Why I Dream of Working as an FF&E Designer in Australia (and How I’m Preparing Now)

The places that came to mind when I wanted to push my career to the next level were Singapore and Dubai. Both are known for booming design industries, but after going to Dubai, I believe it wasn’t for me. I have also looked into the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and the US…

Recently, I have researched Australia, through vlogs and through some people I know who have been there, and it caught my interest. Maybe it’s the mix of sunny beaches, slow living, and stunning modern architecture, a place that I prefer living in... a place where city meets nature.

As someone who lives and breathes furniture, finishes, and details that make a room come alive, becoming an FF&E designer in Australia feels like more than a goal… it feels like a calling.

In all honesty, I AM open to working somewhere else as well, BUT right now I am looking forward to the possibility in Australia. (Hello future me, let’s see where we will be and look back at this blog!) I want to be in a company that can help me improve as a designer and be an expert in my field, and to stay in a country that makes me feel safe and alive.

Let me tell you why — and how I’m slowly but surely getting there.

First Things First: Why Australia?

If you’re into interiors, you already know that Australia is low-key one of the trendsetters in the global design world. Their homes somehow balance breezy minimalism with soulful, earthy textures. Think polished concrete, oak timber, natural linen, sculptural lighting, and furniture that feels designed and lived-in.

What really gets me excited though?

1. The FF&E Design scene is thriving.

From boutique studios to large design firms, Australia actually invests in FF&E roles — not just as “decorators,” but as design specialists who understand technical specs, supplier relationships, sustainability, and how every piece contributes to a bigger story.

2. It aligns with my style.

I gravitate toward calm, clean, lived-in spaces. FF&E in Australia leans into that — soft curves, neutral palettes, layered lighting, and tactile finishes. It’s my design language.

3. Work-life balance matters.

A lot of firms in Australia (especially in the creative field) emphasize flexibility and healthy working hours. That aligns with how I want to work: with passion, not burnout.

Click the image for places to go in Melbourne! #manifesting

How I’m Preparing (Even From Afar)

I may be based in Thailand now, but I’m not just dreaming — I’m doing.

Here’s what I’ve been focusing on:

1. Building a Solid Online Portfolio

I’ve been sketching interiors, visualizing concepts in SketchUp + Enscape, and creating mood boards that showcase my FF&E taste and technical eye. Each piece I make is not just for practice — it’s for my future employers or clients to see my aesthetic and detail sense.

I may be working in a different industry now, but I am constantly trying to improve my interior design skills, taking up courses and reviewing technical details and specifications to polish them. I am also currently looking for part-time online opportunities so I can continue building my skills! Check out mine here!

🌟 Tip: If you’re also hoping to work abroad someday, your online portfolio is your best passport.

2. Blogging & Creating SEO Content

These blogs? They’re not just for fun. I’ve started writing about interior design trends, my process, and design tools. Why? Because I want to attract the right people to my site — people who care about design and might be looking for someone exactly like me.

I am excited and looking forward to meeting like-minded people, or even enthusiasts! Who doesn’t love a fun community, right? 🌟 Fun fact: I am taking an SEO Masterclass, so I can maximize the use of my website and maybe one day, I can offer this service to thriving companies as well!

3. Learning More About Australian Design Standards

I’ve been slowly familiarizing myself with the names of local suppliers, trends in sustainable materials, and how procurement processes might differ from country to country. Knowledge = confidence.

P.S. If you're starting out too, keep an eye on brands like Coco Republic, GlobeWest, and Jardan — their selections are chef’s kiss and very on-brand for Australian FF&E styling.

Can't wait to discover more as I make posts about different furniture vendors around the world!

4. Looking Into Migration + Visa Paths (FF&E Designer in Australia)

I’m not rushing, but I’m curious and I’m researching potential skilled migration options. Interior design and FF&E fall under certain design roles that may be eligible under Australia’s skilled occupation list. Knowing my options now helps me plan wisely for later. And when the time comes, I also hope to share and help others who will walk the same path as well, sharing is caring! And let's say I go a different path, it's just nice to be knowledgeable with options, right?

5. Networking Online

I’ve started following Aussie designers, FF&E leads, and firms I admire on LinkedIn and Instagram. You never know which comment, connection, or project share might open a door. Even as an introvert, I like meeting new people! It's just fun to get to know people and what they do!

Your girl in her element!

Final Thoughts

Dreams don’t work unless you do — but I’m also a big believer in alignment and of course, redirection! This dream feels aligned with who I am as a designer and how I want to grow. And if by some reason, Australia is not the place that’s meant for me, it’s totally okay! I do believe that what’s meant for me will find me!

I am aware of the competitiveness in the job market all over the world, but doing what you can rather than not trying at all will result in long-term regret.

It’s always now or never for me, go big or go home. #risktaker

What’s important now is I’m working towards a goal, to be an FF&E Designer or simply doing what I love.

I remember not even knowing what an FF&E designer was, and my superior told me she wants me to become a "Full-fledged FF&E Designer" on my first day, and that sticked with me, not because she told me her vision of me, but after working as an FF&E Designer for almost 4 years, I really enjoyed what I do.

And I had nice colleagues to look up to when it comes to design and leadership, they believed and trusted me with tasks, and made me also believe in myself.

So while I’m still sipping matcha and working in Thailand and freelancing remotely, on my free time, I’m building the skills, the portfolio, and the presence that could one day land me a role in the Australian design scene or wherever the universe plans to take me, I will just let go, let it do its things, and trust the process.

And until then? I’ll keep sketching, learning, and sharing.

Thanks for reading — and if you’re a future Aussie employer who just stumbled on this post, hi! 👋 Let’s make beautiful interiors together.