Author name: Wendy Estela

Deliverables, Wendy Estela, Attorney

The Deliverables Problem: Why This One Word Is Costing Designers Thousands

Guest Blog by Wendy Estela Esq. As an attorney, I’ve drafted hundreds of interior design contracts, and I can tell you that the most contentious disputes I see don’t happen during the project. They happen when a project ends early. One reason is usually vague language about deliverables. Here’s what I see all the time: […]

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scary, client management, designer

5 Scary Truths Every Interior Designer Needs to Face, Before They Haunt You!

Happy Halloween, designers! While you’re picking out the perfect pumpkin spice latte and the most creative Halloween costume, I’m here to talk about something truly terrifying the nightmares that keep design business owners awake at 3 a.m. After working with hundreds of interior designers and construction professionals during my long 25-year career, I’ve seen the

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Emotional, Client Relationships

Managing the Emotional Landscape of Designer-Client Relationships

Interior design is as much about managing relationships as it is about executing sophisticated design vision. After years of representing interior designers in their business dealings, I’ve observed patterns in how these creative professional relationships unfold, particularly how they end. Today, I want to address the most challenging aspect of your business: navigating the emotional

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TariffTalk

Tariff Talk: The Client Conversation You Need to Have

Many of you have shared concerns about having the tariff talk with your client. You’re definitely not alone. This issue is causing anxiety throughout the interior design industry. But there’s good news: addressing it proactively can turn this challenge into an opportunity to demonstrate professionalism and strengthen client trust. The Power of Proactive Client Conversation

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Wendy Estela, Transparency, Design Contracts

“The New Transparency”  in Design Contracts

As a lawyer for the design industry, I have drafted hundreds of design contracts and have been involved in countless designer vs. client disputes, always resulting from the unplanned end of a contract relationship. My experience has led me to believe strongly that the industry must shift toward what I call “The New Transparency” –

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