Ever wondered what a day in the life of an interior designer looks like? Well this month I’m sharing with you a snipped into the BTS of Topology and my life as creative director of the business. So whether you’re just a little bit nosy or thinking about getting into the industry and want to know what to expect, I hope you enjoy this little ‘day in the life of’ post. Scroll down below to get a snapshot of an average day for me and what it’s like running a small but fast paced interior design business.
My day
7:30 AM: Early Start with the Dog or Gym
The day kicks off at 7:30 AM, and whether I’m walking the dog or hitting the gym depends on whether my partner can help out. Either way, it’s an essential start to clear my mind and prepare for the busy day ahead.
9:30 AM: Coffee, Emails & Team Check-in
By 9:30 AM, I’m at my desk with a strong coffee in hand. The team at Topology logs in around this time too, though we’ve got flexi hours and can start anytime between 8:30 and 9:45. I spend this time clearing out emails and checking in on our weekly targets to make sure we’re all aligned. These early moments are crucial for getting organized before diving into client work.
10:30 AM: Team Catch-Up (Tuesdays)
On Tuesdays, we have a weekly catch-up on Zoom. It’s our chance to touch base on ongoing projects, timelines, and any tricky issues that need sorting. After the meeting, it’s straight into the main event – client work or site visits, depending on the day.
11:00 AM: Client Work or Site Visit
Once the admin is done, I jump into client work for the rest of the day. This could be anything from designing a mood board for a new project to sourcing materials or managing budgets. If it’s a site visit day, I’ll be off to check on progress, making sure everything’s running smoothly and on schedule. Today, I’m heading over to check on some custom cabinetry being fitted – fingers crossed it’s looking as good as we planned!
2:00 PM: Quick Lunch (and Instagram Updates!)
Lunch is quick – a sandwich or salad at my desk, where I’ll usually catch up on social media or respond to a few more emails. I often take this time to update Topology’s Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes shots or recent project reveals to keep our followers in the loop.
3:00 PM: More Client Work
The afternoon is all about focusing on client projects. Whether I’m finalizing layouts, reviewing samples, or managing the finer details like socket placements or lighting options, this is where the bulk of the design magic happens. Right now, I’m knee-deep in a kitchen redesign, playing with different materials and finishes to give it that wow factor.
6:30-7:00 PM: Wrapping Up the Day
By 6:30 or 7:00 PM, I start to wind down, closing out emails and tying up any loose ends for the day. The to-do list is never-ending, but I try to end the workday on a high, ready for whatever tomorrow throws at me.
7:30-8:00 PM: Dinner & Downtime
Dinner is around 7:30 or 8:00 PM, something home-cooked like chicken, broccoli, and bacon pasta. I love to cook, and it’s the perfect way to relax after a busy day. After dinner, I’ll either binge-watch a show (currently hooked on Vanderpump Rules) or treat myself to a bit of pampering.
0:00 PM: Late-Night Inspiration
Evenings are for unwinding, but sometimes inspiration strikes late. If I’ve got an idea brewing, I’ll jot down some notes or sketch out layouts before bed. Creativity knows no schedule, and I’ve learned to embrace those late-night bursts of genius!
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Being an interior designer means no two days are the same. From client meetings to site visits and squeezing in some personal time, it’s a constant balancing act – but one I wouldn’t trade for anything. Running Topology Interiors is a challenge, but it’s also incredibly rewarding to see dream spaces come to life.
