Oana Jackson
Oana Jackson is an RIBA registered architect and interior designer trained at the Architectural Association and KLC School of Design.
The Interior Design Business Blueprint: Your first design commissions with Oana Jackson
Ref: D1H38389
About this course
This course guides new designers through their first client projects – from first contact to signed contract. Learn how to prepare, meet clients, price your work and confidently close your first interior design commissions.
Course Description
Design. Build. Scale. The Interior Design Business Blueprint. A comprehensive roadmap to launching and running your own profitable interior design practice.
Your first design commissions: Gain the confidence, structure and tools to navigate your first real client projects.
Transitioning from student or design enthusiast to working designer can feel overwhelmingbut this course is designed to make your first steps into the professional world clear, structured and achievable.
During this course, you'll learn what it really takes to get a project off the ground - from initial contact to signed contract. This module breaks down the early stages of client work into manageable, logical steps, giving you a roadmap to follow and templates to guide you.
We begin with where to start: how to prepare for your first job, what questions to ask and what red flags to watch for. Youll then learn how to approach and conduct that all-important first client meeting - how to present yourself, ask the right questions and begin building trust and rapport.
Youll also gain a practical understanding of how to prepare a professional fee proposal, including scope of work, timelines and pricing strategies that protect your time and ensure clarity for the client. Finally, well walk you through the art of closing the deal - how to follow up, secure sign-off and set the tone for a smooth working relationship.
Packed with real-world insight, this course helps demystify the process of landing and managing your first design commissions. With guidance, structure and downloadable tools, you'll leave feeling prepared - not panicked - to take on paying projects.
By the end of this course, you'll know how to pitch, propose and land your first interior design job like a pro.
Course Materials
Included
- All printed materials will be supplied by the College.
What students need to bring
- Pens and a notebook
- A real-case scenario you have come across in your professional or student capacity when dealing with a client/project/contractor
Timetable
Student registration: 9.30am - 10am
Course teaching: 10am - 2.30pm
Morning teaching: 10am - 12.30pm
Lunch break: 12.30pm (lunch is not included)
Teaching finishes: 2.30pm
General Information
Short courses are open to anyone aged 18 and over. The course fee covers tuition and materials where stated. You will need to bring all other items listed under the Materials to bring section.
Refreshments
Coffee and tea are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you to eat in the refreshments room. There are also plenty of other local venues to purchase food.
Access
If you have any specific access needs, we will need to know about your access requirements in advance. Please tell us about your needs in confidence by emailing: [email protected] This venue has steps to the front reception, with limited access via a side gate to the ground floor. There is a small lift to higher floors or stairs.
Safety
Short course students are required to sign a safety compliance form as part of West Dean Health and Safety regulations.
Refunds and cancellations
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
Disclaimer
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, West Dean College reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Terms & Conditions
Tutors
