Good Qualities of an Interior Designer
Just as you might be wondering if interior design is the right thing for you, surely the issue is mutually perceived from the professions point of view.
So you must ask yourself if you have what it takes to be one of them.
Thinking it out together, we'll find that there are technical as well as non-technical (i.e. communication and personal) characteristics that you should have to be a successful interior designer.
Technically, you need to be able to:
Design and read blueprints, particularly for the projects that require a great change in the area's structure like wall removal, etc.
Perform Environmental Analysis: Once you can read blueprints, you will have to analyze the information that is listed so that you can effectively create or remove space in a particular environment so you cause little or no disturbance in it.
Look out for Environmental Lighting: Strange enough, many forget that lighting is included in any space changing project. You have to be aware of how lighting works, and what is needed to install light fixtures in areas that do not have them already.
Plan the basic plumbing & pipe structure: Any changes in kitchen, bathroom, garden or pool spaces will ultimately change the plumbing fixtures. Obviously, you'll have to sort that out accordingly.
Moving on to the more characteristic qualities, you'll need to be:
1) Somewhat creative
You have to be unique in what you offer your clients. If it was your ingenuity in designing space, and turning whatever they already have into art-work, then I would expect you to have long-term relationships with your clients.
2) Well organized
Don't expect to keep track of every project you're working on if you're not impeccably organized in terms of tasks, documents and budgets.
3) Relatively good at solving problems
Life isn't free of trouble, particularly for people in professions that require a great deal of taste and risk.
You'll have to be able to solve any problem that knocks your door almost instantaneously.
Try to employ your creativity and organizational skills to generate the best alternative solutions and choose the most suitable.
4) Able to multi-task
Interior designing is certainly not your game of you can only concentrate on one task at a time! You'll have to give instructions to contractors, work with your assistant on the structure, and explain everything to your client as you go.
5) Friendly
Will you quickly become friends with your clients, or scare them away? Much of the Interior designer's job involves convincing people that you are the best person to design their space. Undoubtedly, a friendly, professional, outgoing attitude is the easiest way to accomplish that.
6) Be a good business judge
You can't be in business if you don't have a good business sense. A successful interior designer will have to estimate and put a value to his work through extensive calculations.
Negotiation, marketing, advertising and bookkeeping are among the skills that you should need to use in the business.
Well, having shed light on most of the technical and non-technical characteristics that Interior Designers need, I think you'll be able to evaluate yourself accordingly and decide on whether this profession suits you or not!
Good luck!