In this video, the author shares their personal journey of transitioning from an interior designer to becoming an interior design coach. They discuss the reasons behind their decision and how they found their true passion. The author also discusses the challenges faced by interior designers and architects in terms of diversity and inclusion.
The author shares a 10-step guide to ensure a graceful departure from their role, preparing for both the resignation discussion and the exit interview. They also discuss the fervor surrounding the partnership between one of America’s most well-known architects and a fashion brand. The stress of design is driving up anxiety and insomnia, as the brain is going on 100MPH after works.
The author quit trying to design things for others and building a business and brand that showcased their capabilities. They realized that the constant income made it difficult to plan for the future and wanted a career where they felt more secure. The choice in front of them is painful, but they must decide whether to call it a day or give up creating environments that impact clients’ lives.
The author shares a story of interior designers and architects who have lost their jobs and are devasted due to a lack of understanding about what an interior designer actually does and the time and money-saving services they provide. The author also shares a story of Smith leaving her corporate finance career to chase a different dream and how she set herself up for success.
📹 I QUIT MY INTERIOR DESIGN JOB: my journey from depression to living life on my own terms // PART 1
Here we go then.. Might not seem like it, but posting today’s video is a very big deal for me. Originally I was documenting my …
Why is interior design stressful?
Interior design is a highly project-based field, with high intensity work cycles that can disrupt personal life and lead to burnout. Designers often have a strong attention to detail, leading to extended work hours and perfectionism. This can encroach on personal time and hinder the ability to disconnect from work. On-site work, including travel time and hands-on problem-solving, is integral to interior design and can extend beyond typical business hours.
This can result in fatigue and make it difficult to find time for personal rejuvenation. Therefore, designers must balance their work with personal life to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Why I quit being a designer?
Designers are unhappy with their managers, but happy with their coworkers. Unhappiness with their work is a major reason for job quits. A survey was conducted to assess satisfaction with managers and coworkers. The results showed that only 25 designers are happy with their managers, 19. 1 feel neutral, and 56. 8 are unhappy with them. The happiness level is based on feeling supported and well-guided. This indicates that satisfaction with managers is a crucial factor in job satisfaction.
Are interior designers happy with their job?
Interior designers are passionate about creating spaces that improve people’s lives, whether it’s homes or shops, hotels, restaurants, or offices. Their favorite part of the job is helping clients improve their well-being, as it directly impacts the people using them. They love working with clients, building relationships, and ensuring client satisfaction. Nearly 4 in 5 interior designers report that repeat clients contributed to their business revenue in a meaningful way last year. 39 of interior designers plan to further improve customer experience as part of their strategy to increase business revenue this year.
Collaboration with clients is a key aspect of their job, as they work together to make their homes the best reflection of themselves and their families. They take client trust seriously and work hard to earn and maintain it. Admin work, such as accounting, invoicing, and tracking time, is the least favorite part of the job. A designer at Drive-By Decorating shares that they would rather be creating, shopping, and transforming spaces than handling paperwork.
While paperwork can be time-consuming and take away from the hours spent on creating and transforming spaces, it is necessary for growth and career advancement. As designers grow, they can outsource tasks that drain their energy or find technology to help cut down on tedious admin time.
Will AI replace interior designers?
AI has the potential to improve the ID process, but it is unlikely to replace human interior designers entirely. AI can offer valuable insights and assistance, but it requires human empathy and understanding of clients’ needs. As AI lacks feet, it cannot put on shoes. The best approach is for designers and clients to embrace AI technology as a tool to enhance the design experience. As AI’s capabilities become increasingly essential, new and better design works may reflect the saying, “Form following functions”, as modern interior designers adopt a hybrid approach of harnessing AI technology into their work.
Why did I quit being an interior designer?
The author shares their experience of quitting a career in interior design, citing the challenges and pressures it brought. They initially enjoyed the opportunity to transform spaces and create environments that people would cherish, but the shift in the industry, with the rise of technology and software like Coohom, led to a shift in client approaches and DIY solutions. This left the author feeling undervalued and struggling to plan for the future.
The financial instability associated with freelancing in interior design also contributed to stress and a desire for a more secure career. The author’s passion for design dwindled as they grappled with these realities and yearned for a more balanced lifestyle. They decided to explore other interests and find fulfillment beyond the confines of design projects.
After reflection, the author made the decision to pivot their career, exploring other avenues that allowed them to utilize their creative skills without the stress. This transition has been liberating, and they have found joy in new experiences that allow them to express themselves outside of the traditional design realm.
The author encourages others to evaluate their passions and find what truly brings them joy, even if it means taking a step back from something they once loved. In conclusion, quitting interior design was necessary for personal growth and happiness, and it is important to embrace change and follow your passion wherever it may lead you.
Are interior designers happy?
Interior designers report high levels of career satisfaction, with an average rating of 3. 5 on a 5-point scale. This places them in the top 30 of careers according to a survey conducted by CareerExplorer. This satisfaction is attributed to their capacity to establish a constructive work environment, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and contribute to the collective well-being of their team.
Why not to be an interior designer?
Interior design is a demanding and demanding field that requires long hours, coordination with contractors, suppliers, and clients, and a commitment to continuous education. Breaking into the industry can be challenging for newcomers, as establishing a reputation and building a portfolio takes time and effort. It’s also difficult to secure clients and projects early in one’s career, making it a steep learning curve.
