BusinessEntrepreneurship

Interior Design Business

Terri Taylor

Are you an interior design professional who wants to create time-accurate, money-generous, and fee-based job offers that clients jump to say "yes" to? Terri Taylor, President and Creative Director of the Interior Design Business Academy and the host of the Interior Design Business Podcast, is here to help interior design professionals who want to create lifestyle design businesses that pay them what they are worth.

Each week, Terri is bringing her clear, proven, and repeatable step-by-step "recipes" for attracting ideal luxury clients along with her overreaching attitude of gratitude, abundance, beauty, and joy for creating long-lasting and meaningful success.

Terri knows that what you believe to be true and how you feel about wealth and money have a direct connection to the level of clients, budgets, and jobs you attract, so tune in each week to discover the strategies and support mechanics you need to achieve your goals as an interior design professional.

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#216
Saturday · 12 min
What About the Freight?
Are rising freight costs eating into the profit on your interior design projects? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down how to handle freight, delivery, receiving, and unexpected surcharges without losing profit, or surprising your clients with additional costs they weren't prepared for. Freight is an unavoidable part of selling furniture and products, and rising fuel costs make accurate planning even more important. I explain why you should get freight, delivery, and receiving quotes upfront and how those numbers should be handled on your purchase proposals. We'll also talk about when freight can be included in your product pricing, when it needs to be passed through to the client, why receiving costs may be better absorbed into your furniture pricing, and why sales tax should always remain separate from your product budget. Most importantly, you'll learn how to protect your business from unexpected freight surcharges by including the right language in your purchase proposals and completing a final freight reconciliation at the end of the project. We also discuss tracking freight and delivery as a KPI so you can build realistic project budgets from the beginning. High-end, white-glove service means anticipating these costs, pricing appropriately, and taking care of the details without constantly going back to your client for more money. In this episode, we cover: How rising freight costs can affect your design business profits Why you should get freight quotes before ordering products When to include freight in your pricing versus passing it through How to handle delivery and receiving costs Why grouping deliveries can save time and money Keeping sales tax separate from your product pricing Protecting your business against unexpected freight surcharges Reconciling actual freight costs at the end of a project Tracking freight and delivery costs as a business KPI Building realistic freight costs into client budgets from the beginning Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#215
September 19 · 20 min
Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone - Terri Taylor and Mindset Coach Valerie Preister
Is staying comfortable keeping your interior design business from growing? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, Terri Taylor sits down with IDBA Mindset Coach Valerie Priester to explore what it really means to step outside your comfort zone, and why doing so is essential for personal and business growth. Your comfort zone isn't necessarily a good place. It's simply a familiar one. Even when your current way of working isn't producing the results you want, fear and uncertainty can make staying where you are feel safer than trying something new. Terri and Valerie discuss how this shows up in a design business: avoiding new pricing strategies, struggling to establish boundaries, putting off hiring, turning down bigger opportunities, and falling back into old systems simply because they're familiar. The conversation also explores why you don't need to know every step before you begin. Growth starts with taking the first step, trusting that you're resourceful enough to find the next one, and being willing to ask for help along the way. You'll learn how looking at evidence, facts, and real business data can help you challenge fear-based stories and make decisions with greater confidence. If you've been standing on the edge of a new opportunity wondering whether you're ready, this episode is your reminder: you don't need the entire path figured out. You just need the courage to take the first step. In this episode, we cover: What your comfort zone really is and why familiarity feels safe Why meaningful growth requires stepping into the unknown How fear and doubt keep designers repeating familiar patterns Taking the first step without knowing the entire path Setting stronger boundaries and changing how you run projects Saying yes to opportunities that can expand your design career Moving past the fear of hiring and asking for help Using evidence, financial data, and facts to challenge fear Becoming aware of the inner voice that creates limiting stories How one courageous decision can change your business and your life Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#214
September 12 · 10 min
Leaving Money on the Table
How much money are you giving away every year simply because you aren't charging for work outside your original scope? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I tackle one of the biggest profit leaks in a design business: scope creep. It happens when a client asks you to take on additional work after the project begins, and instead of charging for it, you tell yourself, “It won't take me that long.” Those extra hours add up quickly. I walk through a common remodeling scenario where a client suddenly wants help with a fireplace that wasn't included in the original agreement. We explore why saying yes before discussing additional fees creates an awkward situation later, and why simply having an hourly clause in your contract isn't always enough. You'll learn how to prepare for these requests before they happen, clearly define your scope of work, communicate additional costs without making the conversation uncomfortable, and quickly turn additional requests into paid work. We also do the math: losing only a few billable hours each week can add up to around $10,000 a year in income left on the table. Your clients asking for more isn't a problem. It's an opportunity for more business, as long as you capture it, communicate it, and get paid for it. In this episode, we cover: Why scope creep is one of the biggest profit leaks in a design business Recognizing additional client requests as new business opportunities Why designers frequently give away extra hours without realizing it Defining a clear scope of work in your Letter of Agreement Why unexpected hourly invoices can create client pushback Preparing what to say when a client requests additional work How to confidently communicate additional fees Handling small additions versus major project expansions Turning verbal requests into paid agreements quickly How a few unpaid hours each week can cost you thousands every year Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#213
