How to Write an Impactful Interior Designer CV in 2024 (Examples and Tips)

The world of interior design offers a rewarding career for those passionate about transforming spaces with their artistic touch. Imagine a job where you could design luxurious homes, commercial spaces, or public areas, each with unique challenges and opportunities. In this competitive field, success hinges on artistic prowess, technical expertise, and effective communication, all detailed in your CV.

This guide outlines the key steps and practical insights to create an applicant tracking system (ATS)-friendly CV for a UK-based interior designer to make you stand out in a pool of candidates. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a student just starting, use this guide as your roadmap to success in the diverse and ever-evolving field.

The CV writing process: Where to start? 

Just as creative professionals rely on portfolios to exhibit their work, interior designers require a CV to establish their presence in the industry. Much like architects or engineers, they have specialised roles, including but not limited to:

• Interior designer

• Interior architect

• Interior decorator

• Interior stylist

• Interior consultant

• Interior project manager

• Interior design assistant

• Interior design lecturer.

Your CV is not just about the designs you’ve created but also the experiences you’ve had, the training you’ve received and the skills you bring to the table. Writing a good CV means setting the stage for your professional journey, building trust with your employer and stating your skills as effectively as possible. 

Designer CV example

Download this Interior Designer CV sample in PDF

This CV example features Amina Singh, an experienced interior designer with a strong background leading office and residential projects, as evidenced by her work experience section. The education and courses present her as a qualified candidate with an outstanding record of accredited courses. The awards and skills further validate Amina's expertise, making her the ideal candidate for the role.

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What to include in an interior designer CV?

Start off with your personal details, including name, contact information, LinkedIn profile, and current location. A CV for an interior designer is not different from a regular CV - it should be well-structured and concise. It usually covers your areas of expertise, career accomplishments, aspirations, and main qualifications.

Write a strong personal profile for an interior designer CV

Your personal profile is the first section employers see when they open your application. It is a short introduction at the top of your CV, summarising your areas of experience, relevant experience and career goals. Focus on measurable achievements to show your potential and suitability for the role while ensuring you incorporate all the relevant keywords. 

• Keep it concise, aiming for 3-5 sentences that capture who you are and what you can offer.

• Use positive and confident language that reflects your enthusiasm and passion for design.

• Highlight your unique selling points that make you stand out from others, such as specialisation, relevant experience, achievements or awards.

Refer to the personal profile on a CV article for more examples.

Include a strong portfolio for an interior designer CV

Your portfolio is the core of your CV, as it showcases your design work and abilities. It should include selecting your best and most relevant projects demonstrating your style, skills and achievements. Include each project's name, date, location, client and brief. Explain your role, responsibilities, skills and results. Use bullet points to highlight key points.

• Use an online platform or website to display your portfolio, such as Behance or Squarespace, making it easy for employers to access and view your work. 

• Include a link to your portfolio or website in your CV. Make sure the link is clear, visible and working. You can also include a QR code for convenience.

• Choose quality over quantity, aiming for 10-15 projects showcasing your best work and diverse transferable skills.

Feature your design experience for an interior designer CV

Your work experience is another essential component of your CV, showing your professional background and achievements. It should include a list of your relevant design experience, such as projects, clients or employers, with relevant details and achievements.

• List your experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your current or most recent role or project.

• Use action verbs, such as designed, created, managed or delivered, to describe what you did, aiming for 3-5 bullet points per role or project.

• Use numbers, percentages or awards to quantify your achievements while showing what you did versus what you achieved.

Example of work experience:

Interior Design Manager, Foster + Partners Studio, 2019 - Present

Designed and delivered bespoke interior design solutions for various clients in residential, commercial and public clients. Managed budgets, timelines and client expectations while ensuring creative excellence and innovation/ Collaborated with architects, contractors and suppliers to ensure smooth project execution and completion.

• Promoted from Interior Designer to Interior Designer Manager within a year.

• Developed and implemented design strategies that led to a 30% increase in client referrals and a 25% growth in repeat business.

