When I was starting my interior design business, there was no such thing as an interior design mentor! I started mentoring career changers and start-ups in my second year of business, helping aspiring designers get started in the industry specialising in E-Design and low risk services.

As my mentorship and reputation grew, I started to take on more experienced designers, including those who had been in business for a while but realised they were lacking in key skills, knowledge or weren’t coming across as professional.

Finding an interior design mentor can be a game-changer for your career, no matter whether you're trying to break into the industry, just starting out or looking to scale your design business. The interior design industry is competitive, and having someone by your side who has navigated the same challenges is the fastest, most cost effective and stress free way to success.

But with so many self-proclaimed mentors out there, how do you know who's the real deal? In this blog post, I'll guide you through exactly what to look for in an interior design mentor—someone who not only understands the industry but has the results to prove their success, and who is committed to helping you thrive.

Your interior design mentor should have a deep understanding of the industry, from trends and styles to the complexities of project management and client relations. It’s not just about being a great designer—mentorship requires insight into running a successful design business and navigating industry challenges.

But how can you prove they have this level of expertise and the industry insight to help your specific situation? Use my checklist below to help you make your decision.

One way to confirm a mentor’s industry knowledge is by checking their affiliations. I always suggest finding a mentor who is an active member of respected design bodies such as the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) or the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) —both of which I’m a member of.

These organisations have strict membership requirements, meaning your mentor has demonstrated a certain level of professional competence and adherence to industry standards. Plus, these memberships ensure they stay updated on the latest industry trends, legal requirements, continued professional development and best practices, which is essential for providing relevant and effective guidance.

When choosing an interior design mentor, one of the biggest concerns is whether they'll stick around. Sadly, we've seen many interior design business coaches and mentors rise quickly during the post-COVID "course creator" boom, only to disappear just as fast. Why? Because true mentorship is challenging. It requires not only deep industry knowledge but also the ability to consistently deliver results over time. 

A mentor who appears to be thriving but has no visible success stories or testimonials from other designers should raise red flags. It's not just about looking successful—it's about creating lasting impact for the people they mentor.

An effective interior design mentor is someone who not only claims they have expertise but has a clear track record of delivering real results. When considering a mentor, it's essential to look for evidence of their success in guiding other designers. This can come in the form of client testimonials, detailed case studies, or success stories from their past mentees.

You want to see concrete examples of how their mentoring has helped other designers reach specific milestones, whether that's increasing revenue, landing high-end clients, or scaling their business operations. It's not enough for them to say they can help—you need to see proof that their methods have worked for others in the same field. Real results show that their guidance is actionable, impactful, and tailored to the unique challenges interior designers face.

An interior design mentor should be able to provide concrete examples of how their mentoring has directly impacted their students’ careers. Ask to see testimonials from previous mentees or examples of businesses that have grown under their mentorship.

A mentor who has a track record of helping designers launch successful careers or grow profitable businesses is a good indication that they have the knowledge and expertise to guide you as well. They should be able to show that their mentees have taken what they've learned and turned it into real, sustainable success—this is the kind of proof you need before investing in a mentor.

If you haven’t seen our real student video testimonials (and their fabulous inspiring stories), you can check them out here: Interior Design Course Reviews

When seeking an interior design mentor, it’s important to find someone whose experience extends far beyond your current level of knowledge. You want a mentor who has not only celebrated the highs but also navigated the challenges and setbacks that inevitably come with running a design business. Much like in construction, where contractors are required to address defects within a set period after a project, a mentor should offer the same level of reliability and accountability.

Their experience should cover the complexities of the industry, from client management to handling legalities and project difficulties. This type of mentor will offer you practical, real-world advice, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies to tackle challenges effectively, professionally, and in a way that's tailored to your unique situation.

Many mentors promise grand results like hitting six figures simply by raising your prices, but any experienced designer knows that success involves much more than just pricing strategy. When choosing an interior design mentor, it’s crucial to ensure they’ve worked on projects of the scale and complexity you aspire to.

Mentorship should go beyond surface-level tactics—it requires the right combination of skills, business processes, and the ability to manage larger, more demanding projects. A mentor who has successfully led projects similar to what you envision will be able to guide you not just in scaling up but in developing the systems and expertise necessary to support that growth.

Be cautious of those who promise big results without the portfolio or testimonials to back them up; real mentorship is about much more than just increasing fees—it’s about building a sustainable, thriving design business.

If you haven’t seen my extensive portfolio yet, you can see snippets of it here: How To Build An Interior Design Or Architecture Portfolio (When You’ve Never Had A Client)

This is a critical factor and it’s something I’ve personally experienced. Some successful or well-known interior designers have benefited from external financial support—whether through partners, family wealth, or other sources of income unrelated to their interior design business. While this can create an image of success, it’s not always the full story.

Unless you’re in a similar financial situation, following advice from someone who had a large investment or significant financial backing might not give you the practical tools or strategies you need to grow your business. It’s essential to seek out an interior design mentor who has built their success from the ground up, relying on their expertise and business acumen, rather than external resources. This way, the advice and methods they share will be relevant and actionable for someone in your position.

I started my interior design business from nothing, making it an instant success, and I’ve now helped hundreds of designers do the same – no matter their background, past career or education.

A true interior design mentor is someone who is fully invested in your growth as a designer, not just someone selling a course to make a quick profit. Unfortunately, with the interior design industry being a multi-billion dollar market, many so-called mentors are more interested in cashing in on the demand for courses rather than offering meaningful guidance.

