Interior Design Business

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we’re unpacking the different methods for calculating design fees—whether by square footage, hourly rates, or fixed fees—and how to choose the best approach for your business. With insights on the pros and cons of each method, I’ll guide you on using these strategies to communicate clearly with clients, define project scope, and set up profitable billing practices.We’ll also discuss why hourly billing, while not always ideal, can be a valuable tool for handling additional client requests, and how to treat these add-ons as new business opportunities. Plus, I’ll introduce the Design Fee Formula workshop, designed to provide in-depth training on calculating fees effectively and managing time wisely.In this episode, we cover:Design fee structures: square footage, hourly, and fixed feesWhy clear communication and scope of work are keyThe advantages and disadvantages of hourly billingStrategies for handling additional client requests and upsellingIntroduction to the Design Fee Formula workshopIf you’re ready to take control of your pricing and ensure your fees reflect the value of your work, this episode is for you!I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m discussing why design fees are a smarter choice than hourly billing for designers who want to grow their income and client satisfaction. If you’re still charging by the hour, you may be leaving money on the table and running into unnecessary challenges.I’ll share insights on how hourly billing can hold experienced designers back, lead to cash flow issues, and even create friction with clients. We’ll explore the advantages of design fees, from improving cash flow to setting clear project expectations, and how shifting to fee-based agreements can lead to more profitable, trusting client relationships. Plus, I invite you to join the Design Fee Formula masterclass to refine your pricing strategy and set yourself up for consistent success.In this episode, I cover:Why hourly billing often undervalues experienced designersThe cash flow and trust issues that time billing can createHow design fees offer a structured, profitable approachBenefits of fee-based agreements for client relationshipsInvitation to the Design Fee Formula masterclassIf you’re ready to improve your pricing strategy, build trust with clients, and get paid what you’re worth, this episode is for you!I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I dive deeper into the challenges designers face when it comes to billing, especially with hourly rates and managing legacy clients. If you’ve ever found yourself taking on small, low-paying jobs that end up consuming more time than you estimated, this episode is for you!I share real-world examples, like the outdoor wall sconces project and a reupholstering job that went off track, to highlight why these types of jobs can become unprofitable. More importantly, I discuss how to break this cycle by implementing a structured design fee formula that’s tailored to your business stage. By setting a minimum design fee, you can enhance your profitability, protect your personal time, and elevate your professionalism.Listen in to learn how to qualify potential clients, stop shrinking to fit smaller projects, and start charging what your services are truly worth!In this episode, I cover:The pitfalls of hourly billing and small jobsReal-life examples of design jobs gone wrongHow to break the loop of unprofitable workIntroducing a minimum design fee to boost profitabilityStrategies for qualifying potential clients with confidenceIf you’re ready to set boundaries, create a profitable pricing structure, and start getting paid for the value you bring, this episode is for you!I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you ready to start charging what you’re worth as a designer? In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we focus on enhancing your billing practices and shifting your mindset toward valuing your design services. Host Terri Taylor shares key strategies to help you improve your billing accuracy, manage your time effectively, and maximize your income by focusing on design fees instead of product sales.Discover how tracking your time and setting clear deliverables can lead to substantial annual earnings, and learn why self-worth plays a crucial role in client acceptance of your design fees. This episode also features practical tips for structuring your workweek to hit 20 paid design hours and build a consistent, profitable income.Topics covered in this episode include:How to track time and improve billing accuracyThe importance of charging for design services, not product salesExample earnings based on hourly ratesShifting your mindset to communicate your value confidentlyInvitation to the free webinar: ‘Design Fees Unlocked’If you’re ready to charge what you’re worth and create consistent income from design fees, this episode is for you!Design fees unlocked: 5 secrets to getting paid what you're worthI would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you ready to confidently charge what you’re worth as a designer? In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, host Terri Taylor continues the discussion on overcoming pricing challenges and the importance of having transparent money conversations with clients.Terri shares why forming budget agreements can lead to higher fees than you might expect, and how mental barriers like self-worth and imposter syndrome can get in the way of proper pricing. Learn how your environment can influence your income and why surrounding yourself with a supportive community is crucial to your success. Topics covered in this episode include:How to discuss costs openly with clientsThe impact of self-worth and imposter syndrome on pricingWhy your inner circle influences your income potentialHow to gradually step up your pricing strategyIf you’ve struggled with pricing your services, this episode will help you take the next steps towards charging your worth.I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Are you struggling to price your interior design services confidently? In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we tackle one of the biggest hurdles for designers: pricing! Host Terri Taylor dives into the common challenges interior designers face when it comes to charging their worth and having open conversations about money.From understanding your own money mindset to mastering effective client communication, this episode offers practical strategies like the ‘Budget on the Fly’ technique to help you gauge a client’s spending comfort and set yourself up for success. Terri also shares why it’s important to discuss costs clearly and confidently instead of underpricing to secure a project.Topics covered in this episode include:Why discomfort with money conversations is holding you backThe impact of childhood experiences on your pricing mindsetTechniques for discussing budgets confidently with clientsHow to embrace a trusted consultant mindset in pricing discussionsIf you’ve ever felt overworked and underpaid, this episode is a must-listen as we help you transform your money conversations and set yourself up for greater success!I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you ever had a client seem interested, only for them to disappear with nothing but crickets in response? 🦗 In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we dive into the challenges of client engagement and how to avoid missed opportunities.We’ll explore the Law of Diminishing Intent and why it’s crucial to act quickly when a client shows interest. Learn effective strategies for securing jobs, from soft selling and discussing budgets to making offers at the right moment. Plus, discover how to handle client indecision gracefully and keep the momentum going in your business.Topics covered in this episode include:The importance of timely follow-upsHow to capture job opportunities with a soft sell approachMaking offers confidently to avoid hesitationScheduling follow-up appointments to overcome “I want to think about it”If you’re tired of hearing crickets and want to keep clients engaged, this episode is for you!I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you ever been hit with a wave of exhaustion in the middle of a project, feeling like your energy has crashed completely? In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we’re talking about the energy crash that happens to many designers and how you can fix it.We’ll cover how negative thoughts can drain your energy, even when everything seems to be going well. I’ll share simple, actionable steps to shift your mindset, calm your nerves, and handle stressful situations with clarity and confidence. Whether it’s a tricky client call or a project issue, these tips will help you protect your energy and respond effectively.Topics covered in this episode include:Why your energy crashes during stressful situationsHow to reset your mindset in the momentThe importance of staying calm and positivePractical ways to breathe, relax, and refocusIf you’ve ever found yourself spiraling into negativity, this episode is for you!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a money magnet?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Academy podcast, we’re diving into how you can harness the power of vibrational energy and practical money strategies to attract wealth and abundance into your life. From overcoming financial struggles to creating a thriving design business, learn how to change your relationship with money and make it work for you.Tune in to discover the steps to become a true money magnet!Topics covered in this episode include:How to combine vibrational energy with practical money strategiesPersonal stories of overcoming financial strugglesKey steps to attract wealth and abundanceIf you’re ready to change your financial mindset and create a more abundant life, this episode is for you!I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Have you ever said yes to a client when really you wanted to say no?In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we’re talking about how to say no to a potential client and do it gracefully. Maybe you’re wondering why you’d ever say no to a potential client, and the truth is there are all kinds of reasons. They might not have a big enough budget, you might not have enough time, or maybe their project just doesn’t interest you! All of those are perfectly good reasons to say no, but how do you do it professionally and gracefully?Tune in to find out. Topics covered in this episode include:One skill that all successful designers work on How to turn scope creep into an upsellRed flags to look for in a job before you say yes If you’re a people-pleaser and you have a hard time saying no even when you want to, this is for you. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you ever wonder if you're playing it too safe in your interior design career?In this episode, I’m challenging interior designers like you to dream big and tap into your true potential. I'll guide you through the process of applying your design visualization skills to business growth, showing you how to break down your big dreams into actionable steps. By the end of this episode, you'll understand the parallels between designing spaces and designing your ideal career, and you'll learn how to leverage relationships to access new design opportunities. Join me to gain the confidence and tools you need to elevate your interior design career and create the business of your dreams!Topics covered in this episode include:How to apply design visualization skills to business growthBreaking down big dreams into actionable stepsExploring diverse career paths in interior designI would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

