A day as an interior designer…
With a tidal wave of social media posts flaunting the hottest color trends, styling secrets, DIY hacks, and Amazon treasures, you’d think interior designers are just out there on a glamorous shopping spree.
Sure, fluffing those fabulous pillows at the end of a project is a fun perk, but here’s the truth - we’re actually pouring hours of brainpower, based on years of experience, into crafting spaces that are as functional as they are fabulous for our clients’ lifestyles and budgets.
We are knowledgeable on everything from general construction to sofa construction, and have an arsenal of ideas waiting to find their home. So, here's the scoop on how the real pros spend their days (in no particular order)...
Project Managing the execution of hundreds of design details - hello spreadsheets!
Creating floorplans, renderings, construction elevations and finish schedules
Calling & Meeting with clients, vendors and contractors
Prepping for client presentations
Problem Solving to find the best possible solution for a challenging space
Researching & Sourcing the best products for our clients
Driving around town to pick up and return samples
Visiting local showrooms (with our without clients)
Obtaining Pricing to ensure we stay within budget
Handling orders, delays, deliveries, damage claims, and returns on behalf of my clients
Troubleshooting due to an unexpected construction event or a backordered item
Running our businesses - invoicing, marketing, taxes, continuing education, etc.
Ordering products for your space
Installing furniture and styling spaces
As a designer, I absolutely love the variety that each day brings – some days I get to be really creative, while others find me on the phone with vendors, in conversations I don’t want to be having. But, it's all worth it to truly help my clients! If you're curious about what a typical day entails for me, take a look at the schedule below.
8:00 - I check my email and reply to client, contractor, and vendor messages from the night before.
8:15 - Oh no! The dining table I’ve been eagerly awaiting for three months has arrived at the warehouse damaged. I quickly call the vendor to negotiate an immediate replacement to avoid further delaying my client's installation date. I’ll need to send photos of the damaged table and coordinate its return.
8:45 - I spend the next two hours space planning a new kitchen. I have a skillset in an industry modeling software used to craft 3-D models and construction drawings. I have knowledge on code compliance, space clearances, lighting placement, appliance placement, finish materials, general construction; and an understanding of the client’s lifestyle and preferences.
11:00 - I meet my client at the countertop slab yard to educate her on the different materials, the pros and cons of each, what will function and look best in her home that is also within her budget. After the meeting, I work with the slab yard and fabricator to reserve the slabs, get accurate pricing, and update all of her design documents.
12:00 - My Phone rings. The contractor found some unexpected plumbing in the wall during demo, which cannot be moved without significant cost to the client. The space will need to be redesigned to accommodate the additional 6" of wall space needed to conceal the plumbing, which means the wall oven my client desperately wanted will no longer fit. Shoot, the appliance has already been ordered. I’ll need to meet with the contractor, brainstorm ideas, draw an alternate cabinetry plan and present to my client for approval.
2:00 - I need to have samples, mood boards, drawings and all pricing ready for an upcoming client presentation. I spend the afternoon emailing and calling vendors to get accurate pricing on all pieces for a project, and finalize my presentation documents.
5:00 - Time to sign out.
8:00 - I’m back on my laptop looking for the perfect sofa. My client is tall, so he needs a deeper sofa with a higher back to ensure a comfortable fit. I find two options within his budget so I email my vendor to get more information on finish options and order fabric samples.
9:00 - I update my books with last month’s expenses, and close all paid invoices.
10:00 - Goodnight. Tomorrow will be completely different!