People often ask me what I do ("are you a designer?" "do you do design work?" "do you want to be a designer?" etc.), and since being a virtual interior design assistant is still a relatively new job, I thought it would be fun to share some insight into my day-to-day!
Morning: Me Time + Prep for the Day
Probably the most relatable part of my day is that every morning starts the same—with a hot cup of coffee—my ritual before anything else (I look forward to coffee as I'm going to bed). I like to ease into the day without jumping right into work. Sometimes, I’ll hit the gym, or I’ll take my dog on a long walk. It’s my time to recharge before the busy day ahead. Once I’m back, energized and ready, that’s when I’m ready to dive into the day’s tasks, from organizing emails to helping with floor plans.
Once I’m ready to dive in, it’s all about balancing a mix of tasks, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love that no two days are ever the same! I use time-blocking on my calendar to keep everything organized—whether I’m designing lead magnets, creating Canva graphics, helping with floor plan drafting, or handling admin tasks for my clients. I also make sure to carve out time for my own business, like writing blog posts and crafting newsletters. The variety keeps me energized and engaged and it's one of my favorite aspects about my job.
Mid-Morning: Clearing the Inbox and Setting Priorities
With (my second) coffee in hand, I start my workday by tackling my inbox. I like to keep things organized, so I use labels to sort through emails and flag anything urgent. Once that’s cleared, I update my to-do list, making sure everything’s prioritized. From there, it’s time for any scheduled calls—whether it’s just checking in or collaborating with designers on upcoming projects. This routine sets the tone for a productive day and keeps me focused on what matters most.
Lunchtime Break: Recharging with Fresh Air and Coffee
Around lunchtime, I like to take a step back from the screen. I’ll have lunch, grab another coffee, and head outside for a bit. Twig, my dog, is always up for a quick walk, so we usually wander around the neighborhood. It’s a great way to recharge, get some fresh air, and clear my mind before diving back into the afternoon’s tasks.
Early Afternoon: Diving into Creative Work with Time-Blocking
After lunch, I settle into my time-blocked tasks, and this is when I’m at my most creative. I block out a few hours for focused work, whether it’s drafting floor plans or designing a lead magnet for a client. To stay in the zone, I put my phone on work mode and turn on a work playlist so that I have minimal distractions. I’ve found that this time of day is when I do my best work, so I make sure to tackle my most creative tasks here. Time-blocking really helps me stay efficient and make the most of these productive hours.
Late Afternoon: Wrapping Up and Setting Up for Tomorrow
As the day winds down, I focus on end-of-day communication. I send updates to clients, flag anything that needs immediate attention, and make sure priorities are set for the next day. I also update my to-do list, so when I log in tomorrow, I’m ready to hit the ground running. This final check-in helps me stay on top of things and ensures a smooth start to the next day’s tasks.
After Work
After work typically looks like anyone else's - winding down and family time. Recently my husband and I have enjoyed going and kicking the soccer ball around and then heading to the dog park (I am realizing how much of my day revolves around my dog😂). I try to disconnect from work and not answer emails after 6pm to ensure I have a healthy work life balance.
As a virtual interior design assistant with three+ years of experience, I’ve really honed my schedule and strengths, allowing me to thrive on the variety of tasks I tackle each day. With time-blocking, I ensure that dedicated time is set aside for each client, so they always know they have my full attention. Whether I’m diving into space planning, creating moodboards, or planning schedules for upcoming markets, I genuinely enjoy the diverse nature of my work. It keeps me engaged and allows me to bring my best to each project. If you’re looking for a dedicated partner to help streamline your workflow and enhance your creative process, I’m here to help!
Happy designing!
Candace
Yorumlar