The Path to Success in Interior Design

Contents:

• How did you begin your career in your chosen profession?
• Ilya Muge
• Natalia Preobrazhenskaya: life path and achievements
• Ilya Gulyants
• Tatiana Odintsova
• The need for higher education for a designer: reasons and benefits
• Useful recommendations for designers in the professional field

  Effective strategies for a successful career as a designer

  Tips for optimizing the workflow for designers

  Key principles that will help a designer achieve success

  Recommendations for developing skills and creativity for designers

• Career paths for designers working for hire

In our last issue, we shared stories about how successful graphic designers launched their careers and founded their own studios. In this article, we invite you to learn about the stories of people working in the field of interior design.

Why is this necessary?

• It's important to remember that even the most successful designers started out simple. For example, Ilya Muge worked for two years, 12 hours a day for a modest salary of 10,000 rubles a month. Today, he heads his own architectural firm.
• It's important to believe in yourself when implementing your own project. Natalia Preobrazhenskaya, having transitioned from a realtor, opened her own design studio. And Ilya Gulyants launched his company while still a design student.
• For helpful advice from an experienced professional who has achieved significant heights in the field of design, it's worth turning to Tatyana Odintsova. She advises actively sending images of your work to various interior design magazines around the world and not being afraid to break off cooperation with clients if you feel that your views do not coincide.

Four successful interior designers shared their personal stories.

How did you begin your journey in your chosen profession?

Ilya Muge

founder of the architectural office FROM/FORM

My professional path began in my third year of college. I found my first job thanks to recommendations from friends – I got a job as an apprentice in the studio of a talented architect. In this role, I was involved in creating models and drawing. Although my workday lasted 12 hours, the salary was modest – only 10,000 rubles a month. However, for me, the main priority was not the size of the income, but gaining practical experience. I spent two years at this architectural firm.

To successfully start a career, you need to have a high-quality resume and portfolio. In addition, it is important to pay attention to your inner feelings and strive to find not just any job for the sake of earning money, but the organization that matches your values ​​​​and style.

Natalia Preobrazhenskaya: life path and Achievements

Founder and Chief Designer of the "Cozy Apartment" Studio

My initial education is in law. However, in 2003, I decided to become an interior designer. At the time, I was working for a real estate company and observed how buyers chose apartments—they were mostly ordinary concrete buildings. At that moment, I realized that I wanted and could create more attractive and comfortable spaces for people to live in.

I began my journey by opening a studio and registered the name "Cozy Apartment." I invited a 3D visualizer, an architect, and a designer to join the team. During this time, I studied and worked simultaneously.

My first project was a 140-square-meter apartment located in a prestigious residential complex. Currently, I can be proud of the fact that I have already implemented three thousand different projects.

Ilya Gulyants

one of the co-founders of the design studio El Born Studio

My first projects appeared When I was a student at the International School of Design, I decided to open my own studio together with architect Katya Alagich. Initially, we designed furniture, and our first order was a chest of drawers for some friends of ours. In general, we managed to attract several first clients thanks to our friends.

Our first completed apartment project was the electronic publication of ELLE Decoration magazine.

Read also:

Where can you buy simple but elegantly designed things?

Tatyana Odintsova

one of the founders of the architectural firm ARCH.BLACK

During my third and fourth years at the academy, I began to accept small orders. Friends who were opening yoga studios or small cafes turned to me for help. They needed professional support rather than large-scale projects, and this gave me the opportunity to develop my skills and build my first portfolio.

After defending my diploma, my friend Anna Sysoeva and I, with whom we later founded ARCH.BLACK, began working at an architectural firm. There, we learned 3D design. Our educational institution didn't teach this subject well enough, so we had to develop the necessary skills on the job.

We worked at the architectural firm for a year. Today, a high-quality education allows young designers to bypass this stage and immediately begin working independently. The portfolio created during training can be posted on social media, which helps find your first clients.

