How to become an interior designer
- Written byMaddie Ball
- Published date 20 August 2026
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With hard work and dedication, interior design can offer an exciting career path for people from different backgrounds.
If you’re wondering how to become an interior designer, start by building your understanding of design principles like colour theory, space planning and materials.
Learning how to draft and create 3D models with design software such as AutoCAD is also key. Focus on building a strong portfolio to showcase your skills through personal projects or internships.
We spoke to 11 practising interior designers to bring you the specialist advice and insights that will help you kickstart your career in interior design.
Key takeaways
- The role of an interior designer involves planning and coordinating the layout and decoration of indoor spaces to make them safe, functional, accessible and visually appealing.
- The main entry routes for interior designers are through a university or college course, apprenticeship or working towards the role (portfolio-led).
- Building a portfolio is an important way to document your skills and experience.
- In this article, 11 interior designers share their tips for success.
In this guide
- What do interior designers do?
- How to get into interior design
- Interior design qualifications
- Building your portfolio
- Getting your first experience
- Finding a niche or specialism
- Skills employers look for
- Winning your first clients
- Standing out in a competitive market
- Freelance vs joining a practice
- Day-to-day realities of the job
- The interior design industry keeps evolving
- Build your skills with a UAL short course
- Take your next step into interior design
What do interior designers do?
Interior designers plan the internal layout, materials and decoration of buildings and spaces, from residential homes to public and commercial properties. They typically work with clients to discuss their needs and goals and translate them into a finished design that works for them.
Daily tasks for interior designers may include client consultations, space planning, technical drawing, sourcing materials and working with tradespeople such as electricians and plumbers to bring creative ideas to life.
Interior designers may offer advice on design elements like lighting, product and material selection, spatial planning and accessibility.
Interestingly, the term ‘interior designer’ is not a legally protected title in the UK, which means that career entry paths are more flexible than other areas.
How to get into interior design
A university degree is not the only way into interior design. Many designers get started with level 3 diplomas or practical short courses to develop their knowledge.
Build a portfolio through focused projects or work experience that you can share online on Instagram and Pinterest. Try to expand your client network as you go along.
Interior designer qualifications
"The most important thing when you are starting out is not so much experience as skills. You can learn these in a relatively short period of time, for example by taking short courses in interior design skills. Approximately one year of intensive study and hard work will be enough to get you a job in an interior design firm, and then you can learn the hands-on part of the job such as project management and dealing with clients. That said, having experience in other work environments is a great benefit to becoming a designer. I feel that the older you are the more life experience you have and the better a designer you will be."
- Lyndall Fernie - Founder Lyndall Fernie
There are three main entry routes for aspiring interior designers: a degree in Interior design, interior architecture or spatial design, a college course or Higher National Diploma (HND), or an apprenticeship.
There are lots of avenues to explore if you want to study interior design, from short courses to interior design apprenticeships. If you are looking to move into interior design from another discipline, postgraduate study such as a master's degree in interior design could be an option for you.
You could also start as an interior design assistant for a company and work towards further training and qualifications to become an interior designer.
Building your portfolio
"When you’re first starting out as an interior designer, I think there is a huge pressure to get multiple projects in your portfolio otherwise you feel as though you won’t get hired or find clients. This isn’t always the case though and what we’d urge you to try is to spend a good amount of time creating mood boards and schemes to create a portfolio that shows off your creative ability. In doing so, you can share these with potential employers or clients to show them your visions, your personal style and capabilities - it doesn’t matter if they’re not real projects.
Nowadays design projects can be prepped digitally, so consider creating digital mood boards, 2D visualisations, floor plan drawings, 3D renders, and imagine you are working on a real-life project. The best thing about doing this type of exercise is that you have no client restrictions or budget limitations, so you can really let your imagination run free and create some innovative designs. Once you’ve got a few different projects, you can start to see a great portfolio building together and you can use this gain new clients or get hired at a practice."
- Athina Bluff - Founder Topology Interiors
You don’t necessarily need to have paid client work to build a credible portfolio that showcases your design skills. A strong portfolio can include a variety of projects that show the creative process including mood boards, drawings and floor plans.
Think about how you could transform your own space to highlight your creative abilities or develop projects for imaginary clients that show your potential as an aspiring interior designer. Take photos of your ideas, research and designs from colour palettes to mood boards, samples and layout plans. Share your work online to increase your presence.
Getting your first experience
"Don’t try and go out on your own straight away. Get some experience first working in a design agency, you will learn so much from seeing how a real studio works. And you will likely make some of your first mistakes where it’s safe to do so, surrounded by a team there to support you. You will also learn the reality of how long it takes to design, detail and source a project. Do ask questions and ask for help with something rather than struggling alone with it. It’s far better to request specialist advice and get it right than take a chance outside your comfort zone and get it wrong.
