The ASID 2025 Interior Design Report just dropped some numbers that explain why your LinkedIn feed is full of designers announcing new solo ventures.
More interior designers are working for themselves than ever before, and the trend is accelerating fast. This isn’t just a few people striking out on their own. We’re talking about a real shift in how the profession works. Designers are leaving established firms to launch their own businesses, betting they can make more money and have more creative control by calling their own shots. The barriers to entry are lower than they used to be, thanks to digital tools and social media making it easier to find clients without a big firm’s name behind you.
Increased competition for established firms
For designers already in business, this means more competition. Everyone’s fighting for the same pool of clients, which is pushing people to specialize harder. General residential design isn’t enough anymore. You need a niche, whether that’s sustainable materials, historic renovation, or designing for specific demographics. The designers who figure out their angle early are the ones who book projects while everyone else scrambles.
What does the ASID 2025 interior design report mean for you?
If you’ve been thinking about redoing your home, reaching out to self-employed interior designers who are part of this growth trend has its pros and cons. A solo design firm creates more competition for the larger companies, and you will likely enjoy some interior design specialization, which will make your space unique. The interior design business trends that lead to more solo practitioners as the design industry entrepreneurship grows could mean you get what you really want with a smaller firm.
What are the advantages of small design firms?
Whether you’re thinking about hiring interior designers for your space or you want to work for a design firm that fits your career goals, there are some pros and cons of small and large firms. The ASID 2025 interior design report shows many talented designers branching out on their own.
A more personal touch
Smaller firms can often feel more flexible and nimbler, ensuring you have a team working closely with you to make changes and provide you with the attention you want during your project. There’s a good chance you’ll have the same designers working on your project during the entire process, which means continuity and a closer relationship.
Less turnover at small firms
Many large design firms have high turnover rates, which means you have several new people working on your project throughout the process. A smaller design firm won’t have the same turnover rate. In many cases, the owner is the designer and sometimes the project manager as well. This leads to consistency and the right amount of personal attention and responsibility throughout your project.
Your project means more
The personalization you want during your interior design project means much more to a small company than a large firm. Many large firms have their own way of doing things, adding a certain amount of the company’s traditional processes and strategies to the mix. A smaller company can be more flexible and focus on your needs much more than a large firm.
Much less red tape
The ASID 2025 interior design report shows many designers striking out on their own, and these designers don’t have to go through the same long-term process to get things approved and signed off. This means decisions can be made much faster, allowing your project to stay on schedule and move along at a desirable rate.
Disadvantages of working with smaller design teams
A small design team means fewer specialized skills where you might need them. They might have to partner with other firms to have the skills required to meet your needs. The ASID 2025 interior design report shows many designers branching out on their own, but when hiring a firm, you need to ensure they have the skills and expertise you need. Your project should not be the first that a team has done in your field, especially if you have specific needs.
Smaller design firms also won’t have the financial stability and security that a large firm brings to the table. A small firm might need more of the cost of the project up front, which means more of your money is tied up while the project takes place.
The ASID 2025 interior design report shows more competition and many smaller firms in the interior design world. If you need to work with an interior designer, ensure they have the expertise you need, but a small, solo-operator firm might be exactly what you need.
