the role you're applying for, integrating keywords and action verbs;
- Photo - instead of including a photograph from your family reunion, select one that shows you in a more professional light. It's also good to note that in some countries (e.g. the UK and US), it's best to avoid photos on your CV as they may serve as bias.
What do other industry professionals include in their CV header? Make sure to check out the next bit of your guide to see real-life examples:
Examples of good CV headlines for interior designer:
- Lead Residential Space Planner | Creative Concepts & Sustainability Focus | BA Honours Interior Design | 10+ Yrs Exp.
- Junior Interior Designer | Innovative Retail Environments | CAD & 3D Visualisation Expert | RIBA Certified | 2 Yrs Exp.
- Senior Interior Architect | Commercial & Hospitality | Project Management Pro | MA Interior Design | 15+ Years
- Creative Director | Bespoke Interiors & Brand Spaces | FF&E Specialist | BIID Member | 20 Yrs Experience
- Mid-Level Interior Decorator | Contemporary Home Stylist | Colour Theory Enthusiast | BTEC Diploma | 5 Yrs Exp.
- Conceptual Design Consultant | Office Refurbishment Innovator | Sustainable Solutions | BSc Interior Architecture | 8+ Yrs Exp.
Choosing your opening statement: a interior designer CV summary or objective
At the top one third of your CV, you have the chance to make a more personable impression on recruiters by selecting between:
- Summary - or those three to five sentences that you use to show your greatest achievements. Use the CV summary if you happen to have plenty of relevant experience and wish to highlight your greatest successes;
- Objective - provides you with up to five sentences to state your professional aims and mission in the company you're applying for
CV summaries for a interior designer job:
- Seasoned Interior Designer with over 10 years of experience leveraging strong conceptual skills to transform spaces into bespoke environments. Proven track record in residential design, expert in CAD software with a remarkable flair for modern aesthetics and functionality. Recipient of the Luxe Residential Excellence Award 2021.
- Dedicated and innovative Interior Designer boasting 8 vigorous years in commercial space planning and design. Skilfully blends brand identity with creative visions, proficient in 3D modeling and sustainable design practices. Lead designer for the acclaimed 'GreenTech Office Complex' project.
- Architect turned Interior Designer eager to apply extensive knowledge of space management and eco-friendly design principles to a new career path. Familiar with Revit and SketchUp, looking to employ a synergistic approach to interior spaces. Notable achievement includes Architectural Digest's Innovation Award 2020.
- Experienced Graphic Designer transitioning to Interior Design, bringing a unique blend of brand awareness and spatial creativity to the table. Keen eye for textures and color with a specialization in digital visualization tools. Successful rebranding campaign for a major retail chain as a highlight.
- Aiming to launch a career in Interior Design driven by a passion for creating inviting and functional living spaces. With no formal experience but armed with a degree in Fine Arts and deep appreciation for architecture and decor. Dedicated to learning and excelling in environmental and ergonomic design.
- Pursuing the creative challenge of Interior Design, eager to apply a fresh perspective and a fervent interest in contemporary trends to create innovative spaces. Desiring to develop under a professional mentorship, I hold a strong background in visual arts and commitment to adaptive and detail-oriented design.
The best formula for your interior designer CV experience section
The CV experience section is the space where many candidates go wrong by merely listing their work history and duties. Don't do that. Instead, use the job description to better understand what matters most for the role and integrate these keywords across your CV. Thus, you should focus on:
- showcasing your accomplishments to hint that you're results-oriented;
- highlighting your skill set by integrating job keywords, technologies, and transferrable skills in your experience bullets;
- listing your roles in reverse chronological order, starting with the latest and most senior, to hint at how you have grown your career;
- featuring metrics, in the form of percentage, numbers, etc. to make your success more tangible.
When writing each experience bullet, start with a strong, actionable verb, then follow it up with a skill, accomplishment, or metric. Use these professional examples to perfect your CV experience section:
Best practices for your CV's work experience section
- Delivered personalised interior designs for over 30 residential projects, reflecting the clients' style and functionality needs while staying within budget and time constraints.