September 5 · 19 min
5 Profit Boosters
What small changes could make a big difference in the profitability of your interior design business? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I share five profit boosters that can help you increase revenue, strengthen your margins, and get paid better for the work you're already doing. We start with choosing the right market and understanding who your ideal client really is. Sometimes the clients who feel most familiar aren't the ones who can support a profitable business. I also explore opportunities beyond traditional residential design, including technical design support, new construction, model homes, accessories, and styling. From there, we look at choosing the right products and services, pricing them confidently, selling at retail, avoiding unnecessary discounts, and protecting yourself from scope creep. I also explain how improving your lead-to-contract sales flow can increase the number of clients you close without reinventing your entire business. Finally, we discuss increasing your average sale by presenting complete designs instead of one-off products, establishing budgets before sourcing, and confidently offering upgrades clients may genuinely want. These strategies may feel like small adjustments individually, but together they can substantially change your bottom line. In this episode, we cover: Choosing a profitable market and ideal client Finding specialized opportunities that match your strengths Selecting profitable products and services Selling products at retail instead of discounting Pricing your expertise with confidence Protecting profit from discounts and scope creep Increasing the number of qualified leads you attract Improving your lead-to-contract sales process Increasing average sales through complete presentations Using budgets and upgrades to create more profitable projects Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#212
August 29 · 12 min
Stop Matching Internet Pricing
Are you matching internet prices just to keep clients from questioning your product costs? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I explain why matching internet pricing can quietly undermine your profitability, and why the products and services you provide aren't an apples-to-apples comparison with what clients find online. When designers promise to match internet prices, they're often trying to prevent uncomfortable conversations or keep clients from shopping every item in their design. But that reassurance comes at a cost: you're giving away profit before the project even begins. I break down how to handle internet pricing conversations with different types of clients, from your ideal client who wants everything handled to the enthusiastic online shopper who wants to purchase everything themselves. You'll learn how to explain the value behind white-glove purchasing, including sourcing from trusted vendors, arranging freight, tracking orders, receiving, installation, and managing damage claims. We also discuss what to do when a client truly wants to purchase their own products, why hybrid purchasing creates unnecessary problems, and when a design-only service may be the more profitable solution. If you've ever felt pressured to justify your prices or compete with what clients find online, this episode will help you confidently communicate your value, protect your profit, and choose a purchasing model that works for both you and your client. In this episode, we cover: Why matching internet pricing hurts your profitability How to discuss online shopping before a project begins Why your pricing isn't comparable to internet pricing Communicating the value of white-glove purchasing Identifying ideal clients versus dedicated internet shoppers Handling clients who want to purchase products themselves Creating profitable design-only services Why hybrid purchasing creates problems Setting boundaries around custom products and millwork Protecting your time, service, and profit Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#211
August 22 · 16 min
Where is the Profit? or How to Have a Paycheck
Are you actually getting a paycheck from your interior design business, or are you working hard and hoping there will be money left over? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down why every interior design business needs to do two things consistently: pay its owner for the work they perform and generate profit beyond that paycheck. Many designers tell themselves they're leaving money in the business so it can grow, while others believe they simply don't make enough to pay themselves. But if your projects can't compensate you for your time and still produce a profit, the problem may be how those projects are structured and priced. I explain the mindset shift from seeing yourself as a solo design practitioner to treating your company as a separate business that provides interior design services as its product. You're the owner, but you're also doing valuable work for the company, and that work needs to be included in the cost of every project. We'll also walk through real examples of product sales and design fees to understand internal hourly rates, wholesale pricing, markup, time budgets, overhead, and gross profit. If you're working long hours but wondering where the money goes, this episode will help you structure your projects so your business can pay you consistently and generate the profit it needs to grow. In this episode, we cover: Why every interior designer should pay themselves The difference between your paycheck and business profit Why every project needs profit built in from the beginning Moving from a personal practice to a profitable business Treating yourself as both business owner and employee Including your time and labor in project pricing Using an internal hourly rate to structure design fees Understanding wholesale pricing, markup, and product profit Creating time budgets that protect profitability Building a business that pays you and produces profit Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#210
