I’m so pleased to share a collaboration I recently worked on with the team at QC Design School — an in-depth guide on how upcoming interior designers can build a truly winning portfolio. In the post, I partnered with Sarah Cavanagh, drawing from my experience both as a designer and as a mentor, to offer guidance and actionable steps.
For me, this was a special opportunity to give back to the interior design and decorating industry and share the real-world wisdom I’ve gathered over the years, especially for those of you who are just starting out and transitioning from student to professional.
We discuss how your portfolio should be seen as a living document of your best work, your design philosophy, and your approach. It’s about being intentional with what you show, telling the story behind each project, and aligning it with the type of clients and work you want to attract.
A great portfolio shouldn’t only highlight what you’ve done in the past, it should also communicate the value and passion you’ll bring to every project in the future.
We covered everything from choosing your strongest projects to the power of before-and-after photos, but the main takeaway is simple: your portfolio is your most powerful marketing tool. It should tell a story that goes deeper than just the finished space. Long after a project is complete, clients remember how it felt to work with you, and that’s the story your portfolio should convey. I approach every project as a mini case study, sharing the client brief, the challenges, and the creative solutions we developed together.
A huge thank-you to Sarah and the QC Design School team for including me and for their ongoing support of emerging design talent.
If you are an upcoming designer looking for practical steps, expert tips, and a full breakdown of how to build a portfolio that attracts your ideal client, this one is for you!