This is your place to get accurate, unbiased and thorough information for your interior design business that is relevant worldwide. I'm Jo, an architectural and interior designer who runs a profitable multi-six-figure design business and have helped hundreds of career changers succeed in creating new (and successful careers) as interior designers.
The majority of my posts are linked to a blog post where you can download a free worksheet and resources to make sure you get everything you need. Just check the link below each video.
Feel free to ask me questions, I try to respond to everyone!
Thank you for taking the time to comment! We have lots more resources for you on our site - including the blog post for this video that has links to the best courses! www.idbs.online/whats-the-best-course-to-do-to-become-an-interior-designer/
I agree - interior design doesn't need degrees. The more people know this, the more we can make it a fair industry. I recently had a mentee who was forced away from their dream career by "Licenced Interior Designers" in Alberta Canada who twisted the law to make them believe they weren't allowed to practise (when the law clearly states they can). It's lies, lies, lies... money, money, money, scares, scares, scare (when we all know no one needs a four-year degree to choose paint colours and draw some furniture layouts for a house!)
Resources I referred to in each section during the session: 1. Know What The Outcome is Resources: a) www.idbs.online/quiz-how-to-become-an-interior-designer/ b) www.idbs.online/whats-the-difference-between-an-interior-architect-and-an-interior-designer/ c) www.idbs.online/these-types-of-interior-designers-are-dangerous/ 2. Choose A Path Resources: a) www.idbs.online/get-started-as-an-interior-designer-by-designing-your-own-home/ 3. What Services Can You Offer Resources: a) www.idbs.online/how-to-create-an-interior-design-niche/ 4. Learn & Grow As You Go Resources: a) www.idbs.online/how-do-you-get-interior-design-clients-without-a-portfolio/ b) www.idbs.online/how-to-build-an-interior-design-or-architecture-portfolio-when-youve-never-had-a-client/ which gives you 50 ideas for your portfolio. 5. Join A Support Network Resources: a) www.idbs.online/online-interior-design-course/#sign_up
New subscriber here! I’m loving your content- I’ve started my design business this year and everything you said in this video was so needed. You explained the WHY so clearly! Thank you for this wow
i agree with you recently i was hired as a procurement manager. but the strange thing is i dont even know the word of procurement before im joinig here, now i'm trying to learn everything about interiors
We bought a "renovated" old house - it looks like I'll be demolishing even more than we already did. Never thought to check this, but they did this to most of the outside walls. There is not much damage yet, so thanks for the warning!
Of course, I started my first design business whilst still at uni. Everything's possible. There are a few buts, if you're not emotionally mature (required to enter people's homes and deal with difficult situations), if you haven't got enough training or skills or if you don't know what you're doing and have the possibility to put yourself or others in danger, then it might be worth trying to get a job first. The faster way is to get a mentor :-)
@@interiordesignschool thank you for your response. I’m 55 - so quite mature ;-) I’m just finishing a BA from KLC School of Design, and am trying to decide how to move forward. I came across your videos, and they are exactly what I was looking for! So thanks again for sharing your knowledge
Oh that is correct the area of the build doesn't reflect luxury necessarily.. it is their spending capabilities ♠️ It depends on how much you close a deal. If the fee is enough u can give the trade discount, if not, u share
Straight off the bat the part about business changing and evolving so don't seek perfection is so true. I'm still establishing, however even here it's changed alot as I'm going... Thank you again, you are always so helpful and lovely. 🫶
Thank you for the video. I'm watching this as an interior designer in London looking for work. Do you share up to date content these days ? Where to follow you ? Thank you.
Thank you! Yes, I'm live on Instagram twice per week, answering questions. I did one recently about getting work too! Here is the direct link: instagram.com/reel/C7opslJKhC3/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
@@urasg2613 I also go in-depth into topics in our "business spotlight" blog on our website too: www.idbs.online/interior-design-business-spotlight/ I hope this helps!
This is so helpful. As someone who works with an interior designer and deals with 90% of the 'non-creative' aspects of the business, I always struggle to know how to explain what I do (to people both in and out of the industry!).
Thanks for taking the time to write; I really appreciate it. The industry is changing, and we have the opportunity to shape it! It's exciting and scary at the same time.
