Expert: Paul S. Brown, AIA - 9/14/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi, my name is Eleonora, I love every form of architecture, interior design, painting, Frank Lloyd Wright, Michelucci, Le Corbusier......I wanted to be an architect and interior designer but my parents were to afraid of sending me two hours away from home to attend the architecture university so I ended up doing a fine art school in the city where I lived, Catania,Sicily. Today I'm 30 years old, two kids and a wonderful husband but I'm still dreaming of beeing an interior designer. unfortunately I don't have the possibility of going to school but I'm really good at sketching, planning and presenting interiors ( I took classes when I was in high school ). Now my question is : do you think I could work for a design firm even thou I don't have experience and a valid degree? Sorry for the long story . Thank you.

ANSWER: Hi Eleonora:
If you have talent, ability and enthusiasm, you should be able to find a way to work in the field of interior design.
Are you still in Italy?  I don't know what the laws are over there.  Here in the USA, more and more regulations govern what we are allowed to do.  The professional Interior Designers associations in the USA, would not like you to call yourself an "Interior Designer"; unless you meet certain educational and practice requirements, and join their organization.  But, you could still work for an interior design firm; or, you could work for yourself, and call your self an Interior Decorator, or "designer of interior environments", or anything else along similar lines.
If you can support yourself for three or four months while you get started, why not just print up some business cards, and seek clients on your own?  Take the first couple of jobs at reduced fees, and do whatever you need to do to make sure they are happy and will give you a good recommendation.  Then you are off and running.
Good luck,
PB


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks a lot, you advice were really helpful. I was already thinking about doing something on my own. I live in Carmel, NY. Can you give me an idea of what kind of fee I should apply? should I ask for a deposit? Should I be paid hourly? How can I obtain samples that I can show to my clients? Thank you.

Answer
Since you are starting out, I would suggest that you work hourly.  It will be hard for you to predict a fee, since you will be new at it.  I would set a low hourly fee and be prepared to give some of it back to the client if you have any procedural 'stumbles' on your first couple of jobs.  Do what ever you need to do to keep them happy.  On the first few jobs, it's the reference you want; not the money.
If you print up business cards (try Vista print.com (but don't click on any of the 'special offers', or you will get horrendous spam) and letterhead, you should be able to get vendors to send you samples.  Don't forget, they want to sell their stuff.  You will get better/faster service from them as you get further along in your business.  With a business card, you should also be able to get into the Boston Design Center (I think).
Good Luck!,
PB