Interior designers don’t just wash their hands after their most impressive client work. I’ve done interior design work for some of the most respected and celebrated brands on the market. For me, it’s one of the most fulfilling and rewarding jobs I’ve ever had.
In the early 2000s, I moved from New York City to Washington, DC. I was working in the art, design and interior design division of a well-known and highly successful firm. I was surrounded by truly talented people who were doing really well. I was thrilled to be part of the firm and to have the opportunity to work with some of the most talented designers I had ever worked with in a small firm.
In the ’90s, we were doing a lot of work with the same customers, but in a different market. In the early 2000s you had to look at the top of the list, but now you can go down to the bottom of the list. You can’t tell a designer from an architect.
I don’t know how many times I heard the word “architect” in my life, but I love it! I’m really happy I was able to work with people who were so passionate about the work they were doing. It was a great way to get my feet wet with architectural design, and I learned a lot from everyone in the firm.
The designers at these companies tend to be the same people. Most are very interested in the interior design field too. As a result, they often hire new graduates to work at their office. Then, as soon as the designer finishes their first job, they move on to another location. But in some cases they are not willing to wait for a new person to take a job.
I had to think about what I was doing. This was the first time I’ve ever worked in an office setting. Before that I worked as an intern in a design firm in Boston. I was also offered to work at a couple other design firms in DC. I knew nothing about interior design, but I did know a couple designers who were willing to give me some tips. They ended up being two of the best friends I got to work with.
The best way to learn about interior design is to start with people who are willing to take the time to learn about it. You don’t have to be a designer, but if you can get them on board at least give them some tips. One of the best is to get them to design a home for you. They will be more than happy to talk shop with you.
There are more ways to learn design than through the internet, but you can always start with a design consultation. The first thing to remember is that interior design is not something you can learn on your own. You will probably only have the patience to do one thing for yourself.
A lot of designers have their shop open for the day, so if you have a few minutes you can come in to see them work, but in a professional setting you might not have that opportunity. You can also just ask a design firm if they work with people in your position, and if they do, they will probably be more than happy to give you some tips.
In the end it comes down to the people who have spent the most time on the job, so you have to ask. It doesn’t matter if they are your boss, or your neighbor. It can be good to know what the work is like before you even meet the person, so you can see how they interact with you, and what they think of you.
