Insight from industry leaders: What do you look for when recruiting junior interior designers?

As the next generation of interior design students prepares to embark on their professional journeys, the burning question on their minds is often: What qualities do industry leaders seek when recruiting junior talent? In a field where creativity, innovation, and a keen eye for detail reign supreme, understanding the expectations of seasoned professionals is crucial for those poised to enter the workforce.

To shed light on this topic, I turned to two distinguished figures in the world of interior design: Lorna Kelly, Creative Director at Brace Studio, and Deirdre Hayes, Head of Interior Design at Red Engine. With their extensive experience and unique perspectives, they offer invaluable insights into what captivates their interest when scouting for junior members to join their teams.

What key skills do you look for in a portfolio when you shortlist junior interior designers for an interview? 

Lorna Kelly (LK) – Firstly, before even looking at the portfolio, I look to see if the candidate can use Vectorworks. This is the software we use at Brace Studio for our 2D drawings & 3D visualisation. As a small studio we want you to invest our time in nurturing our designers with their designs rather than training in software from scratch. Therefore whenever I see that a candidate has Vectorworks skills (particularly 3D) my interest is piqued and I’m eager to see their work. 

For the portfolio, it is helpful if the content showcases the candidate’s range of skills such as sketch ideas, technical drawings & visuals. This immediately gives us an oversight of their skillset & suitability. 

Also, as we are a commercial design studio rather than residential, I love to see any designs that are relevant to one of our sectors of retail, hospitality or wellness.

Deirdre Hayes (DH) In terms of graduates and any new hires, the most influential deciding factor is personality /attitude and company fit. 

At Red Engine, it’s really important that any potential new team members reflect our company values. ( Warmth, togetherness, innovation and passion).

In terms of computer programmes, we operate on SketchUp and Vectorworks so knowledge of these would be favourable.

What makes a junior interior designer stand out in an interview for you? 

LK – If you’ve made it to the interview stage, we already like your work so now it’s about design communication. A candidate stands out for me when they are able to articulate the reasoning behind their work such as:

– Why did they choose to lay out the space that way?

– Why did they choose those materials?

– What was the brief and was it met?

Talking through their concepts in this way gives us an insight into their thought process as designers.

It is a bonus & gold star moment if anyone shows an understanding of the ‘customer journey’.

DH – Good verbal presentation skills is also a must; I’m always impressed by candidates who display a genuine passion for their own work, are aware of what’s happening in the design world, can explain their own thinking and the ‘why’ behind their projects. 

While university results are important, I don’t hugely focus on this when choosing the right candidate at a junior level. For me, it’s all about attitude and how they will work alongside the team, the rest will follow.

Do you have any advice you would give to a graduate interior designer looking for work? 

LK – Don’t stop being inspired & learning even once you’ve finished your course. Get out and about to look at new shops & restaurants when they open and marvel in the choices of materials, technology and how they operate. And if you are able, continue to take courses to add to your software skills, as the right studio for you may be only a Vectorworks course away! 

DH – Apply to studios where you are passionate about their projects and present work in your portfolio that represents this.

Thank you so much to Lorna and Deirdre for their valuable insights. The interior design industry is full of brilliantly talented and friendly individuals; if you are graduating this year, have a great time exploring design companies and opportunities!

Lorna Kelly – CD, Brace Studio

Deirdre Hayes – Head of Interior Design, Red Engine