19/02/2025
Spending 16 years in IT, then leaving what many considered a dream job—without a clear vision of what was next. I only knew one thing: I wasn’t happy where I was.
Luck or fate led me to contracting, which eventually opened the door to interior design. A complete career shift after 19 years of professional experience.
So, how did I build my interior expertise ON THE JOB while managing REAL projects for REAL clients. in a demanding, high-end industry? This was my way to do it:
✅ I leaned on a strong technical team.
While I was still developing my expertise, I surrounded myself with knowledgeable professionals who could support me. Empowering them and valuing their feedback ensured high-quality work and smooth ex*****on.
✅ I embraced vulnerability. I was never embarrassed to admit when I didn’t understand a technical detail on-site. Instead, I leaned into the fact that I was new to the business and there was a learning curve. I was always comfortable getting knowledge from the experts. I realized that people connect more to vulnerability than to perfection.
✅ I practiced full transparency. No designer has all the answers, and I didn’t have a long track record to fall back on. The best way to build trust? Trust-worthy communication. I was upfront with my clients, my team, and everyone involved in the project.
✅ I leveraged my management experience. While refining my design skills, I used my background in processes, strategy, and project management to create a seamless experience for clients and contractors.
✅ I became obsessed with learning. Design wasn’t just my job—it became my lifestyle. Whether scrolling social media, exploring new places, or discussing challenges with peers, I was constantly looking for new ideas, techniques, and solutions.
✅ I embraced mistakes —but not at my clients’ expense. Every mistake became a lesson, not just for me, but for my team. I turned challenges and setbacks into opportunities to refine my approach.
Career shifts often come with uncertainty and a blurred vision of the future. But what truly matters is the willingness to learn, adapt, and build as you go.
