Last Updated on November 5, 2024 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg
Running an interior design business begins with a passion for creating transformative change. The reward when you see those smiles makes it all worth it.
You have to manage effective communication, budgets, timelines, and nailing expectations. However, when you get it right, you can build success and strive even in a competitive industry.
So, if you want to overcome hurdles to succeed, we’ve listed the key issues interior design businesses face.
With Pinterest, Instagram, and TikTok, people have the latest trends at the click of a finger.
Therefore, staying up to date with new trends, technology, and innovations is paramount.
When you can, you may offer your client contemporary and relevant designs. Elmhurst-based Dara Agruss is a great example.
Any business person needs to conduct continuous research, attend industry events, address these challenges, and stay ahead.
If you have the extra cash, it might be worth looking into programs such as CAD and gaining experience.
One of the main challenges of being an interior designer is sticking to set budgets. Clients provide budgets with big dreams that are sometimes unachievable.
Therefore, it requires careful planning, cost analysis, and, most of all, resource management.
Resource management may be challenging today, especially given the rise in materials costs due to the pandemic.
Therefore, it may be worth discussing with the client the possibility of increasing their budget to deliver results.
However, by sourcing cost-effective materials and offering alternative solutions, you can assist in managing this issue.
In addition, you should consult with your client and give them a full cost breakdown so that there are no surprises along the way.
Furthermore, fostering supplier relationships is key to receiving discounts or trade benefits.
You could use Excel or online tools to budget correctly and efficiently. Thus, you can stay within budget and keep your customers happy.
Effective time management is crucial for interior design.
When meeting with clients, it is important to establish clear deadlines and specific completion dates for the project.
Hence, coordinating is paramount when it comes to your suppliers and contractors.
Prioritize projects in a list of necessities, set dates, track progress, and always allow a couple of days on either side.
Thus, your customer will be happy that you completed the project before the time. Also, if you do need more time, you have it. Completing projects on time shows professionalism.
Client communication is crucial when working on a project.
When you communicate effectively, you truly understand what the customer wants and can meet their expectations.
When communication breaks down, you may find yourself delaying projects or not discussing those unrealistic hopes. However, being approachable keeps open lines of communication.
With the rise of social media, you need to promote yourself. It’s essential to get the word out there about what you do.
Create a portfolio on social media and a website where people can see your previous work. By doing so, you could gain new clients.
This one might seem obvious.
However, most people don’t take a break! Interior designers work very hard, meeting customers, sourcing products, budgeting, and the list goes on.
Hence, taking a rest is crucial to continuing.
With everyone being so accessible in this day and age, even if you do use business Whatsapp, Slack, or another messaging system, it’s important to have a cut-off point in the evening.
That way, you can wake up refreshed and ready to go. The last thing you want is to burn out!