Reconversion to interior design and architecture
Many are those who have chosen a path because it seemed logical at the time. But today, we need more— to explore and learn from fields far from the starting point. Interior architecture and decoration is a highly sought-after field for people undergoing career changes!
As for me, I'm no different: formerly a Finance Broker in Paris, I am now at the head of my own interior architecture business in Lisbon.
What is the role of an interior decorator or architect? What tools should one master? Is formal training necessary? … These are just a few questions I will try to answer to the best of my ability based on my own experience.
1. Why do we call on an interior decorator / architect?
This question may seem obvious to some. However, I have many friends who have asked me this: why hire a decorator when I can decorate my interior myself?
We must then distinguish between the types of projects to understand the different needs:
A. Personal projects: House,Apartment, Loft…
Everyone has a little decorator inside them—some enjoy it more than others, browsing through decor websites, hunting for treasures, or making DIY projects with their own hands… but what’s certain is that for the majority, there’s no need to hire a decorator or interior architect just to buy a sofa and four cushions.
So, what are the advantages of going through a professional?
Well, the advantages are actually numerous. First of all, a professional doesn’t "hunt" for furniture pieces one by one; they study the project as a whole to create harmony, whether it's in terms of volumes, materials, or colors. This harmony involves learning basic rules, such as color combinations, working with volumes, and taking site measurements. But most importantly, it involves drawing!
It can be done by hand or with 3D software, but drawing is essential to properly visualize the entire project and to ensure accuracy, particularly when it comes to the dimensions of each piece of furniture.
Another advantage: the professional will be able to manage the orders and ensure that their client moves into a space that is immediately comfortable. This is a huge time-saver!
Finally, the generally limiting factor is the budget: most people don’t see themselves investing in a professional decorator, even though the service is actually accessible to everyone. In fact, it depends on the overall furniture budget and the professional’s status. If a freelancer (self-employed) has access to the same prices as individuals, larger companies (SAS, SARL, etc.) may have access to discounts or commissions from most brands. These can either be passed on to the client as a discount or kept by the professional. This way, the client can benefit quickly if the discount is passed on to them. It can quickly turn into savings rather than an additional cost!
Finally, it is of course understood that in this type of project, the client is often involved in choosing the furniture, colors, and overall ambiance. That’s why the decorator will first try to understand the client’s needs and present a mood board as a preview to confirm their understanding. The client can also accompany the professional during visits to selected manufacturers and brands; it’s up to them to decide how much they want to be involved! And then, they can add their personal touch later on.
B. Rental investment projects
Rental investment is generally less personal, and if you want to add an authentic touch, it's important to remember that the property should appeal to the widest audience possible. There is also less of the notion of a "love at first sight," as the decor budget must be in line with the standard of the property.
What better than a professional to do the research and find materials and furniture that are cohesive, stylish, and within the project’s budget?
Additionally, many investors do not necessarily live near the property, so the need for project management and handling of orders is essential.
C. Professionals projects : Restaurant, Office, Hair Salon , Yoga Studio…
For these types of projects, there is an additional obvious factor: the entrepreneur leading the project already has a thousand and one things to think about to launch their business. However, the decoration of a public space is crucial to invite clients to discover the place and, most importantly, to make them feel at home (but better! 😊).
In short, no matter the type of project, we (professional decorators or interior architects) have our place. But of course... it’s the client that needs to be convinced!😉
2. What tools should one know? Is formal training necessary?
Similar to the profession of an architect, a decorator does not legally need to have formal training to practice their profession. However, to practice it correctly, they must master a number of concepts and tools.
A. Drawing
First and foremost, drawing. While hand drawing was once the foundation of the profession, today, 99% of professionals only use 3D software for their designs. This has clear advantages: we can quickly modify the designs without starting from scratch, and it also allows us to present the project from all angles without spending hours with pencils. If you want to be independent, it’s up to you to choose how you want to present your projects to your clients.
However, if you wish to join an architecture or design firm, it is unlikely that you will be hired without mastering the most common 3D software: SketchUp 3D, AutoCAD 2D, Rhinoceros, etc. You don’t need to know all of them, but at least mastering 1 or 2 will allow you to understand the logic behind these programs in a more general sense and learn quickly if the company that hires you works with another software.
