Aman Garcha
“Design is a technical discipline with a science behind it”: Aman Garcha on being taken seriously
Aman kicked off her interior design career with projects for friends and family before catching clients' eyes on Instagram. From there, she hasn’t looked back, laying down the foundations for a solid business. Along the way, she’s learnt the importance of the people around her: whether through networking, learning from an experienced mentor, or just talking openly about her business, it all pays off over time. From battling undervaluation to keeping on top of finances, Aman shares her tips for making it as a creative business owner.
This article was created in partnership with Mastered, which exists to support creatives in the new world of work. Mastered offers free, practical programmes designed around real working conditions, with mentorship and coaching to help creatives build sustainable careers.
About my work
What I do
I design beautiful, functional spaces.
My influences and inspirations
I find inspiration everywhere. A visit to a restaurant or coffee shop often sparks new ideas, and I’ve built up a library of thousands of design magazines over the years. I’m also constantly exploring design accounts on Instagram, keeping a close eye on emerging trends and timeless details. My style is contemporary with a timeless twist, and I strongly believe in preserving the character of a building while thoughtfully making it your own.
Is training important to your role?
Training is important to an extent; it plays a crucial role in learning how to produce technical drawings, lighting and electrical plans, and 3D designs. However, no amount of training can teach someone to truly see a space in the right way. Not everyone has a natural eye for design or the ability to visualise how a room will come together.
I believe successful designers need both creative talent and a solid foundation of training. If you’re naturally creative, have a strong eye for design and can instinctively shape a space to be both beautiful and functional, technical skills can always be outsourced if needed.
A normal day usually looks like…
A typical day usually starts with getting the kids ready and dropping them off at school. Once I’m back at my desk, I catch up on emails and admin, post on social media — usually Instagram Stories — and then get stuck into design work.
That said, no two days are ever the same. Some days involve site visits or sourcing materials, while others are spent entirely at my desk developing designs and working with clients.
“Design isn’t just about plumping cushions or choosing curtains; it’s a highly technical discipline with a real science behind it.”
How I got here
How I landed my first few jobs, clients, commissions…
I started by doing free projects for friends and family and sharing the results on Instagram. At the same time, I set up my website to build credibility and showcase my work. My first paying client came through Instagram — she had just bought a Victorian flat in London and needed help furnishing it and making the space feel like her own.
Your biggest challenge along the way?
My biggest challenge to date has been securing the right clients. Interior design is a premium service, yet many people expect it to come at a budget price - it simply doesn’t work that way. Design isn’t just about plumping cushions or choosing curtains; it’s a highly technical discipline with a real science behind it.
Good design requires logic, scale and proportion, intelligent space planning and well-considered lighting and electrical layouts. It also involves problem-solving, risk reduction and making sure a space functions properly for the people using it - not just that it looks good. Clients aren’t only paying for style; they’re investing in expertise, experience, technical knowledge and the ability to avoid costly mistakes.
When that value isn’t fully understood, it can sometimes lead to mixed expectations around fees and what’s actually involved. The clients who tend to get the best results are the ones who see professional design as a long-term investment, rather than a quick cost-saving exercise.
“Sometimes you don’t need more information; you need perspective from someone who’s already walked the path.”
Three things I’ve found useful in my career:
- Your network is your net worth: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that opportunities often come from people you already know. Talking openly about your business helps spread the word naturally - friends, past colleagues, clients and even casual contacts start to think of you when someone mentions needing a designer.
This isn’t about hard selling, it’s about staying visible, building genuine relationships and letting people understand what you actually do and who you help. Over time, those conversations turn into referrals, collaborations and unexpected opportunities. - Keep learning every day: The industry moves quickly - new software, new materials, changing client expectations and evolving ways of working. I make learning part of my daily routine by listening to business and interior design podcasts, exploring new tools and refining how I work.
Small, consistent learning keeps your skills sharp and your thinking fresh. It also helps you stay confident when advising clients because you’re aware of what’s possible and what’s coming next, not just what worked five years ago. - Find a coach or mentor: Having a mentor has been invaluable for me. She’s been in the interior design industry for years and has real-world experience of growing a business - the wins, the mistakes and everything in between. Her guidance helped me level up my services, refine my offering and make smarter decisions with confidence.
Sometimes you don’t need more information; you need perspective from someone who’s already walked the path. A good mentor shortens your learning curve and helps you avoid costly missteps.
My greatest learnings when it comes to making money and supporting myself as a creative have been…
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of keeping on top of my finances. I make a habit of saving all my receipts and logging my expenses every month, rather than letting everything pile up and become a headache later on.
Doing this little and often keeps things organised and makes self-assessment far less stressful when January rolls around. Instead of scrambling through bank statements and emails, everything is already in order, which saves time, reduces errors and gives me a much clearer picture of how the business is actually performing. It also helps with better decision-making: when you understand your numbers, you can plan investments, manage cash flow and grow with confidence rather than guesswork.
“One lesson I’ve learned the hard way is how important it is to separate emotion from business.”
My advice
Best career-related advice you’ve ever received?
My husband always tells me, “It’s business, not personal.” One lesson I’ve learned the hard way is how important it is to separate emotion from business. When you run your own business, it’s deeply personal - you’ve built it from the ground up, poured your time and energy into it, and naturally feel protective of it. It’s your baby, so it’s easy to take feedback, negotiations or knockbacks to heart.
I’ve definitely had moments where I’ve taken things personally, whether that’s a client decision, a budget conversation or a project not moving forward. That’s usually when my husband steps in with a gentle reminder: “It’s business, not personal”. Once you take a step back and look at things objectively, you can respond more calmly, make better decisions and avoid unnecessary stress.
Keeping that emotional distance doesn’t mean you care less, it simply means you protect your energy and keep your thinking clear. It allows you to stay professional, resilient and focused on the bigger picture rather than getting caught up in one moment.
What would I say to someone looking to get into a similar role?
I’d say start by learning the basics and building strong foundations. That might mean taking a course, learning how to read plans, understanding space planning, lighting and how a project actually comes together from concept to completion.
Next, get as much hands-on experience as you can. Work experience, shadowing a designer, assisting on projects or even helping friends and family with small spaces all help you understand how the role really works day-to-day; client communication, budgets, timelines, and problem-solving – not just the creative side.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and reach out to other designers. Most people are happy to share advice if you approach them respectfully. Investing in a mentor can fast-track your learning and help you avoid common mistakes - having someone who’s already navigated the industry is incredibly valuable.
Finally, build your network early. Running your own business or working independently can feel isolating at times, so surrounding yourself with like-minded people makes a huge difference. Your network becomes your sounding board, support system and often your source of future opportunities.
This article was created in partnership with Mastered. In today’s new world of work, Mastered translates industry knowledge into free, practical programmes, offering mentorship and coaching that help bridge the gap between learning and earning.