How to Transition into an Interior Design Career in the UK and Actually Succeed

Many people dream of turning their passion for interiors into a profession. The appeal is easy to see: creativity, independence, and the satisfaction of transforming spaces into something extraordinary. Yet, making a successful career change into interior design is about far more than flair and enthusiasm. It requires structure, learning, and planning. 

Before exploring how to do it, it helps to understand why so many people are considering a change. According to Personnel Today, almost half of UK employees (49%) want to change careers but are unsure which direction to take. Another study found that 40% of workers are considering a change due to the rising cost of living. The good news is that interior design remains one of the UK’s most accessible and rewarding creative industries for career changers, provided you prepare properly. 

Why So Many People Want to Become Interior Designers 

Career change often stems from a desire for more freedom, fulfilment, or creativity. Many people leave rigid corporate jobs or high-stress environments because they want to make something tangible. Interior design offers that blend of artistry and practicality. 

People from diverse backgrounds bring transferable skills that can give them an advantage. Project management, sales, architecture, property, and even psychology all feed directly into client work and design problem-solving. 

However, passion alone is not enough. Success requires technical skills, confidence in communication, and a strong grasp of the business side of design. 

Understanding the UK Interior Design Industry 

The interior design sector in the UK continues to grow steadily. Market data shows a compound annual growth rate of around 3%, with turnover expected to reach £1.9 billion by 2026. That growth creates opportunity, but also fierce competition, especially in London and the South East. 

Among interior design graduates, only 37% work in interior design roles 15 months after graduation, according to Prospects.ac.uk. This highlights how important it is to build a professional portfolio and business mindset from the start. 

Step 1: Get Qualified and Build Credibility 

A common misconception is that you must complete a degree to become an interior designer. While formal qualifications can certainly help, there are other, more flexible routes that suit people changing careers. 

Choose the Right Type of Course 

If you already have a background in a creative or project-based field, a Level 3 Diploma or equivalent professional course may be enough to establish you. These courses focus on technical drawing, concept development, client management, and business readiness. 

If you are completely new to design, check out the specific details of your course to ensure that it is a comprehensive programme that includes computer-aided design (CAD), colour theory, lighting design, and materials too.  

Accreditation and Professional Development 

When changing career into interior design, credibility comes from both skill and recognised education. Choosing a UK-accredited qualification, such as a Level 3 Diploma in Professional Interior Design, gives clients and employers confidence that you have met industry-approved standards. 

Look for programmes that combine creative design with real-world business training and offer follow on training and support too. Understanding how to manage projects, communicate with clients, and price your services properly is what sets professional designers apart from hobbyists. 

At The Interior Designers Hub, our training programmes are designed specifically for career changers who want to enter the industry with confidence. Graduates learn not only how to design beautifully but also how to run successful, profitable design practices, through our follow on business trainings and support groups. 

Step 2: Build a Portfolio That Reflects Your Professional Standards 

Your portfolio is your single most powerful marketing tool. It shows potential clients or employers how you think, communicate, and solve design problems. 

What to Include 

- Concept boards and sketches that show your design process 

- Before-and-after photos of any real projects, even if small or self-initiated 

- 3D visualisations, layouts, and specifications demonstrating your technical skills 

- Written summaries that explain each project’s goals, challenges, and outcomes 

A strong portfolio contains several cohesive projects that highlight your strengths, whether residential, commercial, or hospitality design. 

If you are still in training, create conceptual projects to show your developing style. Consider entering design competitions or volunteering on local community projects to build real-world experience. 

Step 3: Gain Experience Before Going Full-Time 

Few designers move directly from training to running a thriving business. Building practical experience first helps you learn how real projects work, how to communicate with clients, and how to navigate contractors and suppliers. 

Freelance and Part-Time Projects 

Start by taking small jobs for friends, family, or local businesses. Even unpaid or discounted projects can provide valuable material for your portfolio. 

Networking and Collaboration 

Join industry events, design expos, or creative networks. Relationships often lead to collaboration or mentorship opportunities, which can make your transition smoother. 

Step 4: Prepare for Business Ownership 

Many career changers underestimate the business side of interior design. Even if you start part-time, planning early will prevent common financial and operational pitfalls. 

