5 answers
Valeria
Student
White Plains, New York
2
Questions
Asked
981 views
How do interior designers successfully build a strong client base to establish themselves as independent professionals?
I’m going to school to study Interior Design, and I hope to work for myself in the future. How can I start early to share my work with the world? #Spring25
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4 answers
Emily White
Third Party Risk Management Analyst
7
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hi Valeria! I would say it's never too early to keep tabs on/build a portfolio for your interior design work. A portfolio is a great way to keep track of your progress and style as you continue to learn and gain experience in the field. You can always remove projects in your portfolio that you no longer feel aligned to.
In terms of building a client base, I would first say to make sure you take advantage of all of the connections you make throughout your interior design school. Prioritize making quality friendships, getting to know your professors, and staying in contact with these folks as much as possible. School is a great place to find like-minded individuals who you can continue growing with and learning from, even once your schooling is over. I would also recommend trying to find a mentor (either a professor or someone else who has worked in the space). This person will likely have a lot of wisdom to share as well as contacts to share with you.
Getting the first few clients is always the hardest. If you find yourself struggling, consider creating interior design case studies to expand your portfolio and improve your credibility. Once you get those first projects under your belt, it becomes a lot easier to illustrate the value of what you offer!
In terms of building a client base, I would first say to make sure you take advantage of all of the connections you make throughout your interior design school. Prioritize making quality friendships, getting to know your professors, and staying in contact with these folks as much as possible. School is a great place to find like-minded individuals who you can continue growing with and learning from, even once your schooling is over. I would also recommend trying to find a mentor (either a professor or someone else who has worked in the space). This person will likely have a lot of wisdom to share as well as contacts to share with you.
Getting the first few clients is always the hardest. If you find yourself struggling, consider creating interior design case studies to expand your portfolio and improve your credibility. Once you get those first projects under your belt, it becomes a lot easier to illustrate the value of what you offer!
Alex Bakyayita
Construction Management
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Alex’s Answer
3 points;
- identify a mentor to guide you up. Often a good mentor sets you up to win. They usually pass down some clients when they gain confidence in you.
- read books to continue learning
- talk to people they are a be source of ideas and feedback.
- integrity at every deal.
Good luck!
- identify a mentor to guide you up. Often a good mentor sets you up to win. They usually pass down some clients when they gain confidence in you.
- read books to continue learning
- talk to people they are a be source of ideas and feedback.
- integrity at every deal.
Good luck!
Mauricio Chaves
Interior Designer
50
Answers
Doorn, Netherlands
Updated
Mauricio’s Answer
Dear Valeria,
Building a strong client base starts long before you launch your own business. One of the most important early steps is choosing a strong design program. Schools often have networks of alumni, industry partners, internship opportunities, and events that can open doors and connect you to real projects and clients.
Start sharing your work as early as possible — whether through social media, a simple portfolio website, or student exhibitions. Document your process, not just the final result. People love to see how ideas come to life.
Most importantly, **** build relationships ****. Collaborate, attend events, talk to mentors, and say yes to opportunities that help you grow. Your first clients often come from people who’ve seen your passion in action.
May the force be with you!
Building a strong client base starts long before you launch your own business. One of the most important early steps is choosing a strong design program. Schools often have networks of alumni, industry partners, internship opportunities, and events that can open doors and connect you to real projects and clients.
Start sharing your work as early as possible — whether through social media, a simple portfolio website, or student exhibitions. Document your process, not just the final result. People love to see how ideas come to life.
Most importantly, **** build relationships ****. Collaborate, attend events, talk to mentors, and say yes to opportunities that help you grow. Your first clients often come from people who’ve seen your passion in action.
May the force be with you!
Lauren Rendina
Accounting
3
Answers
Seaford, New York
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
Hi Valeria! There are so many resources that you can tap into with AI, social media, networking and having an online presence. If you are deciding to work for yourself, you should consider looking into programs relating to small business tax credits and loans to help get your business off the ground.
You also may want to consider working for another designer initially to learn the business and gain some experience about the industry and gain necessary connections.
Finally, you also may want to consider taking some accounting classes, if you decide to start your own business. These types of classes will help give you knowledge for your success.
You also may want to consider working for another designer initially to learn the business and gain some experience about the industry and gain necessary connections.
Finally, you also may want to consider taking some accounting classes, if you decide to start your own business. These types of classes will help give you knowledge for your success.