- Collaborated with architects and contractors during renovation projects to ensure design integrity, resulting in a 15% increase in client satisfaction.
- Sourced materials from sustainable suppliers and incorporated energy-efficient solutions, reducing clients' environmental impact and operating costs by an average of 20%.
- Managed the full design process from concept to completion, including mood boards, spatial planning, and 3D renderings, enhancing clients' visualisation and decision-making experience.
- Successfully balanced multiple projects simultaneously, demonstrating excellent time management skills and a commitment to meeting tight deadlines without compromising on design quality.
- Provided expert guidance on colour schemes, fabrics, and furniture selection, leading to repeat business from 40% of clients and a 5-star rating on professional review platforms.
- Developed relationships with vendors to secure exclusive deals on high-quality materials, saving clients on average 15% on furnishings and finishes.
- Conducted thorough consultations to fully understand clients' aspirations and lifestyle, which resulted in highly tailored and functional living spaces that reflected individual personalities.
- Engaged in continuous professional development, including attending trade shows and following interior design trends, ensuring innovative and contemporary design solutions.
Senior Interior Designer
Lead Interior Designer
Foster + Partners
06/2018-Ongoing
- Led a team of junior designers on a high-end residential project, managing budgets upwards of £500,000 and ensuring delivery on time which improved client satisfaction by 30%.
- Spearheaded the green initiative for office spaces, incorporating sustainable practices and materials that reduced the carbon footprint of projects by 15%.
- Pioneered a digital mock-up process that increased client approval rates by 25% through effective visualisation of design concepts.
Freelance Interior Design Consultant
Interior Design Freelancer
Self-Employed
01/2012-12/2015
- Successfully launched a boutique interior design service, securing over 20 unique clients in the first year and increasing annual revenue by 50% year-on-year.
- Designed an award-winning commercial space featured in 'Design Week', bolstering reputation in the design community and attracting three major industry leaders as clients.
- Implemented cost-saving measures in sourcing materials, which led to a reduction in overall project expenses by 20%, allowing for competitive pricing and client savings.
Associate Interior Designer
Project Interior Designer
Gensler
03/2016-07/2020
- Collaborated on the design of a 200-room luxury hotel, overseeing the selection of bespoke furnishings that led to the venue being rated as a 5-star establishment.
- Negotiated with suppliers to ensure high-quality materials within budget, ultimately saving the project £100,000 without compromising on design integrity.
- Conducted comprehensive space planning analyses for multiple retail chain redesigns leading to a 10% increase in customer flow and potential sales.
Junior Interior Designer
Assistant Interior Designer
Hirsch Bedner Associates
11/2009-05/2014
- Played a key role in a design team for a major restaurant revamp, which after completion saw a customer increase of 40% due to the enhanced dining atmosphere.
- Assisted in the material selection process, adopting innovative textiles and finishes which became a standard across future projects for their durability and cost-effectiveness.
- Developed advanced technical drawings and 3D representations that decreased project lead times by streamlining decision-making processes.
Interior Design Manager
Interior Design Team Lead
AECOM
02/2011-04/2017
- Managed the refurbishment of a historic hotel, respecting architectural heritage while introducing modern amenities, resulting in a National Design Award.
- Led the budgeting and procurement process for interior design projects worth over £2 million annually, consistently delivering under budget with an average saving of 5%.
- Formed strategic partnerships with artisanal vendors, enriching the uniqueness and authenticity of interior solutions offered to high-end clientele.
Creative Interior Designer
Conceptual Interior Designer
The Manser Practice
05/2015-03/2021
- Showcased creative prowess in the use of mixed media in commercial spaces, which have been cited as a central feature in increasing foot traffic by 25% in retail environments.
- Curated multiple residential projects featuring avant-garde design elements that became trendsetters in local property markets, enhancing sales by an average of 18%.
- Integrated smart home technologies in over 30 residential projects, significantly improving functionality and user experience, which was highlighted in customer testimonials.
Commercial Interior Designer
Corporate Interior Designer
TP Bennett
07/2013-08/2018
- Oversaw the complete redesign of a corporate headquarters that reflected the brand's ethos and led to a 20% increase in employee productivity.
