Students often ask me for informational interviews. Today, I took a few quick notes afterward:
- What is your educational background?
B.A. in Psychology from Western Washington University followed by a CIDA accredited AA from Bellevue College
- How did you begin your career?
By doing anything that I could to get experience: Design/Sales at high-end furniture stores, sales at Waterworks plumbing and tile showroom, freelance drafting for an ice sculpture event planning company, freelance drafting for a construction company, designing a remodel for my friends home which was down to the studs and overseeing the project management (along with doing some demo and paint work), Junior Designer at a high-end residential interior design firm, set design for commercials, construction project coordinator at a high-end construction company. I quit my last “real” job to become a server and “hopefully have a few clients a year.” Thankfully my business great and I was able to quickly transition into full-time work.
- What steps would you recommend I take to prepare to enter this field?
Get experience in anything and everything while learning all that you can about the real design world. Research designers, the process, furniture lines, lighting, plumbing, tile, local furniture stores, local galleries and local vintage/antique malls.
- Favorite and worst part of your job?
Favorite: Seeing our design all come together and our clients love it.
Least Favorite: Not being believed despite expertise and invoicing.
- What is a typical day like for you?
The best part is that no day is the same. Most days include a lot of email either in the office or while working from home. I have 4-8 client meetings per week with the designer leading their project, I review and collaborate with each staff member 2-5 times per week, I shop for items online and in-person, I research ideas and solutions and installation days and photoshoot days are some of the most demanding but rewarding days.
- What skills, abilities, and personal attributes are essential to success in this job?
Attention to detail, passion for design, curiosity, problem solving, self starter.
- What kinds of accomplishments tend to be valued and rewarded in the design field?
As a small business owner, having work published, winning awards and having a high SEO ranking has helped my business. In general, I think potential employers and clients value strong work ethic, integrity, problem solving, organization and creating beautiful work.
- Advice for students in the Interior Design program?
Have a website and have projects that represent your favorite styles. Educate yourself about available resources (see above) and know your programs inside and out. Know your programs inside and out. Remember that when you first start for a small firm you will be assisting. Know the programs and resources that will help you to do this.
My interview with Business Of Home may answer student questions further: https://businessofhome.com/articles/how-this-washington-designer-used-seo-to-make-her-firm-a-top-google-result
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