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Thai Interior Designer is trying to get a drafting job in Denver for 1 year. What should I improve? #2025
I’m an interior designer from Thailand with 5+ years of experience in commercial projects like retail stores, restaurants, and department stores. I moved to Denver, CO, about a year ago and have been actively applying for CAD drafter or entry-level architecture/drafting jobs ever since.
I have a U.S. Green Card and full work authorization, so I’m legally allowed to work in the country.
I’ve had a few interviews, but I haven’t been hired yet. I’m starting to wonder: does my international experience not count for much here in the U.S.? Or is there something I’m missing that would make me a stronger candidate?
I’m currently self-studying Revit and AutoCAD, and I’m considering joining a certificate program at a community college. I’m also trying to improve my portfolio and resume.
I’d love your advice on:
- How can I make my background more appealing to U.S. employers?
- What should I focus on learning or improving right now?
- Are there common mistakes that international professionals like me should avoid when job-hunting in the U.S.?
Any tips or feedback would be truly appreciated. Thank you!
#2025
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2 answers
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Julie Ann’s Answer
Hi Tantat,
First, I just want to say you're doing so many things right already.
Moving to a new country, job searching in a competitive field like architecture and interior design, learning new software, improving your portfolio and resume, it’s a lot.
Please hear me when I say: your effort absolutely matters, even if it doesn't feel like it yet. You’re closer than you think.
Let’s go through your questions carefully together:
1. Your International Experience Does Count: You Just Need to Bridge It
Your work in Thailand, especially in commercial interiors, is valuable. U.S. employers aren’t ignoring it; they just sometimes need help connecting the dots.
Here’s how you can make your experience even more appealing:
1. Frame your skills in U.S.-familiar terms:
2. Use language they expect: "construction documents," "space planning," "FF&E selection," "code compliance research," "client presentations."
3. Even if you did great design work abroad, focus on what’s transferable: deadlines met, drawings produced, clients served.
4. Clearly state your work authorization:
On your resume or LinkedIn profile, somewhere easy to see, add:
“U.S. Permanent Resident. Authorized to work without sponsorship.”
This clears up any worries hiring managers may quietly have without you even realizing it.
Add 1-2 small U.S.-style portfolio projects:
*Create a mock project based on a U.S. building type (like a coffee shop, boutique retail store, or restaurant).
*Label drawings using U.S. standards (e.g., 1/8"=1'-0" scale, imperial measurements).
This gives hiring managers confidence that you’re already adapting to local industry practices.
2. What You Should Focus on Learning and Improving Right Now
You're already working on the right things! But to give you a sharper focus:
***Priority 1: Revit Skills****
Revit is in high demand across architecture, interiors, and construction.
Aim to build a simple set of construction drawings in Revit, even a 10-page mock project set will impress.
***Priority 2: Portfolio Presentation***
Keep it clean, organized, and consistent.
Show both beautiful visuals and strong technical drawings.
Practice telling a simple story for each project: problem → your solution → outcome.
***Priority 3: Optional but Smart: Get a U.S.-Based Certificate***
A short Revit course, Construction Documents class, or CAD drafting certification at a community college would be a bonus.
These programs sometimes offer job placement help, too — a hidden advantage!
Small wins build big momentum. You don’t need a full degree — just enough to connect your skills to what U.S. firms need today.
3. Common Mistakes International Professionals Should Avoid
You're not alone.
These are easy traps even seasoned people can fall into:
*Focusing too much on design awards, not enough on technical production
👉 U.S. employers at entry-level care most about: "Can you help meet project deadlines?"
*Being vague about work authorization
👉 Always clearly state your Permanent Resident status upfront, don’t make hiring managers guess.
*Sounding apologetic about your skills
👉 Confidence is key! Even if you're still learning Revit, say:
"I'm actively strengthening my Revit skills and have completed multiple projects independently."
4. A Quick Note About Politics and the Current Atmosphere
I want to say this gently but honestly: You’re not imagining it.
