How the Industry Works

Speaker: Ryann Aoucar


The interior designer works the broker- this is your first contact with the client, its important to befriend them and be knowledgable about their interests, such as golf.


It is also important to befriend the architect, they can help you NETWORK. Networking is key to a successful interior design career. You must be good with people, because not only do you work for them, but you work with them. More than likely you will have a variety of clients, anywhere from chefs to law firms to families. 

"It is not what we do, it is WHY we do it"

It is important to have specializations. It is not good to have a very broad knowledge of interior design... but to have things that you are very knowledgable about and fantastic at. 


First meetings can be formal or at random places, such as horse races, restaurants, or parks. You need to know the building and land lord. There are (AA-A-B-C)  type buildings. Help client picture his spaces based on #'s and standards. For desk Crits you need to know furniture standards. You will deal with furniture dealers and model builders, it is important that you be their friends! During demolition phase you work with either demolitions contractors or general contractors. Create a plan to help the general contractor understand what you would like done.
   Next you work with a Engineer, they control where your light switches, actual lighting, etc go.  When you start working on the ceiling plan you will more than likely work with lighting manufacturers and a lighting designer. 
   Lastly, to finish up the project, we get to the good stuff! We get to work with materials and product designers, also with artists. It is extremely important in this phase to know EVERY material WELL. We get to start the decorating process and choose furniture and accessories- which means working with furniture dealers and makers. It is important to go to furniture shows, such as the one in Las Vegas, to be updated on the latest fashion. Next, you will work with a graphic designer for things like hospitality, in which you would need bathroom, check in, etc signs. And finally, art instillations, which involves going to galleries, and dealing with art dealers and sometimes the actual artist himself.