If a client told you they could pay your discovery fee and your design fee, but they couldn’t exceed a total budget of $50,000, what would you say?This episode of the Interior Design Business podcast shares an example of what can happen when old belief systems alter your present expectations and outcomes. Old beliefs about money are really hard to shake, there’s no shame in that, but when you do shake them, you open yourself up to so much more potential. This episode is going to help you do it. Topics covered in this episode include:How your environment could be negatively affecting your results One thing that will transform your outlook on a design job An effective way to differentiate between window shoppers and viable clients Tune in for a discussion about discovery call expectations for you and your clients, how expectations create your reality, and how to beat the old beliefs that are holding you back. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How do you get published in a national design magazine? Our guest in this episode of Interior Design Business, Erin Shakoor, is a long-time member of the Interior Design Business Academy who recently scored an eight-page spread in House Beautiful. I asked her if she would come on the podcast and talk to us about what that process was like. Topics covered in this episode include:The method Erin used to attract her dream client What it looks like to put a magazine-worthy design together How to get the best photographs of your work Tips for pitching your work to a magazine for publicationIf you’ve ever wondered about the publication process and how you might go about getting published for the first time, Erin has answers for you. From the first connection with the client to getting published, she’s sharing it all. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Looking for clients? Try these strategies! In every designer's journey, there are times when you’re crazy busy, and times when you’re wondering where the next client will come from. If you’re currently experiencing the latter, don’t panic. It happens to us all and you will come out the other side of it. To help you speed that process along, I’m sharing five designer marketing strategies that will get you out of a lull. Topics covered in this episode include:How to figure out your target audience once and for allThe only surefire way to get referrals A script to follow next time you need to give an elevator pitch Tune in to this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast to find out how a designer of over 30 years finds new clients. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Picture this: You’re the leader of a process-driven design company with a dreamy client experience, predictable and repeatable results, and a balanced schedule. Can you envision it? Then you’re one step closer to achieving it! In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, you’ll learn how to use systems and processes to create the business of your dreams. Topics covered in this episode include:How I turned my business around when it was at breaking pointWhat every business needs in order to run smoothly Why your business isn’t growing Tune in to find out how the professionals run their businesses for the best results. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How do you take a lead, turn it into a prospect, and then turn it into a good design job?In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m sharing my process for turning leads into prospects and prospects into paying clients. This is one of those things that you need to have a process for in your business. Without a clear and repeatable process, a lot of leads are going to fall through the cracks when they could have turned into really great design jobs. We’re covering everything from the first touchpoint someone has with your business to signing them on as a client. You’ll hear about elevator pitches, customer experience, pricing, and so much more. Topics covered in this episode include:Identifying where your leads are coming from Why you need a good elevator pitch How to make yourself sound professional How to answer the question, “what do you cost?”If you’ve been wondering how to get more leads to say yes to your offer, this is the episode for you.I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What do you wish you knew about marketing for designers?By the end of this episode, you might just have your answer. There’s a lot of information out there about SEO, social media, and all things marketing, but it’s hard to sift through and none of it is focused on designers. Our industry is a little different from others. There are things that need to be done in a certain way and in a certain order to create the best platform for you to build your interior design business from. In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, I’m sharing the steps for you to follow to start marketing your interior design business. I have a whole workshop on this, but I wanted to share some of the basics with you right here on the podcast. Topics covered in this episode include:The power of advertising combined with referrals How to get started with marketing as a designer Why you need to create your messaging for a specific audience Whether you have no idea where to start or you want to brush up on your marketing skills, this episode has something for you. Tune in! I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