It’s a tense time in the U.S. politically right now, especially around immigration and work authorization.
Even though you have a Green Card (which is permanent and secure), the overall political environment can make employers extra cautious — sometimes even when it doesn’t make sense.
This isn’t about you personally, it’s about the atmosphere.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Your Green Card protects you.
You are legally authorized to live and work here permanently.
You do not need visa sponsorship now or ever.
You don’t need to bring up politics during interviews.
Focus on your skills, work readiness, and contributions.
If someone asks about sponsorship, calmly and confidently reply:
"I'm a U.S. Permanent Resident and fully authorized to work without sponsorship."
Protect your emotional energy.
Sometimes a rejection isn’t about your portfolio or skills, it’s just about their fears or confusion.
Keep moving forward. Enough doors are open, and you only need one yes.
You’re not alone, and you are doing everything right by building skills, showing up, and staying focused.
5. Post a freelance profile on Fiverr (or Upwork): start building small project experience while you job hunt.
Create a simple, professional profile offering CAD drafting, Revit modeling, or basic construction document services.
Keep your description friendly, focused, and specific about what you can deliver (e.g., "I can draft floor plans, elevations, sections, and basic construction drawings using Revit or AutoCAD.")
Even small projects help you build U.S. client experience, strengthen your portfolio, and show future employers that you’re proactive and skilled.
A little extra advice :
Even if you only get a few small freelance jobs at first, it shows employers that you're working with U.S. clients, using your skills actively, and serious about staying in the industry. It also gives you something fresh to add to your resume and portfolio while you're interviewing.
Common Pitfalls About Fiverr:
Don’t underprice too low. Aim to look professional, not desperate ($25–$40/hr for drafting is a fair starting point for entry-level freelance work).
Only accept projects you feel confident you can complete. Reputation matters on freelance platforms.
Treat each client interaction professionally: contracts, clear communication, on-time delivery.
Final Encouragement (and an Action Plan!)
You are doing the hard work, and I promise it’s going to pay off.
You’re planting seeds right now and they will grow.
Here’s a simple action plan for the next few weeks:
✅ Update your resume: highlight transferable skills and Permanent Resident status
✅ Strengthen your portfolio: add one “U.S.-style” project if possible
✅ Focus Revit practice: build a small, finished construction document set
✅ (Optional) Enroll in a short, practical U.S. certificate if you find a good fit
✅ Apply consistently: aim for at least 5-7 solid applications per week
✅ Stay visible: send polite, professional follow-up emails after interviews
Best of luck,
Julie Ann Shahin
Julie Ann Rachelle Interiors LLC
Update your resume: highlight transferable skills and Permanent Resident status
Strengthen your portfolio: add one “U.S.-style” project if possible
Focus Revit practice: build a small, finished construction document set
Sign up for freelance work on Fiverr.
Stay visible — send polite, professional follow-up emails after interviews
First, I just want to say you're doing so many things right already.
Moving to a new country, job searching in a competitive field like architecture and interior design, learning new software, improving your portfolio and resume, it’s a lot.
Please hear me when I say: your effort absolutely matters, even if it doesn't feel like it yet. You’re closer than you think.
Let’s go through your questions carefully together:
1. Your International Experience Does Count: You Just Need to Bridge It
Your work in Thailand, especially in commercial interiors, is valuable. U.S. employers aren’t ignoring it; they just sometimes need help connecting the dots.
Here’s how you can make your experience even more appealing:
1. Frame your skills in U.S.-familiar terms:
2. Use language they expect: "construction documents," "space planning," "FF&E selection," "code compliance research," "client presentations."
3. Even if you did great design work abroad, focus on what’s transferable: deadlines met, drawings produced, clients served.
4. Clearly state your work authorization:
On your resume or LinkedIn profile, somewhere easy to see, add:
“U.S. Permanent Resident. Authorized to work without sponsorship.”
This clears up any worries hiring managers may quietly have without you even realizing it.
