- July 21, 2025
- Jessica Harling
In a world where talent drives transformation, finding the right team members for creative industries like interior design and window treatments can be as nuanced and artistic as the work itself. Traditional recruiting channels often fall short when you’re searching for someone who understands both aesthetics and the intricacies of client service.
Here are three out-of-the-box sourcing strategies to help you connect with the hidden gems in this vibrant industry.
1. Tap into Visual Platforms as Talent Pools
Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, Houzz, and even TikTok are more than just places to get design inspiration—they’re bustling galleries of talent. Designers, installers, and creative coordinators frequently showcase their projects online, often tagging collaborators and vendors. Treat these platforms as living portfolios:
- Look for engagement
- Direct outreach
- Use local hashtags
Pro tip: Save standout profiles and build your own internal inspiration board of potential candidates.
2. Build Referral Pipelines with Trade Partners
The design and window treatment world is deeply networked. Installers know designers. Designers know workrooms. Workrooms know project managers. Leverage these connections:
- Ask for referrals from vendors and tradespeople you already work with. People in the field often know who’s good and who’s available.
- Offer a small referral incentive (even just a coffee gift card!) to encourage those introductions.
- Attend trade-only events and niche expos where the real behind-the-scenes experts gather, not just to source materials, but to find talent.
Bonus idea: Create a quarterly “insider newsletter” for industry contacts where you highlight recent projects and invite referrals for upcoming roles.
3. Create a “Talent Attraction” Brand Experience
Instead of waiting for the right people to find you, draw them in by showing who you are. If you’re hiring for a creative role, your outreach should feel like an invitation into a design-centric culture.
- Host micro-events like lunch-and-learns, showroom previews, or even behind-the-scenes studio tours.
- Show your values through social media and your careers page highlight your passion for design, your team’s vibe, and your commitment to growth.
- Offer value before a job is open: Share tips on building a design portfolio or navigating certifications in your region. People remember who helped them before they needed a job.
Final Thoughts
Sourcing for a creative industry like design and window treatments requires more than job boards and LinkedIn posts. By thinking visually, relationally, and strategically, you can uncover the passionate, detail-oriented talent that thrives in this space.
Whether it’s through a scroll, a handshake, or a shared vision, the connections are out there, just waiting to be discovered.
Do you need help with your next hire? We’ve got you covered with our creative sourcing and other headhunting strategies. Contact us today so we can find the right fit for your organization!
#PeopleOperations #Recruiting #Hiring #OrganizationalDesign #WindowTreatments #Design #InteriorDesign
