Gain Interior Design Experience through Product-Driven Design
By Kathy A. Johnsonkathy.johnson@interiordesignschoolreview.com
Interior Design School Review Columnist
Competition is strong in the field of interior design, and entry-level interior design jobs can be hard to come by. One way to gain experience is to become a "product-driven" designer.
In How to Start a Home-Based Interior Design Business, Suzanne DeWalt notes that there are two types of interior designers: product-driven and consultation-only. Product-driven designers market products more than design services, while in contrast, consultation-only designers charge clients for their design advice rather than selling products. Product-driven design, DeWalt believes, is best for those just starting out, especially if they do not yet have an interior design degree. (In most cases, consultation-only designers must have an interior design degree and several years of experience in order to have the contacts and references necessary to be successful.)
Learn more about The Art Institute Online's Bachelor Degree program in Interior Design.
Hands-On Design
Product-driven interior designers often work for high-end furniture stores, or for companies that sell wallpaper, window treatments, or flooring. Customers who buy their products may receive a certain number of hours of design advice. This could be anything from help choosing fabric for a sofa, to a creating a floor plan complete with furniture and accessory recommendations.When you work as a product-driven interior designer, you'll do much of the hands-on work. You'll deal with the client, wield the tape measure, hang the window treatments, and so on. You'll gain experience in understanding client needs, and learn about the products and services available to interior designers. This will give you the opportunity to take on design work you probably wouldn't get otherwise. Many product-driven design positions are commission-based, however, so choose your firm carefully.
As you consider ways to add experience to your resume, remember the opportunities available in product-driven design. Whether your goal is to have your own business, or work for someone else, product-driven interior design jobs are a good way to get started in the interior design industry.
About the Author:
Kathy A. Johnson has written articles on health, fitness, and many other topics in her career as a freelance writer and editor. She lives in Florida, and is the features editor of Forum, a bimonthly publication of the national mothers group, Mothers & More.Sources:
DeWalt, Suzanne How to Start a Home Based Interior Design Business, 3rd Edition, 2003Dezignare Interior Design Collective
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