Interior Design Business

Feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and on-call 24/7? You might not have a workload problem, you have a boundaries problem.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m joined by IDBA Coach Marsha Sewdass for a heart-to-heart conversation on what healthy boundaries really look like in your design business. We’re talking about business hours, burnout, overgiving, and the pressure to be “Superwoman.”

If you’ve ever answere...

Think you’re protected because you meant to get the proposal signed? Think again.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m continuing the conversation on financial risk, and sharing a real story from my own design studio that proves exactly why systems and boundaries must be followed every single time.

From unfunded proposals to “just helping the client out,” you’ll hear how even experienced designers can fall int...

Still taking 50% deposits on product orders? That’s a financial risk you can’t afford.
 In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing a real story of how one designer nearly lost her business because of outdated payment practices, and how to fix it with one simple boundary.

You’ll learn why half-down payments no longer protect you, what your letter of agreement should say, and how shifting your mindset aro...

If you’re constantly doing “just one more thing” for free, it’s not about client service, it’s a boundary issue.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down how scope creep sneaks into your projects and steals your time, profits, and peace of mind. From color consults and last-minute requests to Wayfair screenshots and patio meetings, we’re calling it what it is: unpaid work.

You’ll learn why scope cree...

If you're discounting product to get the job, it's not a pricing problem, it’s a boundaries problem.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I'm diving into the real reasons designers give away profits, time, and authority, and how to reclaim all three. Whether it’s sharing trade discounts, undercharging on product, or trying to “be nice,” I’ll show you why those strategies backfire and what to do ins...

If you’re not getting paid what you’re worth, the real issue might not be pricing—it’s boundaries.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into why boundaries are the key to profitability, clarity, and peace of mind. From undercharging and scope creep to verbal orders and unpaid extras, I’m sharing the real-world ways designers lose money and respect, and how to stop the cycle.

If you’ve ever ended a proje...

Starting a design business isn’t just about being talented, it’s about building a real business foundation that can support you long-term.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing what it really takes to start a design business—step-by-step—like a giant checklist. Most designers start by helping friends and family, but eventually you have to learn how to shift from “free help” into a legitimate business w...

You’re not a charity. You’re not your client’s financial rescue plan. And you’re definitely not in business to burn out.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into Part 4 of my Financially Sustainable Design Business series—and this one is all about the energetic side of money. Because here’s the truth: the mindset and beliefs you hold about money can block profitability faster than any pricing mistake.

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You’re not a furniture store. You’re not a contractor’s free assistant. And you’re definitely not a charity.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into Part 3 of our financially sustainable design business series. This time, we're getting crystal clear about what you really sell, your design time. Discover the one metric that will transform your business, why chasing product sales is a tr...

You’ve priced your design work. You’ve marked up your product. So why does it still feel like you’re working for free?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into Part 2 of our financially sustainable design business series, focusing on boundaries. From endless client emails to last-minute add-ons and ghosting clients who suddenly reappear, this episode will show you exactly how to protect your time, you...

A beautiful portfolio doesn’t guarantee a profitable business.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m kicking off a multi-part series on building a financially sustainable design business. Today’s focus? Understanding how to separate your design services from product sales, and why clinging to retail vendors and discount pricing is keeping you stuck.

If you want to create a business that pays you consistently, c...

What causes design jobs to fall apart? Spoiler alert: it’s rarely the client’s fault.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m walking you through the real reasons design jobs go sideways, and how to prevent them before they start. From clients ghosting your final presentation to never-ending projects with zero profit, I’ll show you how to build structure, communicate expectations, and take the lead from day one.

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Hiring the right team member can transform your business, but hiring the wrong one? It can drain your time, money, and sanity.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing real stories from my own hiring journey, the flops, the fixes, and the eye-opening lessons that helped me build a team that actually supports me. From cheap hires to knee-jerk decisions, interns to untrained assistants, you’ll hear what not...

What’s the best way to charge for your design work, by the hour, by the square foot, or with flat fees? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of each method, and revealing why design fees are the real workhorse of your business. You’ll learn how to handle scope creep, price add-ons properly, and present fees that align with how builders and clients think—without giving away you...

What happens when your dream project finally lands in your lap… but you’re too buried in admin to say yes?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing the story of a designer who landed her absolutely fabulous project, only to realize she couldn’t take it on without radically transforming how her business runs. Sound familiar?

I’ll walk you through how we helped her restructure her team, delegate admin tasks,...

Think asking for help makes you look weak? Think again.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m unpacking one of the biggest mindset traps designers fall into—believing they have to do everything on their own to prove their worth. From raising kids to managing client projects to building a sustainable business, real success comes when you’re willing to reach out and receive the support you need.

I’ll share my per...

What do you do when a contractor goes rogue?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing a real story from one of our Growth Q&A calls, where a new contractor undercut a designer’s pricing, bypassed communication boundaries, and caused major headaches on the job. It’s a cautionary tale, and I’m walking you through exactly how to prevent it from happening to you.

You’ll learn how to set expectations upfron...

Are you starting projects without a profit plan, and hoping it all works out?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into the biggest reason designers under-earn: jumping into jobs without clarity on time, money, or scope. If you’ve ever found yourself discounting an invoice or redesigning a project just to meet the client’s “idea” of a budget, this one’s for you.

You’ll learn how to plan for profit befor...

Are tariffs, rising costs, or slow-paying clients eating into your design income?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down what it really takes to protect your profits, especially in unpredictable times. From tariff increases on imports to client ghosting and weak pricing strategies, I’m showing you exactly where money leaks from your business and how to plug them.
You’ll learn how to price...