If you want to hire an Interior Designer, having well-prepared Interior Designer Interview Questions is essential for finding a suitable applicant.
But, first, let's take a closer look at this important job function.
An Interior Designer is a professional who plans, designs, and oversees the installation of interior finishes and furnishings in residential or commercial settings. They may work in a single room or an entire building.
Interior Designers often have a Bachelor's Degree in interior design or a related field. Many Interior Designers are certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).
An Interior Designer is responsible for the design and decoration of interior spaces. They work with clients to create beautiful and functional spaces that meet their needs. Interior Designers must be able to think creatively and have a good eye for color and style. They must also be able to understand engineering and architectural concepts. Plans and designs the interior of residential or commercial buildings. They coordinate with architects and other professionals involved in the project, select furniture, wall coverings, flooring, lighting, and other finishes and oversee the installation of interior finishes and furnishings
Essential Interview Questions
What is your design process?
Listen fora structured methodology that includes client consultation, concept development, and implementation.
Have you ever worked on a project that you didn't like?
Listen forinsight into personal design preferences and professional integrity in challenging situations.
How do you choose materials for a project?
Listen forknowledge of material properties, sustainability, and aesthetic compatibility with design goals.
How would you approach designing my home/office?
Listen fora tailored strategy that reflects client needs, lifestyle, and functional requirements.
Have you ever worked on a project that was not completed?
Listen forexperience managing unfinished projects and lessons learned to improve future outcomes.
What style do you prefer?
Listen fora clear articulation of personal design style and its influence on project choices.
Do you have experience working with a specific type of client, such as commercial or residential?
Listen fordemonstrated expertise in either commercial or residential projects, highlighting relevant skills.
How would you approach designing a space for someone who has very specific needs or wants?
Listen fora client-centered approach that prioritizes communication and customization of design solutions.
What type of software do you use for designing?
Listen forproficiency in industry-standard design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Revit.
How do you handle working with a client's budget?
Listen forstrategies for balancing quality and cost, ensuring client satisfaction within financial constraints.
Rate each answer as you hear it, not from memory afterwards. Use the same scale for every candidate so the notes stay comparable.
Interior Designer · Candidate Scorecard
Score every candidate against the same six criteria, so two interviewers reach comparable conclusions instead of competing impressions.
Design Software Proficiency
expertise in using design software to create detailed plans and visuals.
Material Knowledge
understanding of various materials and their applications in design projects.
Client Consultation Skills
ability to effectively communicate and gather requirements from clients.
Project Management
skills in overseeing project timelines, budgets, and deliverables efficiently.
Sustainability Awareness
knowledge of eco-friendly materials and sustainable design practices.
Style Versatility
capability to adapt designs across various styles and trends.
Take this scorecard into the interview
Download the fillable PDF, or have it emailed to you with all 10 questions attached.
Why is it important to prepare when interviewing a job applicant?
An Interior Designer is responsible for the design and decoration of a space. They must be able to think creatively and come up with new ideas, as well as be able to understand what a client wants and needs. When interviewing an Interior Designer applicant, it is important to ask them about their experience and what they can bring to the table. You should also ask them about their design process and how they would approach a project.
It is important to prepare when interviewing an Interior Designer applicant because they will be responsible for the look and feel of your business or home. You want to make sure you ask them questions about their experience, style, and vision for your space.
Want a Structured Interview Toolkit?
PDFThe Interviewing Toolkit is a practical guide covering interview preparation, structured questions, evaluation strategies, and common hiring challenges to help small and mid-sized teams hire with confidence.
Download the free Interviewing Toolkit nowGet instant access to the PDF version. No signup required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many interview questions should I ask?
Plan for 5–7 core questions in a 45–60 minute interview. This allows time for follow-up questions and gives candidates space to provide detailed examples.
What are red flags during an interview?
Watch for vague answers, lack of specific examples, blame-shifting, or inability to explain their role in past results.
How do I evaluate interview answers objectively?
Use a consistent scoring rubric for each question and focus on measurable examples and demonstrated skills.
Do structured interviews improve hiring results?
Yes. Structured interviews increase consistency, reduce bias, and make it easier to compare candidates fairly.
How do I assess technical skills without a hands-on test?
Ask candidates to walk through their diagnostic process for common problems, explain how they use specific tools, and describe recent challenging repairs they completed successfully.
Interior Designer Job Description Template
These questions are written against the same role definition. Post the job description first, then interview from this scorecard, and the criteria you screened on are the criteria you score on.