Operations and Project Management

To-The-Trade, Ross Dunn

To-The-Trade-S2E53 Design Entrepreneurship, Real-World SEO Tactics from Ross Dunn

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 […]

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workroom,clean,organized

Keeping Your Workroom Clean and Organized, Essential Strategies for Interior Designers

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

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To-The-Trade, S2E51, Rasheeda Gray,

To-The-Trade S2E51 Design Entrepreneurship, From Corporate AVP to Studio Owner with Rasheeda Gray

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

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Interior Design Team Mistakes, Own It, Fix It, Move Forward

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

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Communication With General Contractors, A Practical Guide For Interior Designers

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,

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Client Approvals, Interior Designers

Client Approvals for Interior Designers, Keep Projects Moving Without Stress

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

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From Bottleneck to Boss: Why Interior Designers Need a CEO Mindset

From Bottleneck to Boss: Why Interior Designers Need a CEO Mindset

Developing a CEO Mindset Developing a CEO Mindset can help change that and enable you to scale your business successfully. If you’re an interior designer struggling to grow your business beyond “just me,” this one’s for you. Maybe you’ve landed your dream project, but feel overwhelmed managing it solo. Or perhaps you have a small

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Managing Client Expectations Around Interior Design Trade Discounts

Managing Client Expectations Around Interior Design Trade Discounts

Guide Managing Client Expectations Around Trade Discounts. It’s one of the trickiest and most common questions interior designers face: “Can I have your trade discounts?” Although this may feel like an innocent request from clients, it places designers in a challenging position. Your trade discounts represent professional relationships, proprietary pricing structures, and essential profit margins.

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E-Retailers, Interior Designers

Are Big E-Retailers Good for Interior Designers? The Answer Isn’t Simple.

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

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