There are certain mistakes that interior designers should be wary of as they could lead to disputes or even lawsuits with clients. In this post I share a list of some of these common mistakes plus some tips for how to avoid these happening to you.
Read MoreIn this post I share 5 traits you will need to build a successful design business.
Read MoreTwo designers, Anna and Lisa, set up their interior design businesses at the same time. From the beginning, their approaches to their businesses are quite different, leading them down two very different paths. Here’s the tale of what happens when you choose the wrong design clients to work with…
Read MoreWorking as an interior designer is VERY stressful and not as glamorous as it might seem! There’s also a lot of risk and pressure involved with design work, that many don’t realise when they enter the industry. In this post I share just some of the aspects of the profession that can be stressful.
Read MoreWhether we like it or not, first impressions count. In this post I share why your image and branding, the trust and confidence you exude, your understanding of client aspirations and your aesthetics matter in the world of design.
Read MoreQuick one from me today….here’s a list of what I used to take with me to an initial design consultation with a new design client.
Read MoreAs an interior designer, your creativity and expertise are your most valuable assets. However, to ensure that your business thrives, it's crucial to recognise the importance of valuing your time and services appropriately. In this post I share some examples of things you may not be billing for, but should be in order to maximise your earning potential.
Read MoreWhy does one interior designer charge $5,000 in fees for a project while another can ask $50,000 for the same work? In the design industry a variety of factors influence how designers set their fees and this post explores what some of those factors are and gives you some tips for how to increase your pricing.
Read MoreHere’s what to say when a design client raises pricing objections.
Read MoreA lot of you aren’t going to like what I’ve got to say in this post 🫣😬. But if you keep finding your clients go behind your back and try and “shop around” with your suppliers to find a better deal, it’s because they don’t trust you. Here’s why….
Read MoreAvoid red flag 🚩clients by asking them these questions during the sales process and BEFORE you sign them.
Read MoreNot all clients are a good fit. But it can be awkward turning them down or rejecting their work. Here’s some ideas for how to politely decline a project from a client that’s not a good fit for you.
Read MoreFor all those dream clients you get, you’ll also come across clients that are challenging to work with. And in this post I share 8 challenges you’ll almost certainly experience at some point in your design career. I also share some ideas for what might help you overcome each of these challenges when you face them.
Read MoreThere are only two ways to grow your design business. 📈💰 First, get more clients. And second, make your existing clients worth more. In this post I’m sharing what I mean by this as well as the activities you should be doing every day to focus on growth in both these areas.
Read MoreIn this post I share six red flags to look out for during the early sales process with clients and why these flags help you decide if they will be enjoyable to work with or not. Remember this is your business (and your sanity!). Not all clients are worth it and it's completely OK to politely decline work if you sense red flags that you don’t want to deal with.
Read MoreWhen you meet a new design client you are meeting a stranger in their home. Although it's extremely unlikely you will be in danger, make sure you take some precautions to ensure your personal safety. Here’s some ideas…
Read MoreIn this Q&A series, I answer questions that come up in my Facebook group and outline my thoughts on what people are asking. In this post we look at a scenario where expectations between client and designer are misaligned, resulting in the designer doing work for free and wasting their time (and money!).
Read MoreIn this post I’m sharing a typical construction workflow for a residential project. I go through all the stages involved from start to finish when building a new home or extension.
Read MoreOnce a construction project is finished don’t just walk out the door and leave your clients wondering how to make everything work in their new home. Instead, put together a client handover folder that you can leave with clients on the day of project handover. In this post I share some of the things you might include in a client handover folder at the completion of a residential construction project.
Read MoreYour first meeting with a new client is as much about finding out if the project is a good fit for you as it is about them finding out if you’re the designer they want to work with. And to make an informed decision about whether a project is a good fit there’s certain questions you will want to ask when you first meet a new client. Here’s the top 10 that I recommend….
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