There are so many tools an interior designer needs. No, I'm not talking about CAD or an electronic tape measure - although those are awesome tools, too! Every designer also needs specific tools to help them run their businesses more smoothly (so we can make more money!) And most of the time, we thin...

I don't know about you, but it feels like this year is flying by, more than ever before. It's already September, and we're very close to finishing up the third quarter. With a packed fall calendar and the holidays, it can feel like we've run out of time to make a significant impact on our businesses...

We have all - unfortunately - been there. You have a client who is overly demanding, who is REALLY unpleasant to work with, or who may even be disrespectful to you or your staff. You may have even ignored those red flags, because they are ALWAYS there! But now, for your own sanity, you have got to g...

We are in one of the oddest economic periods I can remember. There's so much talk of recessions and yet so many interior designers are absolutely swamped with work! That can make even the simplest decisions about our businesses sort of hard to navigate, right?? That's especially true when it comes t...

Communication is the one thing that really can make or break your project. If your clients feel left out of the loop, they're going to become frustrated and distrustful! I like to over communicate rather than worrying about flooding my clients with info. The more they feel like they are "in the know...

Most interior design businesses are small, usually with less than 20 people working in a firm. Many of those actually have just one or two employees. In companies that small, it's important to be open with employees, to foster good will and to create a fabulous working environment. Being open with e...

August is a great month for catching up on your task list and reassessing your goals. It's a slower month for most of us, as our clients try to squeeze in one more vacation before school starts. If you're smart, you'll take advantage of these "dog days" of summer! Here are 4 things that you should h...

You can't escape the constant news of a looming recession, or inflation, or stagflation (WHAT??). It's a constant drumbeat in the news and from economic forecasters. We are in a weird place as designers because many of us are still busy from all of the work we've had the last two years. Many of you ...

The most important marketing tool you have is your portfolio of project images. They visually promote your incredible work and attract potential clients, press, and possible industry partners. And if you're like so many other designers, you've been putting off photo shoots during the last SUPER busy...

Spring cleaning is so cathartic - you sweep out the winter blues and let the sun shine in! That's great for homes, but I think summer is the best time to clean out and reorganize your office. There's nothing better than a well-organized system, and that holds true for your office, your paperwork, an...

You finally have the budget signed, you have the subs all lined up, and you're ready to GO on your latest fabulous design project! BUT - how do you stay on track with that project budget? What if things go off the rails?? That isn't a crazy thought in today's up-and-down supply chain situation (and ...

When you own your own business, things like spring break, snow days, and summer vacation are just different ways of saying "work days." Right?!? And for those of use in the design business, we've been running so hard for two years that we don't even know what a vacation is. But that has to stop. RIG...