4 answers
Valeria
Student
White Plains, New York
2
Questions
Asked
359 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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2 answers
Mauricio Chaves
Interior Designer
46
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.