Transforming a 400 sq ft Apartment: A Young Designer’s $26K Journey

From Architecture Dreams to Design Reality

Ludmila Golod always dreamed of becoming an architect. However, life had other plans. After not making the cut for the architecture program at BNTU, she pivoted to studying management with a focus on design projects. Little did she know, this would set the stage for a thriving career in interior design.

The Early Years: Building a Foundation

During her university years, Ludmila didn’t waste any time. She worked part-time at a furniture company, designing custom pieces and interacting with clients. This hands-on experience was invaluable. By her fifth year, she had landed a job at an interior design studio, where she honed her skills in comprehensive interior design, including electrical, plumbing, flooring, and decor.

Striking Out on Her Own

At 23, Ludmila felt ready to fly solo. With over 20 completed projects under her belt, she took the leap and started her own business. Her first projects were a 500 sq ft apartment and a 1,100 sq ft house. But she needed more clients to sustain her business.

Navigating Challenges

The year 2022 brought unexpected challenges. Many of her clients, primarily IT professionals, put their projects on hold due to relocation. This left Ludmila with few projects and financial strain. However, with the support of a friend and a targeted advertising campaign, she managed to bounce back.

Client Base and Pricing

Ludmila’s clientele consists of 70% entrepreneurs and their spouses, and 30% top managers. Her projects are divided into 50% apartments, 35% houses, and 15% commercial spaces. The average cost of a design project is $25-$30 per square foot, with a 400 sq ft apartment costing around $1,500-$1,700.

Work Process

• Client Briefing: Clients fill out a detailed brief covering square footage, budget, style, and color preferences.
• Concept Development: Ludmila analyzes the brief and proposes a conceptual solution, including a collage of the project’s atmosphere and 3-5 layout options.
• Concept Approval: The concept and color scheme are discussed and approved by the client.
• Visualization: Once the concept is approved, the visualization process begins. This often involves multiple iterations and refinements.

For more information and to view Ludmila’s projects, visit her Instagram page.