Why is Mentoring Valuable to Interior Designers?

Mentorship is an incredibly useful tool in any industry, but in the interior design sector, it can have a huge impact. For many young studios, the working world can sometimes feel like there is no rulebook, and that learning by doing, often without much guidance, is the only way to move forward. However, the mentor-mentee relationship can change that, offering a new, open, vulnerable, and productive way of operating in such a competitive and opaque landscape.

This week, we spoke to Portia Leung, mentee and Lead Interior Designer at OBMI, Louise Bradley, a mentor and founder of her eponymous studio, and Joseph Velosa, the business and career coach making a difference to the working lives of creatives, from interior to product designers.

Portia Leung

Mentorship was pivotal in Leung’s early career. During her formative years in Hong Kong, working on a project for Hilton, she found herself taken under the wing of a mentor who taught her not only the pragmatic tricks of the trade, but also about what it means to work in luxury hospitality.

“Those days were filled with long hours, often staying until midnight,” says Leung, “but they were incredibly fulfilling.” To get the most out of her mentoring, she immersed herself in every aspect of the project’s process, from hotel planning and site visits to client meetings, tender packages, rendering, and research. “It was an intensive, hands-on experience that shaped my foundation in hospitality design and planted the seed for my lifelong passion for hotel projects,” Leung says.

Mentorship also helped to provide Leung with clarity when she found herself at a crossroads in her career. “At one point,” she says, “I was torn between luxury residential projects and hospitality design. My mentor’s expertise helped me see the broader opportunities in the latter, and through her mentorship, I discovered my passion for crafting memorable hospitality spaces.”

As a mentee, Leung is quick to offer up countless benefits of seeking out guidance in a career in interior design. But, her advice to aspiring mentees is about the two-way street. “Be willing to work hard and contribute meaningfully,” she says, adding, “mentors invest their time when they see commitment.”

Louise Bradley

For the design industry pillar, Louise Bradley, mentorship is about fostering a culture where creativity thrives. Growing up around interiors in her father’s boutique, she developed an appreciation for learning and finding a guide in your chosen industry.

“Mentorship has been an essential part of my journey as a designer. My first mentor was my father. His influence instilled in me a passion for design and a commitment to perfection, which continues to shape my approach today.”

Now, as a studio founder, she prioritises mentorship as a tool for success. “As my studio grows, I prioritise mentoring younger designers,” says Bradley. “I believe mentorship is more than just about advice. It’s about fostering a culture of learning and one where new ideas can emerge.”

“In our studio,” Bradley continues, “we nurture a collaborative environment where both personal and professional growth are supported. I view mentorship as a vital tool for success, helping to inspire, challenge, and guide the next generation of designers.”

Joseph Velosa

While mentorship offers guidance, coaching provides a structured approach to professional growth. Velosa, a trained coach, helps designers navigate challenges in pricing, integrity, and business sustainability.

“There is a big difference between mentorship and coaching,” he says. “Mentorship centres on guiding with experience-based insights, while coaching empowers individuals to formulate their own solutions. Coaching is about teaching someone to fish.”

Joseph emphasises that coaching isn’t just about advice, but that it is a collaborative process that helps designers build confidence in decision-making, from setting fees to maintaining creative integrity. He encourages designers to seek structured coaching sessions that align with their personal and business goals.

“Most coaches offer a free 30-minute session. It’s important to find the right fit. Coaching isn’t a bottomless pit. It follows a defined timescale with clear goals. By addressing fears, clarifying objectives, and fostering self-awareness, coaching allows designers to bridge the gap between creativity and commerce,” he says.

Why is Mentoring Valuable to Interior Designers?

Portia Leung

Louise Bradley

Joseph Velosa

Anya Cooklin-Lofting

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