Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Only Girl On The Jobsite
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 303. Your Client Wants It Done by the Holidays. Here's What You Need to Know. | 27 oct. 2026 | 00:29:58 | |
Have you ever promised a client their project would be finished by Christmas, only to realize there were a dozen things outside your control? I've been there. In fact, I once found myself crawling underneath a fully decorated Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, trying to finish a curtain installation before my client's guests arrived. That experience changed how I handle holiday deadlines forever. In this episode, I'm talking about what interior designers need to consider as Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas approach. We'll look at the very different challenges of decorating and construction projects, why you need to understand exactly what your client means by "the holidays," and how to communicate realistic expectations without making promises you can't keep. I'm also sharing how I approach decision deadlines, construction sequencing, trade availability, winter weather, and planning for time away. Plus, I'll talk about the year-end gestures I make for clients and contractors to show my appreciation. Because your projects don't have to be finished before the holidays, but your clients should absolutely know what to expect.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/holiday-project-deadlines
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| 302. Your Project Is Behind Schedule. Now What? | 20 oct. 2026 | 00:34:25 | |
I'm currently working on a beautiful historic renovation and addition that's running almost seven months behind schedule. And while that certainly wasn't the plan, it's also been a really valuable reminder of what matters most when construction doesn't go the way we expected. In this episode, I'm talking about construction delays, what they actually mean for your project, and how to manage them without damaging your client relationships. Because here's something I think designers need to understand: just because an activity is delayed doesn't necessarily mean your entire project is behind schedule. And before you start giving your client new completion dates, you need to understand the difference. We're also talking about those uncomfortable conversations with contractors, why consistent communication matters so much, and what an extended construction schedule can mean for your own business and profitability. You'll Learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/how-to-handle-construction-delays
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| 301. Before You Plan for 2027, Ask Yourself These 5 Questions | 13 oct. 2026 | 00:32:03 | |
For years, I thought the answer to making more money in my design business was simple: more projects. More clients, more opportunities, more work. But when I finally stopped and looked at what those projects were actually costing me, I realized how wrong I'd been. As we head toward 2027, I want you to look at what your business is already telling you before you start making plans for next year. In this episode, I'm walking you through five things I believe every interior designer should review, whether you're managing your first construction projects or you've been running your firm for decades. We're talking about profitability, the projects you'd actually want to repeat, your calendar and capacity, referral relationships, and how to figure out what kind of help your business really needs.
You'll Learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-business-planning-2027
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| 300. Communicating Your Value Before the Discovery Call Even Starts with Deb Mitchell | 06 oct. 2026 | 01:23:25 | |
My guest today has a background that's genuinely unusual in this space, and it's exactly what makes her perspective so useful. Deb Mitchell is a brand strategist and messaging expert who has worked with interior designers for more than a decade. She helps designers clarify their positioning, find their voice and attract the clients they actually want to work with. But here's what makes Deb different from most people talking about branding and marketing. Before launching her own business, she worked in-house at a luxury interior design firm, shaping the firm's brand identity and managing client communications. She saw firsthand what attracts premium clients and what helps them trust a designer before that first conversation ever happens. In this episode, we're talking about the gap between the quality of your work and what your brand may actually be communicating. We get into discovery calls, why your portfolio can't do all the talking for you, the pink flags you shouldn't ignore and the trust signals that help potential clients understand your value. And yes, we also get into something I will preach all day long: you're interviewing the client just as much as they're interviewing you. You'll Learn:
Connect with Deb here:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/communicate-value-interior-designer
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| 299. What Experienced Interior Designers Actually Do on a Jobsite | 29 sept. 2026 | 00:26:34 | |
Two designers can walk onto the exact same construction project, look at the exact same room, talk to the exact same contractor or trade, and leave noticing completely different things. So today I want to take you onto a jobsite with me. This is not a checklist or 10 things you should inspect. I want to show you how I actually think when I walk through that door. Because after 32 years, a lot of it is now automatic, and I want to make it less automatic so that you can start doing it on your next site visit.
You'll Learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/jobsite-tips-for-interior-designers | |||
| 298. "I Have to Look Into That" — What Confident Designers Actually Say on a Jobsite | 22 sept. 2026 | 00:26:08 | |
What happens when you're standing on a jobsite, and someone asks you a question you don't know how to answer? Construction confidence isn't about knowing everything; it's knowing what to do next. Today I share the four-step process I use when construction hands me something new, how to find the right answers, and how to recognize when a question isn't yours to answer at all. You'll Learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-designers-jobsite-confidence
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| 297. Why Interior Designers Lose Money on Construction Projects | 15 sept. 2026 | 00:24:58 | |
There's a quiet assumption in the interior design industry that if you spend enough time around construction projects, eventually you'll just "figure it out." And honestly? Most designers do. Project by project. Mistake by mistake. Usually while undercharging, overextending themselves, and absorbing responsibilities they never intentionally agreed to manage. In this episode, I want to talk about something I wish every interior designer understood much earlier in their career: Construction management is not simply an extension of design work. It is a completely different body of work entirely.
