Breaking into interior design in London — one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive design capitals — is as much about what you can do as who you are and how you work. An internship is often the gateway from study to career: it’s where classroom theory meets client briefs, where moodboards are translated into reality, and where you begin to build a professional reputation. Whether you’re aiming to work with residential clients, high-end retail, hospitality or bespoke projects like those showcased by Oraanj Interiors, these nine skills will set you apart and help you get the most from any interior design internship in London.

Strong visual communication
Interior design is fundamentally visual. The ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively — through sketches, moodboards, CAD visuals, and physical materials — is essential.

Sketching and hand-drawing: Quick, expressive sketches convey concepts in meetings and site visits. They don’t need to be gallery-ready, but legibility and the ability to show proportion and intent matter.
Digital visuals: Proficiency in software such as SketchUp, AutoCAD, Revit or Vectorworks helps you produce accurate plans and 3D visuals. Knowledge of Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator is valuable for creating polished presentations and moodboards.
Material and finish boards: Curating tactile samples and photographs that communicate colour, texture and finish is a key studio skill. Practice arranging samples and annotating them with specifications and suppliers.

Attention to detail
Design impact often hinges on tiny decisions: trim profiles, tile joint widths, joinery reveal sizes, or the exact placement of a light switch. An intern who spots inconsistencies and asks the right questions saves time and prevents costly errors.

Technical accuracy: Learn how to read and cross-check drawings, schedules and specifications. Understand construction tolerances and standard building measurements used in the UK.
Documentation: Produce neat, consistent drawing sets and keep track of versions. Accurate notes from client meetings and site visits reduce the need for repeated clarification.

Practical knowledge of construction and materials
London projects cover everything from Victorian conversions to modern flats and commercial refurbishments. Knowing how buildings go together makes your design proposals realistic and builds trust with contractors.

Building methods: Familiarise yourself with common UK construction practices (timber floors, masonry walls, suspended ceilings, etc.), and how interior finishes are typically applied.
Materials and finishes: Understand properties and care of common materials (solid wood vs engineered wood, natural stone, ceramics, laminates, metals and upholstery fabrics), and their implications for maintenance and cost.
Site experience: Use site visits to learn how contractors sequence work, what on-site constraints look like, and how designs are implemented in reality.

Time management and organisation
Internships are fast-paced. You’ll often juggle multiple tasks for several projects at once. Effective time management keeps deliverables on track and demonstrates reliability.

Prioritisation: Distinguish between urgent and important tasks. When in doubt, ask supervisors which deliverables are highest priority.
Task management tools: Use digital tools (Trello, Asana, or simple shared checklists) to track tasks, deadlines and dependencies.
File organisation: Keep CAD files, photos and documents well-structured and consistently named so colleagues can find what they need quickly.

Client-facing communication and empathy
London clients range from first-time buyers to high-net-worth homeowners and corporate stakeholders. Being able to listen, translate client needs into design, and communicate professionally elevates an intern to a trusted team member.

Active listening: Ask clarifying questions and reflect back to ensure you understand the brief and the client’s lifestyle needs.
Clear explanation: Break down design concepts into everyday language — not everyone understands technical jargon. Explain the reasons behind choices (functionality, budget, sustainability).
Professionalism: Be punctual, polite, and responsive. Small courtesies, like confirming meeting minutes or following up on queries, build confidence.

Collaborative teamwork
Interior design is collaborative: architects, contractors, lighting designers, joiners, planners, and clients must all coordinate. Being a positive, flexible team player will make you invaluable.

Interdisciplinary coordination: Learn how to read and respond to other consultants’ drawings (structural, mechanical, electrical). Flag clashes early and propose practical solutions.
Constructive feedback: Accept critiques openly and apply them. Offer useful input when appropriate, grounded in research or precedent.
Respectful communication: Interact courteously across experience levels. Good relationships on-site and in the studio often speed up problem solving.

Commercial awareness and budgeting
Design decisions are shaped by budgets. Showing you can balance creativity with cost-conscious choices demonstrates commercial maturity.

Cost estimating: Familiarise yourself with common cost drivers (joinery complexity, bespoke fittings, imported materials, specialist lighting). Learn to produce or support preliminary cost schedules.
Value engineering: Propose alternative materials or construction methods that achieve a look or performance goal at lower cost without compromising quality.
Procurement basics: Understand lead times, minimum order quantities and how supply chains (particularly post-Brexit) can affect project scheduling in London.

Problem-solving and adaptability
Site surprises, late client changes, or supply delays are routine. Employers value interns who respond calmly, think creatively and help find workable solutions.

Root-cause thinking: When a problem arises, quickly identify the cause, propose practical options and outline the pros and cons of each approach.
Flexibility: Be prepared to take on varied tasks — from sample chasing to producing measured surveys or assisting at client fittings.
Learning mindset: Treat setbacks as learning opportunities. Document lessons learned so you can apply them on future projects.

Awareness of sustainability and regulations
Sustainability is no longer optional. London clients and planning authorities increasingly expect projects to meet environmental, safety and accessibility standards.

Building regulations and fire safety: Understand basic UK building regulation requirements as they pertain to interiors (fire doors, escape routes, ventilation, and accessibility considerations).
Low-impact materials and specification: Be familiar with low-VOC paints, sustainably sourced timber, recycled or recyclable materials, and energy-efficient lighting solutions.
Circular thinking: Suggest reuse and refurbishment options, and consider lifecycle costs and maintenance when specifying products and finishes.

How to demonstrate these skills during an internship

Prepare a focused portfolio: Include measured drawings, material boards, before-and-after photos (if available), brief CAD outputs and any work showing problem-solving or site experience. Keep it concise and tailored to the practice you’re applying to.
Volunteer for site visits and admin tasks: These experiences build practical knowledge quickly and show initiative.
Ask smart questions: Demonstrate curiosity about buildability, suppliers and cost. Interns who ask the right questions contribute faster.
Keep learning: Take short courses (lighting design, Revit, sustainability accreditation) and follow UK-focused design resources to stay current.
Build relationships: Networking across site teams, suppliers and fellow designers in London leads to future opportunities and mentorship.

Final thoughts
Succeeding in an interior design internship in London requires a blend of creativity, technical know-how and professional maturity. Firms like Oraanj Interiors combine thoughtful aesthetics with practical, client-led delivery — and they need interns who can translate design intent into buildable, beautiful outcomes. Focus on building the nine skills above, seek out hands-on experience, and approach every task as an opportunity to learn and contribute. The experience and reputation you build during an internship can shape the early years of your career, so be proactive, curious and reliable — and you’ll be well-placed to progress from intern to a valued design professional in London’s vibrant interior scene.