A Day in the Life of an Interior Designer

23 Jun A Day in the Life of an Interior Designer

Since no two days are the same for me it is hard to describe a “typical” day. But the things that make it hectic are also the things I love most about what I do. The best way to describe it is “design triage”. I am a planner and like to keep a tight schedule , but in the remodeling and construction world, flexibility and problem solving are the keys to successful projects. I change gears constantly throughout the day to stay on top of all the projects I have going at one time. They range from small to large and are at various stages of completion. On some projects I serve not only as the interior designer, but also as a project manager, in charge of making sure everything stays on schedule. When issues arise I am usually the one that rallies the troops to make sure problems are dealt with in a quick and cost-effect way.

My days do have a few constants, however. I usually start my days bright and early on the phone, checking emails, making calls and sending messages. I hate to admit it but I have been know to check and send emails in the wee hours of the morning. I am also one of those crazy people who wake up in the middle of the night and jot down notes and reminds. My to-do list is constantly evolving and sometimes I will add an item just to be able to cross it off and experience that fleeting moment of satisfaction. I touch base with my contractors and clients to get status updates on each project and clarify what needs to be completed that day. Then I load my car; it is my moving office and I keep everything I might need in it. I visit project sites, meet new clients, make selections, and could even be called spontaneously onto an “emergency” color consultation, so having client folders and samples on hand is vital for me. Since my clients often have busy schedules as well, evening and weekend meeting are common.

Having a plan of attack for all of my projects regardless of size is key to achieving the most satisfactory outcome. However there are so many moving parts, especially in remodeling, that delays, backorders or unexpected issues often crop up. That’s when I find the best approach is to stay calm and put on my problem-solving hat. You really have to be flexible as a designer—you have to be open to the possibility of things changing as the project develops. When you knock out a wall, take up an existing floor, move plumbing or do electrical work, something unexpected can be hiding beneath the surface. These surprises can lead a project down a different path, or can require decisions concerning extra costs or work-arounds, but I have found that they can also lead to unexpected and often better final outcomes—things happen for a reason. In anticipating those changes, I am continually revisiting the scope of the project to make sure it’s on track, while still being flexible enough to deal with the unexpected. I enjoy that part—the unexpected—because I love seeing how I can turn a potential negative into a positive. I do have those times when I want to pull my hair out, but I find every problem has a solution. It just takes time, energy and thought. I am fortunate that I do not have to tackle these issues alone. I have a great team of contractors, vendors and craftsmen who are equally as willing to roll up their sleeves and get busy. They all have a can-do spirit, and I so appreciate that.

I wrap up my day with last bits of correspondence, reviewing my to-do list, and looking ahead to what needs to be done tomorrow. After immersing myself in the details of my projects, it’s good to step back each day and see the big picture. Keeping an eye on the desired result—a gorgeous and functional space—helps keep the momentum going.