This kind of mentorship, where the mentor is actively engaged in your development, is invaluable and worth far more than any pre-packaged course alone.

You’d think this would be obvious, but I’ve spoken to many designers who’ve had mentors that made their journey harder, not easier. Unfortunately, some mentors feel the need to emphasise how difficult the industry is and create an environment of negativity. These individuals often project their own insecurities and frustrations, blaming others for their hardships instead of offering constructive support. Worse yet, they might be the same designers who had you work for them for free in the past.

A mentor should inspire, uplift, and motivate you, helping you find solutions rather than focusing on problems. Avoid mentors who drag you down and seek out those who genuinely want to see you succeed.

Interior design mentors who bring you down (unknowingly) can paralyse your success, unlike a mentor who is also professionally trained in life coaching (like myself) who can take your insecurities and turn them around to skyrocket your success.

The interior design industry is evolving rapidly, and designers must continually adapt to stay relevant. From the disintegration of trade-only accounts to the rise of E-design, AI, and clients finding "the same item cheaper online," the landscape today looks vastly different than it did even just a few years ago. In this fast-paced environment, you need an interior design mentor who is actively working in the field and staying ahead of these changes. Someone who had a business a few years ago but hasn’t kept up with these developments is likely out of touch with the current challenges designers are facing.

I often hear from designers who tell me, “I hired a coach who was great, but when it came to specific challenges, they couldn’t help.” This is a common problem when working with mentors who aren't actively involved in the interior design industry. Coaching or general business advice is one thing, but interior design is a complex field with numerous moving parts, and having a mentor who understands the specific demands of the industry is critical.

Without current, hands-on experience, a mentor may lack the insight needed to guide you through industry-specific challenges. Make sure your mentor is still actively designing or working within the field so they can offer you up-to-date advice that’s relevant and actionable.

In such a fast-moving industry, it’s essential that your interior design mentor stays current with trends and best practices. If they’re not actively working in the field, ask them how they stay informed. The interior design landscape isn’t just about aesthetics; it intersects with the construction industry, where laws and regulations are continuously updated.

Outdated knowledge can lead to costly mistakes—both legally and professionally. A mentor who isn’t in touch with the latest developments might give advice that no longer applies, which could ultimately put your business at risk. Always ensure that your mentor has mechanisms in place to keep their knowledge fresh and relevant, so you can trust the guidance you're receiving is accurate and up to date.

This may surprise you, but running a successful design business requires more than just design skills—it takes a deep understanding of both business strategy and personal growth. Let me tell you a story. When I first started my interior design and architecture business back in 2012, I already had over ten years of experience in the field and had earned multiple awards. Yet, even with all that, I quickly learned that navigating the business side of things required an entirely different set of skills so I not only hired my own business and life coach, I trained for a year to become one.

You need a mentor who understands this balance between creativity and technical knowledge, as well as personal and business skills; someone who can guide you through setting up systems, managing your finances, and developing a mindset for success whilst helping you heal those insecurities that are holding you back.

You need a mentor who understands both E-Design and Full Service design, even if you’re only planning to focus on one of these paths. It’s essential that your mentor has successfully generated a profit from both methods and can provide evidence of their success. Look for reviews of their services on platforms like Google, Houzz, or Facebook to verify their experience and client satisfaction.

Unfortunately, I see more and more mentors and coaches claiming they can teach you “interior design,” yet they lack the understanding of the key differences between E-Design and Full Service design. Without this knowledge, their guidance may not be as applicable to the specific service model you want to follow.

If you’d like to learn more about the differences between E-Design and Full Service, check out my post on how to provide interior E-Design services. How To Provide Interior E-Design Service

An interior design mentor should not only understand general business coaching principles but also the intricacies of running a successful interior design firm. Many mentors claim they can help you build your business, but if they lack firsthand experience in this industry, their advice may be too generic to be actionable.

The best interior design mentor will be able to guide you through not just the business side of things but also client relationships, manufacturer and supplier negotiations, and creative processes and having in depth knowledge of how the industry operates.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale up, you need a mentor who understands where you are in your journey. This means an interior design mentor should have experience with businesses at every level—from startups to well-established firms. They should offer you personalized guidance, providing specific advice on how to grow your interior design business, whether that means perfecting your processes, improving your client acquisition, or scaling up with a team.

This level of mentorship involves accountability—something crucial in the creative and often isolated world of interior design. It’s easy to fall behind or get lost in the details, but a committed mentor will keep you on track and motivated toward your goals and will be there when times get tough prepared with solutions and energy to help you over the hill.

Your mentor should not only offer wisdom but also open doors. An experienced interior design mentor will have a strong network of industry contacts—whether that’s suppliers, contractors, or clients—that can be incredibly valuable to your career. Having a mentor who introduces you to key people in the design world can give you opportunities you might not otherwise have access to.

With the amount of new interior design mentors popping up every day, choosing the right one has never been more confusing or complicated. Before you start your search, set your career goals and then go through this checklist from the post. Remember, that you’re investing more than knowledge. You’re investing in their support, experience, and guidance in navigating an ever-evolving industry.

By focusing on the above factors such as proven industry experience, active mentorship, and a network that can help open doors, you’re setting yourself up for success. An effective mentor will not only help you build your business but also provide you with the confidence and tools to thrive in the competitive world of interior design and help you to create a design business and career that you love.

Of course I run a mentorship program for start-up designers and career changers, but you might want something a little different than what I’m offering, so here is a list of mentors that I personally endorse. Please note that I am not affiliated and have not benefited from or been paid by referring these mentors. These are mentors I personally trust: