Operations and Project Management

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

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

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

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

Survival Guide to the New Zip Code Dilemma: What happens when you have to move your design business? It started with a question from an Interior Design Community member: “Has anyone ever moved their interior design business out of state? My husband is in the military and recently got orders to a new location, which

Trade Access: Who’s Letting the Wallpaper Guy In? Things get tricky when your client still lives in the home you’re designing. Every installation, delivery, or paint touch-up becomes a mini-operation. Someone must let trades in, answer questions, point to the right room, and ensure the dog doesn’t escape. But who handles that? Is it the

There’s nothing quite like install day—the excitement, the chaos, the transformation. But any seasoned designer will tell you that a smooth install doesn’t happen by accident. It’s all about being prepared. We asked the IDC community: What’s in your Install Day Kit? And wow, did you deliver! We’ve compiled your favorite must-haves, personal tricks, and