Gareth Davies Interiors turns 1!

One Year Freelance: LET's be honest

A year ago, I decided to go freelance.

I remember thinking I felt ready, while also being very aware that I didn’t really know what I was stepping into. There wasn’t a dramatic moment or a big announcement. It was more a quiet decision that sitting still felt riskier than giving it a go. Now, twelve months on, it feels like the right time to pause and reflect on the good, the bad, and the absolutely fantastic!

What I thought freelancing would be like

I expected more freedom and more time spent designing. I imagined flexible days, better balance, and a clearer sense of control over my work. Some of that has been true. Other parts have been more complicated. What I hadn’t fully appreciated was how much responsibility comes with working for yourself. Every decision, good or bad, lands with you. That can feel heavy at times, but it also brings a level of satisfaction I hadn’t experienced before. Plus the flexibility of Freelance has allowed me to enjoy the company of my little furry companion...

The work and how it’s shaped me

The work itself has been one of the most rewarding parts of the year. Each project has taught me something, and not just about design, but about people, communication, and trust. I’ve become more confident in knowing when to slow things down at the start of a brief, asking better questions, and being clearer about my role. I’m also more comfortable trusting my instincts, even when it feels easier to play it safe. I’ve noticed that the projects I enjoy most tend to come from clients who value conversation and collaboration, rather than quick fixes. That being said, I've managed to work on some fantastic projects over the year. Designing Crux's new Technology Centre in Bristol, to serviced office feasibilities in Swansea and Cardiff. All leading to bigger and more rewarding projects across the UK.

Learning to run a business

This year has made it clear that freelancing is as much about running a business as it is about designing. I’ve had to learn, fairly quickly, how to talk about money, something I was never particularly comfortable with. My instinct was often to apologise or reduce fees to make myself seem more appealing, which only left me feeling undervalued.

Over time, I’ve learned to be firmer and to charge fees that reflect both the work and the market I operate in, without feeling guilty for doing so. Alongside that, I’ve had to manage quieter periods without panicking and accept that not every day will feel productive or creative. Some weeks have been full-on; others uncomfortably quiet. Both have been part of the learning curve.

Small wins that mattered

There have been moments this year that felt quietly significant. The first repeat client. A project I felt genuinely proud to put my name to. Saying no to work that didn’t feel right. Walking into meetings with more confidence than I would have a year ago.

One unexpected highlight was being recognised with the Commercial Interior Design Excellence Award 2025. It wasn’t something I was chasing, but it felt reassuring to have the work acknowledged externally, especially so early on. More than anything, it confirmed that the direction I’m heading in feels like the right one.

These aren’t the things people usually talk about, but together they’ve meant a great deal.

The harder parts

Freelancing can be lonely at times. There’s no team around you to sense-check decisions or share the load, and self-doubt has a habit of creeping in when you least expect it.

Balancing creative ambition with commercial reality has also been an ongoing challenge. I’m still learning where that line sits, and I suspect I always will be. That said, working from home and having personal space often helps my focus and productivity, and I make a conscious effort to stay connected, catching up with former colleagues and friends in the industry to keep the social side of freelance life in balance.

A few things I’ve learned

If I had to sum up the past year, it would probably come down to this:

• Clarity beats perfection, every time

• Good communication solves more than good ideas alone

• Not every enquiry is meant to turn into work

• Confidence comes from experience, not planning

• Consistency matters, even when it feels slow

Looking ahead

Going into year two, I feel more grounded. I’m less focused on proving anything and more interested in doing work that feels considered and well-aligned.

I want to keep refining how I work, continue learning, and stay open to where things might lead rather than forcing a particular version of success.

Thank you

If you’ve worked with me, recommended me, or supported me over the past year, I cannot thank you enough. None of this happens in isolation, even when you’re working alone.

Here’s to the next chapter of still figuring things out, but doing so with more confidence than ever before.