August 15 · 26 min
“How to Hire a VA” with Evelyn McDougall and Shanna Rose of 4D Biz
Do you know what kind of help your interior design business actually needs, or are you simply overwhelmed and ready to hire anyone? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m joined by Evelyn McDougall and Shanna Rose of 4D Biz to talk about how interior designers can hire virtual assistants strategically and build the right support team as their businesses grow. Shanna shares how a serious accident forced her to delegate within her own interior design business, leading to hard-earned lessons about hiring, training, and creating systems. That experience ultimately helped inspire 4D Biz and its fractional support model specifically for interior designers. Together, we discuss why hiring one person to do everything rarely works, how to identify the tasks and specialties you actually need help with, and why fractional support can be especially valuable in a project-based industry with natural ebbs and flows. We also explore three key areas of virtual support, design, administration, and marketing, and how designers can determine where delegation will create the greatest relief. If you're overwhelmed by procurement, drafting, project management, marketing, or simply trying to do everything yourself, this episode will help you think differently about hiring and build support that makes your business more sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable. In this episode, we cover: How to know when you're ready for a VA Why hiring one person to do everything doesn't work The difference between employees, freelancers, and fractional support Why systems and documented processes matter The three specialties of virtual support Delegating procurement, drafting, and administrative work Matching the right specialist to the right role Managing the ebbs and flows of a project-based business Controlling profitability when adding team support How to identify the best tasks to delegate first Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#209
August 8 · 15 min
Imposter Syndrome with Master Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester
Have you ever landed a dream project only to wonder if you're truly qualified for it? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I'm joined by IDBA's Master Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester, to explore one of the most common challenges interior designers face at every stage of their careers: imposter syndrome. Whether you're taking on your very first luxury client or stepping into a larger project than you've ever handled before, feelings of self-doubt can quickly creep in. Many designers begin questioning their abilities, overlooking their accomplishments, and convincing themselves they're not experienced enough, even when the evidence says otherwise. Together, we discuss why imposter syndrome shows up during periods of growth, how to separate feelings from facts, and practical techniques to build confidence before fear takes over. From celebrating past successes and reviewing client testimonials to practicing gratitude and taking action before you feel completely ready, we share simple mindset shifts that can help you move forward with confidence. If you've ever thought, "Am I really good enough for this project?" this episode will remind you that your success isn't an accident, it's built on the skills, experience, and talent you've already earned. In this episode, we cover: Understanding imposter syndrome Why self-doubt appears during growth Separating feelings from facts Finding evidence of your capabilities Celebrating your accomplishments Why confidence comes from action Using testimonials to build confidence The power of gratitude Moving past fear with practical tools Trusting your experience and expertise Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#208
August 1 · 15 min
The Two Income Stream Business
Are you building both income streams your interior design business needs to thrive? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the most important concepts every designer needs to understand: your business should generate income from two completely separate sources, your design expertise and your product sales. Many designers unknowingly combine these two revenue streams, creating confusion for clients and limiting their profitability. When design and purchasing become blurred together, designers often undervalue their expertise, struggle with pricing, and end up working far more than they're being paid for. I explain why design should always lead the client relationship, how purchasing should function as a separate white-glove service, and where the line between design work and administrative purchasing tasks should be drawn. We also discuss why fee-based pricing creates stronger boundaries than hourly billing, how wholesale purchasing builds a healthier business, and why developing both income streams is essential for long-term success. If you've ever wondered why you're working so hard without seeing the financial rewards you expected, this episode will help you rethink how your business generates profit and where opportunities for growth may be hiding. In this episode, we cover: The two income streams every design business needs Separating design from purchasing Why clients shouldn't see you as a furniture salesperson Fee-based pricing versus hourly billing Defining where design ends and purchasing begins Avoiding scope creep and underbilling Building profitable purchasing systems The importance of wholesale vendor relationships Creating sustainable business profit How mindset affects your income ceiling Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#207
July 25 · 23 min
Purchasing Secrets
