In the dynamic world of interior design, business fluctuations are a common reality. As project loads shift due to the seasons, the housing market, the political climate, etc., many interior design studios face the dilemma of whether to hire full-time staff or utilize freelancers. Having navigated this landscape myself, I have found that freelancers can serve as invaluable resources during both peak and off-peak seasons.
Understanding the cyclical nature of the interior design industry is the first step toward optimizing your team. Demand can fluctuate significantly, and it is not uncommon for busy seasons to give way to slower periods. I’ve faced many busy seasons where my project load suddenly quadrupled, and I wasn’t sure if hiring another junior designer would be sustainable in the long term. While hiring full-time staff can provide benefits in terms of team cohesion and project continuity, it also carries increased overhead costs and the pressure to maintain a consistent workflow. This is where the flexibility of freelancers becomes beneficial and, in most cases, was the best option to scale my workforce without the long-term commitments associated with full-time hires.
Identifying the right moments to consider hiring freelancers is crucial. It’s not always clear at first, but consider assessing your needs during peak project seasons, when workloads increase, or when you embark on projects that require expertise in areas such as 3D rendering. For example, I decided to outsource assistance with a 3D rendering during a recent kitchen renovation project. My team could have modeled and rendered the space, but their efforts were best spent elsewhere, so I contacted a freelance designer, and they created a fantastic rendering in less than a week. Their speed and technical skills significantly enhanced the visual presentation for my client, all while saving my team hours of work. And, the project work is still billable, so as long as you’re pricing your services accurately, this should be something that contributes to income, not eats into profits.
Once a specific task or support role has been identified, finding qualified freelancers involves strategic outreach. In my experience, leveraging your network within the design community and attending industry events have helped me and other designers connect. Recommendations and referrals are like a friend setting you up on a blind date - you’re not sure who exactly you’re meeting, but they already have a leg up coming from a confidant. Online platforms such as Upwork, Behance, and Fiverr have also historically provided additional avenues for sourcing skilled professionals, but Instagram has definitely become a great resource to connect with freelancers!
Whether they come from a friend’s recommendation or a public platform, Freelancers’ ability to assist without long-term obligations allows you to keep your business agile and responsive. Their flexibility enables you to navigate the ebb and flow of project demands while maintaining creativity and quality in your work.
If you have any questions about leveraging freelancers in your interior design business or want to share your experiences, please email hello@grounded.homes. Let’s discuss ways to optimize your project load without hiring additional employees!
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