Create a Financial Cushion 

Aim to save at least six months of living expenses before you rely solely on design income. This helps you stay selective with clients and avoid financial stress. It can take a while to get yourself established in business, so do factor in a significant period of no income whilst you are getting set up. 

Set Up Your Legal and Tax Framework 

Decide whether to register as a sole trader or limited company. Obtain public liability and professional indemnity insurance, and create standard contracts for all projects. 

For guidance on defining project terms, read our post How to Define Project Revisions in Your Interior Design Contracts. 

Identify Your Niche 

Rather than serving everyone, specialise. You might focus on small urban apartments, sustainable interiors, or home offices. Niche positioning helps clients understand what you are best at and improves your marketing effectiveness. 

Develop Your Pricing Model 

Whether you charge hourly, by project, or as a percentage of the total cost, ensure your fees reflect your time, expertise, and overheads. Underpricing is one of the most common mistakes new designers make. 

Step 5: Avoid the Mistakes Many Career-Changers Make 

As exciting as a career change can be, there are a few common pitfalls that often hold new designers back. Recognising these early helps you avoid unnecessary setbacks. 

Jumping in Too Early 

Many career changers try to go full-time before they have enough portfolio work or financial stability. A gradual transition gives you the chance to refine your systems, test your pricing, and build confidence. 

Underpricing Your Services 

It is tempting to set low fees to attract clients quickly, but this usually leads to stress and burnout. Calculate your costs, value your time, and charge accordingly. 

Skipping Contracts 

Relying on informal agreements can cause serious misunderstandings later. Always use a clear written contract that outlines scope, timelines, and payment terms. 

Trying to Do Everything Yourself 

Interior design involves project management, sourcing, admin, and creative work. Trying to handle it all is exhausting and inefficient. Build a small, reliable team of suppliers and trades who can support your projects. 

Neglecting Visibility 

Even the most talented designers struggle without consistent marketing. Set aside regular time each week to update your website, share progress on social media, and network with potential clients or collaborators. 

According to Careershifters.org, 22% of career changers feel uncertain about their transferable skills, while 30% say family or financial commitments are their biggest barriers. Knowing this allows you to plan realistically and build a transition strategy that works for your lifestyle. 

Step 6: Create Your 90-Day Career-Change Action Plan 

1. Audit your existing skills and identify knowledge gaps. 

2. Enrol in a credible qualification or short course. 

3. Build two sample design projects for your portfolio. 

4. Network online and attend at least one UK design event. 

5. Take on one small real-world project to test your workflow. 

6. Establish a business identity — domain name, website, and contract template. 

7. Review your finances and progress at the end of three months. 

Each milestone builds momentum and confidence, helping you transition with stability and focus. 

Ready to Begin Your Interior Design Career? 

Changing career is a brave decision, but it can lead to a deeply fulfilling new chapter. With the right qualifications, a polished portfolio, and a strong business foundation, you can create a sustainable design career that grows year on year. 

For more practical guidance on starting and managing your design business, explore our related articles: 

- How to Define Project Revisions in Your Interior Design Contracts 

- How to Price Your Interior Design Services with Confidence 

- How to Build an Interior Design Portfolio That Attracts Clients 

About the Author 

Kate Hatherell is the founder of The Interior Designers Hub and a qualified interior design professional with extensive industry experience. She has supported hundreds of students in launching successful design careers through the Hub’s UK-accredited Level 3 Diploma in Professional Interior Design and its business membership programmes. Kate also provides consultancy to AIM Qualifications & Assessment Group and delivers specialist SketchUp training used by design professionals worldwide. 

References 

- Personnel Today (2025) Half of UK Employees Want a Career Change but Don’t Know Where to Start, London 

- International Accounting Bulletin (2025) Rising Cost of Living Prompts Career Changes Across the UK, London 

- IBISWorld (2025) Interior Design Activities in the United Kingdom, London 

- Prospects (2025) Graduate Outcomes: Interior Design, Manchester 

- Careershifters (2024) UK Career Change Statistics, London 

- Office for National Statistics (2024) Creative Industries Economic Estimates, London