Breaking Barriers: 6 Women Share Their Journey in the Interior Design Industry

Interior design is all about creativity and bringing ideas to life, but working in the industry isn’t always easy, particularly for women.

While many have built successful careers in the field, they’re still met with distinct challenges, from navigating construction sites to managing client expectations and business negotiations. Standing out, securing big projects, and balancing work with personal life can be tough, but that hasn’t stopped women from making their mark.

One of the biggest hurdles is proving one’s expertise in a field that sometimes leans toward traditional expectations. Some find they have to work harder to gain trust, especially when dealing with contractors or high-end projects. Others face the challenge of establishing their voice in male-dominated spaces or balancing the demands of leadership while fostering professional growth. Even with these obstacles, women across different roles continue to drive the industry forward through expertise, resilience, and passion.

But don’t just take our word for it. Hear from six inspiring women in the interior design industry as they share their experiences, the barriers they’ve faced, and how they overcame them:

Kathy Fong, Managing Director at Stoked Associates

One of the challenges I’ve faced as a woman in the industry is chairing a meeting in a room that’s 95% men. But I overcame it by gaining as much knowledge and experience as I could and practising self-belief. I always made sure to stay focused on the value that I could bring to the table.

Ashley Yeoh, Founder and Designer of MOM Designer House

Sometimes, end-users may doubt our professionalism as female designers. They might question, “Can we handle the site?” We prove our capabilities through the final results. Actions speak louder than words.

Yan, Senior Designer at Studio Ayra

As a female designer, I used to face challenges on-site when communicating with contractors. There was often a perception that female designers lacked construction knowledge, and my suggestions were frequently doubted in favor of their own methods. Over the years, I’ve learned to overcome this by continuously expanding my knowledge and experience, allowing me to navigate these situations with confidence and earn their respect.

Also read: 10 Women-Led Design Firms Shaping Malaysian Interior Design

Stephanie Shoo, Project Director at Incraft International Design Sdn Bhd

As a wholeheartedly female designer dedicated to every project, I have to possess both gentle approachability and strong persuasive power. In order to overcome psychological and physical barriers, I’m constantly learning to have a strong and convincing statement in order to earn the respect from the majority of men at the construction site.

Li May, Design Director at Blanc Space Studio

What truly earns trust is our personal capabilities and work. More importantly, it’s our passion for design. Passion speaks through your eyes, and whether you have new or returning clients, they can feel it. I’m fortunate that I haven’t encountered gender challenges in the field of interior design. Perhaps it’s because my sense of detachment is quite strong. In fact, I feel that being a female interior professional is a plus point, as my clients always tell me that women tend to be more detail-oriented.

Sherleen Yen, Designer at Lemonfridge Studio Sdn Bhd

Despite all the challenges, being a female designer in the industry today is such a fun and rewarding journey. The industry is full of amazing, talented women who are valued for their creativity and fresh ideas. It’s all about teamwork, inspiration, and bringing dream spaces to life together! The key to success is believing in yourself, always learning, and lifting each other up! We create a space where creativity thrives and anything feels possible. We exchange ideas, cheer each other on, and celebrate every achievement, be it big or small.

As Sherleen puts it, the industry is full of talented women making an impact in their own way. Their experiences show that while challenges exist, confidence, expertise, and perseverance can break down barriers. From proving their skills in male-dominated spaces to earning trust through their work, these women have shown that success comes from continuous learning, self-belief, and a passion for design.

We hope their stories inspire not just women in this industry but women everywhere to keep pushing forward, no matter their field.

Inspired by these incredible women? Click on their firm names to explore their portfolios and request a quote to begin your renovation journey today.