Switching to interior design as a second career might seem daunting, but if you’re considering it, you likely already have the passion, and the talent needed to succeed. You can get the skills and experiences. Leverage your past experiences and achievements in your new design career. Your unique background is an asset, and you can use it to set yourself apart in interior design as a second career.
Leverage Your Past Experience
One of the biggest mistakes new designers make is leaving their past career behind, thinking it doesn’t relate to design. Bring your entire history into your new role. Whether you were in law, nursing, sales, or even a full-time parent, the skills you developed are incredibly valuable in design. These experiences set you apart from other designers and add depth to your work.
For example, if you were in law, your attention to detail, critical thinking, and negotiation skills are crucial in managing contracts and ensuring your projects run smoothly. If you were a nurse, your high emotional intelligence, patience, and ability to handle stressful situations make you an excellent listener and problem solver—both essential traits in design.
Highlight Your Unique Skill Set in Your Bio
Your bio is one of the first things potential clients will see. It should reflect the full spectrum of what you bring to the table. Include your past career achievements and skills in your bio. Instead of glossing over your previous career, highlight how it has uniquely prepared you for success in design.
For instance, if you have a background in graphic design, mention how your experience in visual communication, creativity, and branding adds value to your interior design projects. If you were in sales, emphasize your expertise in relationship building, strategic thinking, and product knowledge. These attributes not only make you stand out but also build trust with potential clients.
Embrace the Diversity of Your Experience
The diversity of your experience is what makes you special. No other designer has the exact combination of education, career history, and personal experiences that you do. Melissa explains that by embracing this diversity, you can create a niche for yourself in the design world. This can be particularly powerful in attracting clients who value the unique perspective you bring.
If you’ve taken time off to raise a family, don’t discount that experience. Managing a household, multitasking, and adapting to constant change are all skills that translate beautifully into design. These experiences make you resilient, organized, and empathetic—all traits that clients appreciate in a designer.
Use Your Background to Build Strong Client Relationships
Your past career has likely equipped you with skills in communication, empathy, and relationship building—skills that are essential in design. Use these strengths to build strong, lasting relationships with your clients. Whether it’s active listening, conflict resolution, or simply understanding your client’s needs on a deeper level, your background gives you an edge.
For example, if you come from an HR background, your ability to handle conflict and build relationships will be invaluable in managing client expectations and working with contractors. If you were in banking, your financial acumen can help clients feel more secure about their investment in design.
Shine a Light on Your Accomplishments
Don’t be afraid to shine a light on your accomplishments from your previous career. Whether you were a top sales executive, a successful entrepreneur, or a dedicated nurse, these achievements add to your credibility and demonstrate your capability. Weave these accomplishments into your marketing materials, social media, and client communications.
By doing so, you not only differentiate yourself from other designers but also attract clients who appreciate the depth and breadth of your experience. Your past is a powerful tool—use it to build your brand and grow your business.
Key Takeaways
If you’re transitioning into interior design as a second career, remember that you already have what it takes to succeed. Your past experiences, skills, and achievements are valuable assets that can set you apart in the design world.
Embrace your history, highlight it in your bio, and use it to build strong client relationships. You have a unique perspective that no one else can offer—use it to your advantage and watch your design business thrive.
When you’re ready to increase your interior design practice profits, work exclusively with ideal clients, and enjoy the time and resources for your extraordinary life, explore your coaching options. We’ve got your back in the business of interior design.
