What does an interior designer actually do?
Hey folks!
I hope your week is ending on a high note! Today’s topic is one that I’ve really been thinking about for the past few months. As my projects continue to grow in size, and budget, I realize that many people have no idea what all interior designers actually do.
Two common thoughts about designers are:
Your job must be so fun!?
You get to pick out pretty things all day, you are so lucky!
Designers make magic!
I want to counter these comments with:
Being an interior designer is extremely rewarding, but make no mistake, it’s an incredibly stressful job. What makes it so stressful you ask? For starters, dealing with various client personalities and the copious amounts of money they are spending on their dream rooms/homes/commercial spaces. Another stressor is the amount of coordination that has to take place with other contractors, installers, vendors, etc. Working with so many people on so many different parts of the design process are bound to have some sort of mishap because, as we all know, people aren’t perfect. :) And we can only control our own actions, behaviors and emotions. When one action is expected and a different action occurs, designers are usually caught in the middle because of our position in the project.
It is true that we get to pick out pretty things, but there is a saying that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” While most clients, for my firm in particular, hire designers who share their same aesthetic, there are times many times that clients can’t express their exact vision, or personal style. That’s why they hire a professional in the first place. In short, sometimes we have to pick pretty things over and over again and some clients still want things that aren’t so pretty. Lol, there…I said it!
Designing a space, and experiencing the completion of its’ insane transformation, without a doubt, can seem magical. The steps to obtaining that transformed space are anything but magic. Optimal transformations require decisive clients, with healthy budgets, who can trust the process, and have a good dose of patience and grace. It’s also important that all parties involved are responsible, integral and can do quality work. The two go hand in hand.
I have been compiling a list of what designers actually do and this is what I’ve come up with so far:
Planning
Sourcing and selecting furnishings/decor
Creating, customizing and curating
Managing product
Managing projects
Managing people
Visiting sites
Solving problems clients don’t even know about
Procuring, expediting and receiving
Coordinating with contractors and installers
Counseling clients
Running errands
Styling
Photographing
Setting proper boundaries and having difficult conversations
Quality controlling and cleaning
Travel (aka hours upon hours of driving)
Site visiting
Forgetting/Missing breakfast/lunch
Managing businesses
Fighting self-doubt and imposter syndrome
This list isn’t all inclusive and it’s not a one size fits all for every firm, but it’s much of what we do. It’s also in addition to our personal lives of spousehood, parenthood, family, friends, etc. We are creative persons, not machines or magicians, and we love design. So now that you’ve read my perspective, I hope it has given you a little insight into the world of being a designer. Creating is in our bones, and while I can’t speak for all designers, it’s not always stressful and the stress that comes along with it usually ends up being worth it. I am grateful each day to be able to do what I love despite the difficulties.
If you’re reading this, and you’re on the hunt for a designer, reach out. Every project starts with a phone call, and we’ll see where it goes from there. I’d love to help you experience self-care through peaceful, functional design.
In the meantime, I’ll chat with you guys in next month’s blog! Any topic suggestions?
Xoxo,
Brittany
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