We're talking about:
I also share the idea of "pink flags" — the subtle client behaviors that often tell you far more about how a construction project will unfold than obvious red flags ever will. If you've ever found yourself managing far more than you priced for, questioning your fees, or feeling exhausted by construction projects you thought you understood, this episode is for you.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-designers-lose-money-construction-projects | |||
| 296. What Interior Designers Really Get From Construction Management Coaching | 08 sept. 2026 | 01:45:31 | |
Today's episode is a little different, and honestly, one of my favorites I've done in a while. Instead of teaching a specific construction management strategy, I'm bringing you two honest conversations with designers inside The Designer's Edge. Not polished testimonials. Not highlight reels. Just real conversations about what actually changes when designers start putting better systems, pricing structures, boundaries, and construction management processes into place. You'll hear from Missy Werbrich, whose background in corporate design and outdoor living helped her build incredible transferable skills — but who still found herself dramatically undercharging and looking for a framework that matched the level she was operating at. Find out more about Missy here:
And you'll hear from Cynthia Lacy, a seasoned designer with decades of experience who realized she had fallen into what she calls "routine without purpose" — and how construction management gave her spark for the business back. Find out more about Cynthia here: We talk about:
If you've ever wondered whether construction management coaching is really worth it, or whether you're "experienced enough already", I think these conversations will answer that better than I ever could myself.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/construction-management-coaching-interior-designers
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| 295. How Interior Designers and Architects Work Together on Successful Projects | 01 sept. 2026 | 00:33:13 | |
Most exceptional homes aren't created by one professional working alone. They happen when architects and interior designers collaborate well—and that only works when both people understand their role, communicate clearly, and respect each other's expertise. In this episode, I'm breaking down the real dynamics behind successful designer-architect relationships: how projects get set up, where friction usually starts, how to handle disagreements professionally, and why understanding the difference between "outside in" and "inside out" thinking changes everything. Because this relationship isn't about hierarchy.
You'll Learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-designer-architect-collaboration
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| 294. The One Hour a Week That Keeps a Construction Project From Falling Apart | 25 août 2026 | 00:30:48 | |
A construction project can feel like it's running perfectly fine, until suddenly, it isn't. A few missed conversations, an unanswered question, or a decision that quietly gets pushed can create delays that were completely avoidable. In this episode, I'm talking about one simple part of my construction management process that I recently removed from a project…and very quickly brought back. The client's reaction confirmed exactly why I believe it matters so much. If you're managing construction projects and wondering how to create more accountability, better communication, and calmer clients, this one is for you. You'll Learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/weekly-site-meetings-construction-project-management
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| 293. Why Interior Designers Undercharge for Construction Management — And How to Fix It | 18 août 2026 | 00:32:29 | |
If you've ever finished a construction project feeling exhausted, overextended, and quietly underpaid, I want you to hear me when I say this: the problem is probably not your efficiency. It's your pricing. In this episode, I'm breaking down one of the biggest mistakes I see interior designers make over and over again — folding construction management into their design fee instead of treating it like the completely separate professional service it actually is. We're talking about what construction management truly includes: site visits, contractor coordination, change orders, real-time problem solving, client communication, project documentation, and the constant availability these projects require from you. Because when you actually sit down and calculate the hours honestly, the undercharging becomes impossible to ignore. I'm also walking you through where this conversation should begin — and spoiler alert, it's not the proposal. It starts on your website, continues through your discovery call, and gets reinforced all the way through your scope of work before you ever present a fee. If construction projects constantly leave you feeling like the math isn't mathing, this episode will help you understand why and how to fix it. You'll learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/construction-management-fee-interior-design
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| 292. Why Unreasonable Hospitality Is the Missing Piece in Your Interior Design Business with Rick Campos | 11 août 2026 | 01:47:42 | |
What if the thing that sets your design business apart isn't the design itself? In this episode, Renee sits down with Rick Campos of Design Biz Survival Guide to talk about something the design industry doesn't discuss enough: hospitality. Not restaurant hospitality. Human hospitality. The kind that makes clients feel seen, remembered, and emotionally connected to the experience of working with you. Inspired by the book Unreasonable Hospitality, Rick shares how designers can elevate their client experience through thoughtful touchpoints, small moments of surprise, and genuine attention to detail — often without spending much money at all. From custom presentations for clients' children to a private porta potty on a construction site, this conversation is packed with examples of what clients actually remember long after the project is over. If you've ever wondered what truly separates a luxury design experience from everyone else offering beautiful rooms, this episode is for you. You'll learn:
Find out more about Rick here:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/unreasonable-hospitality-missing-piece | |||
| 291. How to Handle a Difficult Interior Design Client and When to Walk Away | 04 août 2026 | 00:33:50 | |
Today, I want to talk about something that every designer faces, sometimes more than once, but we don't talk about it enough. And that is what to do when a client becomes difficult mid-project. Now, I'm not talking about beforehand. Today, I mean after the contract is signed, after the project is underway, after you're already in it. I want to talk about when the dynamic starts to shift, and you're not quite sure whether to manage through it or to get out. And then the harder question: how do you know when it's time to actually fire a client? And what does that even look like in practice? You'll learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/how-to-handle-a-difficult-interior-design-client
