Building Your Career in Interior Design
When you’re just starting out, the design world can seem overwhelming, even intimidating. Whether you’re a young graduate or a more experienced career changer, building your career in interior design or decoration takes work.
One of the best things you can do at this early stage is to make connections with others in the design industry. Even if you haven’t figured out your preferred industry niche (colour consulting, styling, starting your own business, or joining an established one) it’s helpful to seek out others with wisdom to share.
Whether you do this virtually or in person, nothing replaces those networks, the mentors at first jobs, and the experts who can share their industry knowledge.
Dive into the Industry and Network at Events Like Decor + Design
In July, a group of ISCD students and their educators attended the Decor + Design show in Melbourne. You’ll find similar events around Australia, although it’s often worth travelling for these big calendar events, as it gives you a chance to meet other designers, suppliers, and to explore industry trends all in the one place.
Our students are at the ideal stage to start building their networks. Suppliers are keen to work with up-and-coming designers in the hope that their brand will be front-of-mind for their future projects, and new designers have the chance to ask all the questions you can only have answered by industry experts.
Once Decor + Design was over, our students were inspired, but also armed with information, and filled with new questions for their educators about the industry and the various paths that you can take within it.
ISCD educators, students, and alumni at Decor + Design 2025.
Learn From the Experts but Follow Your Own Unique Path
One of the highlights of the Decor + Design show this year was the Charge Your Career Lounge, where James Treble shared advice and encouragement for young designers and career changers.
James is an award-winning interior designer, TV presenter, and writer, and regularly speaks to design students. He believes that the industry needs new people who will bring their own unique experiences and perspectives, whether that’s the fresh perspective of a recent graduate, or the unique knowledge of a career changer.
At the Career Lounge, James urged new designers to make the most of their unique perspectives and styles, and to be wary of comparing themselves to other designers. It’s easy for new designers to fall into the trap of thinking that their own designs don’t measure up, simply because they don’t look like the designs of someone else who they admire.
James used the example of growing up as a twin. He knows that although someone else out there looks like him, has the same background, and many of the same experiences, each brother is an individual. Even within similar design styles, there will be room for individuality and exploration, and James is keen to see the design industry filled with new and unique perspectives.
ISCD educators and students explore the Charge Your Career Lounge.
Use Those Networks and Find Your Starting Point
While meeting the different exhibitors at Decor + Design, the ISCD educators spotted a familiar face. ISCD alumna Lauren was at the Koala Living stand, showcasing their furniture collections. Since beginning in her role at Koala Living, Lauren has worked with talented furniture designers, with interior designers and decorators, and with clients searching for the right pieces for their own homes.
Lauren’s path reflects one that many students and graduates take into the industry – working in showrooms or for brands large and small as their in-house designers, salespeople, or consultants.
This was a path that James Treble was keen to point out in his own talk. Although many students think that the only way to make it as an interior designer is to strike out on your own, most sizeable suppliers need at least one designer on staff, and finding these opportunities to work with products you love can provide a rewarding career, with the stability that many sole traders can only dream of.
ISCD educators and students at Decor + Design 2024.
For others new to the design world, their starting point will come through completing their own home renovations or working with family and friends. While it’s easy to let insecurity creep in to tell you that this isn’t “real” design work, these early projects are essential for practice and portfolio building, and as you make your way in the design industry, you’ll likely find that working with friends (and friends of friends) is the way that even well-known designers work.
Building a network and the sort of trust that leads to word-of-mouth referrals is essential for successful designers. So start building those networks and taking on those projects, and soon enough you’ll find your own path into the industry.
Build Your Interior Design Career at ISCD
At ISCD you’ll start building your career as you learn from industry experts and collaborate with your peers. You’ll learn how to source suppliers, how to work with clients, and how to run your own business. You’ll also learn about the specialisations that could help you find work in an exciting variety of roles in the design industry.
Further Reading:
Ready, Set, DESIGN! Temple & Webster Support Next-Gen Designers
5 Must-Have Skills to Work as an Interior Designer or Decorator