Interior Design Communities and Their Value

Interior Design Communities and Their Value

As interior designers, you often focus on creating beautiful spaces for your clients. But what if I told you that the key to success in this industry lies not just in the design skills but also in building and nurturing a strong community? In this blog post, we'll explore why community matters for interior designers and how it can help you thrive professionally and personally. So grab a cup of coffee, and let's dive into the power of connections in the world of interior design!

My Perspective

Community plays a crucial role in all aspects of our lives, and interior design is no exception. After owning my own window treatment design business, I realized the importance of being a part of various communities and how they contribute to my work and growth as a professional.

My community allows me to stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and innovations in interior design and business. By attending networking events, workshops, and online groups, I continually expose myself to fresh ideas and perspectives that help my growth as a professional and a business coach. These communities also provide valuable opportunities for collaboration with other designers or professionals from related industries. We work together on projects or share knowledge and create more impactful designs that benefit not only our clients but also the community at large.

When I worked in interior design, building relationships within my local community was  crucial in establishing my brand and gaining recognition. Word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied clients or fellow designers helped me organically grow my client base while strengthening my reputation as a reliable and skilled professional.

Being part of communities also enriched my personal life. Through them, I get to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar values. This sense of belongingness gives me a sense of purpose beyond just designing spaces and adds to the balance in my life.

Early in my career and life, I believed that finding one best friend, one resource, or one online tool could solve all my problems and meet my needs. But I soon discovered that every person and community I met could fulfill a different role or requirement in my life or business. Relying on just one element to solve a multitude of challenges is a heavy burden to bear. I have a few extremely close friends and many great friends. I know exactly who to call if I want to go on a shopping spree or a hike. Another friend may get a call if I need a laugh, yet another if I need prayer or a spiritual focus in my conversation. I am sure you can relate to this, too. 

The same applies to communities. We need more than one to meet the current and future needs of our business.

The Role of Collaboration and Networking in The Interior Design Industry And its Impact on Your Business

The interior design industry is constantly evolving and changing, with new trends and techniques emerging all the time. In order to stay ahead in this fast-paced industry, as designers, we must collaborate and network within our community. 

Collaboration is a key aspect of any successful interior design project. Different perspectives and skill sets can create unique and innovative designs that cater to your clients' specific needs. Working with other professionals, such as architects or contractors, can also bring valuable insights into the project, resulting in a more cohesive end result. This collaborative approach not only leads to better designs but also helps you build a reputation for high-quality work within the design community.

Networking within the interior design community also significantly affects your business success. Attending events such as trade shows, conferences, and local meetups allows you to connect with like-minded individuals and potential clients. These networking opportunities provide a platform for sharing ideas, gaining knowledge about new products or materials, learning from experienced professionals, and even finding potential job opportunities through referrals from other designers.

The community serves as an endless source of inspiration. Here, we can learn about new design styles or discover unique ways to incorporate sustainable practices into our designs.

In no particular order, here are some of the communities I am a part of: 

Professional Organizations. These professional organizations are created and centered around common goals. When I am part of them, the professionalism of my own business grows. Here are a few to consider: WCAA, ASID, IDS, IFDA. There are many others, and none of this is exhaustive. This should give you a starting point to find the community that works for you. 

• Local Organizations. Local Organizations, which can be civic or professional in nature, help me stay informed about what is happening in my community. I am a member of our local chamber of commerce and a local church, which support me in different ways. 

• Conferences and Webinars. I speak to many groups throughout the year. Chapters of ASID, IDS, HPMKT, WCAA, Exciting Windows, and IWCE, along with webinars for various summits, vendors, or organizations. Each of these allows me to share and learn from a group of people I might not have had access to before. Sometimes, I go outside my norm to mix it up to meet more people and broaden my horizons. Last year, I spoke at a Women's Life Coach Summit and at the Happy Healthy Home Show – as well as many podcast interviews.This year I presented a webinar for Zena. 

• Online. I know being online can be overwhelming and take up a lot of time. Still, I also know that I have met some of the most kind, supportive and wonderful people online, and when we meet in real life, something special occurs. This could include Facebook groups, groups like the Curtain and Soft Furnishings Resource Library hosted by Ceil DiGulglielmo, or LinkedIn and Twitter groups.  

Community matters for interior designers because it brings us together, and we can share a passion for creating beautiful spaces. 

The benefits of having a support system within the design community

If you are still asking yourself why you should invest your time and effort into fostering relationships within these communities, consider the following benefits:

• Emotional Support: Design projects can be emotionally taxing, with deadlines, client demands, and creative challenges often taking a toll. Having a supportive community of fellow designers to lean on during these times will provide you with much-needed emotional support. Whether it's a word of encouragement, a listening ear, or shared experiences, knowing that you're not alone in facing these challenges can make a world of difference.

• Feedback and Business Growth: Constructive feedback is very important for growth and improvement as a designer. Within the community, we can offer valuable insights, critique, and fresh perspectives on each other's work. Whether reviewing design concepts, brainstorming solutions to design dilemmas, or offering constructive criticism, feedback from fellow designers and financial coaches - like myself - can help refine your skills and elevate your business to new heights.

• Knowledge Sharing: The design community is a treasure trove of knowledge and expertise waiting to be tapped into! Engaging with fellow designers allows you to exchange ideas, best practices, and industry insights. Within our community, we share tips and tricks for tackling design challenges and recommend valuable resources to inspire your practice.

• Collaborative Opportunities: Collaboration is a cornerstone of successful design projects. There are always a lot of opportunities for collaboration. From partnering with fellow designers on projects to teaming up with industry professionals on events or initiatives, collaborative opportunities within the community can broaden your network, expand your skill set, and lead to innovative design solutions.

• Career Development: Navigating the complexities of the design industry can be daunting, especially for those early in their careers. A supportive design community can provide guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to help you navigate these challenges. Whether through mentorship programs (like my own), workshops, or networking events, you can accelerate your career growth and pave the way for success.

How to Choose Local or Online Design Communities

When choosing a community to be involved with, here are a few things I check out: 

1. Do their values align with mine? Yes, keep going. No, back away. 

2. Are they moving in the same general direction as I am with my company, and do they see the same issues/challenges I do? 

3. Are they a kind community? One that uplifts and does not tear down? 

4. Is it a multi-generational or multi-experience community? I enjoy hearing and learning from different ideas and experiences. If everyone is just like me, I get bored. 

5. Can I share in this community, and will they share with me? One way giving is not a great form of communication. One of the definitions of community is this: a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. 

6. Do I feel safe enough to participate and invite others? 

7. Am I willing to admit I am part of this community? 

8. Is it a learning community – growing and addressing concerns when they arise? 

In addition, it's always helpful to ask for recommendations from fellow designers or colleagues who are already involved in various communities. The best way to choose a community is to try it out for yourself and see if it feels like a good fit for you. Remember, you can always switch or be involved in multiple communities if you find that one isn't meeting your needs.

As you can see, community plays a crucial role in the personal and professional growth of interior designers. It provides support, networking opportunities, resources for learning, chances for giving back, and resilience during tough times. It is essential for designers to actively seek out communities that align with their values and goals in order to foster personal and professional growth in their careers. In my next blog, I will tell you more about a community I have been nurturing and would like to invite you to be a part of!

Are you hungry for more? Subscribe now to receive two free coaching emails per month, personally crafted by Michele! Delivered every two weeks, these emails are packed with valuable insights, actionable strategies, and thought-provoking ideas to guide you on your business transformation journey towards greater success.