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| 290. How to Find a Contractor (Before You Desperately Need One) | 28 juil. 2026 | 00:35:28 | |
If you've ever had a prospective client reach out to you about a construction project, or you're at the beginning of a construction project and you're thinking, okay, I need a contractor. Where do I even start? This episode is for you because finding the right contractor is one of the most important decisions on any construction project. You get it right, and everything that follows is easier. You get it wrong, and no amount of good design or careful documentation or incredibly well-thought-out processes or client communication will fully fix it. So today, I want to walk you through exactly how I approach this, from finding names worth considering all the way through the vetting conversation that tells me whether someone belongs on this project with me or not. You'll Learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/how-to-find-the-right-contractor | |||
| 289. What AI Can't Replace in Interior Design (And Why Construction Management Is Your Biggest Advantage) | 21 juil. 2026 | 00:28:09 | |
AI is changing interior design, but it cannot replace the expertise, judgment, relationships, and real-time problem-solving required on a construction site. Today, I am sharing how AI is disrupting decorating, why construction management remains distinctly human, and how designers can build stronger, more resilient practices around the work technology cannot replicate. You'll Learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/what-ai-cant-replace-in-interior-design | |||
| 288. A Listener Favorite: The Business of Design & The Power of Process | Katie Decker-Erickson | 14 juil. 2026 | 01:23:28 | |
This week, I'm re-airing one of the highest-listened interviews we've ever done — my conversation with Katie Decker-Erickson, founder of Success by Design. And I'll be honest: when I listened back, it landed completely differently than it did the first time. I was in a different place. I heard different things. That's exactly why good content is worth coming back to. Katie is a commercial interior designer turned business coach, and she has built her firm on something most designers skip entirely: airtight processes that run in the background so she can focus on the work she actually loves. We get into scaling — when to do it, when not to, and what has to be in place first. We talk about agility, the myth that more projects equals more profit, and the "lonely work" that no one sees but everyone benefits from. Whether you're hearing this for the first time or coming back around to it, there is something in this conversation you can put to work today. You'll learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/business-of-design-power-of-process-katie-decker-erickson | |||
| 287. What Interior Designers Get Wrong About the People Who Build Their Projects | 07 juil. 2026 | 00:34:36 | |
Everyone talks about the contractor relationship. Nobody talks about the people underneath — the tile setter, the painter, the faux finisher, the trim carpenter doing the work with their hands every single day. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on what's been happening on a current project to show you exactly what trade relationships make possible — and what they cost you when you don't have them. I'll walk you through how these relationships start, how you nurture them between projects, and how you maintain them so that when the scope triples and the timeline is tight, your people show up anyway. Because the team that stretches for you doesn't do it because you hired them once. They do it because you've shown up for them, consistently, over time. You'll learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-designer-trade-relationships/
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| 286. The Pre-Construction Conversation That Determines Whether Your Client Trusts You | 30 juin 2026 | 00:29:23 | |
Most designers skip the conversation that determines whether a client actually trusts them through the hard parts of construction. And by the time they realize it, they're already mid-project trying to unwind frustration that could have been avoided entirely. In this episode, I'm walking you through exactly what to cover before a single wall comes down — timelines, contingency, allowances, change orders, daily disruption, and the four emotional stages every construction client moves through. Not as a checklist. As a conversation that builds real trust from the very first call. You'll learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/pre-construction-client-conversation
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| 285. What Interior Designers Get Wrong About Capacity (And Why It's Not Project Count) | 23 juin 2026 | 00:23:51 | |
Most of us measure capacity by how many projects we're running. I did it too, and it's the wrong metric entirely. In this episode, I'm breaking down the two variables that actually determine how a project feels to manage: who's running the operational machine, and how compressed the timeline is. I walk through my own current roster, including the mid-sized renovation that honestly wrecked me these past couple of months despite being the smallest project on my plate, to show you exactly how this plays out in real life. If you've ever felt buried on something that looked manageable on paper, or wondered why your fee never quite catches up to what you're actually carrying, this one is for you. You'll learn:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-designer-capacity-project-count | |||
| 284. How to Build a Successful Interior Design Career With Amy Vermillion | 16 juin 2026 | 01:43:56 | |
I've admired Amy Vermillion for a long time, so this conversation felt like sitting down with someone who truly understands what it takes to build a lasting career in this industry. We both started our businesses in 2000, worked our way up through firms, and learned the hard way, through experience, mistakes, and a lot of time on job sites. And what became very clear in this conversation is this: there is no single path to success in interior design, but there are patterns. In this episode, we talk about how a design career is actually built, from early jobs that teach you more than you realize, to starting your own firm, to navigating clients, construction, and the reality of running a business over decades. We also get into:
This is one of those conversations that's equal parts practical and grounding. Whether you're just starting out or years into your business, it's a reminder that careers are built slowly — one project, one decision, and one relationship at a time.
