So, is Interior Design a good career? We wanted to share our inside knowledge on why we believe Interior Design is a great career for aspiring designers. Touching on the things to consider before you start your career, areas you can try out, the skills and qualities you will need to be successful and why it’s so rewarding whilst keeps you on your toes. So let’s jump right into it!
Working with a range of talented craftspeople and trades
Interior Designers have access to a range of different suppliers and craftspeople. Often this is what Clients are really looking for, something really special that is going to suit them and their budget. Designers are able to unlock this world of talented individuals and businesses. Spend years forming these relationships with suppliers.
First look and access to the latest trends and finishes
Lots of suppliers work with Interior Designers and build up relationships so they continually use their products throughout their projects. That means, as soon as they release a new product, you will meet with the supplier get a first look and obtain these samples within your sample library.
No two projects are the same
One of the great things about interior design is the fact that every single project is different! This often means creating exciting new concepts, facing challenges, problem solving and space planning. Often your Clients are looking to you for help, so it’s not always a simple solution. Part of the joy of design is coming up with helpful and needed solutions. No matter which Interior Design industry you’re in, most days are very different! Whether that be working in the office on concepts, developing design, handling products, working on site with trades, client meetings, buying, pricing projects, installation or styling. Most designers are accustomed to working on multiple projects at one time, most projects at different phases so that means juggling different projects at different times.
Seeing your ideas come to life
So once you have nailed a concept with your Client, the site progress begins to commence. You get to see your ideas really come to life on site!
Becoming a people person
No matter how good of a designer you are and the relationships you establish with your suppliers and contractors, it is not uncommon for things to go wrong that are completely out of your control. Overcoming these issues whilst making sure your client remains happy and in the loop is really important. This is something that certainly keeps you on your toes and ultimately makes you a pro problem solver. When working with your design clients its likely you will be speaking to them at least once a week for a number of weeks, month or even years! Therefore, you really do get to know your clients and a range of different people. Having exception people skills in the interior design industry is incredibly important as it is a service based industry.
Very rewarding
The interior design process is typically quite a lengthly process, if you’re working in the high end sector from concept to completion this can take a number of years to complete. However, once they are complete, seeing your ideas come to life and the delight on the clients face is a feeling that is truly magical. This makes the job really rewarding and fulfilling.
So, where do I sign up?
Start with work experience
Before you invest any money in studying, I would suggest trialing out work experience if you can find any. Research some local studios and ask if you can tag along for a week or two. This will probably be an unpaid experience but these types of experiences are highly valuable for you and your time. Who knows you might meet some new people who might be able to offer a paid position later on down the line!
Finding the right sector
There are lots of different sectors to consider, for example;
- Commercial Interior Design
- Retail Interior Design
- Residential Interior Design
- Interior Decorator
- Home Staging
- Set Design
- Interior Styling
- Lighting Design
- Space Planning
- Exhibition Design
If all of these feel a little overwhelming, do a bit of research into what you think might be your top three favourite and find some local studios and take it from there.
Studying at University
If you feel you would like to become an Interior Designer, most designers do have a Degree in Interior Design and this is especially important if you want to work at a large Interior Design firm on large high profile projects.
We hope you found this blog post “is Interior Design is a good career?” useful! If you would like anymore information or industry tips, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