What does it mean to “keep your shape” as an interior design business owner?“Keep your shape” is a motto we use at the Interior Design Business Academy to talk about standing your ground. This comes into play in every area of your business: pricing, time, systems, offers, boundaries… you name it. We’re diving into it all in this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, and today is our lucky day because IDBA lead coach Valerie Priester is back for another episode to share her expertise on the subject.Topics covered in this episode include:Why you might struggle to keep your shape if you’re a people-pleaserHow successful designers stand their ground on their pricingA simple hack to get better at keeping your shape If you have a hard time sticking to your boundaries then it’s probably costing you precious time and money that you need to run your business. Tune in to this episode to learn how to “keep your shape” from the experts.I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

Do you feel like you never have any free time and yet somehow you still don’t have enough jobs to turn a profit?This problem is more common than you think, and in this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast we’re unpacking why that is. I sat down with our lead coach at IDBA, Valerie Priester, to talk about why designers get stuck with so many little jobs that they don’t have time to take on the big jobs they really want. If that sounds familiar, stick around because this is for you. Topics covered in this episode include:Signs that you have more of a scarcity mindset than you realizeSubconscious triggers that are causing you to take on small jobs Red flags to look for before you take on a job Tune in to learn how to get more dream jobs, work with more dream clients, and still have more free time on your calendar.I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.

How do you tell the difference between honest sustainable companies and those that are trying to trick you with greenwashing in their marketing?This is just one of many questions you might have if you’re thinking about going green in your interior design business, so I've recruited the help of expert Megan Thompson to answer some of those questions and point you in the right direction. In this episode of the Interior Design Business podcast, we’re talking about how interior design impacts the planet through excessive waste and contributions to global emissions and what you can do to make a difference. Topics covered in this episode include:How many tons of furniture end up in landfill each year Lies you’ve been told about sustainability in interior design A quick and easy trick to know if a product is really “green” or not If you want to go green but you don’t know where to start, Megan’s got you covered. I would love to connect on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy or Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy!Show notes are available at https://interiordesignbusinessacademy.com.