7 answers
Elana
Student
Quincy, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
1812 views
As an interior designer, how do you balance wanting to design in your style with your client's vision on projects?
I'm a high school senior planning to major in interior design at RIT next fall. I have always wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to work with my hands to build. Throughout high school, I have taken both engineering and carpentry electives, which have allowed me to explore my passion. My interests also lie in furniture design, urban planning, and environmental psychology.
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7 answers
Md Anwar Hossain Polash
Architect & interior designer
4
Answers
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Updated
Md Anwar Hossain’s Answer
That's wonderful! It sounds like you’ve already laid a strong foundation for a career in interior design. Your hands-on experience through engineering and carpentry electives gives you a practical edge, which is incredibly valuable in design fields. The fact that you're also interested in furniture design, urban planning, and environmental psychology shows a holistic understanding of how space, objects, and people interact.
At RIT, you'll have access to excellent facilities and a curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary learning—perfect for someone with your diverse interests. Your background suggests you’re not only passionate but also prepared to dive into the complexities of interior design with creativity and technical skill.
At RIT, you'll have access to excellent facilities and a curriculum that encourages interdisciplinary learning—perfect for someone with your diverse interests. Your background suggests you’re not only passionate but also prepared to dive into the complexities of interior design with creativity and technical skill.
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words! You have made me even more excited about attending RIT! It's great to hear your opinion that the varied interests and experiences I’ve had will be helpful in learning interior design. Thank you again!
Elana
Céline Riard
Interior designer
13
Answers
Framingham, Massachusetts
Updated
Céline’s Answer
Hi Elana!
Mauricio had a great point about changing our own taste! Interior designers are also human, and over the course of our life we have and will change what we are drawn to. In French we say, "only idiots do not change their mind". When I was a teenager, I made 1/30 scale reproductions of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis VI style interiors. I was amazed by the workmanship that went into every detail and marveled at the hours and the number of craftmen and craftwomen it took to create all these amazing pieces. Then as I young adult I embraced the contemporary style of IKEA - It was also the only furniture I could afford as a young professional! I loved their use of colors, material, and have literally collected every single annual IKEA catalogue I was able to put my hand on. When I went back to college in the early 2000 to study interior design, all we could see was "wenge" or cappuccino wood color in a Japanese-esque style, which I was not sure was really what Japanese interior design was about. At the same time, I was pretty convinced I would be forever a contemporary designer until I had to choose a style to write my thesis on history of styles and decided to pick the style that was at the antipode of my sleek contemporary style: Art Nouveau – an ornate, complicated and expensive style to create. But then I dug into the Art Nouveau style and fell in love with it, its organic symbols and I am still waiting to design a restaurant in that style! Art Nouveau must be what inspired Tolkien when he created the Elfvish dwellings of "The Lord of the Ring". What I would have done to work on the movie set!!!
I am in New England, that has quite a traditional style overall, even amongst young American clients. I am usually picked by international clients because I do have a more contemporary style than most of my interior designer peers in my region. But I have worked on very different styles to tailor to my clients' wishes: like a "Marilyn Monroe" bathroom with crystals, shine and glitter everywhere, some animal print carpets (and I ended up loving it for the room), a magical "Modern Hobbit" writing room for a famous children book writer etc.
Your approach will depend on your personality and your clients'. Some interior designers have big egos, a signature style, and clients who pick them will be the kind that love being directed firmly. Your style will evolve too - Looking at some early designs I have done, I would never come up with such color combinations anymore! Unless you become a TV design star, I don't think you can impose your style on unwilling clients. You can only guide them, but most of the time you will have to compromise. And you will probably have to follow trends, because clients go on social media and will want what is "hot" at the moment. But you can be smart about making the trendy design unique and timeless.
You should be very firm on functionality and should not design something that does not make sense or is unsafe. You should guide clients and tell them kindly that buying an expensive apple green sofa may not be a sound long-term decision, but you may be able to design something really fun around an inexpensive apple green sofa that will last them a few years until they are tired of the color.
There are very few "no-nos" in design: one is using Toile de Jouy print everywhere in a room - wallpapers, duvet covers, curtains, pillows... But Toile wallpaper as an accent wall is gorgeous.
Some clients will be easy to read (allowing you to find out what they like) or will simply trust you at every step. Some will be stuck in old-fashioned beliefs and think they want their parent's living room style because this is all they have ever known. Some will have no idea of what they like but will still question your suggestions at every step of the design process. You will need to make sure you present good moodboards (PowerPoint works fine), explain your vision clearly, and get approval (sometimes even written) if you feel your clients keep changing their mind (it happens). You will learn that if your client is happy and you designed a safe, functional space that you are proud of, it is a successful project. There is not a room I designed in my career that I am not proud of, even if it stretched my personal taste!