- Implemented ergonomic workspace solutions for a series of health-conscious businesses, resulting in client reports of reduced employee absenteeism by 12%.
- Facilitated workshops to incorporate employee feedback into workspace designs, which was a first in the firm and improved overall project satisfaction scores by 15%.
Residential Interior Designer
Bespoke Interior Designer
Conran and Partners
08/2019-Ongoing
- Specialised in high-end, made-to-measure residential designs for a discerning clientele, increasing project contracts by 35% through referrals and repeat business.
- Conducted in-depth market research to inform design strategies that maximised property values by an average of 20%, far exceeding the local market rate.
- Established a comprehensive vendor system that streamlined the sourcing process for rare materials, reducing lead times by 25% and enhancing project efficiency.
Writing your CV without professional experience for your first job or when switching industries
There comes a day, when applying for a job, you happen to have no relevant experience, whatsoever. Yet, you're keen on putting your name in the hat. What should you do? Candidates who part-time experience , internships, and volunteer work.
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PRO TIP
If you have experience in diverse fields, highlight how this has broadened your perspective and skill set, making you a more versatile candidate.
Describing your unique skill set using both hard skills and soft skills
Your interior designer CV provides you with the perfect opportunity to spotlight your talents, and at the same time - to pass any form of assessment. Focusing on your skill set across different CV sections is the way to go, as this would provide you with an opportunity to quantify your achievements and successes. There's one common, very simple mistake, which candidates tend to make at this stage. Short on time, they tend to hurry and mess up the spelling of some of the key technologies, skills, and keywords. Copy and paste the particular skill directly from the job requirement to your CV to pass the Applicant Tracker System (ATS) assessment. Now, your CV skills are divided into:
- Technical or hard skills, describing your comfort level with technologies (software and hardware). List your aptitude by curating your certifications, on the work success in the experience section, and technical projects. Use the dedicated skills section to provide recruiters with up to twelve technologies, that match the job requirements, and you're capable of using.
- People or soft skills provide you with an excellent background to communicate, work within a team, solve problems. Don't just copy-paste that you're a "leader" or excel at "analysis". Instead, provide tangible metrics that define your success inusing the particular skill within the strengths, achievements, summary/ objective sections.
Top skills for your interior designer CV:
HARD SKILLS
Design Conceptualisation
Spatial Planning
Architectural Drawing
3D Rendering
Material Specification
Project Management
Budgeting and Cost Estimation
Color Theory
Furniture Design
Sustainable Design Practices
SOFT SKILLS
Creativity
Communication
Attention to Detail
Problem Solving
Time Management
Adaptability
Teamwork
Negotiation
Client Relations
Visualization
PRO TIP
Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
Education and more professional qualifications to include in your interior designer CV
If you want to showcase to recruiters that you're further qualified for the role, ensure you've included your relevant university diplomas. Within your education section:
- Describe your degree with your university name(-s) and start-graduation dates;
- List any awards you've received, if you deem they would be impressive or are relevant to the industry;
- Include your projects and publications, if you need to further showcase how you've used your technical know-how;
- Avoid listing your A-level marks, as your potential employers care to learn more about your university background.
Apart from your higher education, ensure that you've curated your relevant certificates or courses by listing the:
- name of the certificate or course;
- name of the institution within which you received your training;
- the date(-s) when you obtained your accreditation.
In the next section, discover some of the most relevant certificates for your interior designer CV:
PRO TIP
Use mini case studies or success stories in your CV to demonstrate how your skills have positively impacted previous roles or projects.
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Key takeaways
Write your professional interior designer CV by studying and understanding what the role expectations are. You should next:
- Focus on tailoring your content to answer specific requirements by integrating advert keywords through various CV sections;
- Balance your technical know-how with your personal skills to showcase what the unique value would be of working with you;
- Ensure your CV grammar and spelling (especially of your key information and contact details) is correct;
- Write a CV summary, if your experience is relevant, and an objective, if your career ambitions are more impressive;
- Use active language by including strong, action verbs across your experience, summary/objective, achievements sections.