Thank you for this. I suppose one could question what is considered to be a small project verses a large project ie designing one room, or two rooms, or two rooms with structural changes, or just doing basic designs on three rooms. This can appear to be relative to the interior designer. Coral🌺
It really feels relative to the designer, but the key is in the type of clients who purchase small projects versus large projects. It comes down to budget, expectations and, of course, how to make a profit running smaller projects over larger ones. If you have a one-room project that requires full scope but the total budget is $20K and for fee of $5K you offer everything as a lump sum, it's a small project that needs to be treated like a small project, even if to the designer feels like its a big project. Compare that to like you say, a one-room project that requires renovation work as the client is spending a budget of $100K on it including designer fees, builder costs, finishes, furniture and installation, the work will likely take a few months and requires a different mentality as it will likely run for longer, require managing of teams and a lot more at stake. Thank you for commenting! I really appreciate it!
I provide a wealth of knowledge and go in-depth into topics in our "business spotlight" blog on our website too: www.idbs.online/interior-design-business-spotlight/ I hope this helps!
@@interiordesignschool Thank yo so much for taking the time to comment with your perspective and link to your blog. I will certainly have a read. Much appreciated!
Thank you for this. Its sooo helpful. My thoughts are when starting out, it makes sense to start small, otherwise it could get very overwhelming. Then you grow as you go...🫶
This was so helpful! I was speaking with a contractor and he kept asking if I project managed projects and if only I had this verbiage before. It was almost tricky trying to guide the contractor towards an understanding of the fact that we do a little bit of everything but our main focus is procurement and oversight. Brilliant!
I used to call it Project Management, too, but I'd always explain the difference. It's just too confusing. Project management is so ingrained into construction that we simply need different terminology, or else we're digging ourselves very deep holes. Thanks for taking the time to write; I really appreciate it!
There is so much discussion around all these terms in Australia at the moment. We are going through loads of changes. I've recently dropped from studying Interior Architecture to Interior design because of the reasons you have explained. I once asked a very highly reputable interior design firm what qualifications they look for in their staff and he responded we won't hire that doesn't have an interior architecture degree. Mind-blowing!
Exactly, it's nuts. Basically, they're saying they're hiring architects to do an interior designer's job, but these are separate professions. (I know because I do both and am trained in both!) It doesn't take an architect to be an interior designer. In fact, the best interior designers I've seen is the opposite. I always say trust your heart and follow your passion; it will never steer you wrong, and everyone's path is their own. Good luck and stay in touch!
Many people just think this is fun and "go into" this without training or anything. Its ridiculous and makes actual interior designers look like we are "playing with colors". Selling a design service...with "no experience"..does a disservice to the industry that should be respected.
I think you'll find that most people don't know what interior designers do, not because of people "going into design without training" but because interior design is a new and changing profession with lots of confusing TV shows showing us doing random things to get high views. Experience and training are two different things. You can get training without being a good designer (look at the millions of people who've studied lame, outdated interior design diploma courses thinking they're awesome interior designers) and you can gain unprecedented experience as well as training working on your own home project (gaining more experience than many university graduates in less time). Design is also an art; many people genuinely have a great eye for design (but that's because they have experience that others don't realise... perhaps they've spent many years designing something similar or working in fashion, etc.) There is no "one-size-fits-all" for training, and many "teachers" are horrendous with little to no experience in the industry themselves, teaching outdated methods because institutions like universities and governments don't allow deviation from their rigid, politicized systems. Education is for all, and everyone should have a chance to enter a career without being forced to fit into preconceived moulds of what an interior designer should be. x
I'm sorry to hear that you're having issues with your clients. I hope this provides you with some help. I have more resources on my website which you might find helpful with other aspects of interiors too, good luck, I hope things get better quickly for you!
