Over these years being in the Interior Designing Industry in Bangladesh, as much enticing as a profession it might appear to be on the surface, in reality– it’s no cakewalk. Do you know there are roughly about 10,000+ Interior Designing firms in Bangladesh, how many of them do you think, are sustaining, let alone “doing good” amongst the Top Firms?
While one may have an eye for aesthetics, interior designing is way more than just aesthetics.
Learning the ins and outs of Interior designing by ownself can be a little daunting at first, however ‘Sky is the limit, when you set a foot out!’ Right?
For grabbing hold of ‘Interior Designing’ which is a pretty creative yet technical field, there is some scope and possibilities that you will discover in the course of this blog. Keep reading!
3 Important things to Understand Interior Designing
While there are a lot of intricacies in the field Interior designing, but to summarize it for our readers, there are three main components to seek proficiency in:
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An Eye for Design:
A ‘by-default’ instinct for good design, and aesthetics is a must-have trait to begin with!
Having a natural eye for aesthetics is a valuable asset in interior designs. This innate ability to see the potential in a space and understand how elements work together can be honed through observation and practice. Studying design blogs, magazines, and websites allows you to absorb trends, color palettes, and furniture styles.
Not only that, taking inspiration from surroundings, replicating visions and ideas needs a lot of Observation, Comprehension and focus to begin with.
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The Technical Part of Interior Designs
While a keen eye is essential, interior designs goes beyond aesthetics. Understanding technical aspects of the profession like
- Spatial Planning
- Color Theory
- Building Codes,
- Safety Regulations are crucial.
Online courses, workshops, and even books can equip you with this technical knowledge.
However, formal education provides a more comprehensive foundation, including hands-on experience with software like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) programs often used for creating floor plans and visualizations. With AI (Artificial Intelligence) entering the domain of Interior Designs, it’s important to keep oneself technically updated and ready to constantly upgrade.
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Experience. Period.
Real-life experience teaches you the small details of work that you might miss out while studying about it.
No design project goes perfectly according to plan. Unexpected hurdles can arise, like structural limitations or client feedback that requires adjustments. Through studio projects, you learn to think creatively, troubleshoot challenges, and find solutions that maintain the design’s integrity.
However, formal education often includes internships or design studio projects, providing invaluable real-world experience. Self-taught designers can create this experience for themselves by offering pro-bono design services to friends, family, or even local businesses. This allows you to build a portfolio, gain practical knowledge, and refine your design skills.
So what to do if Formal Education isn’t feasible?
The Self-Taught Designer’s Toolkit: Resources, Practice, and Networking
Formal education provides a structured learning environment, but the self-taught designer has a wealth of resources at their fingertips:
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Online Resources:
Utilize online tutorials and courses offered by established design schools, industry professionals, or online learning platforms. These courses can cover a wide range of topics, from the fundamentals of color theory and space planning to specific software like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) programs used for creating floorplans and visualizations. Design blogs and websites are another valuable resource. Follow prominent designers and publications to stay updated on the latest trends, discover inspiring projects, and learn valuable design tips and tricks.
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Beyond the Screen:
While online resources are fantastic, don’t underestimate the power of traditional learning. Invest in books on color theory, space planning, and design history. These in-depth resources provide a comprehensive understanding of design principles and their evolution throughout different eras. Consider attending workshops or lectures by established designers or design organizations. These events offer valuable insights, networking opportunities, and the chance to learn from the best.
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Practice Makes Progress:
Learning by doing is undeniably the best way of learning your work.Your own home is a fantastic starting point. Redesign a room, create a mood board for a potential renovation, or simply experiment with furniture placement and color palettes. This allows you to experiment with design principles in a controlled setting and build confidence in your abilities.
- Helping Hands: Offer your design services to friends or family for free. This provides valuable experience in understanding client needs, working within budget constraints, and translating design ideas into reality. Document the project with clear photos showcasing the “before” and “after” to add to your portfolio.
- Volunteer for Impact: Volunteer your design skills to non-profit organizations or local businesses. This allows you to work on real projects with a social impact while gaining valuable experience. Many smaller businesses might need help with refreshing their décor or creating a more functional workspace.
- Project Spotlight: Challenge yourself with self-directed design projects. Choose a hypothetical client or space type, like a restaurant or a boutique hotel, and develop a design concept from scratch. This allows you to explore different design styles, showcase your creativity, and build a strong portfolio that demonstrates your versatility and problem-solving skills.
- Networking: Building Your Design Tribe:
Building strong relationships is crucial for any aspiring designer. Here are some tips for self-taught individuals:
- Industry Events: Attend trade shows, design conferences, or local design meetups. These events allow you to connect with established designers, potential clients, and other aspiring creatives. Networking events are also a great platform to showcase your portfolio and get valuable feedback.
- The Power of Online: Connect with established designers and design firms online. Follow them on social media, engage in their discussions, and participate in online design communities. This allows you to learn from their expertise, stay updated on industry trends, and potentially build valuable connections.
- Social Media Optimisation: Social media platforms like Linkedin, Instagram and Pinterest are powerful tools for showcasing your work and attracting potential clients. Create a professional profile that highlights your design aesthetic and portfolio pieces. Use relevant hashtags and actively engage with the design community to build a following and establish your brand as a self-taught designer.
While the journey of Self learning interior designing can be a hard one and comes with its own set of cons more than pros, from credibility issues to missing out on the right mentorship.
At Imagine Interiors, we have a team of professional Interior Designers who are incredibly dedicated in not just repping our clientele but also the society, at large. Our doors are always open for people looking to have a bunch of experienced, and professional Interior Designs by their side.