Find out more about Amy here:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/building-an-interior-design-career-amy-vermillion
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| 283. Why Interior Designers Shrink on Jobsites (And How to Stop) | 09 juin 2026 | 00:25:19 | |
If you're an interior designer managing construction projects, you already know the feeling. You walk into a room, a jobsite, a contractor meeting, an industry event, and something in the air quietly suggests you don't fully belong there. That the builders and the architects and the trades have a kind of authority you haven't quite earned yet. And without even realizing it, you get a little smaller. In this episode, I'm talking about what happens when interior designers shrink on jobsites and in rooms they weren't expected to be in, the over-explaining, the unnecessary apologies, the deferred decisions, and why each one compounds into something that costs you more than you realize. I'm also sharing the concrete language and the 60-second practice that changes how you walk into any room from here on out. Because your authority isn't something you earn once you're in the room. It's something you carry in with you.
Mentioned in this episode:
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| 282. Scope of Work, Change Order, and Addendum: The Three Documents Every Interior Designer Needs on Every Project | 02 juin 2026 | 00:31:22 | |
There are three documents every interior designer managing construction projects needs to understand. And most don't, not fully. Not because they're complicated. Because nobody ever explained the difference between them and why each one matters so much. In this episode, I'm walking through the scope of work, the change order, and the addendum to scope of work; what each one does, when to use it, and what it costs you when you don't. I'm also talking about how these three documents together answer the question every client is quietly asking: why do I need a designer, and is this worth the investment? Because when you run a project with clear documentation and a system your whole team understands, you stop having to explain your value. Your clients feel it. Your contractors trust it. And your projects end the way they deserve to.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/three-documents-interior-design-project | |||
| 281. How to Handle a Contractor Who Stops Communicating (Without Blowing Up the Project) | 26 mai 2026 | 00:24:53 | |
You're a few weeks into a project. Things started well. And then the contractor goes quiet. The texts take days to get a response. The updates get shorter. You show up for a site visit, and no one told you the schedule changed. And you start filling in that silence with stories; he's probably just busy, maybe I'm being too demanding, maybe I should wait a little longer before following up. Here's the thing: that silence is not neutral. It's telling you something. And the longer you manage around it instead of addressing it directly, the more it costs you — in time, in money, in your client relationship, and in the authority you've worked hard to build. In this episode, I'm breaking down the four real reasons contractors go quiet, why the responses most of us default to make it worse, and exactly what to say when you have the conversation, so you can reset the dynamic without blowing up the project.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.comcontractor-stops-communicating | |||
| 280. She Got Frustrated Enough to Build the Solution Herself — with Fiona Sanipelli | 19 mai 2026 | 01:13:46 | |
I love talking to people who came up through this industry the hard way and then figured out something that makes all of our lives better. Fiona Sanipelli is one of those people. She studied architecture, spent nearly 20 years in hospitality design, worked her way through some of the most celebrated firms in New York, and somewhere in the middle of all of that, got so frustrated by the chaos of spec writing that she and her brother built a better solution. That became DesignSpec. In this episode, we talk about her path through the industry, why your specs are either saving your projects or quietly killing them, how the right software can genuinely replace a hire, and what both of us actually think about AI and where it's headed for designers. Whether you're a solopreneur juggling everything yourself or you have a team trying to get more organized, there is something in this conversation for you.