• Honoured with the prestigious Best Interior Design Award at the Annual Design Awards in 2020.

See work experience on a CV for more in-depth information.

Add evidence-based education for an interior designer CV

Your education proves you're qualified to perform your job while showing your knowledge and main expertise. It should include a list of your relevant design education, training and qualifications, including any awards or scholarships you received. Include the course and qualification, the institution's name, location and date of completion.

• List your degrees in reverse chronological order, starting with your current or most recent qualification.

• Highlight any relevant modules, projects or assignments you completed during your education. Include any awards or scholarships you received for your work.

• Mention any relevant extracurricular activities or societies you participated in or include any leadership roles or achievements you had.

In the UK, there are different ways to become an interior designer, such as:

• A university course

• A college course

• An apprenticeship

• Working towards this role.

University: You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a relevant subject:

• MA Interior Design, University of Westminster, UK, 2023-Present

• Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, University of the Arts London, London, UK, 2023

• BA (Hons) Interior Design, University of the Arts London, UK, 2022

College: You can pursue preparatory courses or diplomas in fields such as interior design, art and design, interior architecture, or spatial design:

• Level 3 Diploma in Interior Design

• Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Art and Design (Interior Design)

• Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Art and Design (Interior Design)

School: If you just graduated, you can showcase your relevant diploma with relevant coursework and final grades:

• 1 or 2 A levels, A level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a foundation degree or higher national diploma.

• 5 GCSEs in grades 9 to 4 (A to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course.*

Apprenticeship: You could do an interior design advanced apprenticeship to get into this job for which you need the following:

• Interior Design Assistant Apprentice, DesignMasters Studio, London, 2021-2023

• Creative Design Apprentice, Artistry Designs Ltd, Manchester, 2018-2020

• Residential Interiors Apprentice, HomeStyle Decorators, Birmingham, 2015-2018

Refer to the National Careers Service for more up-to-date information.

How to write a designer CV with no experience as an interior designer CV

If you are just starting in the interior design industry or changing careers, you may have no experience to include in your CV. No need to panic; there are still ways you can demonstrate your talents using the following tips:

• Use a skills-based, also known as a functional, CV format to emphasise your skills and qualifications rather than your experience.

• Highlight any relevant projects or assignments you completed during your education or training, including any awards or scholarships you received for your work.

• Mention any relevant volunteer work or internships you did or are doing that involve design tasks or skills. Include any feedback or testimonials you received for your work.

Refer to the education on a CV article for more tips.

List skills for a designer CV for an interior designer CV

Your skills, also known as areas of expertise, are another crucial part of your CV, as they show your design abilities and competencies. They should include a list of your relevant design skills, such as software, tools, techniques or languages.

• Use bullet points to highlight your skills. Use action verbs, such as designed, created, managed or delivered, to describe what you did.

• Use keywords from the job description. Match your skills with the skills required for the role. Use the same terminology and language as the employer.

• Use a skills matrix to show your proficiency level. It refers to a table that shows how well you can use different skills on a scale from beginner to expert or A1 to C2 (CEFR).

See the skills on a CV to learn more strategies.

Add courses and certificates for an interior designer CV

Adding this section to a CV could help you stand out from other candidates and show your commitment to learning and improving your skills. They can help you fill in your education or experience gaps.

• Highlight any relevant topics, modules or assignments you completed during the course or certificate. 

• Include any awards or achievements you received for your work.

• Mention any relevant skills or knowledge you gained from the course or certificate. Include any software, tools or techniques you learned or improved.

Structure:

Course name, Issuer, Issued date (date of completion/in progress)

See how to add courses on a CV for more professional advice.

Examples of courses and certificates:

Interior Design Course, Dazzle Design Institute, 2023

• Learned the fundamentals of interior design, such as colour theory, space planning, lighting and materials

• Completed a final project on designing a living room for a client

AutoCAD Certificate, Horizon Tech Training Hub, 2022

• Learned how to use AutoCAD software to create and edit 2D and 3D drawings and models

• Completed various exercises and assignments on using different tools and features of AutoCAD

• Passed the final exam with 95/100 correct answers.

