Intern Project Designer

ob Posting: Intern Project Designer

Location: Open Mind Interiors (OMI), Thunder Bay, ON

Salary + Bonus = $55,00-$65,000 + Benefits

Eligibility: Eligibility: Open to applicants from Northern Ontario who are willing to relocate to Thunder Bay and have recently completed studies in Interior Design, Architectural Technology, or Architecture.

This opportunity is proudly supported by Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and is funded through the Workforce Development Program. Eligibility requirements of the program can be found at: https://nohfc.ca/en/pages/programs/people-talentworkforce-development-stream

SEND YOUR RESUME & APPLICATION TO: stacey@openmindinteriors.com

Interior design grad in Thunder Bay? Let’s build your future.

OMI and Minwabi are growing and we’re looking for a motivated Intern Project Designer who’s excited to learn, contribute, and grow with our team. This role is ideal for recent grads who want real hands-on experience in workplace design, both in commercial spaces and in community-driven Indigenous projects.

Minwabi is our Indigenous division, focused on designing spaces that honour culture, support community, and reflect the people who use them. If meaningful work fuels you, you’ll thrive here.

What You’ll Do:

  • Support the sales and design teams in developing innovative layouts and concept designs

  • Create furniture plans and 3D renderings using CET and SketchUp

  • Participate in site visits, site measurements, and needs analyses

  • Review basic electrical + structural requirements to ensure accurate furniture and wall system specifications

  • Assist in preparing proposals, including drawings, finish selections, and pricing

  • Help coordinate installation drawings and communicate design intent to installation teams

  • Build sample boards, assist with finish selections, and help prepare tender-ready spec drawings

  • Learn the ins and outs of contract furniture and wall systems through hands-on projects

You’ll Thrive If You:

  • Are motivated, organized, and looking to build a long-term career in design

  • Enjoy collaborating with clients and internal teams

  • Can handle multiple moving parts while staying calm and focused

  • Have appreciation and respect for Anishinaabe culture, art, and design

  • Communicate clearly and professionally

  • Love details, problem-solving, and learning new products and systems

  • Are ready to grow with a company that’s evolving — and ready to invest in you

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Post-secondary education in Interior Design, Architectural Technology, or Architecture

  • Must legally be able to work in Canada

  • Preference given to applicants from Northern Ontario

  • Applicants must be willing to relocate to Thunder Bay

  • AutoCAD experience required

  • Experience with CET Designer, 20/20, Project Matrix, or Revit is an asset

  • Knowledge of contract furniture is preferred

Mandatory Training:

You will learn how to design complete furniture and wall system specifications (the technical stuff) by attending multiple product specification training courses at Teknion Toronto, as well complete additional online training courses. We will help you master the world of contract furniture.

The Perks:

Competitive base salary + bonus structure = $55,000-$65,000 (based on skills and experience)

3 weeks paid vacation, pro-rated in year one

Comprehensive co-pay health benefits (after 90 days)

A laptop and mobile phone plan

Vehicle expense reimbursement

A workplace culture that celebrates your wins, supports your growth, and keeps things real