17 Interior Design Consultant Interview Questions and Answers

An interior design consultant helps clients choose furniture, color schemes, and other design elements to make a space attractive and functional. If you’re interested in becoming an interior design consultant, you need to be prepared to answer a variety of questions during your job interview.

Your potential employer will want to know if you have the necessary skills and experience to do the job. They’ll also want to know if you’re familiar with the latest trends in interior design and if you have a portfolio of previous projects to show them.

To help you prepare for your interview, we’ve compiled a list of sample questions and answers that you can use to practice your responses.

Are you familiar with the latest trends in interior design?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest trends in interior design. They want to know that you can use your expertise and creativity to create a beautiful space for their clients. In your answer, share two or three of the most recent interior design trends. Explain why these are popular and how they might be used in an interior design project.

Example: “I am always looking for new ways to incorporate color, texture and patterns into my designs. Two of the most popular trends right now are Scandinavian style and midcentury modern. Scandinavian style is characterized by clean lines, neutral colors and natural textures. Midcentury modern spaces often feature bold colors, geometric shapes and retro furniture. I love using both styles because they allow me to be creative while still creating functional spaces.”

What are some of the most important factors you consider when planning a space?

This question can help the interviewer understand how you approach your work and what skills you use to complete projects. Your answer should include a list of factors that are important to you, such as budget, timeline or client preferences.

Example: “I always consider my clients’ needs first when planning spaces. I also make sure to stay within their budgets and timelines for completing projects. In addition, I take into account the natural light in each space and try to incorporate it into the design. Finally, I pay attention to color schemes and textures to create cohesive designs.”

How do you help clients understand the impact of their design choices?

This question can help interviewers understand how you communicate with clients and the level of detail you go into when explaining design choices. Use examples from past experiences to show your communication skills, ability to simplify complex concepts and willingness to educate clients about interior design.

Example: “When working with a client who is making big decisions about their space, I try to explain each option thoroughly so they have a good understanding of what it will look like and how it will impact their daily life. For example, if they are choosing between two different types of flooring, I’ll talk through the pros and cons of each type and how it might fit in with the rest of the room’s decor.”

What is your process for helping clients make decisions about their space?

Interviewers may ask this question to learn more about your interior design process. They want to know how you help clients make decisions and what steps you take when working with them. In your answer, describe the steps you take in helping a client decide on their space. Explain that you will first meet with the client to understand their goals for the project. Then, you’ll research different options for the space and create several designs for the client to choose from.

Example: “I start by meeting with my client to get an idea of what they’re looking for in their space. I ask questions about their lifestyle and preferences so I can better understand what they’re hoping to achieve with the redesign. After our initial consultation, I do some research to find inspiration for the space. I then use these ideas to create multiple concepts for the client to consider.”

Provide an example of a time when you helped a client achieve their desired look and feel.

An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your interior design consulting skills. They want to know how you can help their clients achieve the look and feel they’re going for in a space. In your answer, try to describe how you helped your client make decisions that led to the final result.

Example: “When I first met with my last employer’s client, she wanted a very modern style for her living room. She had some ideas of what she liked, but we talked through different color schemes and materials. We decided on a gray, white and black theme with pops of red. The furniture was all mid-century modern pieces, which I found at an estate sale. It turned out beautifully.”

If a client wanted to achieve a specific look but their budget was limited, how would you help them stay within their means?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work within a client’s budget. In your answer, try to highlight how you would help the client stay within their budget while still achieving the look they want.

Example: “If a client wanted to achieve a specific look but their budget was limited, I would first determine what elements of the design are most important to them. For example, if they were looking for a modern style but also wanted to incorporate some natural elements, I might suggest using neutral colors with accent pieces in bright hues. This way, we can save money by not purchasing expensive materials like leather furniture or marble countertops.”

What would you do if a client brought you a piece of furniture that you didn’t think would work well in their space?

An interviewer may ask this question to assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work with clients. Your answer should show that you can collaborate with clients, communicate effectively and find solutions to problems.

Example: “I would first try to understand why the client chose that piece of furniture. I might ask them what they like about it or if there is a specific reason they want to include it in their design plan. Then, I would explain my concerns about how it will fit into the space and offer some alternatives. If the client still wants to use the original piece, I would come up with ways to make it work within the room’s existing elements.”

How well do you understand the capabilities and limitations of different types of furniture and decor?

This question can help the interviewer assess your knowledge of interior design and how you apply it to a client’s project. Use examples from past projects where you applied your understanding of furniture and decor to create an effective design for clients.

Example: “I have extensive experience working with different types of furniture and decor, including wood, metal, glass and fabric. I understand that each material has its own unique properties and limitations when it comes to durability, color options and other factors. For example, in my last role as an interior designer, I worked with a client who wanted to use metal accents throughout their home. I helped them choose the right type of metal based on their budget and style preferences so they could achieve the look they were going for.”

