MWA's Maryanne Keeling shares practical tips for launching your career in workplace design, from building portfolios to mastering essential software in London's competitive fit-out industry.
How to Start a Career in Interior Design
by Maryanne Keeling, Designer
Interior design combines creativity with functionality,spanning from residential spaces to commercial environments. One of the fastest-growing areas is commercial interior design, especially office fit outs and design & build projects.
Having worked at MWA for four years, I’ve seen firsthand how this boutique design and build firm delivers everything from traditional offices to flexible work spaces, managing projects from concept to completion operating across London and the Thames Valley.
If you’re interested in starting a career focused on workplace interiors within a hands-on design & build setting, here’s how to get started.
Learn the Role of a Commercial Interior Designer
Office designers plan layouts, integrate workplace strategy,ensure compliance with safety regulations, and coordinate with contractors, especially in design & build environments where you're involved from initial brief to final handover.
I first discovered my passion for design and build during a summer internship between my first and second year at university. It was my first real exposure to the office design industry, and I was immediately drawn to the idea of designing for public and professional spaces rather than residential ones. What excited me most was the creative freedom commercial design often allows for bolder concepts and more innovative solutions.
Study the Industry
Stay current with trends in hybrid work spaces, wellness design, and sustainability. Follow platforms like Mix Interiors and Dezeen and review real-world case studies of successful fit outs. Knowing how design influences productivity and company culture gives you an edge.
One trend I’ve been particularly inspired by is the merging of hospitality and workplace design. In today’s hybrid work culture, offices are evolving into more relaxed, experience-led environments, borrowing elements from hotels, cafes, and lounges to make people want to be there. These kinds of flexible, hospitality-inspired layouts not only support informal collaboration but also contribute to employee well-being and brand identity.
I applied this concept in one of MWA’s most recent project for Grosvenor, where I focused on designing a workplace that feels as welcoming and comfortable as it is functional. Drawing from hospitality design, introducing soft seating zones that encourage informal meetings and quiet focus, ambient feature lighting in tea points, and a palette of natural materials like timber, stone,textured fabrics and colourful artwork. The result is a space that doesn’t feel like conventional office.
Build Skills and Use the Right Tools
Whether through a degree or self-study, mastering the fundamentals is essential. Learn software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and rendering programs, use tools like Adobe InDesign for presenting ideas.
I started learning SketchUp early on because it’s an intuitive and user-friendly program, making it easy to pick up even as a beginner. It’s a fantastic tool for visualizing your designs in 3D, which really helps bring ideas to life and communicate them clearly to clients and collaborators.
At MWA, we produce most of our visuals in-house. This gives us more flexibility to explore ideas visually and adapt them as projects evolve. It also helps keep communication clear and consistent, especially when working with clients who may not be familiar with technical drawings. Creating our own visuals means we can better express the character and atmosphere of a space and make design intent more accessible throughout the process.
Create a Commercial-Focused Portfolio
Even without client work, create concept office designs to showcase your skills. Re-imagine co-working spaces or small office layouts, and include mood boards, space plans, and 3D renders.
I started building my portfolio in university, showcasing the projects I had completed and focusing on telling a clear story behind each one. I also reached out to companies early, before graduation, to get ahead of the post-grad application rush, which gave me a strong head start.
Since joining MWA, I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects for clients like Sotheby’s, Brentford FC, Cartier, and Grosvenor. Being involved in such a diverse range of work has added real depth to my portfolio, each project pushing me to think differently and refine how I communicate ideas visually.
Understand the Fit-Out Process
Knowing how a project moves from concept to completion helps you work more effectively with the build team. Learn about workplace strategy,procurement, installation, and snagging so you can contribute beyond just the visual elements.
Working on-site with contractors gave me a much clearer understanding of how design plans translate into real construction. Watching the trades in action highlighted the importance of practical experience, clear communication, and designing with build-ability in mind. It’s the kind of hands-on learning that university can’t fully teach, but it’s invaluable when working in the industry.
For example, on the Brentford project, I was involved from the initial concept stage right through to completion. This full-cycle experience gave me a comprehensive view of how each phase connects, and working regularly on-site allowed me to engage directly with contractors and tradespeople. Seeing the physical space take shape reinforced the importance of detail and adaptability in design, as well as the value of collaboration across all teams involved.
Network and Gain Experience
Connect with fit-out firms, commercial agents, and suppliers on LinkedIn. Attend design expos like Clerkenwell Design Week. Look for internships or assistant roles, even entry-level positions offer a learning opportunity.
I’d highly recommend seeking out an internship or entry-level role early on, it can make a huge difference. In my case, I happened to drive past a design company, looked them up, and decided to reach out. That simple step led to a summer role where I gained hands-on experience working with suppliers and learned how the design and build process really works. It was a small opportunity that became a big step in building my confidence and understanding of the industry.
Final Tip: Start Where You Are
You don’t need to wait for a perfect opportunity. Create concept projects, reach out to professionals for advice, and share your work online. The workplace design industry values creativity, initiative, and people who understand how design supports the way we work.
By investing in quality education, building a portfolio,developing professional relationships, and understanding the specific needs of your target market, you can establish yourself in this rewarding and dynamic field.