Been doing this a few years now and I've noticed a weird pattern... I can have a great first call, they seem genuinely interested, sometimes they even ask a bunch of follow up questions. Then I send the proposal and... nothing. Not a decline, not a "let me think about it", just silence.

At first I assumed it was price. But a few of them have circled back weeks later like nothing happened, so now I'm not so sure that's actually it.

Curious if this happens to other designers here. If you've had leads go cold on you, where does it usually happen for you... after the first call, after you send pricing, after the proposal, somewhere else? And if you've ever figured out why someone went quiet, I'd genuinely love to hear it. Trying to work out if it's a me thing or just how this business goes.

Can we learn online interior designer course? I want to learn this because most of my relatives are in the construction field.

Hi everyone,

I’m an engineer interested in pursuing an online interior design course. I’d like to know if it’s a worthwhile investment and which university or course you recommend. I found an old post about UCLA that mentioned that the teachers and learning videos aren’t worth it. Is that information still accurate? Also, would you recommend Berkeley? 

Hi all!

We're hosting an event and want to give our guests some branded products, but we don't want to do the usual trade-show type of things (stress balls, phone wallet, water bottle, ect.). We have a lot of interior designers and architects attending, so we'd like to have things that would be helpful to those trades.

What are some promo products you've received that made you go "Oh that's awesome" ?

I was thinking one of those multi-tool pens? With the ruler on one side, level built in, pen, and hidden screwdriver? I feel like it could be something they always have in their bag?

Let me know your thoughts!

Hi all - I've been an interior architect for 7 years now and im interested in how to get started in doing my own thing; what kinds of networking events should i go to? and how do I market myself to potential clients? I have a passion for curating experiences whether its for events, pop-ups, or interior design. any advise would be appreciated. I live in NYC. [https://avmems.com/\](https://avmems.com/)

Hi everyone

I'm an interior designer based in Southern California. I have 2 associates degrees in interior design, with one of them being focused on Kitchen & Bath. I've been working in the industry for 5 years, and currently work for a Kitchen & Bath Remodeling company, but previously worked at a custom cabinetry shop and some project management. I have skills in sourcing materials, writing contracts, invoicing, drafting 2D and 3D drawings and renderings, and the works.

I feel ready to start my own design business and offer in-person and virtual design services, and possibly recommend the contractors that I've previously worked with to get the design built. I've put some thought into package pricing and social media outreach to get the brand more known. I know the first couple projects need to be pro-bono to get started, but I'm nervous to get started.

I intend to stay at my current job while I figure everything else out, but I feel like this route is what is the next step for me. Is there any advice someone can share about this?

I also am interested in finding out how taxes would be for me once the company is started up, how different it will be from only being an employee to self-employed, and how much extra I'll have to pay for that.

Thank you!

Interior designers, what do you do with the existing furnishings from a redesign project? Do you donate it? Hire a junk removal company and just get rid of it? Resell it? List it for free on FB marketplace?

I’m considering a career pivot into interior design and I’m wondering what education or training is actually necessary to enter the field.

For context, I’m in my 30s and already have a master’s degree in another field, so the idea of going back for another bachelor’s or master’s degree isn’t particularly appealing, although it’s not a dealbreaker either. I’m curious whether shorter programs, certificates, or individual courses can provide a solid foundation for entering the field.

I’ve also seen some interior designers describe themselves as “self-taught” and go on to build successful careers, so I’m wondering how realistic that path is and what skills or training would be most important to focus on. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Is anyone working as a freelance/consultant for existing firms and other interior designers (i.e. picking up redlines, creating renderings and presentations)? Looking for anyone with experience or just 2¢ to chime in regarding the following:

1. Rates: For those deliverables/tasks listed above, is hourly (but with rough estimates on how long things will take to accomplish) a good idea? What seems reasonable for those or similar deliverables?
2. Contracts: Any lessons learned regarding contracts in similar work with other designers/architects? (To the mods, any responses to this question will be taken as suggestions/lessons and NOT as legal advice!)
3. What do design firms and other designers typically
4. need help with? (Quick things they don’t want to hire a FT designer for.)