Do you have experience working with clients who are elderly or disabled?

This question can help interviewers understand how you adapt to unique situations and challenges. In your answer, try to highlight any specific skills or techniques that helped you work with these types of clients.

Example: “I have worked with many elderly and disabled clients throughout my career. I find it helpful to meet with them in their homes so they can show me what works for them and what doesn’t. This allows me to get a better idea of the client’s needs and preferences. It also helps me determine which features are most important to them and how we can incorporate those into the design.”

When planning a space, how do you determine the appropriate size and placement of furniture and other items?

This question can help an interviewer understand how you plan spaces and determine the best furniture placement. Use examples from your experience to explain how you make these decisions, including what factors you consider when making a decision about size and placement.

Example: “When determining the appropriate size and placement of furniture in a space, I first look at the client’s needs and wants for the room. For example, if they want to be able to host large dinner parties, then I would need to ensure there is enough seating for all guests. Next, I take measurements of the room to ensure that any furniture or other items I place are within the correct dimensions. Finally, I use my creativity to add color and style to the room while still ensuring it fits with the client’s vision.”

We want to help our clients achieve a specific look. What design style do you most identify with and why?

This question helps employers understand your design philosophy and how you approach a project. It also shows them what kind of results they can expect if you’re hired. When answering this question, be honest about the style that resonates with you most. Explain why it’s important to you and how it impacts your work.

Example: “I identify most with modernism because I love clean lines and simple designs. I find it rewarding to create spaces where people feel comfortable and inspired. In my last role, I worked on a client’s home who was looking for a more modern look. We decided to remove all the clutter from their living room and replace it with sleek furniture and neutral colors. The result was a space that felt calm and organized.”

Describe your process for helping clients choose paint colors and other decorative elements.

Interviewers may ask this question to understand how you apply your skills and expertise to help clients make important design decisions. In your answer, describe a specific process or method that you use when helping clients choose paint colors and other decorative elements for their projects.

Example: “I start by asking the client about their preferences and what they like in terms of color. I also ask them about any restrictions they have on certain colors or shades. Then, I pull up my computer program and show them several different palettes based on their preferences. From there, we narrow down the options until we find one that works best for them.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for an interior design consultant position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications for the role. They want to know what makes you a good fit for their company and how you can contribute to their team. Before your interview, make a list of all your skills and experiences that relate to the job description. Use these to answer this question by explaining why you are qualified for the position.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate for this position because I have five years of experience as an interior design consultant. During my career, I’ve worked with many clients who were looking for new ways to decorate their homes. I always listen to their needs and offer them solutions that work within their budgets. My communication skills also help me collaborate with other designers on projects.”

Which design software programs are you most familiar with?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of expertise with interior design software. If you’re applying for a position that requires you to use multiple programs, it’s important to mention all of them in your answer. You can also include any other relevant experience you have using these types of programs.

Example: “I’m most familiar with SketchUp and AutoCAD. I’ve used both extensively throughout my career as an interior designer consultant, including when I was working on a project where we needed to create 3D models of our designs so clients could see what their final product would look like. In addition to those two programs, I am also comfortable using Adobe Creative Suite.”

What do you think is the most challenging part of being an interior design consultant?

This question can help interviewers understand what you find challenging and how you approach challenges. Your answer can also show them your attitude toward the job, which is important for employers to know. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific challenge you’ve faced in the past and how you overcame it.

Example: “The most challenging part of being an interior design consultant is when clients don’t have a clear idea of what they want. I always try to make sure that my clients are as informed about their options as possible so that we can work together to create something that meets their needs. In these situations, I like to ask questions to get a better understanding of what they’re looking for and then offer suggestions based on their answers.”

How often do you think a space should be updated to stay current and in-style?

This question can help an interviewer understand your design philosophy and how often you think clients should update their spaces. Your answer can also show the interviewer whether or not you have a good understanding of current interior design trends. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention specific instances where you helped clients stay on top of interior design trends.

Example: “I believe that every space should be updated at least once every five years. This is usually enough time for a client to get used to a new style and decide if they want to keep it or change things up again. I always encourage my clients to take advantage of seasonal sales when updating their spaces so they can save money while still staying in-style.”

There is a trend toward open concept living areas in homes. How would you help clients transition from closed-off rooms to an open floor plan?

An interviewer may ask this question to gauge your ability to help clients make big decisions about their homes. Your answer should show that you can guide clients through the process of making a major change and ensure they’re comfortable with the results.

Example: “I would start by asking them what they like about closed-off rooms, such as bedrooms or kitchens. Then I’d ask them what they dislike about these spaces. For example, maybe they don’t like how far away from the living room they feel when in their bedroom. From there, I could suggest ways to open up the space without sacrificing privacy. For instance, we could add floor-to-ceiling windows to let more light into the room.”