From Design School to Studio Life
Filling the Gaps No One Talks About
Episode 126
In this solo episode, I’m exploring a question I hear so often from interior designers who are just starting out — how do you bridge the gap between design school and running your own studio?
Whether you’re stepping into design as a second or third career, or you’re graduating and wondering what comes next, this episode will help you think about what skills you already bring, what knowledge you’re gaining, and most importantly — the gaps in between. Because it’s not just about design education. It’s about sales, marketing, finance, systems, and the confidence to run a business that works for you.
I share insights on how to identify those gaps, how to start filling them while you’re still in school (or transitioning from another career), and how to prepare yourself for either joining a small studio or stepping straight into business ownership.
Hope you enjoy the episode.
Beth xx
Why the Leap From Design School Feels So Big
Most design programs equip you with the creative and technical fundamentals — space planning, materials, drafting, and the design process. But when it comes to the realities of running a studio, many graduates are surprised to find themselves unprepared.
The missing piece? Business knowledge.
From proposals and client communication to setting fees, marketing your services, and managing finances, running a studio requires a whole new set of skills. And for designers entering the industry later in life, balancing family, financial needs, and a desire for flexibility can make this transition even more complex.
Large Firms vs. Small Studios vs. Going Solo
One of the biggest decisions new designers face is choosing where to begin:
Large Corporate Firms – They offer structure and big-name projects, but as a junior, you may be far removed from the creative decision-making.
Small Studios – These provide more exposure to the full design process but often require you to wear many hats.
Starting Your Own Business – Exciting and flexible, but also demanding, especially if you don’t yet have strong systems or business foundations.
This episode unpacks the pros and cons of each pathway and invites you to think about what truly aligns with your stage of life, your goals, and your energy.
Identifying Your Knowledge Gaps
Every designer steps into the industry with a different background. Maybe you’ve come from HR or finance and feel confident with money management, but marketing leaves you lost. Or perhaps you’re a natural communicator but have no idea how to structure a client pipeline.
I encourage you to ask yourself:
What skills do I already have from past roles?
What am I currently learning in design school?
What’s missing in between?
Acknowledging these gaps is the first step to bridging them — and ultimately, to building a studio that feels sustainable.
How to Start Filling the Gaps Early
The best time to build your business knowledge isn’t years down the line — it’s while you’re still learning. In the episode, I share practical ideas for building your business toolkit now:
Explore short courses in marketing, finance, or systems alongside your design education
Find a mentor or coach who understands both the creative and business side of design
Volunteer or freelance with smaller studios to gain experience in the day-to-day
Use free resources (like podcasts, online workshops, and blogs) to broaden your perspective
Practice writing proposals and mock fee structures, even before you have clients
The goal is not to know everything at once, but to gradually strengthen your confidence so you’re ready for whichever path you choose.
Why This Matters for Second-Career Designers
For those who step into design as a second or third career, the stakes can feel higher. You may not want to “start at the bottom” in a corporate firm, but you also don’t want to step blindly into business ownership.
That’s why identifying and closing those knowledge gaps is so important. Leveraging your past experience while learning the missing pieces gives you the foundation to run a business that not only works but supports your life.
This Episode Is Perfect For
Interior design students approaching graduation
Second-career designers wondering what their next move should be
Designers considering whether to join a studio or go solo
Studio owners who feel unprepared for the business side of their role
Anyone ready to create a sustainable path forward in interior design
The Takeaway
The truth is, there’s no single “right” way to move from design school into professional practice. But there is power in preparation — in knowing your strengths, acknowledging your gaps, and taking small, steady steps to fill them.
Because at the end of the day, building a design business isn’t just about creating beautiful spaces. It’s about building a foundation that supports your creativity, your clients, and your life.