Interior Design Intern

We create personalized spaces that elevate your well-being, promote, innovation, and transform the communities in which we live.

Custer creates exceptional work spaces that empower people to do their best work. Established in 1981, Custer now serves multiple territories reaching outside of West Michigan as a premier dealership of Steelcase furniture. Throughout four decades, our capabilities have expanded to offer interior solutions for small business, education, healthcare, and corporate clients. Custer designs and builds environments that maximize productivity and a sense of purpose, drawing on extensive research and established expertise.

Providing full-service solutions including workplace strategy, design, integrated technology, commercial flooring, custom‑tailored solutions and furniture, Custer delivers spaces that support a better way of working.

Why Join Custer?

As an Interior Design Intern at Custer, you’ll gain meaningful, hands‑on experience within a collaborative and innovative design team. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to real client projects, learn from experienced professionals, and develop the skills needed to launch a successful career in interior design.

If you are passionate about design, eager to learn, and excited to contribute to spaces that positively impact people and communities, we’d love to connect with you.

The Interior Design Intern supports the Design team in bringing creative concepts to life while gaining hands‑on experience in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment. This role is ideal for a driven design student who is eager to learn, contribute, and grow within a professional design firm. You will assist in project development, material sourcing, vendor coordination, and client support while learning Custer’s processes and best practices.

• Assist with finish selections and development of presentation boards throughout various project phases
• Support designers in research and sourcing of materials, furnishings, and resources
• Explore a range of vendors and product solutions to help keep Custer diversified and on the leading edge of design
• Help in the field as needed, supporting installations and site visits

• Maintain the design library, materials, and product literature
• Set up and participate in manufacturer representative presentations
• Update staff on relevant new products and literature as they become available

• Deliver materials to local clients or prepare items for shipping
• Visit local vendors to select and/or pick up project resources
• Assist in organizing materials and documentation for client meetings

• Follow Custer’s processes and best practices
• Support the Design Department’s strategic goals and objectives
• Embrace and demonstrate Custer’s core values in daily work

• Knowledge of design thinking and design strategies
• Responds well to mentorship and guided direction
• Strong desire for continuous improvement and professional growth
• Creative thinker who contributes ideas to keep Custer’s design work innovative and relevant
• Self‑starter who is ambitious, driven, and eager to contribute
• Adaptable and open to change, excited to take on new responsibilities
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate ideas
• Strong organizational and time management skills; able to stay on task and meet deadlines
• Professional demeanor and ability to engage with clients

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from an accredited design school
• Must have successfully completed sophomore year to apply
• Ability to work a minimum of 15 hours per week