Interior Design Intern

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a creative Interior Design Intern to be based in our Washington, DC office.

This position is expected to begin as soon as possible.

Internships at AECOM offer students in undergraduate and graduate programs the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in interior design projects that make a real-world impact. Interns work with cutting-edge technology, learn industry best practices, and collaborate with experienced professionals in a globally recognized firm. The program fosters both technical and professional skill development while providing networking opportunities that can enhance future career prospects. Additionally, AECOM’s dedication to innovation and sustainability enables interns to contribute to meaningful projects that help shape communities and the built environment.

Position Overview:

• We seek a motivated Interior Design Summer Intern to join AECOM’s Buildings + Places team, supporting concept development, space planning, interior architecture, FF&E, and visualization across workplace, civic, healthcare, and mixed-use projects.

• You will collaborate with designers, architects, and engineers to deliver high-quality design packages from early concept through documentation while gaining exposure to our integrated design process and design standards.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Contribute to concept narratives, mood boards, and material palettes.

• Assist with space planning, test fits, and programming diagrams.

• Produce drawings and 3D models (schematic through DD) under direction.

• Support FF&E research, specifications, and schedules.

• Prepare presentation graphics, renderings, and decks for client reviews.

• Participate in redlines, documentation coordination, and QA checks.

• Help compile finish palettes and samples; coordinate with vendors and libraries.

• Attend design critiques, coordination meetings, and site visits as appropriate.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Candidates must be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, or Architecture or related field and must have completed at least 1 year of study. Candidates who have graduated with a Bachelor’s degree and plan to continue with the Master’s degree are eligible to apply for these positions. Graduates must have been enrolled in their bachelor’s degree in the most previous school term with an interest in pursuing an advanced degree in the same or similar discipline at the conclusion of the internship.

• Due to the nature of the work, U.S. Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Foundational skills in Revit and/or AutoCAD; familiarity with SketchUp/Rhino and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Strong design communication: hand sketching, visual storytelling, and layout.

• Portfolio demonstrating concept thinking, spatial organization, and technical craft.

• Experience with visualization (Enscape, Twinmotion, Lumion, V-Ray) and diagramming.

• Knowledge of materials, finishes, sustainability, and wellness frameworks (e.g., LEED/WELL) and evidence-based design.

• Detail orientation with ability to incorporate feedback and iterate quickly.

• Team-first mindset, curiosity, and comfort working in a fast-paced studio environment.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, ability to engage with other team members and reps.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Information

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

• Sponsorship for US employment authorization is not available now or in the future for this position.

• This position requires a hybrid work schedule which includes in office work three days a week in Washington, DC. The selected candidate must be available to work in Washington, DC on a scheduled basis.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

Offered rate of compensation will be based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. The range for this position is $22 to $35.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ReqID: J10152881

Business Line: B&P - Buildings & Places

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: East

Career Area: Design

Work Location Model: Hybrid

Compensation: USD 22 - USD 35 - hourly