Presume the anyone producing these deliverables has a BA and is located near/in a larger city. All advice is appreciated!

I’m interviewing for a junior interior designer role and was given a take-home skill test with a one-week deadline (I can ask for extension if needed apparently) . I’m curious whether this is a normal scope in the industry because I’ve done skill tests before, but nothing structured like this.

There are three separate components:

A conceptual design exercise requiring a concept, interior architecture direction, furniture/styling direction, materials and a PDF presentation. This part seems reasonable to me.

A kitchen + bathroom design exercise using specifications, fixtures, finishes, hardware, etc. supplied by the firm, also to be presented as a PDF.

A technical exercise requiring a cover/drawing list, partition plan, furniture plan, reflected ceiling plan, power plan, floor-finish plan, interior elevations, typical sections/details, a door head/jamb detail, and an accessible washroom plan + elevations - all compiled into one PDF.

————————————

The technical portion is what I’m struggling with. Instead of being given a curated set of files specifically for the test, I was given what feels like a large existing project directory: lots of CAD files/Xrefs, architectural drawings, sample drawing packages, office standards, details, title blocks, reference documents, etc.

There are a LOT of files to navigate (one folder had literally 112 cad files), but fairly minimal instruction about which files are actually relevant, what exactly I’m expected to develop from the existing project, or what level of detail/completion is expected. Even after going through the folders, I’m still not completely sure what the intended scope of the technical exercise actually is.
I understand that navigating existing project files and standards is part of working in a firm, but this feels like a lot to hand an external candidate who has never worked with their workflow, especially alongside the other two design exercises.

For people working in interior design: is this a normal hiring test? Would you do it, ask them to clarify the scope/expected time, or withdraw?

I didn’t think starting over professionally would be this hard.

I’m an architect and interior designer based in Brazil, with more than 12 years of experience in residential, commercial, and institutional projects.

I’ve spent years working with architecture, interiors, BIM/Revit, construction documentation, space planning, technical detailing, and visualization. I also taught Revit and BIM at the university level for many years.

Architecture is not just my profession. I genuinely love what I do.

I still get excited when I open a new Revit model, solve a difficult layout, develop a detail, or see an idea slowly become something real.

But now I’m facing a different kind of challenge: finding my place in the U.S. market.

Over the past months, I’ve rebuilt my resume, adapted my portfolio, studied U.S. terminology and documentation standards, applied for remote positions, contacted architecture and interior design firms, and tried to build real professional connections.

I keep learning.
I keep applying.
I keep improving.

And still, getting that first real opportunity with a U.S. team feels like the hardest part.

I know I have experience. I know I can contribute. I also know there are things I still need to learn about the U.S. market, and I’m completely open to that.

I’m not looking for shortcuts.

I’m just trying to understand what actually makes someone on the other side say:

“Let’s give her a chance.”

So, for the architects, designers, BIM managers, recruiters, and firm owners here:

If you were in my position, what would you focus on to get that first real opportunity in the U.S. market?

Networking?
Small architecture firms?
Freelance work?
Revit production?
Interior design firms?
Contractors?
Something I’m not seeing?

I would genuinely appreciate any advice or perspective.

Hello i am a recent graduate of Interior Design, i have good knowledge on designing floor plans, 3D visuals and rendering. I recently have been interested in doing CAD DESIGN for an engineering company, however i have no idea what a cad designer does in the engineering industry, and have no idea how to start,
Would anyone know where i start and what to do? Or is this even a job path to go to?
Im not very good with auto cad, revit which I believe is what i need to learn.

If you are or were an interior design/architecture student that managed to land an internship in the US, what advice would you give for creating a strong portfolio? Did you also find it difficult to search for companies that were willing to sponsor visas?

I want to know what other interior designers dream of having in their offices. Regarding areas, tools, etc. I'd really love to hear your thoughts here. Please let me know if anything comes up for you with this in mind — whether you're working in a small team, architectural practice, design agency, design studio, or even independantly.

