When I started my interior design career, I was clueless about some things. It was a bit overwhelming. To give you at least an overview of what you are getting yourself into, I share some information with you.
Whether you are applying or interning for a job in an interior design firm, want to start your own design business, or grow your firm into a larger company, this episode is for you.
Listen to understand the different teams and roles needed to operate an interior design business. I also share the many hats an interior designer solopreneur needs to wear. And if you are growing your firm into a larger company, these are the areas you can expand to and hire.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
Discover what you’re signing up for as an interior design solopreneur
Find out what you need to hire first when starting an interior design business
Understand the team structures and roles critical to building a design firm
Check out these episode highlights
1.18 – How Interior Design and Architectural Firms are set up similarly to Law Firms
The Anatomy of an Interior Design Firm
1.52 – The CEO/Owner/Principal Designer/Design Director (the visionary of the design firm)
2.39 – The Design Team (turns visions into creations)
- Principal Designer/Design Director
- Senior Designer/Lead Designer
- Associate Designer/ Intermediate Designer
- Junior Designer
- Design Assistant
- Design Intern
- Draftsperson
4.12 – The Production Team (brings designs to life)
- Project Manager/Director of Production
- Construction Manager
- Junior Project Manager
- Project Coordinator
- Expeditor/ Procurement Coordinator
5.33 – The Operations Team
- Director of Operations/ COO
- Client Relations Manager
- HR Manager
* Process and performance
* Compliance Manager
- Office Administrator
The operations team takes care of the following:
- Intake calls
- Discovery calls
- Client onboarding
- Filter out clients
- Ask questions
- Set up consultations in the calendar
- Gifting
- Health care setup
- Employee handbook
- Quality control
7.10 – The Finance Team (keeps your books straight, organized, and tax-ready)
- Director of Finance (CFO)
- Bookkeeper
- CPA
3 Reasons why your first hire should be a bookkeeper
- To keep your books straight
- To keep them organized
- To get them ready for taxes at the end of the year
8.11 – The Sales and Marketing Team (gets new business through the door)
- Director of Sales and Marketing
- Marketing Manager
- Sales Manager
- PR Manager
- Branding Manager
- Website Manager
- Digital/Social Media Manager
Want to jumpstart your interior design career? Enroll in My Design Mentor.