Aspiring Designer - LA

5 years ago

Hello everyone -

This is a little long, but would love your help!

I’m Lauren & I live in Chicago. I have been creative since birth & have always been drawn to beauty & design. I was planning to attend Harrington in Chicago for my masters in interior design in 2013, but life changes put that on hold. I have designed the two condos I bought & have taught myself how to use AutoCAD & HomeDesigner, which I use to plan out my spaces.

I have been working in commercial real estate finance for the last 9 years, but my desire to follow my passion is bubbling over & begging me to make a move NOW.

I want to relocate to Los Angeles within the next 6 months, and I’m putting a message in a bottle here to reach out for advice from any designers in the LA area regarding getting started. My questions specifically are:

1. Do I need a degree or can I learn under the direction of a designer? I want to work in residential interior design. I’m a big hands-on learner & will do whatever it takes to get the basic skills in place to hit the ground running.

2. Does anyone know of any designers willing to take a chance & hire someone who’s heart and soul is enamored with interior design? I am a very quick learner, efficient and hard working, and a well-spoken, polished professional that puts a premium on phenomenal client service.

I would say that my personal design style is generally chic, modern & somewhat eclectic, while remaining refined & elegant. I love taking risks, and using color & unique finds. I am inspired by Sara Gilbane, Eric Hughes, and Richard Mishaan (to name a few). I also absolutely adore Jonathan Adler’s playfulness.

I would love any and all feedback/advice.

Sincerely,

Lauren

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Comments (3)

PRO
Lauren Jacobsen Interior Design
5 years ago
Hi Lauren,

Some firms require you have a certificate from ASID, some don't. Yes, you can learn from a residential interior designer and intern for a year or two. What I would do right here in Houzz is look up Pros in Los Angeles and start contacting them to see if they would have a place for you. If you intern, you will be learning and possibly not get paid. You may need another job to support yourself here and it is expensive in Los Angeles. You will need a car. Rent is easily $1,000 a month for a studio. UCLA has an extension program to receive all course work to receive an ASID certificate. You must take the NCIDQ test to receive the cert. It is a 2 year program, but good. Hope this helps.

Lauren
PRO
LaurenB Interiors LLC
Original Author
5 years ago
Thank you! I will give that a try. I’ve got a car & have been saving up a big cushion, so hopefully that helps. I also have past service industry experience so that may help fill the income gap during an internship ;)

Thank you for mentioning the UCLA program - I was looking at that, but wasn’t sure if it was considered to be a “good” program within the industry.

If you have any openings come up, please let me know :) - I love Toluca Lake!

Lauren
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PRO
LaurenB Interiors LLC
Original Author
5 years ago
Gorgeous work, btw.

Aspiring Designer - LA

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Lauren Jacobsen Interior Design

LaurenB Interiors LLC
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Aspiring Designer - LA

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Lauren Jacobsen Interior Design

LaurenB Interiors LLCOriginal Author

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LaurenB Interiors LLCOriginal Author

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LaurenB Interiors LLC
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LaurenB Interiors LLC
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