How Do I Become an Interior Designer in London?
My Journey to Becoming a Qualified Interior Designer (and How You Can Too)
I often get asked ‘how do I become an Interior Designer?’
Firstly, the role of an interior designer is often misunderstood - many think it’s about picking beautiful fabrics and sourcing furniture. In reality, that’s only about 5% of what we do. The rest is a mix of technical expertise, problem-solving, and project management. For me, it’s been a rewarding journey that led to launching my own luxury interior design studio, Studio Burntwood. Here, I’ll share how I became an interior designer and offer practical advice for those who want to follow a similar path.
What Does an Interior Designer Do?
An interior designer’s day is varied and dynamic. From supplier meetings and client presentations to creating detailed technical drawings in AutoCAD, sketching, and rendering, the role is both creative and technical. While anyone can call themselves an “interior designer,” joining a reputable interior design studio often requires formal qualifications and experience. If you’re considering how to become an interior designer in London, the first step is to gain a clear understanding of the industry and the skills you’ll need to succeed.
Research, research, research!
Before diving into the world of interior design, take the time to research the profession thoroughly. Learn about:
The day-to-day responsibilities of an interior designer.
Expected salaries and career progression.
Leading interior designers and studios in your area.
This research will help you decide whether this career aligns with your aspirations. At this stage, don’t worry if you’re unsure which area of interior design to specialise in - that clarity often comes with experience.
One of the most crucial areas to research is education. It’s essential to choose a course that provides an accredited qualification. Beware of low-priced online courses that offer little support or credibility in the professional world. Instead, look for reputable providers with strong industry connections.
After attending open days and conducting countless hours of research, I chose to enrole in a Level 4 and 5 Bachelor’s Degree (validated by the University of Brighton) through KLC School of Design. Their campus at the Design Centre in Chelsea was a perfect setting to immerse myself in the design world.
Studying Interior Design
Once you’ve found the right course, it’s time to commit to your studies. Studying interior design requires significant financial and time investment. It’s a mental marathon, but knowing you’re working toward your dream of becoming an interior designer can be a powerful motivator.
Compared to my first degree in marketing, I found interior design studies far more demanding. The workload taught me valuable time management skills that prepared me for the fast-paced world of professional design. Here are a few tips to make the most of your studies:
Build a Supplier Database: Start compiling a list of trusted suppliers as you study. This resource will save you countless hours once you’re working on live projects.
Showcase Your Work: Create a design-focused Instagram account or portfolio to showcase your creativity and build a personal brand.
Seek Feedback: Share your projects with mentors to refine your skills and develop a professional eye for detail.
Gaining Real-World Experience
While studying, gaining hands-on experience through internships is invaluable. During my three years at KLC, I completed two internships that allowed me to apply my knowledge to real-world projects and learn directly from established interior designers. Internships also provide insights into the challenges and opportunities of the profession, helping you decide which areas of design excite you the most. For example, I knew early on that I was drawn towards residential design, as I found it more personal working one-to-one with clients.
If you’re considering an internship, reach out to interior design studios that inspire you - many are open to mentoring emerging talent. Even a short placement can provide clarity and inspiration for your next steps.
Softwear skills are crutial to exceeding in the industry, the most commonly used software includes Indesign, AutoCAD, Estimac/EstiPC, Photoshop and SketchUp. Some studio’s may also use Revit, 3Ds Max., VRay and/or Powerpoint.
Working in a Studio
After graduating, I was fortunate to secure a position as a Junior Interior Designer with a well-established interior design studio in London. This opportunity arose directly from the internships I had completed during my studies, which had equipped me with both practical skills and industry connections. Transitioning from academic projects to live client work was both exhilarating and challenging. It required me to adapt quickly, balancing creative vision with the realities of budgets, timelines, and client expectations.
I dedicated several years to designing for other studios, immersing myself in diverse projects and gaining invaluable experience. During this time, I was privileged to work for a world-renowned interior design studio, where I steadily progressed.
It’s vital to seek opportunities that encourage growth. If you ever feel your progress has plateaued, consider exploring new roles or studios to broaden your expertise.
Launching Studio Burntwood
After years of refining my skills and gaining invaluable experience, I reached a point where I felt confident in my ability to design independently and also eager to bring my own creative vision to life.
Launching Studio Burntwood marked the culmination of years of learning and experimenting. Running Studio Burntwood is a journey filled with both rewards and challenges. Despite the demanding nature of the role, the satisfaction of transforming a client’s dreams into tangible, luxurious spaces will always drive my passion for interiors.
Your Journey Awaits
Whether you’re just beginning to explore how to become an interior designer in London or you’re already on your way, remember that this profession rewards creativity, resilience, and a genuine passion for design. Each step of the journey, from studying to working in a studio to potentially launching your own, brings new challenges and opportunities for growth.
If you’re looking for inspiration or advice, feel free to reach out or explore our portfolio at Studio Burntwood. We’re passionate about helping others navigate the exciting world of interior design.
Follow @Studioburntwood for expert design advice, home transformations and interior design inspiration.