Start Your Own Interior Design Business

Should You Start an Interior Design Business?

Before you begin planning for your business, there are a number of questions you need to consider:

Interior Design Questions

• Do you have adequate experience in design? - This question is fairly obvious, but make sure you have really examined this one closely. What is your educational background? Have you worked in an interior design environment before? Are you familiar with the kinds of questions and demands clients may have for you? Are you well versed in styles and trends? Are you comfortable negotiating with suppliers, etc?

• What are the licensing laws in your state? - At least 20 states require you to pass a licensing exam before you can call yourself an interior designer. Even if your state doesn’t require a license, it’s still a good idea to get one if you hope to work with large clients/corporate accounts. The exam is proctored by the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). To qualify for the exam, you need to have six years of interior design education, plus work experience. You can still call yourself an interior DECORATOR without the license, but remember to factor the difference in earning potential into your income projections.

Business Questions

• Do you have the personality traits required to make a successful business? (Self-motivating, creative, hard-working, determined - check out Entrepenur.com for more advice about deciding if owning your own business is for you.)

• Do you know how to develop a business plan, profit and loss sheets, and estimate your start up costs accurately?

• Once you have your business up and running, do you know how to do balance sheets, weekly accounts, and all the other financial aspects of a business?

• How will you handle taxes?

You local Small Business Association office can provide advice for newcomers to business.

Get the Business Going

Interior Design Legal Forms by Ted Crawford and Eva Doman Bruck

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge, you need to decide:

- From where will you run your business? Will you work from home, or will you need office space?

- Are you going to specialize in a particular type of design? Exactly what services can you provide?

- Will you work alone, or will you need employees? If you need employees, how will you advertise/hire them?

- What will your business day be like? Will you work 9-5, Monday-Friday, or will you always be on call?

- How will you price your services?

- Who will your main suppliers be?

- And of course, the fun stuff! What will you call your business? What about a logo, letterhead, business cards, etc.

Marketing

If you build it, will they come? You need to get the word out there about your new business. Keep these ideas in mind:

• Website - A website is absolutely crucial in today’s marketplace. Remember the interior design business is visual, so your website needs to stand out. If you aren’t familiar with web design, splash out on a top notch site designer. It could be one of your most important business tools.

• Professional Associations - Join professional associates like ASID - American Society of Interior Designers and any local organizations that can provide you with networking opportunities and contacts.

• Niche Markets - You might find it easier to break into the market by concentrating on a niche portion of interior design - you can always branch out later, as your business grows.

• Advertising - Of course your local TV, radio, and newspaper all provide advertising opportunities, but think outside the box for lower cost (and perhaps more effective) alternatives. If you city has a dedicated magazine, advertise in their home section. Touch base with local developments to see if there are any opportunities to decorate show homes, or contact real estate agents about leaving your cards at open houses.

• Word of Mouth (or Always Keep the Customer Happy) - The best marketing for your business will come from happy clients - encourage them to tell their friends when they’re pleased with your work!

Additional Resources

The following websites and books offer a wealth of information about home interior design business:

• How to Start a Home Based Interior Design Business - Suzanne DeWalt

• Start Your Own Interior Design Business and Keep it Going - Linda M. Ramsey

• Business and Legal Forms for Interior Designers - Ted Crawford and Eva Doman Bruck

• Estimating for Interior Designers - Carol A. Sampson

• Dezignare Interior Design Collective

• Power Home Biz

• ASID

• Entrepreneur

• Small Business Association