Good luck and have fun exploring your styles!
Mauricio had a great point about changing our own taste! Interior designers are also human, and over the course of our life we have and will change what we are drawn to. In French we say, "only idiots do not change their mind". When I was a teenager, I made 1/30 scale reproductions of Louis XIV, Louis XV and Louis VI style interiors. I was amazed by the workmanship that went into every detail and marveled at the hours and the number of craftmen and craftwomen it took to create all these amazing pieces. Then as I young adult I embraced the contemporary style of IKEA - It was also the only furniture I could afford as a young professional! I loved their use of colors, material, and have literally collected every single annual IKEA catalogue I was able to put my hand on. When I went back to college in the early 2000 to study interior design, all we could see was "wenge" or cappuccino wood color in a Japanese-esque style, which I was not sure was really what Japanese interior design was about. At the same time, I was pretty convinced I would be forever a contemporary designer until I had to choose a style to write my thesis on history of styles and decided to pick the style that was at the antipode of my sleek contemporary style: Art Nouveau – an ornate, complicated and expensive style to create. But then I dug into the Art Nouveau style and fell in love with it, its organic symbols and I am still waiting to design a restaurant in that style! Art Nouveau must be what inspired Tolkien when he created the Elfvish dwellings of "The Lord of the Ring". What I would have done to work on the movie set!!!
I am in New England, that has quite a traditional style overall, even amongst young American clients. I am usually picked by international clients because I do have a more contemporary style than most of my interior designer peers in my region. But I have worked on very different styles to tailor to my clients' wishes: like a "Marilyn Monroe" bathroom with crystals, shine and glitter everywhere, some animal print carpets (and I ended up loving it for the room), a magical "Modern Hobbit" writing room for a famous children book writer etc.
Your approach will depend on your personality and your clients'. Some interior designers have big egos, a signature style, and clients who pick them will be the kind that love being directed firmly. Your style will evolve too - Looking at some early designs I have done, I would never come up with such color combinations anymore! Unless you become a TV design star, I don't think you can impose your style on unwilling clients. You can only guide them, but most of the time you will have to compromise. And you will probably have to follow trends, because clients go on social media and will want what is "hot" at the moment. But you can be smart about making the trendy design unique and timeless.
You should be very firm on functionality and should not design something that does not make sense or is unsafe. You should guide clients and tell them kindly that buying an expensive apple green sofa may not be a sound long-term decision, but you may be able to design something really fun around an inexpensive apple green sofa that will last them a few years until they are tired of the color.
There are very few "no-nos" in design: one is using Toile de Jouy print everywhere in a room - wallpapers, duvet covers, curtains, pillows... But Toile wallpaper as an accent wall is gorgeous.
Some clients will be easy to read (allowing you to find out what they like) or will simply trust you at every step. Some will be stuck in old-fashioned beliefs and think they want their parent's living room style because this is all they have ever known. Some will have no idea of what they like but will still question your suggestions at every step of the design process. You will need to make sure you present good moodboards (PowerPoint works fine), explain your vision clearly, and get approval (sometimes even written) if you feel your clients keep changing their mind (it happens). You will learn that if your client is happy and you designed a safe, functional space that you are proud of, it is a successful project. There is not a room I designed in my career that I am not proud of, even if it stretched my personal taste!
Good luck and have fun exploring your styles!
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my question!! It was great to hear about not only your evolution as a designer, but also your journey to arrive at your current tastes!! Thank you for sharing your experiences, thoughts, suggestions and advice! I cannot wait to begin college and start exploring different styles to see which ones I gravitate towards! Thank you again!
Elana
Ruby Bradley
interior designer
2
Answers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Ruby’s Answer
As an interior designer, it's important to see your personal style as a tool, not the end goal. Start every project with the client's vision, lifestyle, and needs in mind, and then turn that into a space that is both beautiful and functional.
Begin by listening carefully to understand how the client lives, what they love, and the problems they want to solve. Once you have this foundation, use your design skills and sense of style to enhance their ideas. Your style should show through in your choice of materials, proportions, and details, but not by pushing a specific look.
Aim to guide rather than impose. Offer clients options, explain why some solutions work better, and introduce new ideas they might not have thought of. Your style will naturally develop through this collaborative process.
In the end, successful designers create spaces that feel right for the client, while ensuring the design is thoughtful and well executed. You are not there to decorate for yourself, but to make the client's vision a reality.
Begin by listening carefully to understand how the client lives, what they love, and the problems they want to solve. Once you have this foundation, use your design skills and sense of style to enhance their ideas. Your style should show through in your choice of materials, proportions, and details, but not by pushing a specific look.
Aim to guide rather than impose. Offer clients options, explain why some solutions work better, and introduce new ideas they might not have thought of. Your style will naturally develop through this collaborative process.
