Crafting Careers in Interior Design: A Journey with Maria Ramirez of BB Interiors

Interior design is a dynamic, multifaceted profession that blends art, architecture, and project management. For Maria Ramirez, founder of BB Interiors Design Studio, this career has been built on a mix of formal education, hands-on experience, and a lifelong love of art and design. Ramirez, who specializes in comprehensive interior architecture and design, shares her insights into the profession and offers guidance for those looking to make their mark in the field.

Finding a Passion in Interior Design

Ramirez’s journey to interior design began early. Growing up in Spain in a family that was hands-on in building and craftsmanship, she spent her childhood learning practical skills, assisting in workshops, and building with her grandfather. Later, she formally studied art history and architecture, with a particular focus on medieval architecture. This diverse background has equipped her with a broad appreciation for various design styles, from minimalism to maximalism, allowing her to create tailored designs that cater to her clients’ unique tastes. “We don’t have an in-house style,” she explains. “I love working with clients who come in with different tastes, from minimalist to maximalist. It’s about adapting to what they love.”

This adaptability has become a hallmark of BB Interiors, a studio that handles projects from start to finish, ensuring a seamless blend of architecture, design, and project management.

Building a Career in Interior Design: Experience Over Certification?

Ramirez’s career path highlights the value of both formal training and hands-on experience. Though she completed degrees in art history and interior design, she credits much of her design sensibility to real-world experience. For those looking to enter the field, Ramirez emphasizes that a career in interior design can be shaped through various paths. While there are formal interior design degrees and professional organizations, such as the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID), Ramirez notes that success in the field often comes down to the quality of work, the ability to learn, and a well-trained eye.

“Not everyone in the industry is registered with BIID, but it’s a useful standard,” she says. “What really matters is experience and the quality of your work.” This flexibility in career paths means that interior design is accessible to those willing to put in the time, whether through internships, self-study, or hands-on projects.

The Many Faces of Interior Design: Understanding the Scope

Interior design is often misunderstood as purely aesthetic—fluffing cushions or picking out colors. But as Ramirez explains, true interior design covers much more. From foundational interior architecture to intricate styling details, BB Interiors works on every aspect of a project. Interior architecture involves technical skills, such as floor layouts, lighting, and small power layouts, that affect the space’s function and structure. Ramirez’s team tackles technical designs, like joinery and bathroom layouts, alongside aesthetics, creating spaces that look beautiful and function seamlessly.

“It’s crucial to ask an interior designer about their scope,” she advises. “Interior designers often specialize; some focus on furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E) while others may excel in styling. My team and I do it all—from interior architecture and FF&E to the styling of the final space.” This range of expertise is what allows BB Interiors to oversee projects from the initial technical stages through to completion.

Is Interior Design Glamorous? The Reality Behind the Scenes

One of the common misconceptions about interior design is that it’s a glamorous profession filled with beautiful showrooms and chic decor. Ramirez is quick to dispel this myth. “While the final result may look glamorous, the reality of interior design is a lot of hard work—sourcing materials, coordinating deliveries, dealing with logistical challenges, and often working long hours on site,” she says. The glamorous veneer often belies the reality of schedules, budgets, and troubleshooting that designers manage to ensure a flawless end result.

Hiring for the Right Fit: What BB Interiors Looks for in Designers

As BB Interiors continues to grow, Ramirez has had to make hiring decisions that align with her studio’s values and needs. For her, hiring is about more than just technical skills or experience with specific software; it’s about finding someone with the right attitude and adaptability. “When hiring, I look for someone practical, with a good eye for design and an understanding of both the aesthetic and technical aspects of interior design,” she shares.

Ramirez also values hands-on experience, noting that some of her best hires have included people who’ve developed skills outside of formal training, like managing building projects or working with their hands. This, she says, provides a level of practicality and resilience that is invaluable in the fast-paced world of design.

Advice for Aspiring Interior Designers: How to Stand Out

Ramirez offers practical advice for anyone entering the field: apply widely and don’t be afraid to start small. “When you’re just beginning, apply everywhere—even places that might not align with your preferred style,” she advises. “It’s all about gaining experience and getting comfortable with the demands of the job.” She also encourages recent graduates to pursue internships, which can provide a crucial foot in the door and give junior designers a chance to develop a professional portfolio.

For Ramirez, building a career in interior design is about persistence and resilience. She recommends keeping an open mind and accepting entry-level roles that may not be ideal but will offer valuable experience.

The Impact of Technology and AI in Interior Design

As technology continues to shape industries, interior design is no exception. When asked about artificial intelligence (AI) in design, Ramirez shares that while AI can be a useful tool, especially for generating quick concepts, it still lacks the practical functionality required for real-world projects. “AI can create beautiful renderings, but they’re often unrealistic and impractical for actual projects,” she says. The limitations of AI-generated images, which are often generic, mean that sourcing real-world furniture and materials remains a challenge.

Though AI may assist with generating initial ideas or providing visual inspiration, Ramirez believes that it cannot replicate the intuition and expertise required for interior design. “Nothing can replace the trained eye of a designer. The balance of practicality and creativity is something only experience can bring,” she concludes.

Looking Forward: What’s Next for BB Interiors

Looking ahead to 2024, Ramirez is optimistic about the future of BB Interiors. With new projects, client relationships, and potential hires on the horizon, the year promises growth and evolution for her studio. She hints at prospective projects and new collaborations, as well as a possible expansion of her team. “I have some big plans and exciting partnerships in the pipeline,” she says. “But as always, I prefer to keep things flexible and roll with the opportunities as they come.”

For anyone interested in exploring a career in interior design, Ramirez’s story highlights the value of versatility, hands-on experience, and a commitment to continuous learning. As she continues to guide BB Interiors into a new chapter, her insights offer inspiration to those looking to make their mark in a field that is both challenging and deeply rewarding.

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