Connect with Fiona here:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-spec-writing-software | |||
| 279. That Feeling Early in a Construction Project? It's Telling You Something | 12 mai 2026 | 00:29:36 | |
Most hard construction projects don't announce themselves as disasters. They arrive as a feeling. A low hum. A sense that something's slightly off and you can't quite name it yet. And most of us push through it, manage around it, or work harder to compensate for it. Because that's what we do. But in this episode, I want to talk about what that feeling is actually telling you, and what becomes possible when you act on it early instead of managing through it later. Because a lot of the projects that feel hard from the start didn't have to. They feel hard because of a handful of small moments, early in the project, that went unaddressed. And by the time the hardness is undeniable, those moments are long past. If you've ever finished a project and thought, that was so much more work than it should have been, this one is for you.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/early-warning-signs-construction-projects | |||
| 278. Why Your Construction Projects Feel Like You Worked for Free | 05 mai 2026 | 00:25:41 | |
When you finish a construction project feeling like you worked for free, the instinct is to assume the number was wrong. Sometimes it is. But more often, the number was fine. What broke down was everything around it. In this episode, I'm talking about the two specific places pricing falls apart on construction projects, and neither one is your math. The first is how you present your fee. The second is how you protect it once the project starts. Both will cost you just as reliably as a loose scope of work will. They just do it more quietly. If you've ever hedged in a proposal meeting, absorbed hours you should have flagged, or finished a project and thought, that was so much more work than I accounted for, this one is for you.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/construction-project-pricing-interior-designers | |||
| 277. The Structural Problem in My Business That Years of Hard Work Couldn't Fix | 28 avr. 2026 | 00:30:43 | |
I've never told this story in full before. The financial pressure when my husband's career collapsed. My son's medical crisis. My own Graves' disease diagnosis right when my business was finally gaining real momentum. The debt that stayed through all of it — not because I wasn't working hard enough, but because the structure was wrong. This episode is about what it actually took to get to the other side. And why the fix was faster than I spent years convincing myself it would be. If you're surviving right now and wondering when it turns, this one is for you.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-business-pricing-structure | |||
| 276. What Interior Designers Don't Know About Contracts (But Should) with Wendy Estela | 21 avr. 2026 | 01:07:41 | |
Interior design contracts are often misunderstood, not just by clients, but by attorneys who don't understand how this industry actually works. In this episode, I'm joined by Wendy Estela, Founder of Estela Law and Designed Counsel™, a contract template and subscription service created exclusively for interior designers. With 25 years of experience in business law and a background in construction, Wendy serves hundreds of designers from AD100 and Elle Decor A-List professionals to those just starting out. We talk about what designers need to know about contracts, scope of work, liability, construction dynamics, copyright, and how to protect your business before problems arise. If you've ever:
This episode is for you. Wendy brings practical, business-minded advice to an industry that is often underserved legally. And this conversation may completely change how you view your contract — not as paperwork, but as protection.
Find out more about Wendy and follow her here:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-contracts | |||
| 275. Why Interior Designers Can't Close the Deal (And How to Fix It Before the Proposal) | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:30:17 | |
So you built your fee. You did the work. You went through every phase. You estimated your hours. You accounted for your role. And you landed on a number that actually reflects what this project will require. And then you presented it. And then the client either said, "That's more than we expected," or "Let us think about it and get back to you." And then they went quiet. If this has happened to you in the past or recently, let me please be the first to tell you: you are not alone. And I want to tell you something important before we go any further: The fee is probably not the problem. I'm actually betting on it. What happened before the fee is the problem. And that's what we're going to talk about today.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-fee-rejection | |||
| 274. The 4 Moments Interior Designers Cross from Consultant to Construction Manager | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:27:00 | |
Have you ever been standing on a job site, or sitting on a call, or answering a text at 9 p.m., and realized mid-sentence that you are clearly running this project? Not consulting on it. Not advising from the edges. But running it. Coordinating it. Holding it together. And nobody ever asked you to take on that role. And you definitely didn't price your fee accordingly. If that moment sounds familiar, you are absolutely in the right place today. Because we're going to talk about the four moments that signal you've crossed from consultant to manager — without a conversation, without an agreement, and almost always without a fee that reflects it.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-designer-consultant-to-construction-manager | |||
| 273. The Real Cost of Undercharging: A Q1 Audit for Interior Designers | 31 mars 2026 | 00:31:03 | |
Today is March 31st, the last day of the first quarter. And I want to do something a little different. I want to walk you through a quick audit. Maybe five minutes. Back of the napkin. No fancy spreadsheet. You can use a Post-it if you want. This will tell you more about your business than your QuickBooks has all year. Because we're going to look at the gap between what you earned this quarter and what you were actually worth. And then we're going to talk about what that gap is really costing you — because it's not just money. If you've ever finished a quarter feeling like you worked constantly, but the revenue doesn't match up with your effort, this episode is for you. This is no judgment. Just clarity. Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-designer-undercharging-cost | |||
| 272. The Conversations Designers Avoid with the Hot Young Designers Club | 24 mars 2026 | 01:46:48 | |
Today's episode feels like you're sitting in on a conversation you want to be a part of. Today, I'm joined by Rebecca Plum and Shaun Crha, the voices behind the Hot Young Designers Club, a global community of designers who are redefining what it means to show up in this industry. They're the founders of Studio Plum and Rinsted Interiors, and together, they've built a platform rooted in friendship, honesty, and the belief that being a hottie is really just a state of mind. Through their podcast, Patreon, and industry events, they're creating space for interior designers to talk about the real stuff, the emotional, the practical, and yes, the humorous side of this business. And today, we're going to go there in this conversation. Today, we talked about community and isolation. We talked about money, construction chaos, and client dynamics. We talked about scope of work clarity and the emotional weight of this business. Let's get into it.
