Persistence During Unprecedented Times
“You are the driver of your professional destiny. No one is going to hand it to you. Know that whatever happens during a recession you can make things happen for yourself. It might not happen today. It might not happen tomorrow but it will happen. Do not lose sight of your goals, dreams and aspirations. I think if you are resilient and you focus on the end goal things will work out. They always do. So be tenacious and be excited, positive and ready to enter a profession that is incredibly enriching and touches so many aspects of our lives. It is very worthwhile to stick through this kind of period of uncertainty and just keep going, keep producing and being excited about interior design.”
- Peter Harrison
Overview
Lets face it we are all facing a little uncertainty amidst this massive behavioral shift. Students and practitioners a like are wondering what will change in our industry, how to find work, how to hold on to work and what can be done to elevate ones career. In this episode you will hear first hand how to navigate the profession of interior design. Guest Peter Harrison and Elizabeth discuss:
How to be resilient during different economic climates
How to transition from school to practice
How to approach the intimidating topic of networking
How to make yourself indispensable at a firm
Guest Summary
Peter Harrison is a Interior Designer at Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership. He is a captivating emerging designer. Early on in his career he has identified how to set goals and through networking align himself with his career aspirations.
Some highlights from his career include:
Director of Student Affairs with IIDA Oregon
Bachelor in Interior Design with a Minor in Landscape Architecture from Utah State University
Portland Materials Transparency Collaborative Leadership Group
USGBC Special Programs Working Group for Green Build
Recently completed the Parson Healthy Materials Lab Program
LEED AP ID + C and Living Future Accreditation
He has a passion for sustainability, networking and paying it forward to the next generations of designers.
Show Notes
Peter Harrison, Associate IIDA, LEED AP ID+C, LFA, Interior Designer at ZGF Architects
Pro Tip: Dig deep and tease out what you love about design and then explore how you can apply that.
Pro Tip: Set goals, write them down, be ok meandering but keep your eye on your end goals.
Credit
Branding & Graphic Design work by Andrea Schwoebel https://www.andreaschwoebel.com/
Head shot provided by Peter Harrison at ZGF Architects
Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash
Photo by Tanya Trukyr on Unsplash
Pro Tip #1: Be proactive because a new position will rarely fall into your lap. Do your research to find a firm that needs your skill set. Be persistent!
Pro Tip #2: Say yes! Don’t jump off a bridge or do anything irrational but truly commit to your career by saying yes to random professional opportunities that come along. Get involved in professional organizations, volunteer, put yourself out there and say yes to opportunities that come your way. It may not be your dream job. It might be something you would have never dreamed of doing. By saying yes you are expanding your network and you never know, you could end up somewhere amazing that you never would have dreamed possible.
Pro Tip #3: Advocate for yourself. Understand your worth and what you can bring to a firm. Develop your story and then sell it. Paint the picture for them. Sell what services you can bring to a firm.
Pro Tip #4: Network like crazy but not car sales man crazy. Be authentic in forming relationships because you see the value in getting to know someone. Align yourself with other peers in the industry, professionals you admire, industry A&D reps, alumni organizations and professional organizations. Try informational interviews, volunteering, join a live CEU or a virtual event with a rep and invite someone to a zoom coffee date.
Pull your Linked In page together by following online guides to make your profile presentable
Connect and follow firms and professionals that you admire
Connect with organizations like IIDA, AIA, ASID, NEWH, IES
Stay connected with your school and see if there are any graduates that work in firms of interest or see if you can help with a portfolio review
Reach out and stay connected with manufacturer reps – They have a strong sense of the market and a large network
Pro Tip #5: Capitalize on the resource you have at your fingertips. Dust off your resume and portfolio and try recording a “video elevator pitch.” In a few minutes provide a more personal explanation of who you are and what your goals are as a interior designer. Make sure to highlight some of your soft skills. Make your resume and portfolio memorable and personal.
Pro Tip #6: Refine your soft skills - Your schooling provided a great foundation of technical skills (CAD, Adobe, etc), put some emphasis and value on soft skills that firms are looking for:
Active listener
Professional
Team Player
Ask questions
Teachable
Self-manage
Motivated
Proactive
Pro Tip #7: Target strong or emerging industries and research firms that work in those sectors. Vertical markets such as multi-family housing, healthcare, civic and biotechnology are projected to be strong. Research trends within your area such as industry publications and business journals.
Pro Tip #8: Demonstrate life long learning. Perform additional research, sign up for a certificate program, take the NCIDQ or LEED GA. Try new things, even fine art. Many firms look for additional skill sets that shape you as an individual designer.
Pro Tip #9: Be resilient. Keep your head up. Have patience. Keep trying. Do lots of self-care so you are the best version of your self. Send out good vibes into the universe.
Pro Tip #10: Educate yourself on future trends. Help set new guiding principles for our industry. We are currently amidst a massive behavioral change within our built environment. Keep up with predictions, test those theories and define what 2021 will look like.
Pro Tip #11: Make yourself indispensable at a firm
Be visible to your coworkers and especially senior leadership
Be a team player
Be engaging
Integrate into the firm culture
Take on additional initiatives at the firm
Communicate
Produce quality work under budget and on time
If you are looking for more insight Peter recently published a blog post on IIDA Oregon’s website called Elevating IIDA Students. He offers some great insight on portfolio, networking and knowing your worth in the industry.
Tailored list of professional resources
AIA Compensation Survey Salary Calculator
IIDA Student Member COVID Resources
Design Student Savvy Blog
Glassdoor