Before I decided to pursue my passion as an interior designer and launch Elevated by Sam Vanek, I spent 8 years as a Business Analyst and Project Manager in the software design industry.
As a Business Analyst and Project Manager, I spent most of my time meeting with Stakeholders, listening to what their paint-points were with current software solutions, and finding the best solution to eliminate those pain-points and streamline their work. I would spend most of my day working with my team of architects and developers designing the solution, and writing incredibly detailed and organized software and functionality requirements. There was zero room for interpretation.
You wouldn't think that being a Business Analyst/Project Manager in Software Development would translate over to an Interior Designer. But I’ve found that my previous career taught me so many skills that make me a better interior designer! Thanks to my background as a Business Analyst, I am incredibly detailed in everything I do, especially interior design! And through onboarding, layout planning, design concept, execution, and all the little things in between, there is no stone left unturned. I triple check everything, I am actively looking for what could be a possible pain-point with the layout and design. The obvious reason we hire Interior Designers is to bring beauty into our homes, but what good does that beauty do if it's not functional and actively interfere's with your daily life!
Here are three skills that I mastered as a Business Analyst/Project Manager that I bring to my Interior Design work everyday:
Being Organized!
Being an interior designer requires juggling a lot of moving pieces:
I’m often working on 4 projects at the same time.
I manage client communication, vendor relationships, design & styling, furniture orders, specifications and execution, revisions, a warehouse, and timelines (truly the list never ends)!
I collaborate with contractors, architects, and tradespeople to ensure all our projects run smoothly (this is literally Project Management!).
If I weren’t organized, there’s no way I could provide the level of quality and customer service that our clients deserve, and deliver the type of results that I do.
Seeing the Big Picture!
Being able to visualize a beautiful space is important, but that’s not the only type of “vision” I use in my work. I also think big picture when it comes to:
Planning my business services and how I can best serve my Clients and fulfill all their needs.
Building my team.
Understanding how my Clients homes can work for them.
Collaborating with contractors and other professionals on complex projects.
Having a beautiful design and layout is only one half of the coin - equally as important is if the proposed design and layout is going to be functional, and make your life easier!
Strategic Problem-Solving!
When I worked as a Business Analyst/Project Manager, it was my literal job to identify problems before they arose! I learned to look at all angles of a solution, all of the possible use cases, and most importantly, I learned to future-proof the solution. Interior design is full of challenges, especially when it comes to functional space planning and being entrusted with our clients’ homes. I often need to:
Solve space planning puzzles.
Design custom cabinetry or millwork.
Choose furniture, textiles, and finishes that work together beautifully.
Work within a set budget to achieve a client’s desired outcome.
Easily adapt and be flexible when things don't go to plan, and quick to provide a solution
My path from a Business Analyst/Project Manager (what a mouth-full!) to interior designer has been a unique one, and it’s also been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. The skills I bring from my days in software development make me better at what I do and allow me to provide my clients with seamless project management, thoughtful designs and creative solutions.
If you’re looking for an interior designer who brings organization, big-picture thinking, and strategic problem-solving to each and every project, let’s connect!
With Gratitude,
Sam Vanek
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