Add 1-2 small U.S.-style portfolio projects:
*Create a mock project based on a U.S. building type (like a coffee shop, boutique retail store, or restaurant).
*Label drawings using U.S. standards (e.g., 1/8"=1'-0" scale, imperial measurements).
This gives hiring managers confidence that you’re already adapting to local industry practices.
2. What You Should Focus on Learning and Improving Right Now
You're already working on the right things! But to give you a sharper focus:
***Priority 1: Revit Skills****
Revit is in high demand across architecture, interiors, and construction.
Aim to build a simple set of construction drawings in Revit, even a 10-page mock project set will impress.
***Priority 2: Portfolio Presentation***
Keep it clean, organized, and consistent.
Show both beautiful visuals and strong technical drawings.
Practice telling a simple story for each project: problem → your solution → outcome.
***Priority 3: Optional but Smart: Get a U.S.-Based Certificate***
A short Revit course, Construction Documents class, or CAD drafting certification at a community college would be a bonus.
These programs sometimes offer job placement help, too — a hidden advantage!
Small wins build big momentum. You don’t need a full degree — just enough to connect your skills to what U.S. firms need today.
3. Common Mistakes International Professionals Should Avoid
You're not alone.
These are easy traps even seasoned people can fall into:
*Focusing too much on design awards, not enough on technical production
👉 U.S. employers at entry-level care most about: "Can you help meet project deadlines?"
*Being vague about work authorization
👉 Always clearly state your Permanent Resident status upfront, don’t make hiring managers guess.
*Sounding apologetic about your skills
👉 Confidence is key! Even if you're still learning Revit, say:
"I'm actively strengthening my Revit skills and have completed multiple projects independently."
4. A Quick Note About Politics and the Current Atmosphere
I want to say this gently but honestly: You’re not imagining it.
It’s a tense time in the U.S. politically right now, especially around immigration and work authorization.
Even though you have a Green Card (which is permanent and secure), the overall political environment can make employers extra cautious — sometimes even when it doesn’t make sense.
This isn’t about you personally, it’s about the atmosphere.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
Your Green Card protects you.
You are legally authorized to live and work here permanently.
You do not need visa sponsorship now or ever.
You don’t need to bring up politics during interviews.
Focus on your skills, work readiness, and contributions.
If someone asks about sponsorship, calmly and confidently reply:
"I'm a U.S. Permanent Resident and fully authorized to work without sponsorship."
Protect your emotional energy.
Sometimes a rejection isn’t about your portfolio or skills, it’s just about their fears or confusion.
Keep moving forward. Enough doors are open, and you only need one yes.
You’re not alone, and you are doing everything right by building skills, showing up, and staying focused.
5. Post a freelance profile on Fiverr (or Upwork): start building small project experience while you job hunt.
Create a simple, professional profile offering CAD drafting, Revit modeling, or basic construction document services.
Keep your description friendly, focused, and specific about what you can deliver (e.g., "I can draft floor plans, elevations, sections, and basic construction drawings using Revit or AutoCAD.")
Even small projects help you build U.S. client experience, strengthen your portfolio, and show future employers that you’re proactive and skilled.
A little extra advice :
Even if you only get a few small freelance jobs at first, it shows employers that you're working with U.S. clients, using your skills actively, and serious about staying in the industry. It also gives you something fresh to add to your resume and portfolio while you're interviewing.
Common Pitfalls About Fiverr:
Don’t underprice too low. Aim to look professional, not desperate ($25–$40/hr for drafting is a fair starting point for entry-level freelance work).
Only accept projects you feel confident you can complete. Reputation matters on freelance platforms.
Treat each client interaction professionally: contracts, clear communication, on-time delivery.
Final Encouragement (and an Action Plan!)
You are doing the hard work, and I promise it’s going to pay off.
You’re planting seeds right now and they will grow.
