Start an interior design studio for small businesses

Cafe, salon and clinic owners, small offices, and retailers opening or refreshing premises.

Project design fees, either fixed or as a percentage of the fit-out budget, plus charges for documentation and site visits.

• Commercial space planning and knowledge of materials
• Reading plans and working with builders and tradies
• Quoting, project management and client relationships

• Commercial fit-outs involve building codes, accessibility and fire safety rules, so check with your local council and a certifier
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance are worth checking carefully
• Check your lease terms and whether council approval applies to your premises
• Cash flow can be uneven, so use staged payments and written contracts
• Check workers compensation requirements if you hire staff

Startup costs are typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your studio space, material library and software. These are estimates only, so price your own setup carefully before committing to a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many projects you take on and their size. Cash flow can be uneven, so staged payments and written contracts are worth checking.

Check building codes, accessibility and fire safety rules with your local council and a certifier. Also check your lease terms, whether council approval applies to your premises, insurance such as professional indemnity, and workers compensation if you hire.