The Hiring vs. Outsourcing Dilemma: When Growing Feels Risky
There’s a moment in every interior designer’s career when the workload feels impossible, and you realize—it’s time to get help. But that thought is quickly followed by sheer panic.
What if my pipeline dries up? What if I have to let someone go? What if managing people becomes a full-time job on top of my already full-time job?
This internal tug-of-war is the growing pain of scaling a design business. One designer in the community put it perfectly:
“My business is growing, and I think I’m ready to hire or start outsourcing. But I’m afraid of the responsibility. How do you decide which roles to outsource versus keep in-house?”
That’s the big question, and lucky for you, we’re about to break it down so you can make the smartest move for your business.
What Should Interior Designers Outsource First?
Hiring a full-time employee is a big commitment, which is why most designers start with outsourcing. But what should you delegate first? The answer depends on what’s eating up your time and draining your energy.
1. The Work You Dread
If you find yourself procrastinating on certain tasks (invoicing, social media, procurement), it’s a clear sign you should offload them.
“Outsource what you don’t like doing. For me, that’s admin, scheduling, procurement, accounting, and marketing. Once you grow, outsource what’s pulling you away from client work—like drafting and renderings. Baby steps.” — idgreenlist
2. The Work Someone Else Can Do Faster
Your time is best spent on high-value activities—client meetings, designing, closing deals. If someone else can get things done faster and better, let them.
“I’ve always outsourced the tasks I know someone else will do better and faster than me—things that are important but don’t need my hands-on attention.” — kavara.interior.design
3. The Tasks That Keep You From Making Money
If you’re spending hours a week on admin instead of working on billable client projects, it’s time to outsource.
“I work with designers who have outsourced procurement, expediting, and bookkeeping. It allows them to focus on designing and installs.” — coffee.and.rainne
Outsourcing allows you to free up your time while still keeping the business running smoothly.
When to Hire In-House Instead of Outsourcing
Not everything can (or should) be outsourced. Certain roles require deep brand knowledge, long-term consistency, and daily communication.
Hire in-house if the role requires:
✅ Client-facing interactions (e.g., junior designers, project managers)
✅ Brand consistency (e.g., social media manager, lead designer)
✅ Hands-on involvement in projects (e.g., in-house procurement specialist)
✅ Company culture integration (e.g., full-time design assistant)
Hiring in-house is a commitment, so if you’re not sure, start with a part-time or contract position first.
The Hybrid Approach: A Smarter Way to Scale
The best interior designers blend hiring and outsourcing to grow without unnecessary stress.
A Simple Scaling Framework:
1️⃣ Start with outsourcing → Test the waters before committing to full-time employees.
2️⃣ Monitor your workload → If you’re outsourcing the same tasks consistently, it may be time to hire.
3️⃣ Scale intentionally → Don’t hire just because you’re busy—hire when you know you can sustain it long-term.
“You can start by maintaining a smaller footprint and being selective with projects. Or subcontract—there are plenty of people who want part-time flexibility. Hiring is the next step, but only when you’re ready to commit.” — kevintwittyinteriors
What It Costs to Outsource vs. Hire In-House
One of the biggest factors in the hiring vs. outsourcing debate is cost. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
Typical Outsourcing Rates:
🔹 Virtual Assistants (admin, invoicing, emails) → $25–$50/hr
🔹 Bookkeepers (QuickBooks, DesignDocs) → $50–$100/hr
🔹 Drafting & 3D Renderings → $40–$150/hr
🔹 Social Media Management → $1,000–$5,000/month
🔹 Procurement Specialists → 10–20% of the furnishings budget
Typical Salaries for Full-Time Hires:
💰 Junior Designer → $50,000–$75,000/year
💰 Procurement Specialist → $55,000–$80,000/year
💰 Project Manager → $70,000–$100,000/year
Outsourcing lets you control costs while hiring locks in a long-term commitment. The choice depends on your business model.
The Bottom Line: How to Make the Right Choice
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to hiring vs. outsourcing for interior designers. But if you’re feeling stuck, start small:
✔ List the tasks you hate doing → Outsource those first.
✔ Identify what someone else can do faster or better → Outsource that next.
✔ Keep the work that fuels your passion → That’s what makes your business thrive.
The goal isn’t just to lighten your load—it’s to grow a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
Which tasks have you outsourced or hired for in your business? Drop your experiences in the comments—we’d love to hear what’s worked (or what’s been a disaster)!
