Three Things I Wish All Interior Designers Knew

I’d like to share three essential insights that I think every interior designer should possess.

These are principles that, in my view, ought to be self-evident. Yet surprisingly, they are not universally recognized within the industry.

These three fundamental things shaped why I created a whole second business called The Designers Collaborative:

I believe that Interior Designers are professionals worthy of being taken as seriously as any other person in business—such as lawyers, dentists, accountants, etc.

There are many people who think designers are more of the flaky, artistic type who don’t really need to earn a living. It’s disheartening to hear people dismiss our work as a mere hobby, implying that our partners are the real breadwinners. If this doesn’t infuriate you, we might not be able to see eye to eye.

I believe that designers deserve to make sustainable profits and have a full, steady pipeline of clients, as well as make top margins on all the products they source for their clients.

Running a design business has its fair share of overhead costs even for a solo entrepreneur. If you are not making every available dollar you can on every project then you won’t be able to pay your bills and yourself.

There are many people who believe designers don’t have much overhead, or since most are run by women that they don’t need to worry about money because a husband must be supporting them. There are others who believe since interior designers are doing something “fun” and creative they don’t care about money.

It hurts me to know that these misconceptions are sometimes even believed by designers themselves who lack experience, proper training, and support.

I believe that designers are creative and talented, and provide an important value to clients that improves their lives.

The impact that designers have on families and businesses adds to the quality of life to everyone who interacts with them. It is scientifically proven that your environment affects how you feel.

Not everyone values what interior design can do, especially if they have never hired a designer before. Friends and family can think it’s easy, fun and even glamorous. But most people don’t understand how long it takes or how obsessed we get with problem-solving and figuring out all the details that goes into design. Sadly, most people don’t understand the value of what interior designers do.

The stereotype of an interior designer as the flaky artist who’s a bit of mess with no business sense is incredibly insulting. If this is how society sees us, it’s no surprise that vendors view us that way too.

I believe this low opinion of designers has led to decades of interior designers not having a seat at the table or being treated as equals.

That is why I created The Designers Collaborative—because when vendors don’t take you seriously and won’t play fair, you have to get creative. The Designers Collaborative (TDC) has been a huge success empowering over 500 designers all across the US and Canada.