6 Additional Skills That Will Help Interior Designers Become More In-Demand

There is a clear difference between a well-designed room and one with an assortment of stuff that has been collected over the decades. Many people use the skills of interior designers to help them create the dream home or workplace. These professionals exist to help people stay in budget, yet also to create a consistent style and image, brand and colour in each room. 

Out of all the professionals in the art world, interior designers are the highest growth market. Once a person has become professional, they will seek to grow their business. But how can someone take things to the next level and increase their client base? This article is here to make a few suggestions. 

Acquire connected qualifications 

Some people are a jack of all trades and can design a room, decorate it and even do the plumbing and electricity. Widely talented interior designers could consider these specialized options, which include getting certification in HVAC installation. This would help designers not just understand where to put heat pumps, gas furnaces and air conditioning units, but also to install them as part of their paid work.

It is also possible to become a specialist in one specific area, such as gas heating, oil heating or air distribution and ducts. Learners can be tested through NATE. Such additional skills help designers become more aware of the big picture, and more able to do the work themselves. 

Study trends and history 

If a designer spends strategic time learning about this on the internet and in books, they will enhance their professional reputation. Jewish customers may not feel relaxed with a designer who has no knowledge of their culture and design styles. If someone demonstrates a real understanding of retro furnishing or Mediterranean art, word will quickly get round to other people. This brings us to the next option.

Gain a degree in interior design

It is possible to gain a bachelor’s or master’s degree in interior design. This qualification will hold extra weight when it is accredited by related bodies and organisations. Not only does it open the door to formal study and skill acquisition, but it puts graduates ahead of the unskilled. 

Learn CAD

This stands for Computer Aided Design. It is the name given to software packages that enable designers to create digital images of room layouts in advance. There are programmes such as Sketch Up and Auto CAD, and courses people can take to learn them. 

Any designer who can produce a digital picture will be favoured over someone who can’t. It creates a valuable document that can be shown to the client for their approval, and the other professionals once this occurred. Contractors will be left in no doubt as to what goes where, when they have a scale plan in their hands. 

Study communication

Customers will never feel at ease with a designer who doesn’t seem to be fully listening to their wishes. In the worst case scenario, people might pay thousands of dollars for work that is not what they originally requested. This is why it’s good to study communication skills. There are even online courses that can be taken. Designers can become empowered to talk to their clients and a host of other people including architects, contractors and engineers. 

Potential customers will be put off by any designer who says they struggle with texting or email. It’s therefore beneficial for people whose primary skill is design to familiarise themselves with such things as well. 

Learn about marketing

Interior designers need to raise awareness of their services beyond simple word of mouth and reputation. Marketing and advertising is a huge subject, but when harnessed well it can assist with the growth of any business. 

Interestingly, social media can be a strong element in the whole marketing process. It can provide the perfect opportunity for designers to display their work and generate new business. They can also show behind the scenes pictures and produce interesting posts about their equipment. 

Any designer who creates a blog or Youtube channel can offer free quality content on a regular basis. This helps build a following and strengthens the case for you to be viewed as an authority. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, blogging and Youtube can all be the necessary hook to gain new customers. 

As we have seen, it’s not enough to simply design interiors full time. In order to grow the business, professionals should study and gain qualifications. Technology and social media can become a strong armoury for the business, and good communication skills can pay off, too. The key to growth is to shine above the competition, and the more strings to the bow a person has, the better they are placed to achieve this.