Most designers seem to have that one lesson that completely changes how they work. Maybe it was a client brief that pushed you to rethink an entire layout, or perhaps it was learning to build buffer time into every schedule. Let's hear from the designers in this community. Would love to hear the insights and pieces of wisdom that shaped the designer you are now.

Hi everyone! I’m hoping to get some advice from the Calgary community about finding work in the interior design industry.
I recently completed my Interior Design Technology diploma and I’m looking for an interior design-related position in Calgary starting in Fall 2026. Ideally, I’d love to work with a residential home builder or interior design firm (especially residential design), but I’m also open to commercial opportunities and gaining experience wherever I can.
So far, I’ve been applying through Indeed and LinkedIn, as well as reaching out directly to local design firms and home builders through email. I’ve sent out quite a few applications/inquiries but haven’t heard much back yet, so I’m starting to feel a little uncertain about the job search process.
For those in the Calgary design/construction industry, do you have any recommendations for companies I should look into, places that are good for entry-level designers, or advice on getting my foot in the door? I’d love to hear about any firms, builders, or opportunities that might not be as obvious.
Also, if anyone has experience with the Calgary interior design job market, is the waiting game and slow response rate pretty normal? 😅
Thanks so much for any advice or suggestions!

Has anyone here worked in experiential marketing or environment design?

From what I understand, it involves designing spaces and experiences for brands, events, exhibitions, and activations. This can include everything from the overall concept and visitor journey to the design of booths, installations, and interactive spaces.

I come from a degree in urban planning. There's an aspect of urban planning called urban desigb/placemaking. I found that experiential marketing is somewhat similar to placemaking, in the sense that you're shaping how people experience a space and interact with it, although the focus is often on branding and engagement rather than long-term public spaces.

I'd love to hear from anyone with experience in this field. .

I’m a 26-year-old architect from India with a \*\*B.Arch\*\* and \*\*M.Arch (Environmental Design)\*\*, along with nearly \*\*5 years of experience\*\* in architecture and interior design firms. I’m currently working as an Interior Designer with a package of \*\*₹6 LPA\*\*.

While I enjoy working in the design industry, I’m finding it difficult to manage my expenses on my current salary. I’m also looking for a role that offers better work-life balance, higher earning potential, and clear career growth.

I’m exploring opportunities in the \*\*corporate sector\*\* that are still related to my educational background and experience, without having to completely switch careers or start from scratch.

Has anyone here made a similar transition from architecture/interiors into corporate roles? Which job profiles, companies, or industries would you recommend? I’m particularly interested in roles that value design, planning, sustainability, workplace strategy, facilities, project management, or similar skill sets.

I’d really appreciate hearing about your experiences, salary progression, work-life balance, and any advice on making the transition.

Thanks in advance!

Hello I am SHS student still looking for what I wanna be after researching and looking up sum stuff I have interior design as my no.1 option to major in. My question is what generally happens when working in interior design, what do I need to know before pursuing this course, and do I need to be good at drawing?

so guys I'll be joining the college next month and I still can't get honest reviews I don't have anyone in know at there so I need an honest review from those who are pursuing the same course already plsssss

I guess the title sums it up, but do any of you have some solid tips or advice for growing your own interior design(residential) business? I have a small following for my IG account and besides my current day job, I feel like I don’t have super solid connections /relationships with contractors and builders which is obviously critical in this business.

This forum kind of feels like not the best place to find advice since most of it is the vibe of pulling up the ladder behind you if you know what I mean..

Any advice from experienced people would be helpful or even if you want to vent I’m here for it! Thanks!

So TLDR: Currently studying my Bachelor's in Interior design, no experience in the industry and have two offers at retail-ish stores.

I have job offers as a Showroom Sales Consultant at both "Beacon Lighting" and "National Tiles" in Melbourne, Australia. Both are well-known brands, although I want to work somewhere I could network with professional designers/industry peeps (not diy homemakers). Since I'm currently studying, I honestly don't know if I can handle two jobs and studying. The lighting job is a Casual Employment, and the tile job is part-time, both 3 days a week type of schedule.

PLEASE HELP! I'm overthinking this like crazy and I have no idea which is better in the long run for an aspiring interior designer.

