As design pros, we juggle dozens of items, multiple vendors, and shipping realities that do not care about install dates. Procurement will always carry some friction, so the goal is not perfection, it is a predictable process. Inside the Interior Design Community, we see the same patterns, concealed damage, wrong finish, off by an inch, […]
To-The-Trade Episode Summary On this episode of the To-The-Trade, Laurie Laizure sits down with designer and entrepreneur Sarah Brohm, founder of UA Designs, to talk real process, pricing clarity, and the operations that carry a project from concept to completion. Sarah’s path began in nursing, a background that sharpened her skills in systems, communication, and
The snapshot, employees vs contractors Growing firms usually blend two paths, employees on payroll, and independent contractors for specialized or variable work. Employees give control, quality consistency, and culture. Contractors give flexibility and speed for seasons and specialties. The IRS weighs three areas when deciding status, behavioral control, financial control, and the type of relationship.
Hiring Employees for Interior Designers, A Complete Guide Read More »
Moving Forward in Tough Times Running a studio involves more than just taste; it’s the business of interior design. When projects stall and supply chains wobble, the weak spots in your systems become apparent. In this blog, designer Nikki Levy shares how a tough season became the catalyst to tighten processes, protect profit, and rebuild
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To-The-Trade Episode Summary In this candid conversation on the To-The-Trade interior design podcast, Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson sit down with Ross Dunn, a 29-year SEO veteran and trusted friend of the Interior Design Community, to decode what really changed and what still works in search. Ross shares why he prefers the phrase “answer engine
To-The-Trade-S2E53 Design Entrepreneurship, Real-World SEO Tactics from Ross Dunn Read More »
A tidy studio is not about perfection, it is about making your creative work easier. This refreshed guide offers simple systems for workroom organization for interior designers, along with real talk from fellow professionals. If you are building repeatable habits, small daily actions consistently outperform once-a-year cleanouts. Quick start checklist Daily rhythm, the 10-minute Workroom
Keeping Your Workroom Clean and Organized, Essential Strategies for Interior Designers Read More »
To-The-Trade Episode Summary On this episode of the To-The-Trade, host Laurie Laizure and co-host Nile Johnson sit down with Rasheeda Gray of Gray Space Interiors to talk about building a stable, scalable design firm. Rasheeda did not take the classic route, she came from corporate marketing with an MBA, then had her spark when staging
Running a design firm means juggling clients, vendors, deliveries, and decisions that change fast. Mistakes will still slip through, even with a solid process. This guide provides design professionals with a calm, repeatable approach to responding when your team misses the mark, thereby protecting client trust, team morale, and your margins. If you are new
Interior Design Team Mistakes, Own It, Fix It, Move Forward Read More »
Working designers know that great design only lands when the build team is aligned. This guide walks through clear communication, scheduling, and simple scripts you can use with general contractors. It is written for residential pros and creative entrepreneurs who want fewer surprises and happier clients. Why Communication With General Contractors Breaks Down Short schedules,
Communication With General Contractors, A Practical Guide For Interior Designers Read More »
Why Client Approvals Make or Break Momentum Client approvals are not just signatures; they are a signal that the scope is clear, money is allocated, and the team can proceed. When approvals lag, purchase orders wait, trades stand by, pricing expires, and schedules bend. Clients often do not see this domino effect until you explain
Client Approvals for Interior Designers, Keep Projects Moving Without Stress Read More »
