A brief overview of Kami’s experience, career highlights, and background:

• Bachelor of Arts in Design, The Art Institute of Portland, 2002
• Instructor of design and business classes, The Art Institute of Portland, 2010-2014
• Founder/Lead Designer, Kami Gray Interiors, 2004 to present
• Founder/Lead Instructor, Psychologie of Home Design School
• Art Director for Pendleton, Nike, and Rejuvenation (a Williams-Sonoma brand)
• Featured in Huff Post, Country Living, Real Simple, Apartment Therapy, Oregon Home, Women’s Day, 1859 Oregon Magazine, Portrait of Portland Magazine
• On-Camera Style Expert, AMNW-PDX 2010-2014
• Author of Home Matters (Abrams/Cameron Books, 2023)
• Instagram Profile: @thepsychologieofhome 135K followers

Q&A with Kami Gray:

WHAT DO YOU WANT DESIGN SCHOOL STUDENTS TO LEARN AND UNDERSTAND ABOUT THE FIELD OF INTERIOR DESIGN AFTER GRADUATING?

That interior design is the best field that exists. It checks off all the boxes. It’s creative, fun, rewarding, transformative, and can be extremely lucrative. Traditional design schools teach the theory of design and the tools necessary to do the job, but that’s not what makes a successful interior design business. They are important and necessary, but learning how to hone your design sensibilities, sell your ideas, work with clients, manage projects, and getting the insider perspective on how to create a money-making machine that gives you financial freedom and more fun than you thought possible is what the Psychologie of Home Design School prepares students for…imagine having a career you’re deeply passionate about that’s also fun and financially rewarding? There’s no reason not to be making six figures annually a year after graduating our program. Our design school has the curriculum and insight to share what we know with you. Brace yourself and get excited because this is the best job ever!

DON’T PEOPLE THAT WANT TO BE INTERIOR DESIGNERS NEED A FORMAL, EXPENSIVE EDUCATION THAT TAKES MANY YEARS TO FINISH?

No, they don’t. And I speak from experience. My design degree is in fashion. I ended up in interior design after doing years of art direction for video and photo shoots for brands like Nike, Pendleton, and Rejuvenation. My work can be seen here. I am completely self-taught and I think NOT going to formal interior design school is one of my many superpowers. The problem with a formal education in any field is that it doesn’t give you real experience that prepares you to make a darn good living…that’s the focus at the Psychologie of Home Design School. We give you the keys to the kingdom so you can get out in the world and make a living doing what you love. It almost sounds impossible, but I’m living proof that it is and I will show and tell you everything I know. If you follow me on my popular Instagram account, you’ll get a little more insight into my rare approach to what home means and what interior designers do to improve the lives of others.

WHAT IF A STUDENT ALREADY HAS AN INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS, BUT DOESN’T FEEL SUCCESSFUL YET?

This is exactly the place for you! I’ve taught many designers how to elevate their business and crash the critical path that will make you successful. And yes, we’re talking about financial success…a six figure income is well within reach. If you haven’t found the success you’re looking for, you don’t know the inside scoop. I do though and I’m going to share what I know with you! Seriously, you are in great hands and I can’t wait to get you in the know so you can soar to the top!

WHAT IF A STUDENT DOESN’T WANT TO OWN THEIR OWN INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS AND WANTS TO WORK FOR AN INTERIOR DESIGN FIRM?

Being an entrepreneur isn’t for everybody. Or maybe you’d like to work in the field for awhile before you commit to being a small business owner. Totally understandable. You will learn the important skills you need to become a successful interior designer…how to create floor plans, how to create design concepts, how to source furnishings, lighting, and accessories, how to design built-ins, cabinetry, and fireplaces, and how to create a project budget. Plus, having a Certificate of Completion looks great on your resumé! We’d love to have you join us!

WHAT ABOUT STUDENTS THAT WANT TO DO COMMERCIAL DESIGN WORK FOR COMPANY HEADQUARTERS, HOTEL LOBBIES, AND OFFICES?

Great! It’s all the same curriculum formula with minor adjustments. I’ve worked on all the above plus residential interior design. Some of my work is strictly furnishings, some involves small cosmetic remodel changes, others are full-scale remodels, and I also design for new construction and apartment buildings. What my students will learn pertains to all types of design projects because why limit ourselves to just one? The variety in the types of design projects is what makes my job so exciting.

WHAT IF I’M CHANGING CAREERS AND I’M NOT EXACTLY A SPRING CHICKEN? WILL I FIT IN WITH THE YOUNGER STUDENTS?

Haha! Great question! The answer is YES! Design school is for all ages and the mix of different generations adds to the creative vibe of the experience. I’m Gen X and my daughter is a Millennial. She’s also an interior designer and I “borrow” ideas from her constantly! We all have so much to learn from one another. More than anything, I want this design school to be accessible for everyone and I want to share my unwavering love for this business. Have I mentioned that it’s seriously the best job ever?