Credit : Studio Bisson
Finally, if you don’t draw by hand, it’s still preferable to have a good understanding of perspective. This will help you with 3D drawings as well as better visualizing your project. And if you enjoy it, feel free to complement your 3D designs with hand-drawn sketches or watercolors, as the "wow" effect is always unbeatable!
You can also combine 3D software with drawing via a drawing tablet and tools like Procreate.
B. The Basics of interior design
Whether through formal training or out of curiosity, it's crucial to research color theory, material and color combinations, as well as the history of design and construction regulations.
This will help you build a solid foundation and encourage you to break these rules to create something innovative.
Here are some basic rules to know:
- No more than 3 colors in a room, with 1 or 2 main colors and the 3rd as an accent.
- How to balance volumes with light, wallpaper, materials, etc.
- The standard dimensions for walls, doors, table heights, bar heights, bed sizes, wardrobe dimensions, etc. (see article)
- Formulas for designing stairs (see our article: designing a staircase)
- Rules for kitchen design (spacing between water points and electrical appliances, standard kitchen module dimensions, etc.)
- How to use natural and artificial light (see article)
- Regulations for professional spaces, especially regarding access for disabled individuals.
- The necessary slopes for drainage pipes. This will help you propose a realistic project if you wish to move toilets, bathrooms, or kitchens.
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, but these research areas can provide a solid foundation to support your professionalism.
C. Trends
Just like in the fashion world, interior design has its trends, and to stay relevant, it's important to keep yourself informed continuously through blogs, trade shows (don’t miss the must-attend Milan Design Week and Paris Design Week), and even fashion! Yes, interior design trends are actually just reflections of fashion trends. So, if you want to be ahead of the curve, it’s fashion you need to follow.
It’s also very interesting to follow the evolution of your peers, as well as emerging creators, designers, artisans, or any other professional who could play a role in your interior design projects.
In summary, nothing stops you from getting started without formal training, but you'll need a strong dose of curiosity and determination. Also, if you're not an expert and self-taught in IT, a supplementary course on 3D software seems essential.
One last point that seems important: while it's not mandatory, without experience, employers will generally require some form of training to have a solid reference. Unless your plan is to go independent or you already have opportunities to work on projects through your current contacts, formal training is highly recommended to break into the professional field.
@designboom
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3. How to stand out from the competition ?
The field of interior design has become so attractive that the competition is fierce. Whether you want to join a firm or start your own business, you need to find a way to stand out. To do this, I have two pieces of advice to share:
A. Communicate, communicate, communicate
This field is more sensitive to visuals than to traditional CVs. You can share your portfolio, but it tends to be quite brief. Therefore, I would recommend launching a dedicated page on social media as soon as possible (even from the start of your training, if you’re doing one). You can regularly showcase what you create, but you can also share inspirations that resonate with you, decorating tips, and everything you learn about the subject. This will allow recruiters and/or future clients to understand your world and what you're passionate about.
@studio.bisson
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B. Choosing your area of expertise
This is, of course, a very personal opinion, because when we are well-trained in the various trends and technical aspects of decoration and architecture, we are capable of doing almost anything. However, the client (or recruiter) will choose something specific: your expertise in a particular field, such as optimizing small spaces, playing with light, or a distinctive style...
Positioning yourself in a particular area will not only help you attract clients but also allow you to work on projects that resonate with you and that you will approach with passion.
C. Building your network of partners
It’s no secret that in interior architecture, the key to success lies in the collaborators (painters, carpenters, plumbers, etc.) we work with. Delivering quality work and meeting deadlines are the two aspects we must master in a project, even though, in reality, we don’t always have full control over the situation. If you manage to build a network of trusted people who respect these two points, you can focus on what truly matters: creating and evolving.
To achieve this, there’s no secret—go meet them, ask to visit their job sites, schedule multiple meetings, and discuss your projects with them. This will also help you refine your skills and avoid proposing projects that are technically unfeasible.
4. Architecture and decoration: the phases of a project
Architecture and decoration are attractive professions, yet many face disillusionment with the first projects. We often imagine spending our time shopping in stores, but the reality is often quite different. So, I offer you an overview of the stages of a project to better visualize the behind-the-scenes work required.
A. Understanding and confirming the client’s needs with them
You don’t embark on a project without clearly defining the client's wishes, whether it’s budget, style, or the constraints of the space. The more you know about your client’s world, their work, lifestyle, goals for the project, required deadlines, etc., the more efficient you'll be.
