Experience will teach you more
Recently a young Interior Design student reached out and asked me to assist her in a class project. The object of which was to interview a professional in the building arts profession. The interview consisted of typical questions one might ask a seasoned professional in the industry of architecture, design, furniture, and the like. I, for reasons only known to God, was this aspiring designers choice for questioning and after spending several minutes reflecting on her questions, I answered in total candor and honesty. What came out of this interview was a humbling and reflective experience for me. I felt that these reflections would be best put to paper and therein shared with you. So in 25 years of interior design and being a professional woman here is what I have learned and observed.
Experience will teach you more than any text book ever can. I can honestly say that I've learned more on the job than in the classroom. The classroom will give you a great foundation, but onsite learning is the best.
Be humble in your career and allow those who have been in the field longer to share their knowledge and experience with you. Recognize that you do not know everything and have much to learn. It will gain you the respect of more seasoned professionals and will open doors to more opportunities. Treat everyone with respect, from the cleaning crew and front desk receptionist, to the CEO of the firm...everyone plays a role in making the business run and we are all worthy to be recognized for our part.
If I were starting over today, I would take the advice mentioned above more seriously. I have been blessed to work on some amazing projects, but I could've gone further in my career early on, if I had not had a chip on my shoulder. I'd also join professional organizations right up front. ASID, NKBA, IIDA, etc...all wonderful groups with resources to help you succeed.
If I had college to all over again I would've have gotten a minor in business and a masters in historic preservation. Over the years, I have found a love for historic preservation and wish I had gone back to school to study it. Perhaps one day I will, but for now I am content to study from the field. Business classes will never fail you as it is applicable on every level of your career and the more you understand the business world, the better equipped you'll be to grow in your career.
How do I market myself/ company? I start by offering great service...word of mouth referrals are priceless, but they only come if you provide something that your clients want to share with others. Second, I get involved in my community. I volunteer in my church, at my child's school, join the Chamber of Commerce, etc... people refer and hire people that they trust and like. So be apart of your community. Third, I consistently show up on social media with content that inspires, informs, and excites. That is all.
What is our brand? Our brand can be summarized by our mission statement: "Bree Tuttle Interiors exists to design and create unique spaces for new and existing homeowners. We provide individually crafted designs that weave beloved past treasures with exciting new products that exhibit each client’s own style. This results in beautifully inspired spaces that reflect the client as only they can be expressed. We believe in responsible product resourcing, personal attention, and community involvement."
What unique or fun story can you share of your career? Where do I begin??? I could tell about the time that I got to fly to SLC to install a Country Club where Bob Hope and Bing Crosby played golf... or tell you about the time I flew to Germany to install a furniture showroom and ended up at the dock doors with a bunch of burly German union workers... or how the time I went through the National Geographic Archives to select maps and photos for a furniture launch I was creating...the list goes on. I don't have any one story to share, I have pages of stories to share because I have been blessed to have worked on so many incredible projects...but all pale in comparison to my favorites. My favorite stories are the ones where a client thanked me profusely for giving them a home they were proud to invite people into. Clients who cried when they came home to spaces that made them feel at peace. The sense of belonging once their home truly reflected who they were… These are the stories that keep me going into work everyday. These are the ones that matter.
And so aspiring designer, artist, creator, student, don’t aim to make your career about grandiose projects or events, rather look for the every day magic where your contribution has bettered the life of those around you. Whether it be a co-worker, mailroom clerk, uber driver, VP of new development, or stay at home mom. BE the light that changes their day.