Are your purchasing policies protecting your business, or creating costly headaches? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I share the purchasing strategies that have helped countless interior designers avoid some of the biggest mistakes in managing client purchases. From retail shopping requests to custom drawings and hybrid purchasing, we'll explore the boundaries every designer needs to establish before a project begins. Many designers struggle when clients want to shop alongside them, purchase products themselves, or ask for custom drawings they plan to take elsewhere. While these requests often seem harmless, they frequently lead to confusion, damaged relationships, lost profits, and projects that no longer reflect the designer's standards. I explain why selling trade products at retail pricing creates a healthier business model, how to handle clients who insist on buying from stores like Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware, and why hybrid purchasing almost always becomes a nightmare. We also cover the importance of setting clear expectations in your Letter of Agreement and charging appropriately for purchasing services when retail products are involved. If you've ever wondered how to protect your time, maintain profitability, and avoid purchasing disasters before they happen, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement immediately. In this episode, we cover: Why hybrid purchasing doesn't work Selling trade products profitably Handling clients who want retail products Setting purchasing boundaries from the beginning Avoiding custom drawing disasters Protecting your reputation during purchasing Writing stronger Letters of Agreement Charging purchasing fees on retail products Giving clients clear purchasing options Creating a smoother purchasing process Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#206
July 18 · 20 min
What's Your Money Story
What beliefs about money are quietly shaping your interior design business? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m joined once again by IDBA's Head Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester, to explore one of the most powerful mindset topics every designer faces: their money story. The way we think about money often begins long before we start a business. Childhood experiences, family beliefs, and past conversations can shape how comfortable we feel discussing budgets, charging premium fees, and working with affluent clients. These unconscious beliefs frequently influence pricing decisions, client conversations, and even the opportunities we allow ourselves to pursue. Together, we unpack where money stories come from, how they create fear around charging what you're worth, and why many designers unknowingly project their own financial beliefs onto luxury clients. We also discuss how developing a healthier relationship with money creates more confidence, better client experiences, and greater business growth. If you've ever struggled to raise your fees, felt uncomfortable talking about budgets, or worried that clients won't invest in your services, this episode will help you recognize the beliefs that may be holding you backk, and show you how to begin changing them. In this episode, we cover: Understanding your money story How childhood experiences shape financial beliefs Why designers struggle with pricing conversations Common money beliefs that limit business growth Separating your financial mindset from your clients' Why luxury clients think differently about money Building a healthier relationship with money Recognizing scarcity versus abundance thinking Allowing money to flow instead of chasing it How mindset impacts attracting ideal clients Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#205
July 11 · 20 min
What's Your Story
Are the stories you're telling yourself holding your interior design business back? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m joined by IDBA’s Head Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester, to explore how the stories we create in our minds shape our decisions, confidence, and business success. Many designers hesitate to pursue bigger opportunities, raise their fees, or change the way they do business, not because they lack the skills, but because they're operating from stories based on fear, doubt, or past experiences. These stories often feel true, even when they aren't. Together, we discuss where these stories come from, why our brains hold onto them, and how they influence everything from client conversations to pricing decisions. We also share practical ways to recognize limiting beliefs, stop preparing for imaginary problems, and take action with confidence. If you've ever found yourself thinking, "What if they say no?" or "That won't work for my clients," this episode will help you replace fear-driven stories with empowering beliefs that support your business growth. In this episode, we cover: What your "story" really is How fear-based thinking affects business decisions Why your brain mistakes repeated thoughts for truth Recognizing the "what if" mindset Why action builds confidence How stories create procrastination Common limiting beliefs designers experience The importance of staying present with clients Replacing fear with a winning mindset Building awareness to overcome self-sabotage Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#204
July 4 · 11 min
Being Paid What You Are Worth is Not About Design Fees or Hourly Billing
Is the real reason you're underpaid your pricing model, or something much deeper? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I wrap up our series on hourly billing versus design fees by exploring the real issue behind getting paid what you're worth: your relationship with money. Many designers believe switching from hourly billing to design fees will solve their profitability problems. But the truth is, neither pricing model works if you don't have healthy boundaries and the confidence to charge appropriately for your expertise. In this episode, I discuss how limiting money beliefs affect pricing decisions, why designers often discount their services without realizing it, and how childhood money stories continue to influence business decisions years later. We also talk about the importance of maintaining boundaries, receiving payment with confidence, creating a healthy exchange of value with clients, and replacing outdated beliefs that keep you underpaid. If you've been struggling to charge what you're worth, this episode will help you shift your mindset so you can confidently build a profitable design business. In this episode, we cover: Why pricing models alone won't solve undercharging How money stories affect your business decisions The importance of strong client boundaries Why designers discount themselves unnecessarily Changing the language you use around money Receiving payment with confidence Creating a healthy exchange of value Recognizing and overcoming scarcity thinking Rewriting limiting beliefs from childhood Building a mindset that supports being paid what you're worth Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#203
June 27 · 24 min
Getting Out of Your Own Way