Here’s a simple action plan for the next few weeks:
✅ Update your resume: highlight transferable skills and Permanent Resident status
✅ Strengthen your portfolio: add one “U.S.-style” project if possible
✅ Focus Revit practice: build a small, finished construction document set
✅ (Optional) Enroll in a short, practical U.S. certificate if you find a good fit
✅ Apply consistently: aim for at least 5-7 solid applications per week
✅ Stay visible: send polite, professional follow-up emails after interviews
Best of luck,
Julie Ann Shahin
Julie Ann Rachelle Interiors LLC
Julie Ann recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for the advice, Julie Ann.
Tantat
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Tantat !
Interior Design is such a wonderful career and I'd be happy to contribute some advice for you.
The first thing I want to mention is that there is a Certification that is not required but can be a catch 22 situation because employers prefer to hire people that do have this certification. It is an American certification given by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. I have previously heard from other designers that actual employment notices mention that it is required to apply for the job, but I guess the employment notices you've been seeing don't mention it, so perhaps having this certification can jump one hurdle in being hired.
The NCIDQ Exam is given every April and October. I have left a link to their website for you below so you can find out the details about it.
During an interview, if you're not discussing your immigration plans, the interviewer may think that you may not be making the U.S. your permanent home. If you plan to apply for permanent citizenship, this wouldn't be a factor, but some employers may think you'll keep a job for a year and quit to go back to Thailand to live. If you are thinking of becoming a permanent U.S. citizen, you may want to work on that process now. I'm not saying this is a reason, but it may be.
Although you may hear people advise this, I would say not to do this - never call the interviewer to ask why you weren't hired. The reason is that traditionally, this would make a person seem unprofessional. In addition, in the future you very well may run into this interviewer in a professional capacity and you want to remain in general high standing.
There are some professional organizations for interior designers that may help you, too. They are Interior Design Society (in Denver), International Interior Design Association and the American Society of Interior Designers. You can find out more about them at their website links below.
All in all, it's hard to say why a person isn't hired. Pay attention to the things that happen in the interview as that may give you insight as to what went right and what didn't go so right.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
COUNCIL FOR INTERIOR DESIGN QUALIFICATIO CERTIFICATION INFORMATION https://www.cidq.org/
INTERIOR DESIGN SOCIETY LOCATED IN DENVER https://interiordesignsociety.org/clubs/view/denver
INTERNATIONAL INTERIOR DESIGN ASSOCIATION https://iida.org/
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS https://www.asid.org/
Interior Design is such a wonderful career and I'd be happy to contribute some advice for you.
The first thing I want to mention is that there is a Certification that is not required but can be a catch 22 situation because employers prefer to hire people that do have this certification. It is an American certification given by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification. I have previously heard from other designers that actual employment notices mention that it is required to apply for the job, but I guess the employment notices you've been seeing don't mention it, so perhaps having this certification can jump one hurdle in being hired.
The NCIDQ Exam is given every April and October. I have left a link to their website for you below so you can find out the details about it.
During an interview, if you're not discussing your immigration plans, the interviewer may think that you may not be making the U.S. your permanent home. If you plan to apply for permanent citizenship, this wouldn't be a factor, but some employers may think you'll keep a job for a year and quit to go back to Thailand to live. If you are thinking of becoming a permanent U.S. citizen, you may want to work on that process now. I'm not saying this is a reason, but it may be.
Although you may hear people advise this, I would say not to do this - never call the interviewer to ask why you weren't hired. The reason is that traditionally, this would make a person seem unprofessional. In addition, in the future you very well may run into this interviewer in a professional capacity and you want to remain in general high standing.
There are some professional organizations for interior designers that may help you, too. They are Interior Design Society (in Denver), International Interior Design Association and the American Society of Interior Designers. You can find out more about them at their website links below.
All in all, it's hard to say why a person isn't hired. Pay attention to the things that happen in the interview as that may give you insight as to what went right and what didn't go so right.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Tantat
You are very welcome, Tantat ! Have a great day and keep up the good work !
Michelle M.