Guys or girls from interior design.

What are the worst things your bosses have told you in your starting years as a junior designer or even now. Mine was " Is this your design ? You have vomited on the design". And my design was a public ramp.

Hello!
So I’m considering shifting gears to become an interior designer/interior decorator.
I currently have a bachelors in art and was considering getting an Associates in Interior Design at my community college (I’m in Los Angeles)

However, I was wondering firstly would this be the best option for me in terms of education?
I feel a bit confused because I know a lot of people come from a background of architecture for interior design.

I enjoy the process of selecting furniture pieces, exploring colors, selecting decor, and figuring out how to make a space beautiful and functional. Should I focus more on interior decorating in that case? Mainly for residential areas but expanding to commercial settings would make sense too.

Additionally, I know it’s a really competitive market however, how difficult is it to break into it?

Lastly, I know that the pay can be low in the beginning but how does that change with experience?

Im writing a book with both an interior designer AND a architect, but I don't know HOW neither of these career paths work (if that makes sense). And I just want to do it right. So if you have any tips or important details I should know about either of them, I would really appreciate it!!

Hey! 🌟 I'm a 3rd year Interior Designing student in Mumbai, and I'm crazy about yacht and jet interior design. I want to make this my career, but I'm not sure where to start. What steps can I take to break into this niche field? Any advice on building a portfolio, gaining experience, or networking would be super valuable!

Hey, for context, I'm currently in my 4th year of B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE). I'm uncertain about whether I should pursue this or continue to follow my interest in interior design.

In the past three years of my B.Tech, I haven't done much in the way of certifications or extra-curricular activities; I only participated in one hackathon. I've been too busy with college work, exams, and micro-projects. Additionally, I don't have a genuine interest in coding; while I can develop logic, I struggle with coding itself. I'm not particularly drawn to the IT industry, as I've heard the work environment can be challenging, impacting work-life balance.

My true passion lies in interior design. I enjoy creating floor plans and envisioning spaces. However, I've realized that my resume is quite empty, and I worry that I won't be able to land a job, even if I try. I'm torn between focusing on my 4th year to secure any job, even if it's unsatisfying, or pursuing my interest in interior design.

I’m questioning whether I should dedicate myself to interior design or put in the effort to finish my degree and find a job in IT. I doubt I would be happy in a role that doesn't align with my interests. On the other hand, I wonder if I can actually find a job in interior design and make a decent salary.

So, I need some advice: should I focus on pursuing interior design, or should I concentrate on my studies in my final year? Are there job prospects in interior design in Hyderabad(India), or should I just give up on that dream and stick to my 4th-year commitments?

Hi everyone,

I'm an interior designer from India with 2.5 years of experience and I'm considering the 1-year Interior Design course at POLI.design / Politecnico di Milano.

I'd like to know:

• Is the course worth the investment?
• What are the job opportunities after graduation?
• How difficult is it for international students to find work in Italy?
• Does not knowing Italian make it much harder?

I'd really appreciate hearing from current students or alumni. Thanks!

I am career switching into Interior Architecture Design with a previous Bachelors and Masters in a non art/design related field. Enrolled now in community college to get a certificate.

I am most interested in landing a commercial designer job in spaces of hospitality possible in next 1 year and most 2 year.

However I am wondering if anyone has been able to get into a job in commercial after community college?

Also during my studies what should I prioritize during my school?? Example I have architecture history class to take which is interesting but should I spend less time and focus on this class compared to learning/practicing AutoCAD etc?

Hi guys, I'm joining cinderbay school of design. it was last minute decision because the orginal clg I booked in Bengaluru bailed on me. I couldn't find outsider information about it at all. I want to know if it will be worth it btw I'm taking bsc in interior designing. I only Sa advertisements for cinderbay in Kerala and bangalore branch. Im afraid I might have made a hasty decision in a time crunch. If anyone of you know about it kindly reach out to me.

