The interior design world is built on aesthetics, collaboration, and hands-on creativity. But what happens when all of that moves online? Dealing with remote work can feel like designing in the dark. This is especially true for interns. No in-person walkthroughs, no spontaneous feedback over a fabric swatch, and no desk-side mentorship.
And yet, remote internships have opened doors to companies across the globe. What’s the key to thriving in this environment? Daily habits. Remote success is not about working harder. It is about working smarter, staying visible, and showing initiative from wherever you are. Here are the daily habits that help remote interior design interns succeed.
1. Start with a Structured Morning Routine
Remote work often blurs the line between personal time and work hours. Interns who succeed know that consistency is key. Create a structured morning routine that signals the start of your workday. Wake up at the same time each day, get dressed (yes, even if it’s just for Zoom), and have a dedicated workspace. This psychological shift sets the tone. You are not just at home; you are at work.
Pro tip: Review your to-do list and set three main goals in the morning. This way, you will ensure that you stay focused and avoid the trap of feeling “busy” without being productive.
2. Use Tech to Stay Organized
Interior design is as much about project management as it is about aesthetics. Employ digital tools to showcase your professionalism. Trello, Notion, Asana, and similar platforms will help you stay on top of your tasks, track design revisions, and manage deadlines. For visual work, learn to use Canva, Figma, or even Adobe XD to present mood boards and style concepts. Interns who can digitally organize and present ideas clearly stand out. So if you want to become an interior design intern remote and are hunting for open positions on the Jooble employment site, then make sure that you can use tech to stay organized.
Bonus habit: Create digital folders for each project, complete with source files, drafts, and notes. Organization is a design skill, too.
3. Prioritize Clear and Proactive Communication
Design is collaborative by nature. So, remote settings can fix communication gaps. Successful interns are proactive communicators. Always update your supervisor before they ask — whether it’s the progress on a render, a delay in sourcing, or a question about client preferences. Make it a habit to send daily or weekly status updates. Use bullet points to keep things concise and readable. Show initiative by flagging issues early and proposing solutions.
4. Use the Digital Design Process
Gone are the days when mood boards had to be printed and couriered. Interns who employ digital design processes are more agile and efficient. Learn to create high-quality digital presentations using InDesign, PowerPoint, Miro, or similar tools. Use Pinterest boards or Instagram collections to research trends and inspiration. When it comes to client presentations, remember that visuals are everything. Practice sharing your screen smoothly, speaking confidently during video calls, and walking clients through your creative process.
Pro tip: Prepare a “presentation checklist” before every virtual meeting. Check internet stability, lighting, background, and have all your files ready.
5. Set Boundaries and Protect Your Focus
Remote work can make it tempting to work in bursts all day and night. But successful interns establish clear work hours and boundaries to protect their mental energy. Communicate your availability to your team, take regular breaks, and avoid the habit of checking messages 24/7. Use the Pomodoro method (25-minute focus sessions followed by 5-minute breaks) to stay productive without burning out. Interior design requires creativity, and your mind works best when it’s not overwhelmed.
Don’t forget: Step outside. A short walk or a change of scenery can reset your brain and spark fresh design ideas.
6. Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Being remote doesn’t mean you should limit your learning to what’s assigned. Interns who make time for self-development stand out. Watch webinars, attend virtual design talks, or explore online courses on materials, color theory, or design history. Follow leading designers on Instagram or LinkedIn, and stay updated on trends in sustainable design, biophilia, or minimalist aesthetics.
Small habit, big results: Dedicate 20 minutes a day to reading or watching something that enhances your design knowledge.
7. Build Relationships
You may not be in the office kitchen or attending in-person site visits. However, you can still build meaningful relationships. Schedule virtual coffee chats with fellow interns, ask your mentor for 15-minute check-ins, and don’t be afraid to share wins, struggles, or new ideas. If your company uses a group messaging app, be active there. Comment on project updates, celebrate wins, or even share design memes (when appropriate). It’s how remote teams bond.
8. Stay Visible with a Personal Portfolio Update Habit
Many interns wait until the end of an internship to update their portfolios. Instead, get into the habit of documenting your work weekly. Save screenshots, note key learnings, and compile “before vs. after” comparisons. This doesn’t just help you build a standout portfolio. It shows your supervisor that you are thinking long-term. Plus, if a surprise full-time opportunity arises, you will be ready to apply without scrambling.
9. Ask for Feedback and Act on It
The most successful remote interns seek feedback consistently. Ask specific questions like: “What could I have done better in this design revision?” or “How can I present ideas more clearly on Zoom?” Then act on that feedback and follow up. This habit shows growth, humility, and initiative.
10. Celebrate Small Wins
Finally, don’t wait for your internship to end before acknowledging your progress. Keep a journal of milestones: your first virtual client presentation, first 3D render, or the time you solved a sourcing issue solo. Remote work can feel isolating. However, tracking your wins builds confidence and motivation.
Let’s Wrap It Up
Remote internships in interior design require more than just creative flair. Discipline, adaptability, and clear communication are must-haves as well. Build the right habits to make a lasting impression and lay the foundation for a resilient, modern design career. Remember, even when working from your bedroom, you’re designing the spaces that shape people’s lives. And that’s always worth showing up for.
With a Master in Architectural Studies from University of Pennysylvania, Marwa Haydar has pioneered living spaces since 2005. Her expertise, initially honed in a prestigious architectural firm, is evident in her approach to creating environments. Marwa became part of our team in 2019 and has since been a driving force in our home improvement section, known for her practical yet stylish solutions. She’s been spearheading our design workshops since then, infusing her passion for teaching into her work. In her leisure time, Marwa enjoys exploring historic architecture and is an enthusiastic pottery hobbyist, further enriching her understanding of form and texture.