To start successfully, you need to have confidence in your abilities and not be afraid. Young designers often struggle with self-doubt, but it's important to remember that there are always opportunities to learn along the way. I have 13 years of experience behind me, and I continue to discover new things.

The need for higher education for a designer: reasons and benefits

I graduated from a college specializing in architecture and construction management, and then continued my education at the Moscow State University of Civil Engineering.

My educational background was primarily theoretical. Although the educational materials we worked with were outdated, dating back to the 1980s, I can now supplement this foundation with information on modern technologies. However, the most valuable thing I took away from university was the skill of effective communication with people and the ability to defend my ideas and projects.

It's great that students now have the opportunity to receive an education online and learn from professional designers who share their real-life experience.

My education began with courses, including classes at the Moscow Architectural Institute, and then I completed my education at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Moscow State University.

The higher education I received became a guide in the field of art, and I also consider interior design as one of its forms.

I advise designers to use all available opportunities for training.

I received my first degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship Law, and my second in Project Management. The knowledge I gained from these programs has had a significant impact on my current work, as interior design requires a project-based approach.

I completed my studies at the International School of Design with two degrees.

Deciding to accept commissions while studying turned out to be the right move. In difficult work situations, I was able to turn to my professors, who are also practicing designers, for help, which gave me confidence. In addition, in the process of work, I could realize what knowledge I need to additionally master.

I completed my studies at the Rostov-on-Don Architectural Academy, where we were also taught the basics of interior design.

Obtaining higher education provides the necessary knowledge about the standards and design rules, without which it's impossible to function fully professionally. Creating an attractive visual image, harmonious in color and style, or assembling a collage is only one aspect of the task. Understanding which walls are load-bearing, where the risers are located, and how to properly integrate bathrooms into the design is quite another. Lack of this knowledge limits your role as a decorator: you can only decorate a space, but you won't be able to design it competently. Education provides another significant opportunity—communicating with clients in a specialized language. You can explain why, for example, it is unacceptable to place bathrooms at a distance of two meters from risers, as well as what difficulties may arise due to the slope of the pipes.

When you share your ideas, the client begins to realize that he is dealing with a true design professional who is ready to complete his project, and not with an “expert” who will only create an unrealistic sketch and disappear.

Read also:

Five educational institutions with original architectural solutions.

Useful recommendations for designers in the professional field

Effective strategies for a successful design career

Tips for optimizing the workflow for designers

Key principles that will help a designer achieve success

Recommendations for developing skills and creativity for designers

• Don't lose confidence in your own abilities - remember that your possibilities are limitless, and strive for more. The higher you set your goals, the better your achievements will be.
• Continuous learning and a willingness to ask questions are key. Even the most experienced designers can experience gaps in their knowledge or make mistakes. Focus on styles that resonate with you. If you're faced with a choice between pursuing a project purely for financial gain or doing the work for less pay but with the opportunity to learn new skills, choose the latter. Travel as much as possible and take the opportunity to explore your hometown. Pay attention to the details of the world around you to notice interesting features in everyday things. Successful design is often based on simple elements, and the key is to be able to distinguish them.

• Define your field of activity and focus on strengthening your position in it.
• Take part in various competitions and don’t be afraid to demonstrate your creations.
• It is important to remember that interior design is a service, and as such, it should be distinguished by high quality service.

The main recommendation is to always maintain persistence and complete all the projects you have started. There are no impossible tasks in the design profession, and this also applies to the construction stage.

• Discover your unique DNA - a style that truly reflects your personality. Based on your preferences, not on the opinions of clients or current trends. This way, you'll be able to establish your own unique position in the market, and you'll be approached by those seeking your unique approach.

  To define your style, it's important to honestly look within yourself and understand what brings you joy in life: what films inspire you, what books spark your interest, whether you prefer spending time in nature or exploring urban landscapes. If you're drawn to nature, you might gravitate toward an eco-style, or you might choose more inviting trends like wabi-sabi or hygge, which create a cozy atmosphere.

