Are you an interior designer seeking the freedom of working for yourself? If you do, then you should work as a freelance interior designer. If or when you decide to pursue this dream, this post will tell you how to set up a work-for-yourself interior design business.
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| Interior design business tools - Image used under license from 123rf.com) |
As a freelance designer, you need office space to run your business. This space can be anywhere from your kitchen countertop to a nook in your living room to set up a work-from-home space.
There are other necessities as well, such as basic requirements for the smooth running of your interior design and consultation office. To provide your services online or offline, you need:
Computer
If you require maximum power computers for your interior design freelance business, a MacBook, a Windows laptop, or a more affordable Chromebook are great options.
They are compact powerhouses that offer exceptional versatility for interior designers. They will easily handle powerful interior design software programs.
Website
A website showcases your skills and expertise. Setting up your niche-specific website with a hosting service provides the space and resources to store and run your virtual office.
Here is where you'll display your interior design portfolio, connect with clients (worldwide), receive visitors, consult, and share and promote your design concepts with potential customers.
Design Software Program
Most interior designers are software program savvy, and it'll be a good idea if freelancers are, too. I prefer to design manually on drawing paper, but I still had to learn to use 3D software programs.
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| CAD-program generated interior design 3D image - (Image used under license from 123rf.com) |
Proficiency in interior design software has become increasingly significant as professional interior designers now use software to design, draw floor plans and renderings, and create 3D illustrations, working drawings crucial for visualizing and communicating design ideas.
There is a wide range of options available, including free programs and premium. To varying degrees, they all provide features that help you conceive, draw, visualize, execute, and communicate interior design projects.
There is a wide range of options available, including free programs and premium. To varying degrees, they all provide features that help you conceive, draw, visualize, execute, and communicate interior design projects.
Home Office Space or Work from Home Station
As a freelance interior designer, chances are you work from home. Create a comfortable and dedicated workspace - a corner, dead space, or nook to serve as your physical office. It can be set up in an attic, living room, or guest room (if available). The space must be adapted for long-term work.
The furniture and accessories required are minimal - perhaps an ergonomic desk and chair, adjustable table lamp, shelves, and a slide-in/out work surface. A minimum space of 16sq ft (2.5sq m) will suffice. If you have more floor space, that's great.
Internet Connection
A high-speed internet connection is required for seamless video calls with clients. As a freelancer, virtual communication is vital to your business. When you work with clients who live outside your locality, you can only communicate with them through a reliable internet connection.
Webcam with Headset
These are necessary for holding virtual meetings with all stakeholders if the need arises. And because this is a business setup, a good quality webcam and headset are essential for effective audio and video interactions.
Other Requirements
Industry-specific sketchbooks, working drawings and portfolio books, appointment books, and project management workbooks.
Conclusion
As a freelance, your workspace can be anywhere from a public library to a cafe, your home, or outside in the park on sunny days. This means:
- You have no overheads.
- There is no need to rent office space.
- You are free from the clutches of demanding employers.
- You do not have to pay office electricity bills.
- There is no constant commuting, twice each day.
- There are no distractions from co-workers.
- You are immune to restrictions typical of permanent employment.
- You decide which jobs to take (or not).
Starting out as a freelancer can be frightening, but there is nothing to worry about once you have all the essentials you need. It is a fascinating and highly lucrative career path you don't want to miss out on if you plan to work for yourself in this category of the building industry.
