You may have a creative eye and experience in professional design. But knowing how to start an interior design business requires another spark—entrepreneurship.
We’re experts on the topic at IE School of Architecture & Design in Madrid. So, to help bring you up to speed, we’ve compiled some must-know points that blend interior design and business acumen.
Let’s get into it.
Is an interior design business profitable?
First and foremost, you want to know if starting your own interior design business is a good idea. The answer: It can be.
When done well, you’re offering a range of sought-after services. They should focus on transforming spaces into functional, attractive environments tailored to clients’ lifestyles and needs. As an interior design business, you’ll be developing detailed plans covering layout, color schemes, furniture, lighting and decor. And that can be for both residential and commercial interiors.
Pricing for interior design varies depending on your location, project scope and complexity.

You can source income through initial consultations to full design plans. You may also charge a commission on furniture and decor purchases, and additional services like project management and renovations will push experienced designers up to high-end income. Many interior design businesses also boost profitability by diversifying income through workshops, collaborations with architects, virtual consultations and event rentals.
How to create an interior design business plan?
You don’t want to go about investing your money before you have a solid interior design business plan to match your ambition.
To help give you a solid basis, here are six key areas.
1. Market research
A good first step for your interior design business is clear market analysis. This will help you understand your competition, target audience and any local industry trends. Research the interior design market in your area and analyze competitors. You’ll be able to gather demographic info on your ideal clients and see how you can stand out among other interior design businesses—where they do well, where they don’t and pricing.
2. Operations
This is important. Your operations plan covers the practical side of running your interior design business. So, that includes your equipment, staffing, location and workspace. It’s imperative that your location fits your target market and that your space supports your service and needs. This will also throw some light on what tools or tech you’ll need in the long run.
3. Finances
Another very important point. The financial plan is a key part of your interior design business strategy, since it outlines how you’ll manage money to ensure stability and growth. Take time to estimate startup costs, ongoing expenses, revenue projections and profit goals. Definitely reach out to a professional to help get this financial plan in shape. While you’re at it, make a clear plan of where your initial funding comes from to keep cash flow steady. That could include personal savings, loans or investors.
4. Marketing
Once you’ve covered the basics, you’ll want to think of an interior design business name that reflects your brand. It should speak to your target audience while being easy to remember—keep it short and don’t use numbers or symbols. You’ll also want to check you can include it in a web domain. Lock in the name, register your business, and use that as a basis for a strong marketing plan. You can use online ads, social media, a website and traditional channels for digital marketing. But don’t forget about offline marketing, either. Whatever your method for market expansion, remember to have consistent branding with a well-designed logo and visual identity.
5. Executive summary
The executive summary brings all of these elements together to give a quick overview of what your business is all about. It should be short, clear and engaging to grab attention. This document is especially important when looking for investment, and should include:
a) A brief description of your interior design business
b) Your mission statement and vision
c) A summary of your target market and competitors
d) An outline of your marketing and growth strategies
e) Key financial projections and any funding you’ll need
How much does it cost to start an interior design business?
Startup costs tend to be lower for service-based businesses. That said, you want to set a good chunk of funds apart for the first steps. Don’t try to do legal contracts yourself unless you’re educated on the topic. And seek advice from accounting experts so they can help you forecast spending.
It may cost anywhere between a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands to start your interior design business.

Really, it depends on whether your business is digitized, and the ambition of the project. We’ll set out a few common money drains, but our advice is to be very serious about starting your business. While the interior design industry is growing and can be profitable, success depends on investing wisely for long-term growth.
The costs of each will depend entirely on where you’re operating from, but these are key areas to address when putting together your financials.
1. Consulting
Professional consulting is a vital startup cost that protect your business and ensure you operate legally and professionally.
2. Registering your business
Choosing the right business structure requires legal and financial advice, licenses and setup fees.
3. Legal
Investing in lawyer-drafted contracts is crucial for protecting your business, avoiding legal risks and building client trust.
4. Insurance
Interior design insurance can cost a lot, and on an annual basis. So get expert advice and compare quotes to choose the right coverage for your needs.
5. Accounting
You’ll need a monthly budget for bookkeeping software and an annual budget for an accountant to manage finances and taxes efficiently.
6. Branding
You should invest in professional design software like SketchUp to create polished drawings and present your work competitively and professionally. While DIY branding with tools like Canva is possible, investing in professional design early on can create a stronger, more polished brand that helps your business stand out.
7. Software
When starting out, you can manage projects with free tools like Notion or Excel, so there’s no need to invest in project management software right away.
8. Website
You can build your own website using tools like Squarespace for a few hundred dollars a year, saving thousands on outsourced design.
9. Email address
A custom domain email costs just a few dollars a month and makes your business look professional and trustworthy.
Great interior design businesses to get you inspired
There are plenty of great interior design businesses that are operating at global levels. So, to help you get inspired, we’ve compiled five of our favorites. They’re a great point of reference and can help you hone your vision in the long term.
1. Gensler
Gensler was founded in 1935 by Art and Drue Gensler. It’s now a global leader in design, with designs in airports, retail, offices and education. They put a strong emphasis on innovation and user experience, creating impactful environments that set industry standards.
2. Kobi Karp
Kobi Karp is a must-know for luxury and glamour. His firm specializes in high-end resorts and corporate spaces, with collaborators like Hyatt, Hilton and Wyndham. Check them out if you want to see elegant pieces with a sense of sophistication.
3. IA Interior Architects
IA specializes in brand-forward, visually striking spaces that stand out on social media by blending modern technology with sleek design principles. Their minimalist yet bold interiors demonstrate how simplicity can create smart, stylish environments that capture attention.
4. Smallwood
For over forty years, Smallwood has crafted sustainable, award-winning spaces known for their thoughtful and modern design, earning prestigious honors like IIDA’s “Best of the Best.” Their hospitality projects seamlessly blend comfort, elegance, and eco-consciousness, creating lasting impressions.
5. HOK
HOK is a recognized architecture firm with global influence. Their history of innovation and commitment to sustainability sets them apart, with an interior design style that creates multidimensional, experiential environments. If you’re thinking of starting an interior design business with serious reach, HOK is a great reference.
Study our Master in Interior Design
A key step towards starting your own interior design business is ensuring you’ve got a base of technical knowledge. As such, you may want to consider our Master in Interior Design. Based in Madrid, the program lasts 10 months and blends hands-on design with business strategy, entrepreneurship and sustainability.
By the end, you’ll be able to create beautiful spaces that have real impact, understanding interior design for business purposes.

We’ll guide you through core topics like lighting, ergonomics, space storytelling and eco-conscious materials. You’ll also manage real-world projects while exploring creative intersections with art, film, social media and tech.
Are you a bold thinker? Still wondering how to start your own interior design business with lasting success? Follow the link below and start your journey today.
Understand how to start an interior design business with a master’s degree
Become a true entrepreneur with IE School of Architecture & Design.

Benjamin is the editor of Uncover IE. His writing is featured in the LAMDA Verse and Prose Anthology Vol. 19, The Primer and Moonflake Press. Benjamin provided translation for “FalseStuff: La Muerte de las Musas”, winner of Best Theatre Show at the Max Awards 2024.
Benjamin was shortlisted for the Bristol Old Vic Open Sessions 2016 and the Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize 2023.