In the end, successful designers create spaces that feel right for the client, while ensuring the design is thoughtful and well executed. You are not there to decorate for yourself, but to make the client's vision a reality.
Emma Rarick
Art Educator | Textile Artist
5
Answers
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Emma’s Answer
Hi Elana,
Even though I'm not an interior designer, I can relate to your question as an artist. Many artists, including myself, often struggle with balancing personal creativity and professional demands. We often find ourselves choosing between what we want to create for ourselves and what we need to create to make a living. In the fashion world, I've managed this by staying true to my core values as an artist. It might help to decide which boundaries you won't cross for a client and which ones you might be flexible with.
This can be a tough moral issue because our art is so closely tied to who we are though. So it's important to try and separate yourself from the work you do for others, as unfortunately, client work is more about their needs than yours. Remember, the work you do for a client is just a job though, and it doesn't define your worth as an artist or designer.
Lastly, make sure to set aside time for your own art or design projects outside of work. Creating for yourself is crucial for your creative energy, mental health, and overall well-being. Remember, there's no art without you, so take care of yourself please! <3
Even though I'm not an interior designer, I can relate to your question as an artist. Many artists, including myself, often struggle with balancing personal creativity and professional demands. We often find ourselves choosing between what we want to create for ourselves and what we need to create to make a living. In the fashion world, I've managed this by staying true to my core values as an artist. It might help to decide which boundaries you won't cross for a client and which ones you might be flexible with.
This can be a tough moral issue because our art is so closely tied to who we are though. So it's important to try and separate yourself from the work you do for others, as unfortunately, client work is more about their needs than yours. Remember, the work you do for a client is just a job though, and it doesn't define your worth as an artist or designer.
Lastly, make sure to set aside time for your own art or design projects outside of work. Creating for yourself is crucial for your creative energy, mental health, and overall well-being. Remember, there's no art without you, so take care of yourself please! <3
Thank you so much for your response!! It was great to hear from an artists' perspective! I definitely will be spending time at the beginning of my career to really define my beliefs, especially those I want to keep to and those that I can be more flexible with. I especially loved your advice to set aside time to create art just for myself. Thank you again for taking the time to respond to my question!!
Elana
Phill Pezo
Industrial Design
103
Answers
Nutley, New Jersey
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Elana,
It is great you are starting to think about your time studying interior design at RIT next fall. Having the capability to design and create something yourself is a very powerful skill that can lead to exciting career paths, whether with a studio or solo.
Having your design language and meeting client needs is a constant part of the process. It can come down to a few things, whether you are an independent designer or working at a design studio/firm. There will be a set of boundaries that will determine how much you can push the line. You or the studio can make a fully custom design and make their client's vision come to life. Or, the studio or firm can be collaborating with another party to create something that would then have to be a blended mix. If your design wants to be a bit of both, designing for a client with your specific identity, then it is speaking to the reason why. Everything is by design, so share your decision-making and reasoning for your work. This can be functionality or feeling, and moods of aesthetics that all tell a larger story.
It seems like you have a range of design interests, which is great! I would also take a look into the range of design fields. Interior design itself can get very specific, but you can also look into industrial/product design and service design, which can have many overlapping fields that might be up your lane.
Best of luck to you!
It is great you are starting to think about your time studying interior design at RIT next fall. Having the capability to design and create something yourself is a very powerful skill that can lead to exciting career paths, whether with a studio or solo.
Having your design language and meeting client needs is a constant part of the process. It can come down to a few things, whether you are an independent designer or working at a design studio/firm. There will be a set of boundaries that will determine how much you can push the line. You or the studio can make a fully custom design and make their client's vision come to life. Or, the studio or firm can be collaborating with another party to create something that would then have to be a blended mix. If your design wants to be a bit of both, designing for a client with your specific identity, then it is speaking to the reason why. Everything is by design, so share your decision-making and reasoning for your work. This can be functionality or feeling, and moods of aesthetics that all tell a larger story.
It seems like you have a range of design interests, which is great! I would also take a look into the range of design fields. Interior design itself can get very specific, but you can also look into industrial/product design and service design, which can have many overlapping fields that might be up your lane.
Best of luck to you!
Thank you so much for responding to my question!! As of now, I feel like I am leaning more towards working in a firm, though my sentiments may change once I begin college. I'm excited to start learning more and taking classes to help me narrow down my career goals. RIT also has great co-op and internship opportunities, which I plan on taking advantage of to see if working in a firm is right for me. Product/Industrial design was actually my second choice major!! I even took a summer industrial design course at RIT a few years ago. Also, I'll definitely explore the different design fields!! One thing I love about design is how cross-disciplinary it is, and how transferable the skills you learn in one field are to others. Thank you again for responding to my question!!
