Meet an Interior Designer
We caught up with Shonah Belvedere who is an Interior Designer for 10 years. She is currently expanding her business online at www.shonahbstyle.com. She also likes to help out her clients with lifestyle coaching.
What courses did you study to become an Interior Designer? And tell us a bit about your current role?
I studied a Diploma of Interior Design with the Interior Design Institute and although I would love to have taken my studies further, I had a young family and lived 6 hours away from the nearest city. This made things a little harder to do, however, the Diploma set me up for a very exciting and passionate career.
What does an Interior Designer do on a day-to day basis?
We meet with clients, develop concepts, source products, and finishes, create vision and schedules based on budgets and design requirements. We problem solve and inspire. Project management is often required, therefore you are working with Trades and Services on an efficient and cohesive timeline.
What do you think are the skills an Interior Designer should have?
Definitely people skills. It’s imperative to be able to listen and guide people. Often there are emotional highs and lows, doubts and overwhelm. It is important to be able to recognize this and build trust with your clients.
You also need to be creative and visual. Have a good eye for detail and color. To possess flair and style. You need to be able to problem solve and have the drive to get to the best possible outcome for your clients.
What are your favorite things about working in the Interior Designing Industry?
Creation! Constantly surrounding yourself with beautiful things and creating spaces that light up people’s lives. Happy tears of gratitude from my clients are the ultimate. It is more than just pretty, there is an emotional attachment that you are also responsible for.
To top it off, being able to have my own business! I have been able to build a lifestyle that fulfills me through and through.
What advice would you give students aspiring to work in the Interior Designing industry?
Know your products and providers. Know your colors. But most of all, know that your style may not be to the taste of the clients. You must be able to design to the reflection of who your clients are and what they love, all the while using your knowledge and expertise. It is your job to make this easier for them. They are the ones living with this after you have gone. Make sure they are happy first and foremost.
Thank you, Shonah, for sharing your story with training.com.au