For the space, either your client will provide you with a detailed floor plan, or, if not, take the time to measure all the rooms. In both cases, with your client's consent, take photos and videos of the entire space. The idea is to "scan" the space in every corner, noting the details (outlets, baseboard sizes, electrical points, position of the electrical panel, water heater, etc.).
This phase concludes with a presentation that includes a mood board, which captures the understood style, colors, and materials, while considering the feasibility within the space. I also like to summarize all the project constraints in this presentation.
Photo Credit : @studio.bisson
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B. Drawing
Once the client's needs are confirmed, the next phase is the drawing. Personally, I use SketchUp, which, when mastered, is more than enough for interior design and/or architecture projects. We start by building the foundation: raising the walls to get a clear sense of the volumes and applying the covering materials (flooring, paints, etc.). If the room layout needs to be modified, do this work beforehand in 2D, proposing the new layout plan. Once it’s approved by the client, you can then convert it into 3D.
Next, apply the main furniture pieces. This will help identify the volumes of each piece (especially the dining table, sofa, bed sizes, etc.).
Complete your presentation for the client with 3D visuals. They will be able to explore the space, materials, and the overall ambiance.
C. Feasibility of the work
Your proposal is well-received, and now it's time to implement it. Contractors and specialists usually have a busy schedule, so it's best to request quotes as early as possible for the major work. This will not only help you secure the necessary professionals but also give you a clearer idea of the remaining budget for furniture and décor. By addressing these key aspects early on, you ensure a smooth project flow and avoid delays down the line.
D. The Shopping-List
At this stage, you can list all the necessary furniture items along with their key measurements and begin your search. Based on the defined budget, identify the brands and the level of quality to aim for. This step ensures that you’re selecting furniture that aligns with both the aesthetic of the project and the financial constraints, while also meeting the client's needs. It’s essential to stay within budget while ensuring that the pieces chosen elevate the space and contribute to the overall design.
My advice for the shopping list is to give the client options, but only for certain pieces. This allows the client to feel involved in the project without feeling overwhelmed by too many choices. It strikes a balance between guiding them toward a cohesive design while still allowing them to have some input and personal touch in the selection of specific items.
Finally, you have the option to show the prices of each piece of furniture to your client. This gives them more flexibility and room for any potential "heartfelt" choices, allowing them to adjust the overall budget accordingly. If you choose to do this, don’t forget to mention that transportation fees are not included. You’ll also need to make sure to set aside part of the budget to cover these additional costs. It’s important to account for these expenses to avoid any surprises later on.
Complete your 3D model by adjusting the furniture to match the specific pieces chosen. Some brands offer 3D models of their furniture on their websites, while for others, you can request them directly. This allows you to create a more accurate and realistic visualization of the space with the exact items your client has selected, helping to ensure everything fits perfectly within the design.
As with the end of each phase, update your presentation and send it to your client for validation. This ensures that the client is always up to date with the progress and can approve the changes before moving forward to the next stage. Regular communication and approval help keep the project on track and aligned with the client’s expectations.
E. Budget validation
You now have all the information to confirm the overall budget. Pull up your Excel spreadsheet and detail each piece of furniture, taxes, delivery fees, work quotes, etc.
Send it to the client for validation before you proceed with the orders! This ensures that the client is fully aware of all costs and can approve everything before any purchases or work begins, ensuring transparency and preventing any surprises.
F. Site Monitoring
Once the orders are placed and the work has been validated, the project monitoring phase becomes one of the most stressful as it is often difficult to control. You will need to manage various contractors, deadlines, potential delays, and unexpected surprises.
To prepare as thoroughly as possible for the monitoring phase, create a retro-planning outlining the key stages of the project. This should include deadlines for each task, delivery dates, expected milestones, and when each contractor will be needed.
Photos credits : @studio.bisson
Conclusion :
We’ve covered here the main aspects of the profession. If you’re starting your own business, you’ll need to combine all these skills and technical knowledge with those of an entrepreneur: accounting, legislation, marketing, management, etc. To do this, don’t hesitate to attend meetings with entrepreneurs from various fields, and take their advice to save time. And most importantly, remember this rule: don’t wait for a perfect project to launch yourself — you’ll learn along the way, or you risk never starting. Entrepreneurship is often compared to jumping out of an airplane without a parachute.
It’s true that stepping into entrepreneurship in interior design or any creative field can be overwhelming, but starting small and learning as you go is the key. The important part is to take the leap, and make the most of the resources around you for growth.