Kami White asks six terrific designers for their pearls of wisdom on starting a career in interior design.
What do you wish you knew at the very start of your career? Here at Tat, it’s everything. There was a litany of mistakes made, huge fxxk ups with HMRC, money lost, and a good pile of dead stock. Every step of Tat has been humbling, and still, to this day, I get nervous asking for people’s help and advice. So, I made Kami White do it. Kami asked five designers for their advice on starting out. You may not even be thinking about changing careers, or this could be something you have been ruminating on for a while. Either way, it is a good way to see behind the chinoiserie curtain and get a glimpse of the realities of interior design.
Huge thank you to Pandora Taylor, Anna Haines, Howark Design, Studio Westmaas & Good Bones.
I spoke to six designers who are at the top of their game to find out what they wish they had been better prepared for. From having a little black book of curtain makers to being equipped to work in male-dominated environments, their advice is wonderfully practical, sharp and enlightening. Read on to enter the interior thoughts of an interior designer.
“As a designer, your most valuable commodity to your client is your professional opinion. Most clients come to you because they have lots of ideas but can't make up their minds on the best route. You are there to steer them in the right direction confidently, so giving a wavering answer isn't going to help anyone.”
Pandora Taylor launched her namesake studio in 2018, where she became known for her colourful and bespoke residential projects alongside a furniture collection of dreams. Pandora has been featured in Country & Townhouse’s coveted list of 50 Finest Interior Designers and House & Garden’s 30 Interiors Designers to Know About.
“Absorb as much knowledge as you can from someone more experienced.”
“It’s invaluable to work for small and larger scale design studios.”
“It doesn’t matter how creative you might be, you ultimately need to learn the essence of how to run a business.”
“It’s challenging to manage a creative business that requires you to wear many different hats.”
“Bring in an accountant early on if you can and run your F,F&E (furniture, fixtures and equipment) budgets on Estimac.”
“A good eye and an eagerness to learn are important, but it is vital to engage, empathise and listen to every kind of clients.”
“You can't really be timid!”
“It took me some time to find and develop the right systems that lead a project seamlessly from one phase to the next. It’s worth investing time to establish a step-by-step process that works for you.”
“Decorating is such an intricate spinning of plates, and if one thing fails, everything is affected. Being responsive, picking up the telephone, and getting questions answered quickly and accurately is a big part of this process.”
“Finally, don’t be discouraged if you doubt yourself at times. It is very human, and the work can feel very personal at times! Keep an open mind and remain curious, always.”
Anna’s design studio is synonymous with a classic sensibility that works so perfectly in British homes. Anna has been profiled in just about every publication and list you could imagine since establishing her practice 12 years ago.
“Going from an employee of a design studio to co-founder and director (and also employer, IT woman, printer repair woman, tea lady, and everything else that comes with running a small business) of my own design studio was a huge leap. I had years of experience in design, but running a company was a whole different challenge. I wish I had known that there is an amazing community of support within the design industry. I wish I had asked for more advice and really leaned on my design community peers. There is no shame in saying, ‘I’m finding this tough’ or ‘I’m not sure how to tackle this’. I’m hugely grateful for the incredible group of design professionals I have met over the past six years who have offered advice, sympathy and a willingness to put the world to right over a glass of wine or two. There is so much power in friendship, community and collaboration!”
Saskia co-founded Howark Design alongside James Arkoulis in 2017 as a London-based interior design and architectural consultancy studio. With a strong focus on charm, character and timeless design practices, Howark Design has been featured in the UK’s most desirable directories and lists on multiple occasions.
“I wish I had known how much admin is involved with interior design, and how little designing there is! It would have also been great to know how to deal with challenging situations and how to work in heavily male-dominated environments.”
Kay founded Studio Westmaas in 2016 to create modern sanctuaries that outlive the transitory trends of our time. Inspired by the time she has spent in Barbados and England, Kay works with a mix of tactile fabrics and natural materials. Alongside the other brilliant designers we’ve featured here, Studio Westmaas has landed on multiple lists by House and Gardens and featured on Laura Jackson’s wonderful So, How do you… podcast. To see what inspires and delights Kay, check out her This & Tat feature!
“I wish I had known really great local curtain makers when I was starting out. I wish I had known my wonderful assistant, Emily, who brings my hand drawings to life, among countless other things. I wish I had known how helpful a good mood board can be. I wish I had known the best ways to organise projects, but I suppose this is something I'll always be in the process of figuring out…”
Leanne launched Good Bones to help clients with everything from simple consultations to complete re-design projects. Leanne’s dad ran a cult vintage shop in Boston, which ultimately inspired her approach to design. Leanne has also co-founded Bird & Bone, which handcrafts the most delightful Shaker style cabinetry, and her work has been featured in everything from the FT to the Times and the Wall Street Journal.
Comments