Crafting Healing Environments: Interior Designer Careers at the VA

Are you an interior designer with a passion for functional, aesthetic, and purposeful spaces? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) offers a unique opportunity to combine your design expertise with a mission of service. As an Interior Designer at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center, you will not just be choosing colors and furniture; you will be creating environments that promote health, dignity, and comfort for America’s Veterans.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will be the technical lead for the interior design program. Your primary duties include:

Coordinating with architects and engineers to ensure compliance with VA regulations.
Managing the facility furniture program, from budgeting and specification to installation.
Overseeing signage and wayfinding plans.
Influencing the design of new construction and renovations.
Maintaining comprehensive files on project documents and government contracts.

Requirements

To be eligible, you must be a U.S. citizen and meet one of the following criteria:

Specialized Experience: At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, focused on space planning, design analysis, and construction coordination.
Education: A Ph.D. or three full years of graduate study in a relevant field, or completion of the NCIDQ exam.
Combination: An equivalent mix of graduate education and relevant work experience.

Comparison of Qualifications

Qualification Type	Requirement Detail
Experience	1+ Year at GS-9 level (or equivalent)
Education	PhD or 3 Years of Graduate Study
Certification	NCIDQ Passage required if using Education

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $82,372 to $107,090 per year, commensurate with your experience and background.

Benefits

The VA provides an industry-leading benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning, generous leave accruals, and a supportive, flexible work-life balance environment.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Your resume must be two pages or less. Use the USAJOBS builder.
Be Specific: Detail your duties clearly with month-and-year dates and hours per week.
Formatting: Use a standard, readable font like Lato or Arial and save as a PDF.

If you are ready to apply your design skills to a cause that truly matters, this position offers the perfect blend of professional challenge and personal fulfillment. Apply today to help us serve those who served us.

Why This Interior Designer Job Matters

Transform healing environments as an Interior Designer at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center and make a tangible impact on the lives of those who served our country.

Interior Designer Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a talented Interior Designer to join the team at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center. This role is pivotal in planning, implementing, and managing the facility's interior design program, ensuring that our medical spaces are both functional and aesthetically comforting for our Veterans. You will act as the lead authority on design specifications, furniture programs, and signage, playing a key role in both renovation projects and new construction initiatives.

Requirements for Interior Designer

Must be a U.S. Citizen.
One year of specialized experience at the next lower grade level (or equivalent).
Alternatively, a Ph.D. or three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education in interior design or a related field.
Possession of NCIDQ certification (if qualifying via education).
Must be willing to live within or relocate to a commutable distance of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Successful completion of a probationary period.
Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program.

Preferred Qualifications for Interior Designer

Proficiency in space planning, interior construction, and building codes.
Experience coordinating with engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, structural).
Strong project management skills, including budgeting and construction oversight.
Knowledge of VA-specific facility design criteria and regulations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package.
✓Predictable and flexible scheduling opportunities.
✓Generous paid time off and leave accrual.
✓Meaningful work serving Veterans and their families.
✓Opportunities for professional development within the federal health system.

💡 How to Apply Interior Designer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Interior Designer Job

Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
Complete the online application and questionnaire.
Upload required documentation, such as transcripts or veteran preference papers.
Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM ET deadline on September 11, 2026.
Monitor your email for potential requests to complete the USA Hire assessment.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise and focused on results; avoid fluff.
Ensure your resume includes clear start/end dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every position.
Use the USAJOBS resume builder to ensure you adhere to the two-page limit.
Save your resume as a PDF to maintain formatting and keep file size under 5MB.
Check your spam folder regularly for communications from the agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this is an on-site position at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center. You must live within or be willing to relocate to a commutable distance.

What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?

Applications with resumes longer than two pages will be considered ineligible for this position.

Are there physical requirements?

No specific physical requirements are necessary for this role that cannot be managed through reasonable accommodation.

Do I need a security clearance?

No security clearance is required for this role, though a suitability/fitness investigation will be conducted.

Can I work from home?

This is an on-site position located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise to care for those who have served in our nation's military. Working for the VA is more than just a job—it is a commitment to a community that values gratitude and service. You will join a team of dedicated professionals providing compassionate, whole-health care.