Thank you for taking the time to comment! I don't take tiles to a consult unless the project is specifically about kitchens or bathrooms (or if the client wants to discuss finishes like tiles in their entry hall etc.), mainly because I find they're just too heavy and they ruin all my other samples (think ten 10mm x 100mm x 100mm stone samples, then the same for porcelain, then the same for terracotta, that's almost a 3kg to showcase a good enough variety). Plus, they vary so much and go out of stock (end of line) so quickly, I'd have to replace them too often to make it worth my while (and if you've promised something that is no longer available... that client won't be happy). If you do a lot of kitchen and bathroom consults or if you find that you're living in a place where tiles are a popular finish (in the Mediterranean countries and Australia yes, England, not so much), then I would take a different approach, maybe ask a tile manufacturer/supplier to come and join me for the meeting with their samples as they will have the most up to date range and can discuss the finishes and appropriate thicknesses, shapes, sizes and lead times on the spot. Something I could never do with a multitude of products unless I was doing it daily. Also, its more sustainable not to keep all of those tiles samples, they often go to landfill if they aren't returned. I suppose when I think back, I also found that those people who wanted tiles already seemed to have their pick of tiles on site anyway (maybe that was the trigger for calling me for a consultation because they needed help to put everything together with their decisions). It might be different for others, so if it feels right for you, and you have a trusted supplier that keeps your "pack" up to date, then I don't see why you couldn't have a tile kit too, although I'd probably used a wheelie bag (rather than a survey bag as is easier to transport). I hope that helps x
My builder asked me to help him to decorate his house and also he recommended me to his client and now I am working on decorating downstairs space, including kitchen and bathroom. I hope,that this will be a start for me.
Congratulations, it shows they appreciate your skills. Don't forget to ensure you're using the right processes, insurance and contracts (they're there to protect both you and your clients). Its a minimum requirement. Also ensure you're getting paid for the work as you're still liable (can still be sued for defect design work) even if you weren't paid for it. If you're looking for some mentorship, check out our program. We provide you with everything you need to work professionally, especially when you're starting out. Enjoy the best job in the world!
I'm glad it helped. I agree, it really is confusing, especially when the people you think you can trust are the ones who aren't being honest about it! I hope you're doing well Carrie!
I have heard that some designers ask for kickbacks from other trades or the contractor hired. Often between 10 and 20% that is a referral fee added to each invoice. Is this common practice and understood to be the designers fee like for furniture sourcing?
Great question! The following is without prejudice: There are two ways to earn a referral fee depending on whether you act as a principal designer or agent. Suppose you're acting as the agent and get a referral fee (acting as an agent means the client buys the items or hires the people you've proposed but not through your business; they hire them themselves with your guidance [this is actually a great way to work because there is much less legal responsibility and trouble you can get into). In that case, you must disclose any money you receive upfront or else it's seen as a conflict of interest (the client hasn't realised that you're getting paid to refer them). In the same way, an influencer needs to disclose whether they're getting paid to say they love a product and you should buy it. If you're acting as a principal designer ([this title has various meanings], but in this context, I'm referring to the way you source, taking money from the client and distributing it to all of your staff, trades and suppliers). In this case, you don't have to disclose your relationship or profits because they're your team (just like a shop wouldn't disclose its mark-ups). This is why setting your fees and understanding legal payment terms is imperative as an interior designer. I hope this helps x
Yes, that's unrealistic for most career changers. We have a lot of free resources on our site which might be useful including our quiz on which pathway you should take to become an interior designer (see it here www.idbs.online/quiz-how-to-become-an-interior-designer/ ) I hope this helps. Thank you for taking the time to write!
So inspiring, age is no barrier for a career change! And ones circumstances, however difficult should not stop a dream or goal. Love a good sense of humour 🫶
@@JamesBrown- It is the way the world works, all things fall apart. So much blame is given to the wrong mortar making bricks fail....I have crumbling bricks in my basement with the original lime-mortar, falling to pieces.
After working in the industry for over twenty years, it's only now that I have finally bought my dream home, so I'm experiencing this the other way around. Use what you have, start where you are and do what you can... and enjoy it, life is too short x
Hi Jo, thank you for sharing this significant insight! What do you think for a beginner designer with no traditional school education but some experience with projects in their own home, to buy- into an established brand franchise of interior design firm for a 5 year term?
Ooh hello! It's a loaded question :-) as I don't have much context, so I'll provide this response without prejudice! I have had mentees successfully do this (have a look at Stephanie from Casaria www.casariadesign.com/ she didn't buy a franchise specifically but made a success of something similar). So I'd say it depends. It is possible, but it depends on a lot of factors. Stephanie successfully did this; although I was mentoring her at the time, I wouldn't want to give you an irresponsible answer as I don't know the details. It is possible in the right circumstances :-) I hope this helps!! xx
Jo, you know my current situation as i am on my own and totally solo. This video has been so inspirational and to the point as always with your other teachings! Rajashri, Design Scheme