Find out more about Rebecca and Shaun
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-industry-conversations
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| 271. Why Charging Hourly Penalizes Your Expertise (And What to Do Instead) | 17 mars 2026 | 00:36:59 | |
I billed hourly for my entire career. It felt honest, transparent, fair. But one morning, I had a realization that changed everything: the better I got at my work, the less I was making. My earlier clients paid me to build relationships, vet contractors, develop expertise. Now my current clients were benefiting from all of that, for 15 minutes on an invoice. That was the day I decided to stop charging hourly. Today, I'm walking you through why hourly starts working against you as you grow, the 6-input framework I use to build flat fees (no formulas), how to present your fee with confidence, and what to say when clients push back. Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/flat-fee-vs-hourly-interior-design | |||
| 270. Client Red Flags in Interior Design: I Knew the Signs — And Took the Job Anyway | 10 mars 2026 | 00:33:42 | |
There are projects that stretch you creatively. There are projects that grow your business. And then there are projects that quietly cost you more than you realize while you're in them. This is about one of those. For nearly ten years, I worked with a client who, if I'm being honest, I knew was difficult from the very beginning. Not unreasonable in a glaring way. Not someone who screamed or threw things. She was particular. High maintenance. Intense. And in the early years, I convinced myself that I could manage it. We started with decorating. We would work intensely for months, and then I wouldn't hear from her for almost a year. Throughout that time, she would tell me they were looking for their "dream home." The one we would fully renovate together. The big project. Looking back, that may have been the carrot that kept me moving through the more frenetic moments. I believed that if I stayed steady, if I stayed patient, it would all culminate into something extraordinary. Eventually, they found the house. It was beautiful and complicated and ver y old. It needed modernization and a large addition. It was exactly the kind of project designers dream about. And I told myself what so many of us tell ourselves: I know her. I understand her quirks. I can handle this. It was not fine. So today, I want to talk about the red flags I saw — and ignored — along the way. And also the pink flags that showed up. My hope is that you'll recognize them sooner than I did and avoid this kind of client in your own business. Mentioned in this episode:
https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/client-red-flags-in-interior-design | |||
| 269. How to Compare Contractor Bids When They're Wildly Different | 03 mars 2026 | 00:27:18 | |
Today, we're talking about something that happens on every renovation project I manage: Contractor bids that don't match. Same project. Same drawings. Same walkthrough. Sometimes it's ten thousand dollars. Sometimes it's fifty thousand. So today, I'm walking you through why contractor bids vary (even when you've done everything "right"), how to run a contractor walkthrough that actually reduces variance, the step-by-step process to compare bids line-by-line, and how to ask tough questions without sounding confrontational. Because yes, you can push back professionally. Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/how-to-compare-contractor-bids | |||
| 268. John McClain on Design Business Systems, Pricing & Leading a Profitable Firm | 24 févr. 2026 | 01:31:00 | |
Today, I am joined by my friend, John McClain. He and I met at High Point last October and immediately connected. John McClain is a multi-faceted leader in the interior design industry and proudly serves in his field as an interior designer, product designer, author, speaker, business coach, and podcast host. As the CEO and Creative Director of his internationally acclaimed award-winning interior design firm, John McClain Design, his interior design and home furnishings creations have been featured by numerous shelter publications and television networks including Elle Décor, Traditional Home, HGTV, CBS, and NBC. John is also a contributor to outlets such as Martha Stewart Living, Interior Design magazine, The Wall Street Journal, & House Beautiful. As a product designer, John has created distinctive home furnishings that have not only garnered awards but have made numerous television appearances in their own right. John's coffee table book, The Designer Within: A Professional Guide to A Well-Styled Home, features homes designed in his signature "Comfortable Chic" aesthetic alongside helpful design tips and processes. John has now taken his 15+ years of design business experience and launched an online education & business coaching program, The McClain Method where he instructs and coaches interior designers on best business practices. He continues these lessons on his popular podcast, The McClain Method. So in today's conversation, he and I dive into the real mechanics of running a design business, from the software we love and the ones we hate to the systems that actually support growth. We talk honestly about leadership, profitability, and why the right back-end structure can make or break a design studio. Today's episode is equal parts practical and refreshing, the kind of behind-the-scenes discussions that designers don't get to hear enough. Connect with John McClain:
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/john-mcclain-design-business-systems | |||
| 267. The Two Myths Keeping Interior Designers Small (And How to Bust Them) | 17 févr. 2026 | 00:44:14 | |
