Q&A with Interior Designer Melissa Roberts: How to Become an Interior Designer

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The most common asked question I get asked over all the different social media platforms is “How do I become an interior designer.”  This “How To” is not a quick question for me to answer, so I am creating a new series for the MRI blog discussing precisely this.  Throughout the entire Q&A series, I will be digging deep into how I got into the interior design business, programs to utilize, client meetings and much more.  Today’s blog is dedicated solely to taking the plunge and learning how to become an interior designer.

 

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Q&A with Melissa

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Did you go to school for interior design? 

NO! And if you have the motivation, you don’t have to either. As long as you’re motivated to teaching yourself, learning from experiences, and doing your research you can get started in interior design too. Check out my about me section to see what degree I graduated with in college!

 How did you become interested in interior design?

Growing up I was surrounded by the industry. My mom inherited a flooring showroom from her dad. My dad builds custom homes. All while my beloved (and greatly missed) aunt was an interior designer in Houston for years. She was my mentor for my first year as an interior designer. I still need her every day. Being around these careers led me to love interior design and the beauty that comes with it.

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How did you teach yourself the interior design industry?

I knew that I wanted to be successful in this business, so I had a lot of determination. Quickly, I started buying interior design books and spent hours upon hours online researching the ins and outs of the business. My aunt also played a significant part in this. She challenged me, taught me the ropes, and helped me any moment I needed her. Since her passing, it has forced me to dive deeper and learn more from hands-on projects. A good challenge is a motivator for me. I remember getting my first call for a new construction project (Thank you, Amy). I knew I could handle this project and had already done a little research on new construction, but also knew that I had some learning to do. Quicky, I began preparing before the project even kicked off. There is no way to be lazy or passive if you want to teach yourself. But where there’s a will, there’s a way. I don’t say no to projects that are out of my comfort zone, but I am not afraid to do research or ask for help when I need it. 

How did you start building your design portfolio? 

I started posting projects that I had done to our own home, family and friends projects and then started creating projects for myself to do around our new home. These ranged from remodeling our own home to simple dinner parties I helped with, Christmas décor, and interior styling. I remember within one week after advertising my new career path on FB I got a call and was hired. I was floored, confused, and excited. Why would someone hire me when there are so many other “professional designers out there? Everyone else believed in me, but me. That wouldn’t lead to success, so I had to change my frame of mind. 

How do you determine pricing to charge clients? 

First, I looked up the industry standard in my area (Houston and Beaumont). I knew that my value wasn’t there (yet!) so I only wanted to use this as a guideline. I wanted (still do!) to bring affordable design to my clients so I made sure to offer competitive pricing that would also be fair to my clients taking a chance on someone new to the design world. You must start somewhere. While you may need to start with lower rates than you find “fair” to yourself this will pay off. Your rates will increase as you get more business than you can handle. Take it slow so that people keep coming back for more. Soon enough your rates will be supporting your family, and you will have a waitlist. For me, I choose to continue offering competitive rates. While my rates have increased since 2016, I do keep them low enough so that people can afford me. I don’t have the desire to do high-end design. While I do get to work on amazing projects that many would consider “luxurious” I do not have this as my overall goal. I want to help people from all backgrounds curate a home they love, and one that is functional. Museum type of design just isn’t my thing. Before setting your prices, be sure to imagine your ultimate client. Envision their wants, needs, budgets, interior style, and lifestyle; this will help guide you as you set out pricing and how to advertise for your business.

What do you think is the most common misconception of being an interior designer?

Immediately my mind went to, “It’s not all fun patterns, gorgeous fixtures, and fun textures. It is a lot of hard work and stress because so much of the project is relying on you”. Call me Negative Nancy. I feel like most often when I see designers speaking of this industry, they’re saying something pessimistic along those lines. Let me give this to you from a different view. While the above statement is true, being an entrepreneur means blood, sweat, and tears, but there is way more to it than that. It is a job where you curate beautiful designs, source through beautiful products, then execute on install day after months and months of hard work. I live for the unveiling of the final product. My clients sending the sweetest messages, giving the biggest hugs, and smiling ear to ear…all the feelings!! This career is rewarding, it is fun, and it is worth the hard work and countless hours you’ll spend making someone’s house become their home.

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Rapid Fire Questions

What book do you recommend reading to learn about the interior design business?

Vern Yip’s Design Wise is an easy read that includes many strategic numbers that will help you along the way.

Is there one software program you would recommend?

For beginners and affordable software: Presentations-Power Point. Freebie floor planner-Pottery Barn Room Planner. Renderings- Photoshop. Freebie 3D home designer and floor plan-Homestyler. Manage clients and projects-Mydoma. Okay so maybe that is more than one.

What would one class you recommend someone new to the industry take?

Social Media is free advertising. Without customers, you can’t start designing. Learn the ropes of marketing and don’t pay for advertising unless you absolutely must. Take a simple course to learn how to market using social media. Tastefully Inspired offers excellent tips. I haven’t taken the class personally but it is definitely on my radar and one I highly recommend.

Do you offer E-Design for clients? Well, I guess I will let the cat out of the bag, YES, this is a new service I am providing. I have a wait list started and am ready to design homes all over the country. Email me to get started! 

When you began MRI how many hours per week did you work? While the clientele wasn’t as high in numbers, I was working at a slower pace while I perfected my process. I would say I started working around 30 hours a week soon after opening for business.

What salary can you expect to earn in interior design?  Hey, work hard play hard, right? The type of projects I enjoy and pursue won’t make me rich by any means but is something I love doing and am so passionate about. It allows me to fix up things around our home, pay a few bills we have and covers our travels. The harder you work, the more you’ll make. Like how I avoided that question? Honestly, every city and state will pay differently. Make your goals and dreams clear so that you have something to reach for and to work towards.

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Advice from Melissa

What advice would you give to an inspiring interior enthusiast wanting to switch careers and begin an interior design business?

Don’t quit your day job if finances rely on them. Work hard running your interior design side business and build it up until you can solely rely on this income. If you see numbers trending in the right direction, then you put in your two-week notice and take a leap of faith. Yes, this requires extra hours of work and lots of dedication, but this is your dream and dreams aren’t made a reality by taking the easy train.

What first steps you would advise someone interested in starting an interior design business to obtain clients? 

Start an online portfolio with projects you have done. Maybe you haven’t worked for a “client” but include projects of your own home, friend’s you’ve helped, or family you’ve worked with.

What is the best career advice you have ever received? 

Cliché but, let your passion drive you. Don’t be intimidated by what you can’t do but be motivated by what you are capable of.

 Following a passion can be hard to do, but I hope answering your questions gives you more clarity on what it takes to get into the interior design business.  As always share my passion for interior design is truly a dream come true and the thought of helping someone else reach their goals is even more inspiring.

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My Soap Box

The design world can be very lonely or secretive, but please know that I am here to help you and guide you along the way! Don’t let anyone tell you that you aren’t a designer if you didn’t go to design school. You can learn anything you want to and can be successful at it. Some of my favorite designers didn’t attend school either; they’re killing it and SO can you! Continue sending me questions on Facebook and Instagram or comment here on the blog to let me know what the next Q&A segment should incorporate #Q&AwithMRI.

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COMMENTS

Thoughts?

  • Shelly Herman

    6 years ago

    Thanks for inspiring me to keep going. Shelly

    • Melissa Roberts

      6 years ago

      You got this!

YOUR COMMENT