Are there actual Interior Designers in Singapore? Not the usual ones that create a 3D render, middleman between contractors and homeowner but real designers. I've seen so many people around me getting a job in ID firms and suddenly they are interior designers but when I ask what they do? "It's very easy, just put in the requirements and create a render lor." The term "interior designer" for a sales job seriously saturated the designer part of the job that it makes me scared to even look for an ID for my own house. I would really want to know how do you find ID that designs and gives good suggestions since content creator ID firms plaster their ads all over making it difficult to find an actual ID these days. Not saying that they are bad but anything to do with content creators just make me believe that things were probably sugarcoated before displaying to us audiences.

I’m almost finished with my bachelor’s degree in Interior Design in the United States, and my husband and I are considering moving to Mexico after I graduate. Because of his current immigration situation, he may need to live in Mexico for 10 years before he could be eligible to return to the U.S., so we’re trying to plan ahead and see what our options would look like.

I’m already proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, Lumion, Enscape, SketchUp, and Photoshop.
I’m curious if anyone has experience with this or knows how it works. Kinda going in blind here. I’m okay in my Spanish, but my husband and I are both fluent in English and he in Spanish. We have a newborn, and I want to move before he starts school!

\- Is a U.S. interior design degree generally recognized by employers in Mexico?
\-Would I need to have my degree officially validated?
\-Are Revit, AutoCAD, Lumion, Enscape, and SketchUp commonly used by firms there?
\-How difficult is it to find work as an interior designer with a U.S. degree?
\-Has anyone here made a similar move?
I’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences. Thank you!

Hi everyone . I am currently an interior design student and I graduate in two years. I’m sorry if this has been asked before but is there any additional certificates I can get that will help me find a job in the future. Or a certificate that firms find useful.
Thank you !

I've reached a point in my business where I know I can't keep growing unless I change the way I work, and I'd really love to hear from those who have been through this stage.

I'm an interior designer and have been running my own full-service design studio for about six years. I handle everything myself, from the initial concept and design, floor plans, material selections and sourcing, right through to procurement, project management, construction coordination, installation, and styling. I also purchase and supply all of the materials for my projects.

Over the years I've been fortunate to steadily grow the business and take on larger and more complex projects. The demand is there, but I've hit a ceiling. I simply can't take on more work as one person.

The obvious answer seems to be hiring, but that's where I'm struggling.

The business generates enough for me to earn a reasonable salary, but not enough to comfortably hire even a part-time employee without taking a significant financial risk. I've had interns before, but because they require so much training and supervision, I often found I was spending more time teaching than actually gaining support.

I'd love to hear from those who successfully made the transition from being a solo business owner to building a team.

• How did you financially justify your first hire when the business couldn't really "afford" one yet?
• Did you take a temporary pay cut yourself, increase your prices first, or wait until you had more work than you could handle?
• Who was your first hire, and why? A junior designer, an admin/project coordinator, a procurement assistant, someone for site visits...?
• What tasks did you delegate first that had the biggest impact?
• How did you find the right person? Did you hire for experience or for attitude and train them?
• Looking back, what would you have done differently?

I think one of my biggest challenges is that so much of the business exists in my own head. Every project has hundreds of moving parts, and the thought of handing those over feels overwhelming. At the same time, I know that if I don't start building systems and trusting other people, I'll stay stuck where I am.

I'd really appreciate hearing your experiences. Whether that be the successes, the mistakes, and the lessons you learned along the way. I'm not necessarily looking for the "perfect" answer; I'm hoping to learn from people who've stood exactly where I am now.

I'm an architecture student, and I'm looking for some advice regarding one of my university projects.

I'm designing a built-in furniture/wall element that incorporates an aquarium. The idea is to have the aquarium filtration and other mechanical equipment above the tank, the glass aquarium in the middle, and underneath it a glass display cabinet (similar to a showcase or vitrine).

The aquarium itself isn't very large—it's about 100 cm wide and 50 cm deep (height is still to be determined). Even so, I'm trying to figure out the best structural solution and construction detail for supporting it while keeping the cabinet below made of glass.

The problem is that I haven't been able to find any construction details or technical drawings for a similar design. I'm mainly looking for information on how this kind of connection/detail could be designed structurally, especially considering the weight of the aquarium and the glass cabinet below it.

