Interior designer
Introduction
So you've decided you want to run an interior design business. Maybe you've recently completed a relevant training course, or perhaps you've been working in someone else's design business for a while and feel the time is right to go it alone. Whatever the reason, this guide will take you through the issues you need to consider and give you practical pointers on getting started.
Sector trends
The interior design sector in the UK is very much fashion led and is susceptible to changes in the economic climate. During the late 1980s an economic boom led to strong demand for complex, expensive designs from both domestic and commercial customers. The recession that followed at the start of the 1990s had a marked effect, and many firms had to downsize or even close down. Some began offering design services to suit all budgets. An increase in interest in DIY and home decoration in the early 2000s led to another period of strong demand. Demand was boosted by the popularity of home makeover television programmes.
Buoyant economic conditions and a booming housing market during the early and mid 2000s increased demand from the domestic sector. This period also saw an increase in demand for large and complex projects, particularly from the commercial sector. Many homeowners released equity in their homes to fund projects such as home improvement.
Unfortunately, the economic slowdown that began in the late 2000s dented homeowners' spending on furnishings and household services. There were several notable casualties in the home furnishings sector, including the retail giant MFI and the Swedish chain Ilva. Spending on interior design by the commercial sector also fell sharply as many businesses struggled and fewer new ventures were started up. However, the slowdown in the housing market during the same period helped the interior design sector to a certain extent as many homeowners who were unable to move house chose to improve their existing one - the 'can't move, improve' trend. The housing market recovered slightly in 2010, with a 4% increase in the number of transactions over the previous year. However, the market remained very sluggish and the total number of transactions for the year was only just over half the number recorded at the peak of the boom in 2006.
1.1 Keeping up to date with developments
Joining a trade association is an excellent way of staying up to date with developments in your industry. The British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) represents interior designers in the UK and their website includes plenty of useful information - plus links to related organisations.
