Wednesday, July 23, 2008

What’s it like to be an….Interior Design Assistant?

My job title is: Interior Design Assistant at a small but expanding design agency

What does a normal day look like? Is it consistent throughout the year? If you’ve had this position for a while, how have things changed?
A Normal Day:  I never know what to expect on a daily basis. I work mostly with designers who need my assistance for a number of reasons.  Some of the assistance I provide includes: searching for a fabric, piece of furniture, accessory, light fixture, tile, etc… that fits into a given design; making deliveries to or picking up items from clients’ homes, vendors or retail stores like Pottery Barn.  Attending every rep meeting with sales representatives from many vendors. For example, each fabric line we carry has a rep and they usually come in a few times a year to update our library and introduce us to new products. (Sometimes they even take us out to dinner!) I also take care of our company’s huge library of design materials- each item has a specific home in our library, so I make sure things are where they belong.

My job is fairly consistent throughout the year.  It does get busier during the holidays when we are shopping for client gifts, wrapping and decorating.  I have been at my job for more than a year. It keeps getting busier and I have much more responsibility now. 

What other, if any, positions have you held prior to your current job? How did you get to where you are now?
I have been a waitress, a nanny, a house keeper, a curatorial Intern at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and an Interior Design Intern at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago.  My internships are definitely what got me to where I am today.  The experience in the Chicago Semester and the internship at a design firm were what I needed to prove to my current employer that I was qualified for this job.  It also helped that a past employer of mine knew the owner of my current employer (so networking paid off). 

What kind of training/education did you have? What would you suggest? What qualifications/skills/attributes make someone successful in this position?
I have a bachelor’s degree from Calvin with a major in Studio Art and a minor in Business.  The things that taught me the most were my two internships (mentioned above).  I would definitely recommend internships.  They are so important- you learn things you couldn’t possibly learn in a classroom.  To be successful in this position it is important to be detail oriented and organized.  It also helps to have a positive attitude. Not to mention, an interest in and some skill in art/design. 

What are the rewards in your position? Challenges? What makes a good day for you?
The rewards in my position include being treated by our reps.  We often get invited to parties/events.  I also get to take home leftovers (fabric that wasn’t all used on a project, etc.) I also get to see some pretty spectacular homes, cottages on the lake, and even yachts!

What trends or changes do you foresee in the next 5-10 years?
There is a real focus on “green” design.  Being environmentally sensitive is a really big trend in design right now.  Almost all of our clients have heard of this and are beginning to ask for products and designs that are considered “green”. 

How could a person find out more about your field?
Periodicals are a good way.  Some worth mentioning are “Interior Design”, “Dwell Magazine” and any of the fun home magazines (like “Domino”, “Home”, or “House Beautiful”) will introduce you to key concepts and designs out there.  Also a website like ASID.org is very helpful.  Just read as much as you can get your hands on. 

When you were growing up, did you have any interests that you have built into your work?
I’ve always been interested in color, furniture, designing and just home stuff.  I have always loved rearranging my bedroom furniture and even creating dream house plans. 

What obstacles have you overcome to get to where you are today?
I’ve had to experience working at many jobs where I was the lowest person on the totem pole and doing the work no one else wants to do.  It is humbling and makes you work harder. 

Posted by Bonnie Speyers on 07/23 at 09:05 AM
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