To succeed in the interior design industry, one must possess key skills such as creativity, communication, technical proficiency, and project management. A successful interior designer must have a keen eye for aesthetics, a strong sense of creativity, effective communication, technical proficiency in design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Planner 5D, and knowledge of building codes, regulations, and construction methods.
Technical proficiency is crucial in design software, as it helps designers create detailed plans and 3D models, allowing clients to visualize proposed designs. Knowledge of building codes, regulations, and construction methods is essential for ensuring functional and compliant designs. Project management skills are essential for keeping projects on track, managing budgets, and meeting deadlines, including coordinating with contractors, suppliers, and other professionals involved in the design process.
In summary, interior design is a demanding and demanding field that requires a solid educational background, continuous learning, and the ability to work effectively with various tools and materials.
What are the disadvantages of being an interior designer?
Interior design can be a challenging and rewarding profession, but it also comes with its own set of disadvantages. It can be stressful, challenging to meet client requirements, and may not be suitable for all clients. Additionally, the initial income may be low, the work may take time, and the hours may be long. Despite these challenges, interior design can be a lucrative and secure career, with clients trusting qualified designers for their skills and expertise. The profession requires continuous learning and staying updated with new trends and designs, making it essential to continuously learn and improve oneself.
How can interior design affect mental health?
Dr. Frank identifies color choice, light temperature, and space plan as the three most influential interior design elements affecting mental health. A balanced combination of these elements can significantly impact mood and thoughts. Natural colors, such as blue, green, and lavender, can create a thriving environment, while warm lighting can stimulate excitement and creativity. Large, open rooms with high ceilings can also be cheerful.
Daylight, particularly natural light, can help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. Research has linked seasonal depression to lack of sun exposure, so it’s crucial to incorporate as much natural light as possible into your space.
Is interior design a happy career?
Interior design is a highly sought-after profession for individuals with a proclivity for creativity and a keen interest in the field. It presents a unique opportunity for those who wish to pursue a creative career while also offering financial security in a highly competitive industry.
Do interior designers have a good future?
Interior design is a lucrative career that allows individuals to shape the way we experience and interact with spaces. Interior designers are architectural alchemists who blend aesthetics with functionality, ensuring a harmonious and efficient layout. Their responsibilities include space planning, conceptualization, material selection, collaboration, visualization, project management, staying informed, problem-solving, client consultation, and compliance with codes and regulations.
Space planning involves meticulous analysis of available space, optimizing functionality and flow by determining the strategic placement of furniture, fixtures, and other elements. Conceptualization involves developing creative concepts based on client preferences, project goals, and spatial functionality, selecting color schemes, materials, and themes that align with the client’s vision and the intended purpose of the space. Material selection involves selecting materials such as flooring, wall coverings, furniture, and accessories to achieve the desired look and feel.
Collaboration is essential for successful implementation of the design vision, as interior designers collaborate closely with architects, contractors, and other professionals involved in construction or renovation projects. Visualization uses tools like sketches, renderings, and computer-aided design (CAD) software to present visual representations of their ideas. Project management involves overseeing various aspects including budgeting, scheduling, and coordination with contractors and vendors.
In a dynamic industry, designers must stay abreast of evolving trends, materials, and technologies to offer contemporary and relevant design solutions. Problem-solving involves finding creative solutions to challenges, while client consultation helps gather information about clients’ tastes, budget, and functional requirements. Compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and accessibility standards is crucial for the well-being of occupants and the success of the project.
📹 Leaving $476k Jobs to Pursue Interior Design
Five years ago, we never would have imagined leaving our careers or our life in New York City. Yet here we are, running an …
I feel identical. I’m a junior interior designer working for a pretty great firm with lots of perks, benefits, and overall a good working atmosphere with lots going on. I cannot for the life of me enjoy the actual work, though. I feel like im not living to my values, the work feels superficial and exhausting and I don’t feel like im naturally good at it. I want to help people, people who actually need the help and not work for super rich clients who I cant relate to. Im considering going back to school to become an art teacher or college instructor. Risky and im scared of taking the leap but I know I’d be happier and more fulfilled.
Thank you for sharing! I just came across this part one and it hit home and even made me shed some tears because I’m in the same boat. I’ve been in the commercial TI design world for about 9 years and with each passing year I become more and more jaded with the industry. The long hours, the constant deadlines, the fires you have to always put out, managing client expectations while also managing consultants, it becomes soul crushing. I’m at a point where I keep asking myself “theres got to be more to life” because I feel all my energy goes into this job, and I have to save weekends to mentally prepare/recharge for the week to come. Even when I’m doing the tasks I absolutely love, 3d modeling, test fits, and yes.. I am one who likes turning my concepts into a set of technical drawings ;), the highs of the job aren’t that high anymore and the lows of the job just get lower and lower and more frequent. Again thank you for posting (and letting me rant), it’s nice to know I’m not alone in this. I’m excited to check out part 2!
Thank you for the article. Hugs from Kazakhstan. Started the freelance path a month ago. No savings. Crazy. Watched the other article where you talked about 6mnths savings, and a part of me wished I didn’t see the article. But yes, of course, thank you, I think I need to see it. Reality check. So I decided to jump to the last article to see how it is working out for you. If it is still working.
Comfort zone can lead to stagnation. It is fine, but when you have a different purpose, you start feeling STUCK. When I was in design school doing working drawings, it felt like my hair was falling out! (Dont think it was 🤔). No offence to anyone, its just not my thing. I used classical music, that I had NEVER listened to in my life, to get me through 🎻🎼🩷