Interior Design/Decorating In Times of Recession

I wanted opinions of whether anyone here working in the design industry regrets any courses you may have taken in order to get where you are today.

I am looking to get an online degree from (possibly) the Art Institute of Pittsburgh since I work full-time during the day and travel quite frequently (although I am only 22). I am not passionate about many things but Interior Design is one of those things -- and yet, I have little money to speak of and didn't know if I was wasting my time and energy, especially when there may not be a demand for it.

If you are suffering due to the current economic downturn that the U.S. has been facing, how are you coping in such a field? Would you happen to have any tips for me as well as people who are in my similar position?

I appreciate your time and thank you for any comments/suggestions you may have!

All my best,
Jane

Hi Jane i am in almost the same position except i left my job in order to do a full time course.
I think u have to go with your instincts i don't have many passions either which didn't leave me with many options for a fulfilling career so its either learn to love what you do now or do what you've always loved. for me the decision was easy even in this economic downturn, you have to be optimistic.

Thank you Mechelle for the optimistic outlook of our similar situation :)

I guess I'm just having issues with confidence when it comes to pursuing Interior Design because I have bills to pay and need to make a living one way or another. In many ways I look at the field and consistently convince myself that the choice to pursue a more creative field would ultimately be unreasonable because when it comes to the economy, the more creative positions are first cut because they are not necessarily deemed as necessary. I, by no means, care whether or not I am a wealthy person when it comes to money -- but I know I need at least the basic necessities of life (food, a home, etc.) so that is why I figured I'd post my question(s).

Thanks again, Mechelle.

Jane,

I just graduated with a degree in Interior Design. I loved the course work. The projects were amazing and I loved creating designs, etc. I have been out of school for about 1 1/2 years and it is completely different than in school. I think first before you go to school for design, try to see if you can get on as an intern at a design firm, or atleast visit different firms for a couple of days. Also the biggest advice I could give someone in your position, if you decide to go to school, is to network!, network!, network!. You would be better off knowing more people than getting all A's in your classes. In the design world it is truly all about who you know. You have to create a base of individuals that will help you when you get out. Even if the economy isn't in the ditch its still all about who you know and what projects you have worked on. I love design, but being out of school is a real eye opener to who the design world really is. Good Luck and I hope this helped!

P.S. If you focus on areas such as educational design or health care design, these areas tend to not hurt as much as the economy as other areas such as High-end residential.

Jane in Wexford, Pennsylvania said: I wanted opinions of whether anyone here working in the design industry regrets any courses you may have taken in order to get where you are today.

I am looking to get an online degree from (possibly) the Art Institute of Pittsburgh since I work full-time during the day and travel quite frequently (although I am only 22). I am not passionate about many things but Interior Design is one of those things -- and yet, I have little money to speak of and didn't know if I was wasting my time and energy, especially when there may not be a demand for it.

I got my degree from the Art Institute of Charlotte in 2001. I have loved the career up to 2 yrs ago when the housing market fell apart. Since then I have only been able to do design consulting work & it has been few & far between. I still have a passion for I.D.; however, I live in one of the 4 hardest hit states. My best advise is to get as much autocad as you can, because I see jobs in a lot of fields needing autocad. At least you would have something to fall back on. No matter what, follow your passion. Good luck

Hi Jane, I've been in the trade as a drapery workroom to the trade for over 24 years, employing as many as 17 sewing machine operators and upholsterers, to now employing only 4 and getting into other product lines, such as apparel, and accessories.

Like any other profession when it's good, it's great, when it's not...

Use your newly earned knowledge in every aspect of your life. You'll be amazed at how valuable it is.

Good Luck,
Sue
Goose-duck-down.com

I have been an Interior Designer for over 12 years with my NCIDQ and a very successful high-end residential business. I sold my business 2 years ago to move to CO just about the time the economy took a dive. There is no work out there unless you generate it yourself. Residential is especially difficult at this time, especially in a location that you have no long-term relationships.

I would suggest you learn all of the technical parts, all CAD programs and project management. This is the future of any commercial design. I am working in healthcare/assisted living facilities and there seems to be plenty of work in the "aging" industries. I am very happy that I did complete my NCIDQ as this qualifies me to move into different areas of design fairly easily.

Have fun.......it is the best job ever and I will never regret pursuing it. When times are good the money is crazy and the people you meet and work with are wonderful, even if difficult at times.

I live in Cleveland, Ohio and have been practicing various disciplines in commercial design for the past 10 years up until a few months back. I do have a degree in ID and worked for architects, real estate, furniture dealerships and fell into facility management for a bank that unfortunately "crashed" recently. This is just not the time for this field. Not a whole lot of people are building or renovating at the time because of the economy. The jobs that are posted are gobbled up by the mass competition and others just don't pay. It's really hard right now so if design is what you really want to do and you are the sole bread winner for your castle, I highly recommend you research the demand in your area. I don't regret studying design but I do feel another area could be a little safer right now. You may want to find your niche and separate yourself from the crowd. Google jobs on demand for a better idea of whats hot nowadays. Good Luck!!!

Jane in Wexford, Pennsylvania said: I wanted opinions of whether anyone here working in the design industry regrets any courses you may have taken in order to get where you are today.

I am looking to get an online degree from (possibly) the Art Institute of Pittsburgh since I work full-time during the day and travel quite frequently (although I am only 22). I am not passionate about many things but Interior Design is one of those things -- and yet, I have little money to speak of and didn't know if I was wasting my time and energy, especially when there may not be a demand for it.

If you are suffering due to the current economic downturn that the U.S. has been facing, how are you coping in such a field? Would you happen to have any tips for me as well as people who are in my similar position?

I appreciate your time and thank you for any comments/suggestions you may have!

All my best,
Jane

Thank you for your comments. It is so hard out here getting a ID job I graduated in May 2009 with honor had a great internship last summer with an excellent architecture firm, but with the current state of the economy that company laid off and no luck yet.

Hi Jane, I established myself as a custom drapery workroom, strictly to the trade in 1984. having as many as 17 employees,and upwards of 70 regular clients, be they certified designers, decorators, and architects. I am down to 2 designers in the field. one is retiring, ( because of age), ( not the economy)and the other is slowed considerably. I hear from a stragler now and then for something small, like a pretty little pillow, but the detail work is gone. no more frills, everything is functional, and lower end textiles. a lot of ready mades to be altered.

the resolve a number of my past associates have, is to finally work on something they've been pondering for a long time. new products, and items. marketing them, etc. a lot of internet businesses, and products for local boutiques. a few of them are producing for wholesale, and letting someone else do the leg work.

so all in all, your design education if very useful, but interior design is not in vogue right now.

good luck,
Sue