• Don't be afraid to end collaborations with clients who don't meet your expectations. You have the power to choose who you work with.
• Continue learning and developing; attend exhibitions related to furniture, architecture, and design. Study the world around you carefully: everyday life is a wonderful source of knowledge.
• Capture even the smallest projects you've completed and submit these photos to interior design and architecture magazines—both print and online, domestic and international. This will help you gain fame.

Read also:

Design trends: from the Victorian era to minimalist style.

Career Paths for Self-Employed Designers

First, identify your desires, and then, based on them, choose the appropriate strategy.

If you enjoy working in This is perfectly normal. Many designers prefer not to open their own agency. They choose to work for reputable studios, avoiding delving into business aspects like accounting.

If you do intend to open your own studio, the best option is to collaborate with someone who has business experience and can guide you in the right direction. This will help avoid costly mistakes, both in terms of time and money.

Pay special attention to all aspects related to paperwork. Everything has already been thought out, and it is better to entrust these tasks to a specialist. Furthermore, the ability to delegate and trust your employees is a separate, but extremely important skill. Although you may think you can do everything better than everyone else, such a strategy will not lead to the successful development of your business.

When opening a studio, it's important not to get lost in the financial and organizational aspects, which may seem like the main tasks in the early stages. The true goal should be to enjoy the process of work, your profession and creativity in design.

In order to reach new heights, it is important to become an independent player in the design field. What does this mean? For me personally, as such an independent entity, this means constantly creating webinars, conducting master classes, participating in lectures, and serving on the jury of architectural competitions throughout the day and night.

A proactive life position and dynamism play a key role in ensuring that others recognize your presence and perceive you as an expert in your field.

Your progress at a new stage is largely determined by your individual traits, talents, and internal resources. If you are passionate about your work and strive for development, then no difficulties can hold you back.

To launch your own studio, you need to:

• Forming a team of like-minded people is the most important aspect.
• Define roles and responsibilities among team members.
• Create a brand for the studio, including its name and visual identity.
• Register as a legal entity.

When a designer starts working independently, there is a temptation to take on many projects in order to build an extensive portfolio and earn more money. However, I recommend taking it slow - it is better to focus on fewer tasks, but complete them well.

If you decide to leave your hired job and start working with clients directly, it is important to make sure your contract is properly formalized. It is recommended to work with a lawyer to develop a contract template that you can adapt to the specifics of each project.

Evaluate your capabilities: can you handle 3D modeling, drawing up drawings, architectural supervision, and client interactions on your own? Tasks that you cannot complete or that do not interest you are best delegated to others.

Don't rush into renting an office. We have already rented studio space and carried out renovations there several times, but in fact, we have not even had the opportunity to visit these places. Currently, we hold meetings with clients at their sites or choose neutral locations for discussions.

Read also:

• "Creativity in the design profession is only 10%." Olesya Dobranova shares her experience of creating an inclusive interior.
• Blue can be beautifully combined with various shades and colors. For example, it harmonizes with white, creating a fresh and clean look. Pairing gray with yellow adds a touch of elegance, while adding brightness and energy is a popular choice. It's often paired with red, creating a contrasting and expressive look. Green can also be a great companion to blue, lending a natural and calming feel to the overall style. It's important to remember that combinations can vary depending on the specific shade of blue and the desired mood. Green pairs beautifully with a variety of shades and colors, creating a variety of harmonious combinations. It looks stunning paired with neutral tones like white, gray, and beige, allowing it to stand out without being overly bright. Paired with pastel shades like soft pink or light blue, green creates light and fresh looks, reminiscent of nature. Green also pairs beautifully with brighter colors like orange, purple, and yellow, creating dynamic and energetic combinations. The classic combination of green and brown also evokes associations with nature, creating a harmonious and calm atmosphere.

  In interiors, green can be used in combination with wooden elements, adding a cozy and warm feel. In clothing, it looks great paired with other bright colors or contrasted with black, creating a stylish look. Thus, green, thanks to its versatility, opens up many possibilities for creative combinations.