Don’t underestimate how much time it will take to develop a design, particularly the technical CAD drawing pack side and contractor specifications. Be careful to have specialist trades, such as plumbers and electricians, sense check all of your design drawings from a practical and compliance perspective. Always double-triple check heights of furniture when sourcing for projects, such as the seat heights of sofas and armchairs next to coffee tables. And lastly, spend time checking the suitability of products and materials when specifying them – this includes slip ratings for bathrooms, the durability of work surfaces, textiles rubs, upholstery and fire ratings." said Anna Burles, founder of Run for the Hills.
Anna Burles
Founder - Run for the Hills
Gaining early experience is a great way to develop your practical skills, build your professional network and learn how to solve design problems. Every opportunity can help you grow in confidence as a designer as you expand your knowledge and learn how to manage projects effectively.
Look for agency roles that will allow you to join meetings with clients, work on a diverse range of projects and receive feedback from senior designers.
Finding a niche or specialism
"It’s important for interior designers to think about what they are particularly passionate about. Is it the environment and our responsibility towards it? Is it textiles, lighting or timber? Immerse yourself in your area of interest and learn as much about it as you can. People are attracted to designers who are passionate about their particular niche and will be prepared to take risks with you.
Remember that you are taking them on a journey; some clients are so disconnected from the creative worlds that whatever you introduce them to, whether textile screen printing or leather wrapping, will be eye-poppingly interesting for them - and sometimes equally terrifying! The learning curve NEVER ends and so be honest with your clients about what you are not good at or interested in. Honesty is better than frustrated clients." said Maria Speake, founder of Retrouvius.
Maria Speake
Founder - Retrouvius
There are many possible areas to consider within the field of interior design. You may be interested in specialising in residential, hospitality or sustainable design, for example. Think about what interests you most and follow your creative instincts.
Skills employers look for
"Since founding my design studio in 2007, I have hired several new designers over the years and there are a few things that I look for in candidates. Alongside having a passion for interior design, a candidate should have a portfolio that demonstrates their technical drawing skills and their ability to create ideas and problem-solve through their designs.
Interior design is a very practical industry, and communication is at the centre of it all, so candidates should be able to demonstrate how they communicate their ideas both visually and verbally to a range of people. There is a lot of administration work involved too – I believe that business skills can be taught, but previous experience of working with invoices and spreadsheets is a bonus! While candidates don’t need to have a huge amount of experience, a good understanding of the industry is crucial." said Matteo Bianchi, founder of Matteo Bianchi Studio.
Matteo Bianchi
Founder - Matteo Bianchi Studio
Take some time to familiarise yourself with the industry-standard software that interior designers use, like AutoCAD for drafting and SketchUp for 3D rendering. Take a look at our AutoCAD for Interior Designers Short Course or SketchUp for Interior Designers Short Course.
You could also try using modern AI tools and platforms like Canva to make mood boards and client presentations.
Winning your first clients
"You must have a portfolio which showcases your skills, and your style. If you haven’t completed any paid work, just style your own home or those of friends and family. The most important thing though, is that you take professional quality images of your work. It is worth hiring a photographer to do this well. High-quality images are essential to help you sell yourself.
Try to get styling contracts in the beginning because you are more likely to find clients willing to take a risk with a new designer on styling projects, rather than architectural projects. You can move on to architectural work once you have more of a track record if this is the type of design you want to do.
Also, focus on getting local work in the beginning. Marketplaces like bark.com can help you find opportunities, and try to promote yourself on local social media. It’s even worth doing a little work locally for free, as long as the client offers you something worthwhile in return, such as a testimonial, the chance to be considered for a paid contract, or willingness to be a reference client who will talk to other prospective clients." said Nick Snow, founder of Nick Snow Interiors.
Nick Snow
Founder - Nick Snow Interiors
To request a testimonial or referral, it’s important to manage expectations at the start of the project by explaining that you are looking to work in exchange for a testimonial. Approach the client respectfully and consider asking permission to take photos of their space for your portfolio.
Standing out in a competitive market
"My biggest piece of advice for any aspiring interior designer is knowledge - building up a core knowledge of key fabrics and FF&E suppliers is what will set you apart from the rest and elevate your designs above and beyond. For the first few projects you may have to offer your services for free, but I can guarantee the knowledge that you will gain during those first vital projects is indispensable.
Being able to efficiently and successfully source the right FF&E to suit your clients’ needs is imperative to providing the best service possible and will make you stand out as a designer with a strong portfolio" said Katharine Pooley founder of Katharine Pooley London.
Katharine Pooley
Founder - Katharine Pooley London
It's worth building your supplier knowledge in specific areas such as sustainable materials or lighting so you can demonstrate your expertise when working with clients. Check out our Lighting for Residential Interiors Short Course.
Freelance vs joining a practice
"For new designers, I would always recommend finding a firm whose style and ethos you feel comfortable with, pitch yourself to the firm and once you're in, learn, learn and learn some more. In your spare time, build your contact book and use social media to nurture all the relationships you are making. The interior design sector is a very competitive market. It's not only your skills that set you apart but how you service a project, run your business and most importantly, build a brand that attracts the right clients to your design studio.