Elana
Mauricio Chaves
Interior Designer
50
Answers
Doorn, Netherlands
Updated
Mauricio’s Answer
Dear Elana,
That’s a question that every interior designer faces at some point in our career. In reality, design is a constant balancing act between personal style, client vision, current trends, and the unique characteristics of each space. Over time, we develop a design language that reflects who we are, but we also learn to stay flexible and collaborative.
When I started my career, I was convinced I would change the world by rescuing antiques and giving them new life through interior design. Later, I fell in love with minimalist, Scandinavian, and mid-century styles. Today, I find joy in integrating all of those influences to create environments that are both functional and full of character. Interestingly, that evolution has helped me attract clients who are drawn to something specific in my style — even if they can’t name it — and who trust me to adapt it to their needs. It becomes a mutual relationship: I bring my vision, they bring theirs, and together we create something unique.
My advice? Avoid chasing trends. Instead, explore and define a style you love — one that’s versatile enough to evolve with you and personal enough to become your signature. That’s where the magic (and your future brand) begins.
May the force be with you!
That’s a question that every interior designer faces at some point in our career. In reality, design is a constant balancing act between personal style, client vision, current trends, and the unique characteristics of each space. Over time, we develop a design language that reflects who we are, but we also learn to stay flexible and collaborative.
When I started my career, I was convinced I would change the world by rescuing antiques and giving them new life through interior design. Later, I fell in love with minimalist, Scandinavian, and mid-century styles. Today, I find joy in integrating all of those influences to create environments that are both functional and full of character. Interestingly, that evolution has helped me attract clients who are drawn to something specific in my style — even if they can’t name it — and who trust me to adapt it to their needs. It becomes a mutual relationship: I bring my vision, they bring theirs, and together we create something unique.
My advice? Avoid chasing trends. Instead, explore and define a style you love — one that’s versatile enough to evolve with you and personal enough to become your signature. That’s where the magic (and your future brand) begins.
May the force be with you!
Thank you so much for taking the time to not only give me such a thorough answer, but also advice I can keep in mind as I start my career! Your response has made me even more excited to enter this field!
Elana
Kelly Firtell-Marino
5
Answers
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hi Elana,
This is such a great question, you've no idea. As you establish yourself, create work and build your portfolio, prospective clients are hopefully coming to YOU (vs. another designer) because they like your work. They are relying on you to imagine, create, design, build, etc. Having said that, there will be times when you may choose something that doesn't fly with the client and you possibly end up with a piece that you may not have initially considered, but in the end it's still the client's house, their money, etc. So you do a delicate balance between what you would choose first or even second, and what the client ends up with. This is not to say that I'll green light something for the sake of just approving it -- still needs to fit my professional criteria (high quality, functionality, coordinates beautifully with other items chosen without compromising the overall design, etc.).
Depending on the line of work you end up pursuing, you may not be challenged with conflicts between your personal tastes/styles and customers'. Let's say you end up designing a furniture collection for your own label, or for a well-known big-box store...the pieces are your designs, your creations from your imagination, then they are produced and then consumers consume your designs, not the other way around. But...there are certainly furniture designers who will do commissioned pieces (can be very lucrative), based on the client's vision, not yours necessarily.
These are smart things to consider as you continue your education, gain experience and become exposed to so many wonderful opportunities. you already sound like you're on a great path. Best wishes and enjoy the ride.
Kelly M.
This is such a great question, you've no idea. As you establish yourself, create work and build your portfolio, prospective clients are hopefully coming to YOU (vs. another designer) because they like your work. They are relying on you to imagine, create, design, build, etc. Having said that, there will be times when you may choose something that doesn't fly with the client and you possibly end up with a piece that you may not have initially considered, but in the end it's still the client's house, their money, etc. So you do a delicate balance between what you would choose first or even second, and what the client ends up with. This is not to say that I'll green light something for the sake of just approving it -- still needs to fit my professional criteria (high quality, functionality, coordinates beautifully with other items chosen without compromising the overall design, etc.).
Depending on the line of work you end up pursuing, you may not be challenged with conflicts between your personal tastes/styles and customers'. Let's say you end up designing a furniture collection for your own label, or for a well-known big-box store...the pieces are your designs, your creations from your imagination, then they are produced and then consumers consume your designs, not the other way around. But...there are certainly furniture designers who will do commissioned pieces (can be very lucrative), based on the client's vision, not yours necessarily.
These are smart things to consider as you continue your education, gain experience and become exposed to so many wonderful opportunities. you already sound like you're on a great path. Best wishes and enjoy the ride.
Kelly M.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a response and for the kind words!! Your answer definitely makes me feel more confident that I will be able to deal with those situations in the future, and really helped to alleviate my concerns about encountering situations like those. I especially liked your advice to stick with your “professional criteria” when making these decisions! I really am excited to start developing my own style and portfolio while in college. Thank you again!
Elana