Why Ongoing Education Matters in Interior Design
As designers, we ask our clients to trust us with their homes — their comfort, their investment, their everyday life. That’s a responsibility I take seriously, and why I prioritize ongoing education and in-person research. I recently spent several days at High Point Furniture Market, the largest home furnishings trade show in the world, to sit on some furniture.
design is not static
Interior design is an evolving practice. Materials improve. Manufacturing standards shift. Sustainability claims get clearer (or murkier). If I want to specify products that are beautiful, functional, and ethically aligned, I need to stay informed.
At High Point, I had the opportunity to:
• Sit on hundreds of sofas and chairs
• Feel how comfortable a piece is, how it holds a human body
• Ask direct questions about frame construction and fill material options
• Learn what’s new in sustainable practices in the industry
• Identify vendors who can accommodate my cruelty-free standards
asking the right questions
When I walk into a showroom, I’m not just looking for style; I’m looking for substance.
I ask a lot of questions!
• Is the fill synthetic or natural? What kind? Is it recycled?
• What adhesives are used in the frame construction? What kind of finishes are applied?
• Is this piece made domestically? Are materials traceable?
• Is it customizable in terms of dimensions? How about vegan materials?
My clients trust that when I specify a product, it’s already passed the filter of performance, sustainability, ethics, and comfort. Going on market visits allows me to ensure that trust is not misplaced.
hands-on experience matters
After sitting on hundreds of sofas and chairs over a couple of days, you can better understand structure, comfort profiles, arm heights, foam density, spring tension, etc., and how these factors show up in real life.
This hands-on experience gives me the confidence to say,
“This is the sofa that’s going to work for your family, your pets, your movie nights, and your values.”
And that’s the kind of recommendation that can only come from doing the real, physical, sometimes exhausting, deeply rewarding work of researching, testing, and learning continuously.
why designer education benefits you
When you hire a designer, you’re not just hiring for taste. You want to know that this person is eager to learn, grow, and apply that knowledge to their thoughtful practice of design. I attend markets and study materials for your benefit. This helps me
• Source pieces that last
• Avoid products that greenwash
• Support vendors that share your values, and
• Create spaces that are as intentional as they are beautiful
You deserve a designer who is curious, informed, and invested. That’s the standard I hold for myself and for every project I take on.
