The Invisible Skills Designers Don’t Put on Resumes (But Should)

It always feels a bit strange trying to capture your experience on a resume. You list the software, the responsibilities, the deliverables — and technically, it’s all accurate. But so much of what we actually learn in design isn’t in the job description.

Since I started teaching interior design, I’ve found myself reflecting on the in-between skills — the ones we pick up without really realizing it. I’m still figuring things out, but here are a few that I think don’t get enough credit:

1. Telling the Story (Still Underrated)

You can have the most beautiful render or mood board, but if the story behind it isn’t clear, it can fall flat. I’ve seen how much more impactful a concept becomes when the narrative is strong— even when the visuals are still rough. It’s not always about being a great writer; it’s about helping people feel the idea.

2. Rolling With It

Group projects, shifting timelines, weird constraints— design school and studio work have a way of testing your flexibility. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that staying open to change often leads to something better. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s usually worth it.

3. Reading the Room

Whether it’s a client, a class, or a team meeting — knowing how to listen, when to ask questions, and when to hold space for others makes a big difference. I think this kind of awareness is part of what makes design human, not just functional. And while it's not always taught in a syllabus, it's something I’ve started noticing more— in myself, my students, and the people I work with.

4. Creative Problem-Solving (With a Side of Scrappiness)

Things don’t always go to plan. Maybe your sample doesn’t arrive on time, the lighting in your rendering software refuses to cooperate, or you’re stuck pulling a materials board together with whatever you can find in your apartment. It’s frustrating, yes — but also a reminder that design isn’t just about the final product. It’s about how we get there, even when the road is a bit bumpy.

5. Translating Ambiguity

Briefs can be vague. Clients sometimes speak in metaphors. And inspiration doesn’t always arrive fully formed. I’ve found that part of the job— and the joy— is figuring out what someone really means, even if they don’t have the words yet. It’s part listening, part intuition, and part trial and error.

I'm still early in my journey, but the more I do this work— and teach it— the more I realize how much growth happens between the bullet points on a resume. And maybe that’s where the most meaningful learning happens anyway.