Interior Design, Fundamentals & Building a Successful Business seminar at JD Institute of Fashion Technology, was much more about innovation than being creative, and planning strategically from a larger business space. Recently we were able to host this two-part seminar to students from St. Francis College and CMTI Institute. The seminar is designed to provide a detailed exploration of the world of interior design. The seminar, titled “Introduction to Interior Design and Its Business Aspects,” aimed at providing students with the creative and commercial aspects of the stimulating field of interior design. 

The seminar was divided into two core sessions. While the first session focused on the aspect of craftsmanship and technical elements of interior design, it was in the second session that the entrepreneurial elements related to building a successful career were displayed. 

Session 1: The Art of Interior Designing

The first session of the students took them on a fantastic voyage into the basics of interior design. The session begins by indicating that there is confusion over interior design and interior decoration. Interior design is often more than aesthetics-the art of malleable space that would be useful, safe, and visually appealing. An interior designer will mould spaces to improve people’s welfare; an interior decorator can focus mainly on aesthetics, i.e., colour palettes or furniture arrangements.

Participants were walked through a historical perspective of interior design as well as the evolution of the discipline from an ancient practice to the sophisticated discipline it is today. A critical analysis of the key design movements of Minimalism and Modernism was discussed to show how these philosophies have influenced the design practices of the present. These movements brought to light how designs are not just aesthetically pleasing but can also be simplified, enhance functionality, and incorporate the use of sustainability.

The most interesting part of the session was the core design elements that make up the heart of an interior design project. The colour theory and the two aspects that create the mood and feeling of a place- are part of the seminar discussion. In class, students will learn about space planning and layout design, which is how rooms are practically applied in the solution to meet the users’ needs. Then, participants were taken to the concepts of lighting and material selection where they found out one’s selection determines the height of their design.

One of the topics covered was the role of collaboration in the field. Interior design is rarely ever a solo operation. Projects are often successful only when working with engineers and architects to make sure designs will be aesthetically pleasing, structured, and safe. Knowing how every professional plays a role in a project helps designers take their vision to even better execution and deliver excellent results.

There are also huge roles played by technology in modern interior design. The session introduced all students to the most recent innovations, from smart home solutions to 3D printing technologies, and other innovations, changing the approach of the conception and materialization of ideas by interior designers. They now design interactively, efficiently, and in a sustainable way.

Session 2: Mastering the Business of Interior Design

The second session looks at the business side of interior design, equipping the student with the essential knowledge to succeed as a professional. Even a person who wants to freelance or go to work for an established design firm will want to know how the business landscape functions.

For instance, this session differentiated the multiple areas of interior design practice, among others, like residential and commercial projects and specialized fields of hospitality design. All these career fields bring in their specific challenges and opportunities so they challenge the students to think critically about which direction better relates to their strengths and interests.

The hands-on idea to set up and run an interior design business was given to the participants. It involved designing a business plan, setting up their company structures, and knowledge of funding and financial strategies. The session kept reminding the participants how a business model can be helpful concerning a clear indication of service types, sources of revenue, and strategies for growth in place. Students learn about successful business planning from scratch: the basic understanding of these aspects.

An important element of finding success within the creative industries would be an outstanding portfolio, which the seminar helped the students strategize how to create a top-notch portfolio that shines with skills and perspectives. Another such discussion was on marketing and networking about using various forms of social media, having your website, and utilizing client referrals appropriately to generate new business leads.

What was learned from the session is probably one of the most valuable takeaways: learning how to manage pricing and project budgets. Different pricing models were discussed, including rate, flat fee, and cost-plus pricing. Knowing how to estimate project costs and how to negotiate fees with clients becomes crucial in running a successful design business. Besides, they learned how to present contracts and legal provisions, thus ensuring they are better able to handle the nuances involved in relations with clients as well as agreements.

Lastly, it emphasizes long-term client relationships. Of all the marketing tools used by designers of space, the most precious tool for a designer is always referring to the past client. If the designer can get along well with the past client then he or she shall make way to newer projects and collaboration.

A holistic approach to interior design education

This seminar was not just an introduction to interior design, but also an opportunity for students to look into the creative and business side of the industry. With a holistic education meant for both technical know-how about designs and also the entrepreneurship needed for success, JD Institute of Fashion Technology is equipping the next in line of interior designers to thrive in the competitive world ahead.

We are eager to see how the knowledge culled from this seminar would be implemented by our students in their future projects and eventual careers. We look forward to supporting them in this journey as they continue to learn and grow along their paths within the field of interior design.