I'm often asked by senior designers in medium-sized firms, 'When should I start my own business?' These designers have great design experience and often have developed their style and black book of contacts. But my advice to them is to sit back and think carefully, build a real business plan and think about how you are going to get your first, second and third client? Use the firm that you are in to learn about the business and marketing side of design. While you are doing your business planning, start to build your own personal design profile online - social media is a great tool for this. If you're a 'well-known' designer, you become more valuable to the firm that you're working for, and at some point, when you do leave, you have an 'audience'." said Grant Pierrus, founder Interior Style Hunter.
Grant Pierrus
Founder - Interior Style Hunter
Staying at a practice for a while can be a very useful experience for a designer. It can be an opportunity to make valuable industry connections and gain practical feedback and advice from a mentor or more senior designer.
Day-to-day realities of the job
"For me, a good relationship is integral to the success of a project so spending time building a rapport, indeed a friendship, and understanding the client is key. As with any relationship a clear line of communication is essential, and this must be maintained throughout, whether sharing positive updates or realistic less good news. Communication should start with listening to the client, understanding them so they feel that you thoroughly grasp what they are trying to achieve, before you then move on to communicating your thoughts and ideas. This will also help with negotiations during the project as the client will trust that your choices are for the benefit of the project.
I have worked with many of my clients' multiple times and I truly believe that valuing these relationships and friendships is as important as the projects themselves. And if in doubt, smile! There is no rule that hard work, excellent and efficient designs can’t be presented with warmth. People like passionate people." said Tara Bernerd, founder of Tara Bernerd & Partners.
Tara Bernerd
Founder - Tara Bernerd & Partners
"Sometimes clients aren’t too sure about what they want the finished product to look like. As interior designers, it’s our job to help guide them through the design process. The best way to avoid any confusion further down the line is to establish a really clear brief from the offset so that everyone is on the same page. Creating a mood board also really helps to communicate your interpretation of what the client is asking for visually.
You’ll also be working with a lot of specifications and numbers every day, so it’s important to be organised and sharpen your business skills. It can actually be an advantage to enter the industry from a business background, but if not, working for a design firm can give you an insight into working to budgets and with specifications.
Another area that some designers find challenging is managing contractors. Depending on the job, you may be organising the work of plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and decorators. You have to build rapport and find a communication style that works, and from time to time you might have to get quite tough to ensure the project is finished on time and on budget." said Debbie Blandford, founder of Debbie Blandford Interiors.
Debbie Blandford
Founder - Debbie Blandford Interiors
As well as navigating client relationships and guiding them through the creative process, interior designers must manage budgets, specifications and contractors on a daily basis, so strong business and communication skills are important.
Learn more about the kind of work interior designers do in our article on the difference between interior designers and stylists.
The interior design industry keeps evolving
"The interior design field is constantly evolving as a result of social, technological and fashion trends. Within the design industries, everything links from fashion to interior. At the moment we are seeing colours becoming much darker and dramatic both in interior design and in fashion. Wider societal trends have a huge impact upon interior designers’ day-to-day work. For example, Instagram has started to influence how commercial projects are designed, especially within the hospitality industry where it’s become increasingly important to have spaces that are 'Instagrammable'. Technology is also a massive factor within the residential sector, with the general trend towards smart homes altering how people navigate their spaces – and how interior designers design them," said Debbie Flowerday, founder of Debbie Flowerday Design.
Debbie Flowerday
Founder - Debbie Flowerday Design
As the interior design industry continues to evolve with changing technology and client expectations, interior designers must stay up to date with industry trends and be open to creative innovation. It’s important to stay curious and embrace ongoing learning as you build your career in this exciting field.
Build your skills with a UAL short course
If you're ready to take your interest in interior design to the next level, an interior design short course is a great place to start. The centre piece of our Interior Design short courses are three standalone courses, which form our module programme, comprising of three courses; Interior Design Module One, Interior Design Module Two and Interior Design Module Three.
Each course has been carefully designed to equip you with the skills needed to professionally undertake an interior design project. Read more about our Interior Design module programme in our course feature.
If you'd like to learn more, our Bite Sized Interior Design Online Short Course is the perfect place to start, offering an insight into the world of an interior designer. Take your studies further and opt to take one of our qualifying progression courses within 3 months of completing this course and get the Bite Sized Interior Design Online Short Course fee credited towards it. Qualifying courses include Interior Design Module 1 or Introduction to Interior Design Part 1.
Take your next step into interior design
"Patience is an important consideration," says Matteo. 'It takes time to build up your knowledge, a portfolio and your brand. When you’ve got the right foundation and knowledge, your next steps are to either get an internship, shadow at a design agency, or go freelance."
Explore our upcoming interior design short courses to see how a short course could help you achieve your creative goals.
Story updated by UAL Short Courses 20 August 2026.