Are you the biggest obstacle standing between your business and the success you want? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I explore one of the most important, and often overlooked, factors in building a successful design business: mindset. Many designers work harder, put in longer hours, and constantly search for new strategies, yet still struggle with inconsistent cash flow, difficult clients, and stalled growth. Often, the problem isn't a lack of talent or opportunity. It's the beliefs, fears, and habits that are keeping them stuck. In this episode, I break down some of the most common ways designers get in their own way, including feeling "not good enough," letting fear dictate decisions, playing small when opportunities arise, and surrounding themselves with people who reinforce limiting beliefs. We also discuss how mindset impacts financial success, why your internal dialogue matters, and how changing your expectations can transform the clients, projects, and opportunities you attract. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated by the pace of your business growth, this episode will help you identify the invisible barriers holding you back, and show you how to move beyond them. In this episode, we cover: Why mindset impacts business success How excuses keep designers stuck Overcoming the "I'm not good enough" belief Understanding fear versus reality Why playing small limits your growth Learning to say yes to bigger opportunities The connection between beliefs and financial success How your environment influences your results The power of taking responsibility for your future Creating a mindset that attracts better clients Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#202
June 20 · 13 min
Why Design Fees Work Best… and Why They Don't
Are design fees really the best way for interior designers to get paid? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I continue the conversation around pricing and billing by exploring the advantages and disadvantages of fee-based design. Many designers assume design fees automatically solve the problems created by hourly billing. But the truth is that design fees only work when they are supported by a clear scope of work, defined deliverables, strong boundaries, and a well-written letter of agreement. In this episode, I explain why fee-based design can dramatically improve profitability, cash flow, client confidence, and project management. We also discuss the mistakes designers make when creating flat fees, how to handle client requests outside the original scope, and why talking about money remains one of the most important skills a designer can develop. If you've ever wondered whether design fees are right for your business, this episode will help you understand when they work best, and when they can become a costly mistake. In this episode, we cover: Why design fees fail without clear boundaries The importance of scope, deliverables, and planning How design fees improve client confidence Why fee-based design improves cash flow Creating profitable letters of agreement Managing client requests outside the scope of work Why designers need to talk about money Understanding value versus time How experience increases profitability When fee-based design works best Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#201
June 13 · 14 min
Why Hourly Billing Works and Doesn't Work
Should interior designers charge hourly, or is there a better way? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the longest-running debates in the design industry: hourly billing versus fee-based design. While hourly billing can work in certain situations, it also creates significant challenges for both designers and clients when it's not managed properly. From inaccurate time tracking and delayed cash flow to client anxiety around costs and scope creep, hourly billing often creates more problems than designers realize. In this episode, I explain when hourly billing works, how to make it more effective, and the hidden pitfalls that can hurt profitability. We also discuss retainers, scope management, client communication, time tracking, and why experience should increase your value, not reduce it. If you've ever wondered whether hourly billing is helping or hurting your business, this episode will help you understand the advantages, disadvantages, and what to watch out for as your business grows. In this episode, we cover: Why hourly billing creates challenges for many designers The importance of accurate time tracking How delayed billing impacts cash flow Why designers often underbill clients Using retainers to improve hourly billing Managing scope creep and additional requests Why client communication around money matters The hidden costs of hourly billing Understanding the difference between time and value Why experience should increase your earnings Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#200
June 6 · 18 min
Why Templates Don't Work
Are templates helping your interior design business… or hurting it? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I explain why templates often create more problems than they solve for interior designers. Many designers rely on template contracts, letters of agreement, proposals, and deliverables because they want a faster, easier way to start projects. But the reality is that every project is different, every client is different, and every successful design business requires thoughtful planning and customization. In this episode, I break down why one-size-fits-all templates fail, what deliverables actually are, how boundaries protect both you and your clients, and why a properly crafted letter of agreement is one of the most important business tools you have. We also discuss project planning, payment structures, client expectations, legal protections, and how organizational systems create more profitable projects and a better client experience. If you've ever searched for the perfect template to solve your business challenges, this episode will show you why the real solution is developing the skills and systems behind the document. In this episode, we cover: Why templates create problems for designers The purpose of a strong letter of agreement What deliverables actually mean Why every project requires customization Creating boundaries that protect profitability Structuring payments and cash flow correctly Planning projects before design work begins Protecting yourself with legal language Why organization improves client experience The connection between systems and profitability Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#199
May 30 · 18 min
Do You Have the Right Insurance?