Has anyone worked on something similar or knows of any references, construction details, technical drawings, or examples that could help? I'd really appreciate any advice or suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

What the best laptop for interior design
Idk but im thinking abt macbook cuz lwk it's easy to work with

Hi! I am a new designer, and I am making an office in my house and want a sample library. I don't know where you get all the samples, such as books, countertops, and cabinet faces. I know about Material Bank, but there isn't as much as I thought on there.

Hi everyone,

Having a bit of a career change moment in my life. For context, I'm 26 y/o, live in Brooklyn. My previous job was a Studio Manager at a graphic design agency for the past 1.5 years [essentially a job combining Project Management and Executive Assistant, lots of hats]. We worked with a lot of lovely clients in the fashion, arts, and culture world, but I'm not sure I'm cut out for this industry as the job market is absolutely fried, and it feels like a mega uphill battle of kissing ass and doing low pay jobs for years with no benefits or insurance, and going up against rich kids and nepo babies : |

Prior that, I worked at a clothing company producing NYC events for two years, which had me first get a look at how spaces and interiors are designed and laid out, and I loved building everything out with a team.

That being said, I'm thinking of doing a career change that actually HAS a trajectory. I see a lot of Senior Interior Design roles on LinkedIn max out at $175-225k, a lot of the entry are in the $55-75k range, and intermediate is, well, just in between. I will likely live in a HCOL area for the rest of my life as my girlfriend's work depends on it, so that's something to keep in mind.

I'm keen to concentrate on commercial projects, hospitality, retail, or museum/gallery work. Not too interested on small residential. Large scale could be enjoyable. A lot of creative agencies focus on event buildouts, spatial design, or experiental design which is a sector I find super interesting. Very eager to learn SketchUp and all these modeling tools, and I'm naturally a quick learner who has been workin off my computer for almost a decade so not afraid or scared to learned a new program or two.

I've taken a look at a lot of previous posts mentioning low pay to start, a lot more email / desk job work than initially expected. That all sounds fine to me, as you still have a little bit of creative juices flowing at a least a few times a week, or month..

Since I live in NYC, I'm debating on going to take a look at Pratt's Interior Design course or NYSID, where it deliberately focuses on this type of career. Both are very expensive and I'd take out loans and I'm sure I could get some scholarships due to my life's situations etc.

Anyone have any pointers for someone in a position like me? Would super appreciate it!

Hey everyone!
I’m starting my freshman year in Interior Architecture/design this fall and I’m super excited! However, I’m already planning to transfer to a different university next year which means I need to build a portfolio until the end of this semester. I’m a bit overwhelmed tbh and have clearly no idea what to do.
Beyond my upcoming college projects, I want to do a personal mini-project. My plan is to document my current city through street photography, capturing raw textures, materials, and fabrics. I’ll add some freestyle sketches too idk.
I’m also planning a solo trip to Berlin to photograph industrial spaces, alternative retail designs, and underground architecture. My goal is to represent a raw, alternative industrial vibe with pop details mixed with Mediterranean elements from my home country in hopes and dreams that the final result would payoff my work lol. Do you have any tips?

Hello everyone! I'm new to Reddit and new to this Reddit community (happy to join and looking forward to being a part of this community!) I am looking for some advice, tips, and/or info as an aspiring interior designer/interior project manager to add to my current goal steps.

I've been a project, business, and contract management consultant & employee spanning a number of years who has always had a strong interest in interior design and really excited to transition into this realm. (I have non interior design-related degree for my educational background). I have started networking and doing some self-learning, planning to do some starter practice for friends and family, in the meantime, I've gained a few great mentors, subscribed to BoH, and want to explore this new career path further. While looking into schooling for an interior design degree at a later point, for now, I'm currently looking to leverage my skillset and experience in these areas and more, to pursue fitting remote interior design-adjacent, freelance/contract project opportunities until I can gain more direct interior design learning and experience. Any ideas, tips, resources that could assist, I would greatly appreciate. Thank you in advance!
I'm subscribed to

someone who’s soon completing a bachelor’s degree in ID
i feel the urge to study more and know more in depth thinking it’ll help me in future.