The Design Avenues...And You

So, who are you...really? You think you know what you want to do, in this case we're going to make the assumption - Interior Design in some capacity or another. Do you know your reasons? What you're drawn to? Do you have exposure as to what it entails, & how many different niches, nooks, paths, and requirements that can differ so significantly based on which path?

Lots of words, I know. Let's discuss a bit & then I'll tie this all into the point of this post: Why you...need to understand you...in order to understand exactly what kind of Interior Design career you should pursue.

Breaking Down the Design Avenues:

A-Working for a Large Residential Design Firm

B-Working for a Large Commercial Design Firm

C-Working for a Boutique Residential Design Firm

D-Working for a Boutique Commercial Design Firm

E-Freelancing for Other Firms

F-Independent Virtual Design

G-Virtual Design for a Virtual Design Site

H- Starting Your Own Firm

I- Designer for a Construction or Architecture firm

J- Designer for a Retail Store

K-Interior Stylist

L-Interior Decorator

M-High End Design

N-Sales & Design

*Understand please, that these are lists of basics. There of course are other options/avenues as well. You must must conduct your own research & discovery process. This is simply to build awareness & get you started along your way.

Now that we have gone through the list above, let's break down some of the things to know & consider about each of the listed avenues above. And again, this is not going to be complete & comprehensive lists, merely a way to enlighten you to factors that may be key. Do your own research further before making any conclusive decisions & know that you can always change paths.

Factors to Consider:

• Levels of interaction with clients, including shopping, approvals, levels & frequency in communication & updates required

• Levels of autonomy in design decision making & creativity

• Levels of responsibility in terms of work load, liability, technical knowledge & project management

• Levels of team interaction

• Levels of management

• Levels of back end logging, logistics, routine tasks

• Levels of autonomy in work balance (Do you have required hours? Output? Deadline driven? Work reporting? Work from home flexibility? Set vacation days that you need approval for?

• Financial compensation & growth potential. Yearly incremental increases such as is the case in typical employment salary setups, or growth via promotions, or...control over financial growth as is the case with owning your own business, freelancing potentially, or something more sales related.

• Benefits

• Travel requirements or desire to travel more

• Cultural infusions

• Green impacts

• Job/Financial Security

When reflecting on all of these factors, you have to combine a clear sense of what you want, value & need, with WHO YOU ARE, truly. Not simply who you think you are. Use the personality tools, learn about your star & moon sign even, if that works for you...and choose a path that fits your strengths & interests on a more refined broken down level. What are personality tools? Tests such as Hogan, Predictive Index, 16 Personalities, or Enneagram to name a few. Many are free, some require doing it through an agent. All provide different perspectives, details & insights. I have done all of these listed, & used them in team building for my business as well.

Here's an example of where your personality plays a part in what kind of design future you want to manifest. If you are not feeling inclined to deal with clients directly, & like working with people, collaborating on big ideas, specifically ideas that impact the world from let's say an energy perspective or technological advancement...I'd suggest a career in a larger commercial design or architectural firm.

Alternatively, if you are looking for something part time, flexible, you're an extremely organized & self motivated individual who like accomplishing tasks & working on technical aspects, freelancing for firms may be perfect for you.

There are so many scenarios, & perhaps I can do other posts breaking down specific ones further if you'd like. For now, learn YOU, & match yourself to your future path in a succinct way so you thrive...instead of burning out.

As always, be sure you're subscribed to the email list so you catch the latest posts, & that you're following on social media for the latest videos & updates!

XO

Shira