Why this matters:
A candidate with interior design software proficiency offers your clients the ability to see accurate, detailed representations of their projects. As the creation of 2D and 3D renderings is part of an interior designer’s daily responsibilities, it’s helpful to know a candidate’s preparedness to begin working on Day 1. A tech-savvy candidate helps your business remain agile, forward-thinking, and competitive.
What to listen for:
- Experience using software like AutoCAD, Maya, Photoshop, or Corel PaintShop Pro
- Knowledge of the perks of creating digital floor plans, renderings, and customizations
- Comfortable applying technology to the design process and learning new programs
Why this matters:
This question invites candidates to demonstrate their organization and project management skills. You’ll want to hire an interior designer who not only produces aesthetically pleasing work, but also listens to client needs, prioritizes tasks, and manages resources like time and budget wisely.
What to listen for:
- Detailed description of design and project management workflow, including tools used
- Expressed care and concern for client needs
- Critical-thinking abilities in determining materials, organizing a timeline, and budgeting
Why this matters:
It’s acceptable to quiz your candidate on lighting, as it’s an essential factor for each and every design they’ll create. Working knowledge of how to balance light and shadow can set one designer apart from another. Answers may also shed light on how the candidate works with clients, makes design decisions, and approaches their work.
What to listen for:
- Understanding of general, ambient, task, accent, and aesthetic lighting
- A methodical approach to assessing the needs of each room and client
- Explanation as to why lighting is important to interior design work
Why this matters:
When assessing portfolio samples, it can be helpful to understand the context — like why candidates choose particular projects and what they hoped to convey about themselves. They might describe what went into creating a design, giving you insight into their working process. You can also get a sense as to what design element a candidate values most, whether it’s light, color, lines, forms, or patterns.
What to listen for:
- Thorough description of why they selected a particular piece and what it reflects
- Enthusiasm for design and the ability to communicate value in a persuasive manner
- Details about the candidate’s design aesthetic that align with the company’s values
Why this matters:
You’ll want to know the interior designer — who acts as the customer-facing end of your business — understands not only how to say “yes” to clients, but also how to persuade them to think in a new way if a proposed design isn’t feasible or prudent. The answer to this question reveals how a candidate receives feedback and communicates.
What to listen for:
- Experience accepting constructive feedback and working well with others
- Respectful manner of speaking about clients, even when they have differing opinions
- Creativity, flexibility, and persuasion skills in devising alternate solutions
Why this matters:
While interior designers perform the bulk of their work solo or with a client, they may at times be required to work closely with architects, building inspectors, civil engineers, construction crews, and mechanical engineers to bring their ideas to life. Answers should indicate whether a candidate tends to work best in a hierarchical structure or laterally.
What to listen for:
- Experience working on a variety of projects, including larger team-based efforts
- Detailed description of specific tasks that contributed and added value to the project
- Areas of strength that mirror your current team’s skills gaps or needs
Why this matters:
From traditional to modern, from maximalist to minimalist, interior designers come from a broad range of backgrounds. This question allows a candidate to display their knowledge and creativity, and communicate technical design topics in a clear and engaging manner. Answers should reflect an understanding of contemporary trends, along with detailed explanations as to what makes a particular style appealing.
What to listen for:
- Strong communication skills and ability to clearly explain technical design concepts
- Knowledge of different interior design styles and one’s preferences
- Ideas on how to contribute to the company’s current portfolio
Why this matters:
This question gauges a candidate’s resourcefulness, particularly when there are space constraints. While companies make names for themselves off big and bold ideas, the vast majority of projects will come with limitations on time, budget, or space. A flexible, resourceful, and creative candidate will have ideas on how to make a small room look bigger.
What to listen for:
- Resourcefulness in paint and lighting choices when working under space constraints
- Organized process for breaking spaces into small, task-based nooks
- Creative thinking in proposing furnishings like recessed wall bookcases or Murphy beds
Why this matters:
The best designers are forever students — interested in exploring boundaries, experimenting with new ideas, keeping pace with the latest trends, and learning from others. Regardless of experience, all candidates have an equal opportunity to demonstrate their networking skills, knowledge of relevant industry publications, and their unique approaches to creating imaginative designs.
What to listen for:
- Plans to stay current with design trends by reading, attending events, or networking
- Sources of inspiration that are unexpected, unique, or trendsetting
- Ability to communicate what kind of art, media, or functional need influences their work
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