It’s a question that hits a nerve in the design community. Recently, a member of the @interiordesigncommunity asked: “Do you have language around not disclosing vendor invoices to clients? The client wants to see the invoices, and I want to say no. How do I say that professionally?” This isn’t just about one sticky conversation, […]
What Do You Say When a Client Wants to See Your Vendor Invoices? Read More »
A client asking for a competitor quotes can be a most challenging moment in any client relationship is when loyalty suddenly feels one-sided. Recently, a designer in the @interiordesigncommunity faced this dilemma head-on. She asked: “I’ve been working with this client for years. She’s hinted at getting quotes from other designers for our biggest project
What to Do When a Longtime Interior Design Client Starts Asking for Competitor Quotes Read More »
A recent question posed by @interiordesigncommunity sparked one of the most honest conversations we’ve seen about big e-retailers and their impact on interior design businesses. Opinions varied greatly, ranging from frustration to strategy, as they uncovered deep concerns and potential solutions. Here’s what designers had to say: “They are giving discounts to anyone with a
Are Big E-Retailers Good for Interior Designers? The Answer Isn’t Simple. Read More »
An economic downturn can be daunting for interior designers. Project budgets shrink, clients hesitate to commit, and uncertainty sets in. But challenging times also present opportunities to strengthen your business, adapt your offerings, and emerge even more resilient. Here’s how interior designers can proactively respond and thrive during economic uncertainty. Diversify Your Services Diversification can
Strategies for Interior Designers to Thrive During an Economic Downturn Read More »
Choosing the right project management software is a key decision for interior design businesses of all sizes. Today’s platforms range from all-in-one solutions with accounting and procurement to flexible tools focused on collaboration or visual design. This guide compares leading options—both specialized for interior design and general project management tools—highlighting features, pricing, and ideal use
Streamline Your Workflow: Project Management Tools for Interior Designers Read More »
Interior designers carry enormous responsibilities. From the health, safety, and welfare of a space to aesthetics, logistics, and technical execution, we do it all. But the question remains: are we making money? A recent survey conducted by the Interior Design Community, with over 100,000 active designers, suggests that many are not. So why is that?
10 Things Interior Designers Can Do Right Now to Start Earning More Money Read More »
Interior designers are often expected to act as translators, project managers, financial planners, and clairvoyants all at once. Nowhere is that more obvious than when a client asks the question every seasoned designer hears: “How much is the whole thing going to cost?” Understanding how to Talk Pricing can make this conversation easier. It sounds
How Interior Designers Talk Pricing When Some Costs Aren’t Theirs Read More »
Customer Service What happens when technology and tradition collide in the design world? Sharon Sherman of Thyme & Place Design delves into this question in her latest blog post, examining how AI is transforming the way interior designers approach customer service. “Interior design is still a relationship-based business. AI may be able to assist, but
Customer Service for Interior Design in the Age of AI Read More »
You design it, build it, then it gets stolen: When you design it, you put your heart into every detail. It’s crucial to recognize that when you design it, you deserve full recognition for your efforts. One way to protect what you design it is to keep a detailed record of your creative process. When
The first meeting between a designer and a potential client is not always about design. It is often about clarity. Who sets the pace? What is the expectation? How much should be given before a contract is signed? Interior designers have long debated whether or not to charge for this initial interaction. In a recent
Charging for That First Meeting: How Interior Designers Set the Tone from Day One Read More »