Do you actually have the right insurance coverage for your interior design business? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about one of the most overlooked but critical parts of running a successful design business: professional liability protection. Many designers assume their homeowner’s insurance covers their business, or they believe they’re “too small” to need errors and omissions insurance. But the reality is that every project carries liability, and even happy clients can suddenly become difficult when problems arise. In this episode, I share real stories from my own business experience, including client disputes, product failures, remodel complaints, and unexpected accidents that could have turned into major legal and financial problems. We also discuss why documentation matters, how to protect yourself legally, what errors and omissions insurance actually covers, and why separating your personal and business protections is essential. If you’re running an interior design business without understanding your liability exposure, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode, we cover: Why homeowner’s insurance does not cover your design business What errors and omissions insurance actually protects Why no design business is “too small” for liability coverage Real examples of design-related lawsuits and disputes How clients can suddenly become difficult after projects finish Why documentation and signed approvals matter Protecting furniture, inventory, and stored products Understanding liability around specifications and selections Why legal defense costs can become overwhelming Steps every designer should take to protect their business Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#198
May 23 · 19 min
Is My Design Fee Enough?
Are you constantly wondering if your design fee is really enough? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the biggest mindset and business challenges interior designers face: pricing their services confidently and profitably. Many designers struggle because they blur the line between design services and product purchasing. They rely on future furniture sales to make the project profitable, overdeliver without boundaries, and end up exhausted, underpaid, and frustrated. In this episode, I explain why separating design fees from purchasing changes everything. When your design fee fully pays you for your expertise, your time, and your process, you create a healthier business, stronger client relationships, and far more profitability. I also walk through how to structure boundaries inside your agreements, why deliverables need to be crystal clear, how budgets support fee conversations, and why clients are actually more comfortable saying yes when they understand the full financial picture. If you’ve ever questioned your pricing, struggled to hold boundaries, or felt like you were giving away too much unpaid time, this episode will completely change how you think about design fees. In this episode, we cover: Why design fees and purchasing should stay separate The mindset shift from designer to consultant How unclear boundaries create unpaid work Why overdelivering hurts your business Setting limits on meetings, selections, and revisions The relationship between project budgets and fees Why clients say yes more easily when budgets are clear Creating stronger letters of agreement Defining clear deliverables in your contracts Structuring a profitable purchasing process Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy
#197
May 16 · 19 min
How to Manage Clients Who Can't Make a Decision
What do you do when a client loves every option… but still won’t make a decision? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down how to manage clients who struggle with decision-making and why unresolved decisions can completely derail a design project. When clients delay decisions, it creates confusion, slows contractors down, impacts timelines, increases your unpaid hours, and often weakens the overall design outcome. But the truth is, many clients aren’t intentionally difficult, they simply lack confidence and need more structure, guidance, and clarity throughout the process. In this episode, I share six practical strategies to help clients move through decisions with more confidence while keeping your projects organized, on schedule, and beautifully cohesive. You’ll learn how to reduce overwhelm, create better specification meetings, structure your agreements to support progress, and guide clients through the emotional side of decision-making without becoming frustrated or losing control of the project. If you’ve ever had a client say “I need to think about it” over and over again, this episode will help you lead the process more effectively and protect both your time and your design. In this episode, we cover: Why some clients struggle to make decisions How open-ended decisions delay projects Why unresolved selections hurt the overall design The impact delayed decisions have on contractors and timelines How too many options overwhelm clients Why presenting one best option works better than five How to use anchor selections to guide the design direction Why inspiration photos help reinforce decisions The importance of meeting agendas How preparing clients before meetings improves outcomes Building deadlines into your letter of agreement How written agreements create accountability Why clients need design education throughout the process Explaining the emotional feel behind design choices How to build confidence in hesitant clients Why reinforcing wins helps clients decide faster The importance of holding boundaries during selections Why you should never allow decisions to carry into the next meeting How stronger leadership creates smoother projects Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

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