If you have an eye for design and a passion for transforming spaces, consider a career in interior design. But with the growing popularity of entrepreneurship, you may also wonder if starting your own interior design business is a better choice. You can consult interior design accounting experts to be tax compliant and profitable.
Interior Design: A Job or Business?
Interior design can be both a job and a business. As an employee, you can work for a design firm, a retail store, or a construction company, creating designs for their clients. In this scenario, you are an interior designer employed by a company. You’ll have a steady income, job security, and access to resources to help you develop your skills.
Interior design can also be a business where you start your own interior design company, offering your services to clients. This option is excellent for individuals with an entrepreneurial drive who want more control over their work.
Working as an Interior Designer
If you choose to work as an interior designer, you’ll likely begin by earning a degree or certificate in interior design. Once you’ve completed your education, you’ll enter the workforce and may start as an assistant, working your way up to designer status. If you have a natural talent for design or a lot of experience, some firms may take you on at a higher level.
As a designer, your job may include meeting with clients, creating design concepts, selecting materials and furniture, and presenting your ideas to the client. You’ll also work with contractors, architects, and other professionals to make sure your designs are executed accurately.
Starting an Interior Design Business
Starting an interior design business means taking on responsibilities beyond just designing spaces. To start a business, you must understand finance, marketing, and sales well. You’ll also have to handle day-to-day operations like client communication, invoicing, and project management.
The actual cost of starting an interior design business varies based on the scale of the business you hope to have. You need to purchase equipment like computers, software, and drawing tools. Software like Houzz Pro (formerly Ivy) and Studio Manager are great assets when designing.
Other items you will need to start your business include office space, inventory, and advertising costs. As you progress, you’ll need to find new clients and retain existing ones.
Education and Skills Required for Interior Design
Several institutions offer diplomas and degrees in interior design to hone your craft. Building your skillset entails having excellent communication, creativity, visualization, and customer service. As an interior designer, you may need to present and walk your clients through your proposed plans. You may also need to source and order materials and supervise the construction of the design.
Aside from having a degree or diploma, you must constantly update your skills on new developments. You can gain this through workshops or other events.
Engaging Interior Design Accounting Professionals
An accountant will help you deal with regulations on licensing, tax registration, and insurance. Licensing requirements vary, so you must research your state’s specific laws. Before commencing any job, interior designers must have specified tax registration and insurance policies to protect themselves, their clients, and their employees. It helps to engage interior design accounting professionals to be IRS compliant.
Marketing and Advertising for Interior Design Business
Whether an interior design is a side hustle, part-time business, or full-time, effective marketing can always help attract more clients to increase sales. Social media marketing can be a powerful tool to help advertise your brand and increase engagement and connections with potential clients. Creating a good website or other online platforms can showcase your work, build your brand, and boost your online visibility.
Your Opportunities as an Interior Designer
Whether it’s considered a job or business, the world of interior design is full of opportunities and challenges. It takes determination, skill, and self-motivation to make your dream of being an interior designer reality. Focus on your goals, identify areas for improvement, hone your skillset, and keep up with the latest trends and designs. This can help you to stay relevant in the industry. You can make either work for you with the right mindset and a passion for interior design.