Summer 2027 Interior Design Intern

Progressive Companies; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Summer hours

Profit-sharing

ESOP

Wellness program

Job summary

The Progressive Companies Summer Internship Program is a paid, full-time experience designed to launch your career. You'll take part in hands‑on client projects, sharpen your problem‑solving and communication skills, and gain a front‑row seat to the world of architecture, design, engineering, and construction.

Working alongside experienced mentors in a multi‑disciplinary firm setting, you'll learn the tools and methods that build a strong foundation for your future career.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a CIDA-accredited Interior Design or Interior Architecture bachelor’s degree program.
• At least one year of undergraduate studies completed by Summer 2027.
• Basic knowledge of sustainability and industry trends.
• Strong analytical, design and problem-solving skills with good communication.
• Experience using Revit and/or Adobe Creative Suite is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel and Outlook; experience with Project, SharePoint and Teams preferred.

Responsibilities

• Organize and catalog materials, samples, and product literature in the Design Library.
• Develop finish boards and binders during various phases of project development.
• Assist with preparation of quality working drawing contract documents, sketches, plans, details, and schedules using Revit.
• Maintain knowledge of current trends and introductions of furnishings.
• Provide design analysis consistent with Progressive Companies standards.
• Collaborate with interior designers, project managers, and project architects to keep the Design Library organized and presentable to disciplines and clients.
• Prepare effective design presentation materials and assist designers with client presentations as needed.

Skills

Revit

Adobe CS

MS Office

SharePoint/Teams

Design communication

Problem-solving

Education

CIDA-accredited Interior Design/Architecture program

Job description

The Progressive Companies Summer Internship Program is a paid, full-time experience designed to launch your career. You'll take part in hands‑on client projects, sharpen your problem‑solving and communication skills, and gain a front‑row seat to the world of architecture, design, engineering, and construction. Working alongside experienced mentors in a multi‑disciplinary firm setting, you'll learn the tools and methods that build a strong foundation for your future career. Along the way, you'll take part in project site visits, volunteer outings, networking opportunities, and education sessions - all designed to fuel your career and your curiosity.

As an Interior Design Intern, you will work collaboratively with project managers and interior designers to gain industry experience and begin building a professional network. Typical work includes preparing design presentation materials, developing project finish books, participating in manufacturer representative presentations, and organizing sample materials in the Design Library.

Responsibilities

• Organize and catalog materials, samples, and product literature in the Design Library.
• Develop finish boards and binders during various phases of project development.
• Assist with preparation of quality working drawing contract documents, sketches, plans, details, and schedules using Revit.
• Maintain knowledge of current trends and introductions of furnishings.
• Provide design analysis consistent with Progressive Companies standards.
• Collaborate with interior designers, project managers, and project architects to keep the Design Library organized and presentable to disciplines and clients.
• Prepare effective design presentation materials and assist designers with client presentations as needed.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a CIDA-accredited Interior Design or Interior Architecture Bachelor’s degree program.
• At least one year of undergraduate studies completed by Summer 2027.
• Basic knowledge of sustainability and other trends in the design/construction industry.
• Strong analytical, design and problem‑solving skills, and ability to communicate well.
• Experience using Revit and/or Adobe Creative Suite a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook required.Experience in Project, SharePoint, and Teams preferred

People Matter

Each individual’s background, knowledge, ability, and experience contributes to strengthening our organization and projects. Our dedication to diversity includes company provided training and education, equitable recruitment, a grassroots employee DEI committee, and robust community partnerships.

Progressive Companies is comprised of people with a variety of abilities, races, colors, religions, genders, sexual orientations, national origins, ages, veteran statuses, and more. As an equal opportunity employer, we believe diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements of innovative design. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Transforming Spaces. Empowering People.

The talented professionals of Progressive Companies are designers of a bold new future, creating high‑performance structures and pathways, delivering on today’s needs and preparing for what’s to come. We live by the idea that design isn’t simply about beauty, it’s about improving strategic outcomes—what we call Performance Based Design. Our work spans across the nation, allowing team members to work on a variety of exciting projects and maximize impact as trusted partners to our clients and communities.

Sustainable and Inclusive

We are dedicated to human‑centered, sustainable, and inclusive design practices. We believe diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to building trust, respect, and truly innovative design making spaces welcoming and accessible to all. Our sustainability approach embraces the AIA 2030 Commitment, together with a range of high performance, restorative, and regenerative strategies with a focus on climate responsive results to maximize positive impact in our industry.

Employee Owned

We act like owners—because we are. From modest beginnings of four original engineering partners in 1962, to over 350 architects, engineers, designers, and consultants across multiple regional offices today, the energy, resourcefulness, and entrepreneurial mindset you expect from a CEO come standard with every team member.

Culture of Excellence

The firm is continually ranked as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation®, with comprehensive benefits including:

• award‑winning wellness program
• hybrid work schedule
• summer hours
• profit‑sharing
• employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)

We take our work seriously, but have fun along the way, which fuels the creative spirit and supports a focus on work and life integration.

Progressive Companies is committed to development and growth of team members through continuing education, mentorship, growth opportunities, and more. We are dedicated to giving back to our communities, with paid service‑learning hours available to every employee and corporate sponsorship for a wide range of community organizations and activities.