I have been in the industry for over a decade and navigating it has been tough. From learning how to start my own business, dealing with different types of clients and vendors, and continuously upskilling myself, I have learnt valuable lessons that have made me a good designer and entrepreneur today. I know the design industry is difficult, competitive, and overwhelming, but it doesn't need to be. The tips that I am about to share are not only beneficial to designers but also relatable to experienced designers.
Let’s cut to the chase and dive into it before you start thinking that the article does not share any tips at all 🥺
1. Problems Happen
Be it luxury interior design or any other industry, PROBLEMS ALWAYS ARISE. No matter how meticulously you plan, there is always a chance of unexpected problems arising. There is no use fretting over it. Rather, take a moment for yourself and breathe.
Once calm, go over the problem again and try to embrace a problem-solving mindset. Sometimes the solution lies in front of us, but we are so overwhelmed by the problem that we don’t see it.
2. Build Lasting And Strong Relationships
Building lasting relations with your clients and vendors is extremely valuable. Most of the time, we focus on the clients who are more likely to pay more, but that shouldn’t be the case. What you should focus on is connecting with your clients and understanding their pain points. This establishes the trust of your client in your expertise. Not just clients, but building a network of trustworthy vendors is also beneficial.
3. Stay Empathetic
You read that right; there might be a lot of clients who might become agitated during a project. It happens. Always try to put yourself in the client’s shoes and try to understand their worries and pain points. When you empathize with your clients or vendors, it not only enhances client satisfaction but also helps build lasting relationships.
4. Trust Your Instincts & Know When To Say No
One of the most important lessons in luxury design is to trust your instincts. Your instinct is always right. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. It’s okay to walk away from projects or clients that don’t align with you or your brand's vision or values. Setting boundaries is essential. Especially when you are a designer. You have to say “no” to maintain your peace and a healthy work-life balance. Establishing clear limits will prevent you from overextending yourself and help you work on delivering high-quality work.
5. Value Your Design Expertise And Stay Creative
The most important lesson is to value your own work and always. If you don’t value your own work, others won’t either. It’s always better to focus on clients who appreciate your vision and work. Amid the chaos and challenges, it’s crucial to stay connected to your creativity. Remember why you started in luxury interior design and keep your creative spirit alive. Your passion and creativity are what drive your success and set your work apart.
Every great interior designer starts somewhere. In summary, these five lessons can help you build a strong foundation as a beginner interior designer. Keep learning, stay passionate, and success will follow!
Comments