Start Your Own Interior Design Business

Interior design tools

Starting your own business can be the most rewarding endeavor of a lifetime, but the road to creating a successful and thriving business is filled with potential pitfalls. Launching your own interior design business will require you to have both the knowledge of interior design practice necessary to get and keep clients and an understanding of business practices to keep your empire afloat.

Qualifications for Interior Designers

In order to become an interior designer, there are a number of requirements you need to consider. The first and most important consideration is your education. You must have a degree in interior design to even think about starting a business in this career field. There are a plethora of schools offering courses in interior design and interior decorating. It is important that you choose an interior design program that has been accredited by CIDA (Council for Interior Design Accreditation). if you are unfamiliar with the accreditation process, start by visiting CIDA's website.

You will also need to research state licensing where you live. Many states require you to pass a licensing exam before you can call yourself an interior designer. 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. Once you have successfully passed the NCIDQ exam, your next important step will be becoming a member of ASID, the American Society of Interior Designers. Membership will not only earn you the respect of others in your career field, but it will also give you instant recognition as a professional interior designer to potential clients. You can still call yourself an interior decorator without the license, but remember to factor the difference in earning potential into your income projections.

Starting Your Own Business

Before taking the leap into the world of small business, it's a good idea to get as much help and advice as you can find. You local Small Business Association office is a great place to start. The SBA should be able to provide you with helpful advice on developing your business plan, where to look for start-up capitol, what you need to qualify for a small business loan and any possible grants or government incentives that exist for single women or minorities who are starting a small business for the first time.

It might be a good idea to sit down and make yourself a check list of all the things you'll need to do to prepare for starting your business such as:

  • Giving your business a great name
  • Registering your fictitious name or DBA (Doing Business As)
  • Deciding whether to be a sole proprietor, an LLC or a corporation
  • Applying for an EIN number from the IRS
  • Acquiring a business license
  • Hiring an accountant
  • Opening a business bank account
  • Office space- home or commercial
  • Office supplies

Part of the appeal of running your own business is being your own boss, making your own rules and working when you want to. However, be careful not to underestimate how hard most successful business owners have to work, especially in the beginning. You must be self-motivated, hard working and passionate about your work. Even if you have all of these traits, the majority of all new small business fail within the first three years. Your best chance of finding success is to find a niche or specialize in something that sets you apart from the competition.

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.
  • Niche Markets - Try to find something you can specialize in that sets you apart from the competition. You can offer basic services as well but try to find something that makes you stand out.
  • 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 books offer a wealth of information about home interior design business:

The Final Step- Go for It!

Starting your own business in any career field can be a daunting task. Just make sure to keep yourself focused on your goal, take your education seriously and do your research. Visualize yourself as a successful owner of the best interior design firm in your area. Finally, believe in yourself and believe in your success!

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