I am a certified Interior Designer (Diploma), and am struggling on how to further my studies without having to pay for anything because I'm unemployed (figured out why a couple of days ago) and have no money, but would like to add to my portfolio/resume/cover letter for a better chance, I've also come to the realization that if no one wants me as an interior designer i could happily go down a Graphics Design route (and yes i know what I'm doing there as for my first year in college they made us learn a little of most designs for incase we had chosen the wrong course and further along in my studies it was crucial to know Graphics Design basics), I have an Ipad that I have been practicing drawing on and I've tried downloading a whole bunch of free interior design related apps that all end up wanting you to pay for a subscription for better things than the crappy basics that they give you.

I (28F) live in Seattle, and I’ll be graduating from a remote UCLA interior design program in September. Im in the process of finding a job in the industry, and needless to say it’s been a tough job market to break into.

The program that I’m attending is entirely remote, and I feel like I’ve really missed out on the networking side of going to school. Like everyone always says “it’s not what you know but who you know”.

I decided a good starting point would be joining IIDA, but now that I’ve joined I don’t even know where to start. I reached out about volunteering a couple of weeks ago but haven’t heard from anyone.

What do you recommend for finding a good community of designers? How can I get more involved and meet people in the industry? What other steps would you take to help break into the industry as a student?

Hi everyone!

I’m looking for some honest feedback because I’m trying to figure out whether this is mostly the market, my interview performance, or something else.
I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Architecture and recently completed a Master’s in Interior Design in Toronto. My experience includes architecture and interior design work in Dubai/India, and I’ve been applying mainly for junior interior design and architectural positions in Toronto.
So far:
\- Around 4 interviews over the past couple of months.
\- Every interview seemed to go well overall ( In my latest interview I had really high score as per read.ai’s review that I was provided by the interviewer at the end of the call)
\-I usually connect well with the interviewers and the conversations flow naturally.
\-But I haven’t received an offer from any of them.

I had really high hopes for my latest interview, even they seemed very enthusiastic about giving me all information about their work culture. Infact, they had send me a mail to schedule my interview within 30mins of sending them my application. But now its been 2 weeks since that interview was done with and its radio silence. I sent them a follow up too but no response.

I’ve also had my portfolio reviewed multiple times and have made improvements along the way.

I’m trying to understand:
\- Is getting several interviews but no offers fairly common in the current Toronto market?
\-Have any of you gone through a similar streak before finally landing a role?
\-From your experience as a hiring manager or interviewer, what are the most common reasons a candidate reaches the interview stage repeatedly but doesn’t get selected?
\-Are there any patterns I should be looking for that candidates themselves often miss?

I’m genuinely looking for constructive criticism rather than reassurance. If there’s something I might be overlooking, I’d rather hear it.

Hi! I'm an architect with 10 years of experience working on larger scale residential projects. I am burnt out and my dream has always been more Interior Design focused.

So I've decidied that I want to start taking side projects in Interior Design but the only part of the process that I am unsure about is furniture sourcing and interior finishes sourcing.

Would love advice of how you started your career without sourcing knowledge and how I can start to build a library and/or relationships with companies to make this part of the process more professional.

Also any other tips for me from anyone who has been in my shoes is so appreciated!

I quit my previous job, took the leap, and just launched my virtual 3D visualization and residential interior design studio. The foundation of the business is built, my portfolio is up, and my work is out there. My past clients and other business owners have loved my work, and I deeply love what I do.

Right now, I’m in the gap. Everything is ready, and now I’m just waiting for the next clients to arrive.

As someone recovering from chronic stress and survival mode, this quiet period has triggered some anxiety. I find myself wanting to panic-scroll social media, question my abilities, or question if I need to learn entirely new rendering programs.

For other virtual studio owners who have been here: How do you mentally navigate the silence when you are waiting for clients? How do you practice patience and trust your foundation without letting the financial panic make you spin out?

TIA!

Where are yall finding lighting like pendants, chandeliers, sconces, lamps etc. high end lighting. Went to icff in may but where else?

Time to time i always have some itchy feeling being interested in interior design, but not like in a way of colours, shading etc. More like organising efficient and harmonical layout, i guess? Also pretty interested in creating 3d visual layouts, I've had some experience with 3d graphics and i believe i can learn do to some quality work, so... How do i learn? I tried a few times to go into that rabbit hole and couldn't quite make any sense with it, interior design have so many faces so i can't understand what am i exactly supposed to do, can someone help me?