At some point, every interior designer has dreamed of having their own interior design studio. But with the proliferation of inexpensive and convenient online collaborative platforms and tools—is it worth it?
A studio is more than just a place where designers work—it's a hub of creativity and collaboration that can't be replicated online. You can put up a wall of fabric, flooring, and colour options that clients can see and touch, or set up a mini library of interior design inspiration, moodboards, magazines, and references.
But even with the myriad of benefits, there are still some significant challenges with such a large investment. In this article, you'll learn...
- The benefits of investing in an interior design studio
- The challenges of investing in an interior design studio
Should you invest in an office space for your interior design business? Let's find out...
Why should you invest in an interior design studio?
In 2024's interior design landscape, investing in a design studio is one of the best ways to grow your interior design business. Not only does it serve as a designated workspace for the team, but it also enhances your brand image and changes the way you welcome your clients for the better.
Here are four benefits of having a studio as an interior designer...
1. Boost team productivity and morale
As Drew Hablam, president of Fairview Custom Homes, emphasises, a studio fosters "enhanced creativity, collaboration, and productivity"—all crucial aspects of success. It acts as a central hub that houses all your essential project files, materials, and inspirational content, so it's easier to access during meetings, client consultations, and solo work.
The studio environment itself is also designed for work comfort. Ergonomic furniture, proper lighting, and designated zones all cater to different work styles. Think quiet areas for focused work, collaborative spaces for brainstorming sessions, and dedicated areas for client presentations—all within the same professional environment. This fosters a sense of belonging, especially for new team members, who can fit in by interacting and collaborating in person rather than relying solely on virtual platforms.
Cherry on top, spontaneous bursts of inspiration can be instantly captured and discussed with colleagues right when they strike. No need to wait for a scheduled meeting or hope someone remembers a fleeting idea.
2. Create immersive client experiences
An interior design studio walks a client through a space that embodies your craft. It sets the atmosphere for the client—one that you cannot achieve by just meeting online or at a random coffee shop.
Artem Kropovinskyi, founder of Arsight, reasons that because of the "tactile presentation of materials, finishes and portfolio samples" it's easier for clients to communicate their preferences, understand the design process and prevent misunderstandings along the way. Looks can be deceiving. In some cases, a client might like how something looks in pictures but hate how it feels on their skin.
Drew also highlights that investing in a studio unlocks the potential of high-tech design tools like 3D rendering software. These powerful programs create realistic digital models of clients' visions and show how they will manifest in real life. This way, you can avoid the "expectations vs. reality" disappointment. However, such software is tech-heavy with complex setups that are only feasible for interior designers with large designated workspaces.
3. Paint a better brand image
In contrast with other interior designers, having your own studio tells potential clients that you're serious about your career.
Think about it like this: when customers walk into your store or office, what do they see? If it's a cosy and well-organised workspace that reflects your brand's style and values, they're sure to be impressed. An immersive studio like this makes your business seem more professional, creative, and trustworthy. It's like your brand has its own special air that people can connect with and remember.
"This immersive experience," says Drew, "simply cannot be replicated in a virtual setting or across emails and calls." Thus, clients will most likely choose designers with comfortable spaces for discussions instead of those who conduct strictly online consultations.
4. Keep your home work-free
One of the most important advantages of having a dedicated workspace is the ability to keep your work and home life separate.
While remote work has its benefits, distractions are everywhere. At home, there's unwashed laundry, dirty dishes, and for some, children crying for attention. That, on top of the pressure of pending work tasks, is a recipe mental exhaustion and burnout.
A dedicated office, as Artem points out, is a "boundary between personal and business life." At work, you can focus solely on your work tasks without being distracted by household responsibilities, and vice versa. For example, instead of feeling like you need to do laundry, you can concentrate on sending quotes to potential clients.
By keeping your work and home priorities separate, you can avoid feeling confused or overwhelmed by trying to juggle both at once. This can help you stay more organised and productive, ultimately lead to a healthier work-life balance.
Challenges of investing in an interior design studio
It's important to remember that an interior design studio is a large investment that can take a lot of financial and mental preparations to make possible. You need to prepare a large sum of capital, choose the right location, and learn how to increase sales. Otherwise, you might not be making as much as you need to keep your studio running.
Three challenges of having an interior design studio...
- Financial investment. Setting up a studio requires a significant financial investment and the numbers could get overwhelming for new interior design businesses. You'll need to factor in rent, utilities, furniture, equipment (computers, design software, etc.), and ongoing maintenance costs.
- Management and upkeep. Maintaining a studio space involves ongoing tasks like cleaning, managing utilities, and ensuring that everything functions like clockwork. Depending on the size of your studio, you may need to hire additional staff for cleaning or maintenance which adds up to your financial responsibilities.
- Long-term commitment. Most commercial spaces require a multi-year commitment. Thus, if you're just starting out or if you're unsure about your future growth trajectory, then this might be a risky investment for you.
Final verdict: Should you invest in an interior design studio?
An interior design studio is more than just a place where designers work. It can boost team productivity, help create immersive client experiences, and paint a better brand image for your interior design business. While having your own interior design studio may seem like a dream come true, it's important to realise that it also comes with its share of challenges. This includes financial strain, upkeep, and long-term commitment.
So, before taking the leap into owning a studio, carefully assess your readiness, both financially and mentally. Ensure that you have a solid plan in place, realistic expectations, and a clear understanding of the challenges ahead. Always remember that at the end of the day, it's your talent and passion that will set your interior design business apart.
