Starting your own Interior Design Business
Interior designers are licensed professionals, educated in the various aspects required in designing a space. Designers must be versed in a variety of subjects including building codes, building materials, infrastructural requirements, and budgetary requirements. Designers are skilled in reading architectural blueprints, floor plans and code related documentation.
Designers must also fully grasp the decorating portion of design, including furniture construction and design, fabric construction and application, color theory and spatial planning.
You can get into the interior design business as an independent contractor or as an associate in a design firm. If you're still in school, apply for an apprenticeship with a local design firm. The position not only looks great on a resume, but gives you hands-on experience of what is required to run a design business. If you want to establish yourself as an independent contractor in the design profession, you need to consider several factors before you build your clientele base.
Specialize or generalize
Some designers specialize in certain areas, such as kitchen and bath design, children's rooms, design for the disabled or residential staging for selling real estate. If you have a special interest, and the market for that specialty is largely untapped, you have a greater opportunity to expand your clientele base more quickly.
Designers who are able to take on a wide range of project types, though, are more likely to have repeat customers, and have a larger referral base.
Home-based or separate office
Decide if you want to run your business from home or from an office. A home-based business is less expensive to operate, and works well if you intend to cater to residential decorating or small remodeling jobs. Face time with clients is spent in their homes, rather than in your office.
If you intend to do commercial work, though, a separate office space is advisable. In this area, much of the work is done in an office setting with contractors and architects, rather than in the space. You'll need a professional style office to accommodate this type of business.
Network with local vendors
Designers need to know where to get just the right furniture, fabrics, lighting and accessories for the job. Spend time getting to know your local vendors, particularly those who sell only to the trade, meaning they sell only to licensed designers. Expand your supplier network to include local artisans and craftsman, including upholsterers, furniture makers, fabric designers and artists.
Establish a working relationship with the vendors and obtain sample books and catalogues for their companies. You may need to pay full price for these at first, but over time, you'll likely get these and other perks at reduced costs.
Advertise
Invest in business cards and print ads, as well as ad placement online. Hire a professional to build your website and make sure all your advertisement includes your website address and email address, as well as a phone number.
Focus on obtaining local clients by advertising on your local news outlets' websites and in community newsletters. Hand out your business card at every opportunity.
Invest in a high end digital camera and take before-and-after photographs of your work. Use them for your website, and as part of your sales pitch.
Work, work, work
If you don't have clients yet, ask for volunteers. Offer to design various rooms for friends and family for free. Use these projects for your before-and-after photos as well as for word of mouth advertising. Donate your services to local charity groups. Charity groups are funded by people with disposable income, and they are possible clients. If they like your work, they may consider you for their next interior design project.