Refer to the British Academy of Interior Design for more accredited certifications.

Key takeaways

This guide equips you with the tools to stand out in this competitive field. Embrace these insights, build your unique narrative, and embark on your journey to success in the ever-evolving field. As a testament to your skills and passion, your CV can open doors to the UK job market, transforming spaces and making dreams a reality. 

• Keep it concise and relevant. Include only the relevant information to the role or sector you are applying for.

• Use a positive and confident tone. Show your enthusiasm and passion for interior design and the role.

• Use bullet points to organise your information. Use consistent fonts, colours and layouts to create a professional and cohesive look.

Next steps?

If you’d like to kickstart your journey but aren’t quite sure where to start, we can help you create job-specific career documents via CV Writing Service. If you’re looking for more inspiration, simply refer to our CV examples or guide on how to start a cover letter. Using our easy-to-use builder, you can use a CV template or create your own from scratch.

FAQ

How should you write an interior designer CV?  

Incorporate key sections beneath your CV summary, such as areas of expertise, work experience, and education, demonstrating why you’re the best candidate for the role. Follow the tips below:

• Research the job before you start writing your CV.

• Choose a format and layout that suits your style as well as the company’s culture.

• Use a clear, consistent and easy-to-read layout.

• Populate your CV with additional sections once your CV is filled with core ones. 

• Proofread your CV to avoid typos and spelling mistakes.

What sections should you include for an interior designer CV?

Must have:

• Personal details

• Personal profile

• Skills

• Work experience

• Education.

Optional:

• References

• Courses and certificates

• Language skills

• Career accomplishments

• Awards.

Are interior designers in demand in the UK?

The demand for them has surged in recent years, driven by a heightened interest in home renovation and design. The interior design industry in the UK is estimated to be worth £6.4 billion, with a consistent need for professionals to enhance residential and commercial spaces.

Refer to the Office for National Statistics for more up-to-date information. 

What does an interior designer do on a CV?

An interior designer is a professional who creates and implements design solutions for various spaces, such as residential, commercial or public. The CV aims to showcase skills, experience and achievements in design, education, courses and certificates. It starts with a summary or objective that highlights their main points and goals but must be written at last. Additionally, you can add any information relevant to the role or sector they are applying for, such as references, interests or languages.

Is interior design a good career in the UK?

Interior design can be a rewarding career in the UK for those who are willing to invest their efforts in continuous learning and overcoming challenges. It is particularly well-suited for individuals passionate, creative and skilled in designing spaces, offering various benefits, such as:

• Express your creativity and personality through your work.

• Diverse and exciting projects for different clients and sectors.

• Earn a good income depending on your experience, reputation and location (£37,304, on average)

• Work independently or as part of a team.

• Satisfaction of seeing your designs come to life and make a difference.

Refer to the Prospects article to learn what you can do with a degree in interior design.

Which interior design course is best in the UK?

There is no definitive answer to which course is best in the UK, depending on your career goals, preferences and abilities. However, some factors that can help you choose an interior design course are:

• Course accreditation and provider reputation

• Curriculum and content

• Duration and delivery mode

• Cost and funding options

• Entry requirements and qualifications

• Career prospects and outcomes.

Examples of interior design courses in the UK:

• Diploma in Professional Interior Design, National Design Academy, 2023

• Interior Design Course, British Academy of Interior Design, 2022

Why is a CV important for an interior designer?

A CV is crucial, as it is a document that showcases their skills, experience and achievements in interior design. It can help you to:

• Apply for jobs or projects in the interior design industry.

• Impress potential employers or clients with their portfolios and credentials.

• Stand out from other candidates or competitors with their unique style and approach.

• Highlight their strengths and suitability for the role or sector they are applying for.

• Demonstrate their professionalism and confidence in their work.