I want to ask you something today: Have you ever been on a project and had a contractor basically tell you, whether that's directly or indirectly, that procurement is his territory, his to-do? That the ordering, the tracking, the managing of all materials and finishes, and fixtures that you spend months specifying is somehow not a part of your job or your role? Or have you ever caught yourself thinking, okay, so I take on construction.. I guess I need to give up my decorating work. I don't think I can be both things, right? Like, those are two different people, and you can only be one of them. Well, today we're going to blow both of those up because they're just myths, truly, and believing them is quietly costing you money, costing you authority, and definitely costing your clients the full version of what you're capable of.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/designer-myths-busted | |||
| 266. The 5 Construction Conversations That Prevent Chaos on Projects | 10 févr. 2026 | 00:38:19 | |
Today's episode isn't about what to do when a project is already spiraling. It's about what to do before it ever has the chance. Because in my 30+ years in the industry, there's one pattern I see on every stressful project: So today? We're fixing that. I'm walking you through the 5 conversations you need to have before construction starts; the ones that separate calm, steady projects from chaotic, reactionary ones. And honestly? These will save your time, your energy, and your authority. Ready? Let's make your next project one that feels as smooth as it looks.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/5-construction-conversations | |||
| 265. Why Silence Isn't Neutral During Construction (And What to Say Instead) | 03 févr. 2026 | 00:40:16 | |
This week's episode starts with a snowstorm… It's about what happens when construction gets disrupted, and how the silent spaces right after hold more power than most designers realize. Because when a project goes off track, the real work isn't about drywall or lost days. So today, I'm breaking down:
This isn't about calling anyone out, it's about naming a pattern I see over and over again: Let's talk through it (so you never have to white-knuckle an update email again).
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/why-silence-isnt-neurtral-during-construction | |||
| 264. The Right Way for Interior Designers to Use AI with Jessica Nelson & Stephanie Lindsey | 27 janv. 2026 | 01:30:30 | |
Today's a special treat. When I first met them at a design retreat last year, I assumed we'd just be swapping project stories, not talking AI strategy. Then I realize these two are leading the conversation on how interior designers can use AI in a way that's practical, creative, and actually makes sense for real studios. Jessica and Stephanie bring more than 30 years of combined experience, both as working designers and as tech-minded educators who know the ins and outs of this business. Their company, AI for Interiors, helps designers use tech to streamline workflow and automate the messy stuff without losing creativity, connection, or design vision. Oh, and they also co-host two podcasts: AI for Interiors and 100 Lunches, where they break down design, business, and big tech changes in honest, easy-to-grasp conversations. Today, we're making AI less intimidating and more actionable. So if you've been curious (but maybe a little overwhelmed), this one's for you. Grab your coffee, open your notes app, and let's get started.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find out more about Jessica and Stephanie here: Website: http://www.etchinteriordesign.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/ https://www.instagram.com/aiforinteriors/
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/ai-for-interior-designers | |||
| 263. The Moment I Stopped Waiting for Permission: Essential Lessons from 30 Years in Construction | 20 janv. 2026 | 00:28:28 | |
Last week, I dove into how the real magic on the job happens only after you take action (not before). This week, I want to show you what that looks like over time. Because honestly, what I wish someone had handed me at the start of my career wasn't just encouragement. It was context. I needed to hear how different environments teach you radically different lessons about construction, managing projects, and building a business. So this isn't a pep talk about mindset. This is about learning by doing:
If you've ever felt capable but underpaid, seasoned but still questioned, or sure of your work but unsure how to charge for the responsibility? This episode is for you.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/stopped-waiting-for-permission | |||
| 262. The Confidence Myth Holding Interior Designers Back | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:22:31 | |
Today I want to talk about something that quietly shapes almost every decision we make as designers—how we price our work, how we speak up in meetings, and which projects we feel ready to take on. That something is confidence. But I'm not talking about the kind of confidence that's just a personality trait or bravado. I mean confidence as clarity. Most designers I meet don't doubt their talent; they doubt themselves the moment the room changes, especially when construction comes into play. So today, let's get real about where that lack of confidence actually comes from, why it's especially strong when designers consider adding construction management to their business, and, most importantly, how you can build true confidence before you ever feel fully ready. I promise, confidence isn't something that arrives after the fact. And if you've been quietly curious about construction management, this conversation is for you.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-confidence-myth | |||
| 261. How Boundaries Will Change Your Interior Design Business | 06 janv. 2026 | 00:24:52 | |
As we step into a new year, I want to talk today about something that sounds really simple, but in my experience has the power to quietly change everything about how we work, how we earn, and how we show up every day. This year, my word is boundaries. And today, I'm walking you through why boundaries, not hustle, not motivation, not another strategy, are often the missing piece between intentional growth and sustainable success. So I'm going to share the boundary that would have changed everything for me in 2025, the boundaries I'm actively putting into place for this coming year, 2026, and how you can identify the one boundary that would make the biggest difference in your own business this year. Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-boundaries | |||
