August 13, 2018

Stepping into any career has never been an easy task, and new interior designers have it particularly hard. Their job depends on their reputation, which can be established – or harmed – through word of mouth and social, print and online media. Networking, interning and entering design competitions are some of the ways young designers have gotten their name and their designs noticed. Finding the right firm to start with and learning from other experienced designers also helps these professionals learn how to grow into their career.

KBB spoke with three young designers – all of whom are part of the National Kitchen and Bath Associations’ (NKBA) 30 Under 30 group – to find out more about how they became successful.

KBB: What associations are you involved in and how has this helped your career?

“Other than the NKBA, I have also been a part of Habitat for Humanity and Business Networking International (BNI). Both associations were pivotal to a different season of my career. Habitat for Humanity was helpful to me when I first started in the industry because it allowed me to get my hands dirty and really jump into construction to develop another perspective of how design is executed. When I first started my own design business, BNI was a great way for me to meet other small business owners and build up my network and clientele.”

– Lindsay Cerilli, Cerulean Concepts, Austin, Texas

“I am currently on the board for the Austin Design Community of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and a member of the NKBA and the U.S. Green Building Council. I am highly active in our local community and have found a strong camaraderie with the other designers and industry partners involved. I have made it a priority to promote a collaborative community over a competitive one, creating opportunities for designers to share ideas on business practices and design challenges. We are all stronger together!”

-Stephanie Chavez, Selections by Steph, Austin, Texas

“Along with being part of associations like the NKBA, I think it’s important to continue your education and keep up with new standards, design trends, materials and products. Certification will also set you apart from other designers in competitive markets.”

– Nicole Conte, Northshire Living, Manchester, Vt.

KBB: Are there any student design awards or other competitions you would recommend?

“I would recommend that every new design student looking to get their name out should look into the NKBA Student Design Competition. Sherwin-Williams also has a very reputable design competition that would be worth looking into.”

-Cerilli, Cerulean Concepts

“ASID hosts the Student Symposium every year. This year it is in Austin and kicks off at our annual Design Excellence Competition, which has a student submission category, followed by project and vendor tours around town. The ASID and NKBA both host many networking opportunities that are always a lot of fun. Getting out is the best way to meet new people and get to know familiar faces.”

– Chavez, Selections by Steph

“I really enjoyed participating in 30 Under 30 and felt it has helped many in the program in opening doors to opportunities young designers wouldn’t have had access to otherwise. I also think it’s so important to submit your work to design competitions, whether the NKBA’s, KBB‘s or your local design magazine. If you win, it’s great exposure and can often lead to additional press.”

–Conte, Northshire Living

KBB: What are your tips for success for a designer fresh out of school?

“The tip I would give a designer looking for a job in the industry is to stand out during the job application process. Don’t just fill out an online application form and hit submit. Do research on the company to find out who the hiring manager is or the person who created the job opening. I suggest personally reaching out to them in an email or LinkedIn message or by sending them a physical copy of your resume. I always believe in going the extra mile, so doing all three is not out of the question. If you send your physical resume, make sure it presents well and is eye-catching with creativity. I had my resume printed on a thin sheet of stainless steel which was cut to a typical letter size; it was a hit and definitely made me stand out!”

-Cerilli, Cerulean Concepts

“Get involved and make your education, personal experience and ideas known. Don’t think you know it all. Everyone can teach you something if you are willing to receive it. Don’t be afraid to walk up and introduce yourself. Be authentic.”

-Chavez, Selections by Steph

“Work hard, be humble, be friendly, and always be learning. Don’t be above being another designer’s assistant, even if you have a degree. I learned so much about running my own business working as an assistant to the owner of a small firm right out of school. Look at jobs with tight budgets as a challenge; it’s an opportunity to think outside the box. Make friends with everyone you interact with, from contractors, vendors, customer service reps, to delivery guys. Someday something will go wrong, and those folks will help you out by rushing something for free. Spending time onsite talking to tradesmen about what they liked and didn’t like about a project or material can help you improve your designs and specifications for the next one. And lastly, don’t be afraid to job hop if it’s not the right fit for you – your work is better when you’re happy.”

-Conte, Northshire Living