Umer Farooq, known as the founder of Interior Eight, is a dedicated educator and professional interior designer with nearly two decades of experience. Based in India, Umer has spent the last six years teaching aspiring designers how to navigate the complexities of interior design and 3D design software. To date, he has successfully trained over 3,000 students, imparting his extensive knowledge and passion for design.
Transitioning from Designer to Educator
Umer’s journey in design began nearly 19 years ago when he discovered his passion for transforming spaces. His innate creativity and aesthetic sensibilities led him to pursue a career in interior design. Through various residential and commercial projects, Umer cultivated a deep understanding of design principles, recognizing that effective design transcends mere aesthetics; it embodies functionality and purpose. About six years ago, he felt a compelling desire to share his expertise with others, prompting his transition into teaching. By offering online courses, Umer aimed to empower aspiring designers with the confidence they needed to succeed in the field. This decision not only allowed him to continue designing but also enabled him to mentor others effectively. The flexibility of online learning has facilitated reaching students worldwide, making education more accessible than ever.
Coohom: A Gateway to the World of Interior Design
When Umer needed to choose interior design software suitable for teaching, Coohom caught his attention. “Coohom is a game-changer in the design world due to its high-quality rendering, ease of use, and comprehensive features. ” says Umer.
Compared to other platforms like Live Space, Umer emphasizes that Coohom is far more professional and efficient for serious designers. It enables users to bring their ideas to life swiftly and accurately—an essential factor when presenting concepts to clients. As an instructor at Coohom, Umer teaches students how to harness these features effectively through real-world projects that promote hands-on learning. He believes that this practical approach is vital for mastering skills relevant to today’s industry standards.
Meanwhile, compared to software like SketchUp, Coohom’s user-friendly features enable Umer to design courses that cater to beginners without a professional background in interior design. Together, Umer and Coohom serve as a bridge for these learners, guiding many aspiring individuals who wish to transition from amateur enthusiasts to professionals in the interior design industry.
One memorable moment from Umer’s teaching journey involved a student who entered his course without any prior background in interior design. Initially struggling with the technical aspects of 3D rendering using Coohom, her determination was evident as she progressed through the lessons. By course completion, she showcased an impressive project that demonstrated both her technical prowess and creative flair—a remarkable transformation from novice to confident designer.
“That moment reaffirmed why I love teaching — it’s about helping students realize their potential and watching them grow. Moments like these make the journey truly unforgettable.” says Umer.
Balancing Dual Roles: an Interior Designer as Well as a Teacher
Umer prefers to teach and mentor personally, and to date, Interior Eight has produced over 3,000 graduates. At the same time, Umer continues to engage in high-quality interior design work, ensuring that he remains well-versed in industry trends. Undoubtedly, this commitment drives him to maintain a high standard of efficiency in his work.
Balancing roles as both a designer and educator requires exceptional time management skills and an unwavering commitment to both professions. Umer meticulously schedules time for client work while dedicating specific hours for teaching responsibilities—ensuring each receives his full focus. By leveraging tools like Coohom for project management, he optimizes efficiency in his workflow. In the past, he had to rely on various software, such as SketchUp and Lumion, to handle modeling and rendering separately. Now, however, Coohom’s integrated features meet all of his needs in one comprehensive platform. The synergy between his real-world experiences enhances his instructional methods while keeping him updated on industry trends.
What’s Next: Connection and Expansion
Currently, Umer and Interior Eight are official affiliates of Coohom. On social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp Group, the official accounts of Coohom and Interior Eight actively engage with each other. Interior Eight offers guidance and assistance to users eager to learn about Coohom, while Coohom provides support to Interior Eight, fostering a collaborative win-win partnership between the two.
Looking ahead, Umer envisions continued growth in both design and education sectors as the interior design landscape evolves with emerging technologies and trends.
“My goal is to take on more challenging design projects while enhancing my teaching methods to provide even more value to my students. I also envision expanding the reach of my courses, possibly offering more specialized programs and collaborating with international platforms to bring my training to a global audience. Ultimately, my expectation is to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in both design and education, ensuring that I’m contributing positively to the industry and helping shape the next generation of designers.” says Umer.
As an interior design instructor, Umer has found the perfect launchpad in Coohom. It’s not just a tool for him; it’s a key part of his future dreams. Looking ahead, Coohom plans to team up with Umer even more closely in different areas, making sure it plays a crucial role in shaping the future of interior design. Together, they’re set to create something amazing!
