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

@@lilam1447 😁 In that case, don't wait, go for your goals!

Thank you Anna! I always appreciate you taking the time to comment on my videos! x

You can't imagine how many interior designers actually say yes to it too...

Exactly :-)

Thank you for your kind words, Anna!

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==

@@interiordesignschool thank you Jo, I will go there now. :)

@@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!

@@interiordesignschool Much appreciated, I will check it out.

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.

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!

@@coralbailey-bz2hf and I appreciate you! Good luck!

Thank you for taking the time to write! Much appreciated x

I LOVE that "grow as you go"!! Right up my alley!

It's definitely not for everyone, so worth knowing what you're good at, where you're headed and the clients that you want to work with!

@@interiordesignschool Thank you.

Thank you! I hope you enjoy the post as well, they're designed to work together with this video so that you get the full picture!

Thank you for taking the time to comment. I really appreciate it!

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!

I'm glad you enjoyed it! I will get back into doing more of these soon! Keep an eye out, I have some great ones planned ha!

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!

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

Hi @gabrilakinwale5575 I would start with the free resources on our site here: www.idbs.online/how-to-build-an-interior-design-or-architecture-portfolio-when-youve-never-had-a-client/ www.idbs.online/how-do-you-get-interior-design-clients-without-a-portfolio/ Keep going, don't give up. Goodluck!

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

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!

That's right! She's actually one of my favourite interior designers of all time and she's absolutely lovely too!

@@interiordesignschoolSame here! I absolutely love her style and her loveliness is likely a big reason for her success!

@@annaoslo8650 I don't get a lot of time to watch tv etc. but when I do, I love watching her KZbin channel!

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!

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!

Nonsense comment

@@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

@@interiordesignschool Congratulations..and thank you 💕

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

Glad I could help! x

Glad you had a laugh! I love making them! Have you seen the others?

Thank you, I love your channel too x

Thank you Maureen!

I hope it helps you during these weeks Rajashri! Don't forget to enjoy this time too xxx

Yes I agree! We all struggle with the same things; its true, especially in those first stages. Thank you for taking the time to write x

Thank you Jaka! I've felt it too! It's also just as bad when you have too much to do and then the overwhelm sets in!

Hi, did you watch the part about graduate portfolios? This part goes into exactly what you need to do. Designers want to experience so if you can prove to them that you are capable of doing the jobs they need (typically concept presentations, detail design, technical design, construction, FF&E and install as well as social media nad photography these days). You need to be able to show that you are versatile and can solve problems. No-one wants to hire someone who needs too much effort to train up... I would watch this video in its entirety as you'll see all the documentation you should have for different stages of a project in the other sections and then try again. Good luck!

I'm glad you asked. I had exactly the same issue at the beginning! The key is to use them separately from the main golden rectangle of the proportion and use them on their own. They are only shown like that (inside the golden rectangle) because it shows how they created it from the spiral. To use them, just use them alongside each other but in proportion to each other. It's just about scale and proportion relative to the others. Hope that helps!

@@interiordesignschool it does ! It’s clearer now thank you 😊

So glad it helped! x @@LaurenMarie23

Thanks April xxx

@@interiordesignschool Jo you are My Shero. You do it all!!. Who knew you were a comedian as well! I love it!❤😂