The interior design and architecture industry is facing a reckoning. Long seen as a desirable and creative profession, behind the curated Instagram feeds and stunning project portfolio shots, many interior designers are struggling with burnout, low pay, and toxic workplace culture. A recent Dezeen survey uncovered a harsh reality: one in five design professionals is actively looking for a way out.
While interior design is often perceived as a glamorous profession, the reality behind the scenes is often vastly different. Many designers find themselves grappling with unpaid overtime, unrealistic client demands, and limited career progression. If these issues persist, we may witness a significant talent drain in the coming years as the industry risks losing some of its best talent.
The Price of Passion
Despite the challenges, Dezeen‘s survey found that 73% of respondents still enjoy their jobs. Creativity, problem-solving and passion fuel the industry, but at what cost? The love for design keeps many professionals going, but long hours, financial insecurity, and workplace toxicity are pushing others to the brink. Let’s look at the numbers.
Unpaid Overtime is the Norm, Not the Exception
Two-thirds of surveyed professionals admit they regularly work beyond their contracted hours—without extra pay. Some even have unpaid overtime written into their contracts. This isn’t just unfair; it’s a recipe for burnout.
Passion Doesn’t Pay the Bills
Designers pour their energy into projects, yet only 29% of survey participants feel fairly compensated and nearly half believe they are underpaid. With student loans, rising living costs, and the need to invest in professional development, many designers find themselves working tirelessly for wages that fail to reflect their skill and dedication.
A Toxic Culture
More than half of surveyed designers (61%) have experienced or witnessed bullying, belittling, or excessive criticism in the workplace. For women and minorities, the numbers are even worse, with reports of sexism, discrimination, and systemic bias and nearly half of all female respondents citing sexism or misogyny at work. No one should have to sacrifice their well-being to succeed in their career.
These statistics paint a stark picture of an industry where stress, financial insecurity, and poor management often overshadow the passion that drew designers to the field in the first place.
Are We Facing a Talent Crisis?
The most alarming takeaway from Dezeen’s findings? A significant chunk of the workforce is considering an exit strategy.
Only 26% of surveyed professionals say they’re in this for the long haul. Another 20% are actively planning a career change, and nearly a quarter remain undecided about their future. That means almost half of the industry is in flux.
Where are they going? Many are shifting to adjacent fields like branding, marketing, and digital design—where pay is better, work-life balance is respected, and toxic office dynamics aren’t the norm. If this trend continues, the industry could face a massive talent drain, making it harder for design firms to maintain high standards and a culture of innovation.
How to Fix a “Broken” Industry
If the industry is to retain its best talent, urgent changes are needed. Here’s where firms—and designers—need to start:
Pay Designers What They’re Worth
Low pay is one of the biggest reasons designers leave. Firms must rework salary structures and ensure fair compensation. Designers should also advocate for themselves, negotiate salaries, and demand contracts that respect their time. Passion is important, but it shouldn’t mean accepting financial instability.
Stop Letting Clients Take Advantage
Endless revisions, unpaid changes, and unreasonable demands? It’s time to put a stop to them. Firms and designers alike need to set clear boundaries, enforce contracts, and educate clients about the value of design work. If the industry keeps bending over backward for unrealistic expectations, designers will continue paying the price.
Fix Toxic Culture
A workplace that fosters creativity shouldn’t be one where designers feel belittled, overworked, or discriminated against. Firms must implement zero-tolerance policies for toxic behavior, actively promote diversity and inclusion, and support employee well-being. The industry can’t afford to keep pushing talented professionals out due to poor leadership and outdated attitudes.
Create Real Career Growth Opportunities
Many designers feel stuck, with limited chances to grow. Firms need to invest in leadership training, mentorship programs, and continuing education. Designers, in turn, should expand their skill sets in areas like business, technology, or project management to open new doors and future-proof their careers.
The Future of Interior Design
Dezeen’s survey is a wake-up call. If firms don’t take action, the industry could lose a generation of talented professionals to fields that offer better pay, respect, and work-life balance.
For designers, this is a moment of reflection. While challenges persist, there are opportunities to shape a better future—whether by advocating for change within firms, setting boundaries with clients, or even exploring new career directions. Change is possible—but only if more people push for it. Whether it’s demanding fair pay, setting clearer boundaries, or calling out toxic work environments, the future of interior design depends on those who refuse to accept the status quo.
So, what’s next for you? Have you faced similar challenges in your career? Will you be staying and fighting for better conditions… or looking for a way out? Have your story be heard! Contact interiordesign@industry411.com to share your story and expertise!