| 260. The Real Shifts Happening In Design | 30 déc. 2025 | 00:31:17 | |
Discover the subtle shifts actually shaping today's design world, beyond trends and highlight reels. Today, I share what top designers are paying attention to for 2026: why friction is data, how boundaries build trust, and the small refinements that lead to steady, profitable projects.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/real-shifts-happening-in-design | |||
| 259. Building a Business That Fits Your Life: My 2026 Plan | 23 déc. 2025 | 00:28:50 | |
Every meaningful shift I'm making for 2026 will come back to one question: What does this allow me to do better? And I mean better for my clients, better for this podcast, better for the education & coaching side of my business, and better for myself as well as my family. So when I look at decisions ahead of me, that one question will be the filter. And it will change how I say yes, how I say no, and how I decide when, not right now, is actually the most responsible answer I can give someone.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/building-a-business-that-fits-your-life-my-2026-plan/
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| 258. How Designers Earn Authority on the Jobsite | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:20:12 | |
Do you ever wonder why certain collaborations feel so much easier than others? Today, we're pulling back the curtain on jobsite dynamics and talking about something design school never prepped you for: Collaboration isn't a bonus. It's not something you stumble into once you feel confident enough. So if you're tired of second-guessing your input, or feel like you're always waiting to be "let into" the real conversations, this one's for you. We're getting sharp about what real authority looks like on a site and how to earn trust by leading with clarity. Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/how-designers-earn-authority-jobsite | |||
| 257. December Power Moves for Designers: Set Up a Stress Free 2026 | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:30:56 | |
We have officially entered the magical time of year when our current clients are hard to reach or vanish, our prospective clients aren't calling, and our personal lives all come together as we are barreling towards holiday chaos. So, today's episode, I want to walk you through something most designers completely overlook, and that is that the holiday slowdown is not a roadblock. It is actually leverage. So if you use the next few weeks intentionally, you'll walk into 2026 feeling prepared, profitable, and hell, maybe even rested. And yes, we're going to talk about that as well. So get ready to learn exactly what you want to start doing now to set future you up for success. Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/december-power-moves-for-designers
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| 256. The Secret to a Website That's Both Gorgeous and High-Converting with Robyn White | 02 déc. 2025 | 01:02:01 | |
Your portfolio is gorgeous — but is your website actually bringing in clients? If you've been staring at your site thinking, "It looks good… but something's not working," this episode's for you. Today, I'm joined by Robyn White of RDW Design Studio. Robyn White brings a rare fusion of strategy and aesthetics to interior design websites. A website designer who didn't follow the traditional path, she began her career working at one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world. She learned how the affluent think, what they value, and how they choose who to work with. In 2019 she founded RDW Design Studio where she combines that luxury market expertise with digital strategy to help elevate interior designers into the high-end market via an online presence that aligns with the clients, projects and opportunities they deserve so they can step into their next level of success. Robyn has been featured by a range of design industry resources from Business of Home to High Point Market. We're digging into how to create an interior design website that's both beautiful and strategic — including the key mistakes designers are making right now (even seasoned ones), how to get found by dream clients without sacrificing style, and what Google (and ChatGPT) actually want to see in 2026. This one's for the designer who's ready to stop blending in — and start building a website that works as hard as you do. Let's get you back in the client's inbox.
Get Robyn's free lead magnet here: How to Get Leads from Your Interior Design Website: https://rdwdesignstudio.com/website-leads/ Check out Robyn's Website: https://rdwdesignstudio.com/ Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rdwdesignstudio/
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-website-robyn-white
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| 255. The Remodeling Surge Designers Can't Ignore | 25 nov. 2025 | 00:26:51 | |
Today, I want to dive into something incredibly important as we close out 2025, and more importantly, gear up for 2026. This is something that every single designer needs to understand if they want long-term stability, profitability, and relevance in this industry. So today, we're going to unpack a brand new analysis from NAHB that just dropped. And honestly, it confirms something I've been saying on this podcast for years. Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/remodeling-surge-designers-cant-ignore | |||
| 254. A Roundtable Discussion on our Journey to Success: Celebrating 5 Years | 18 nov. 2025 | 01:18:52 | |
This episode is a special one for me, and frankly, one I never thought I would be recording, because this marks my fifth anniversary of this podcast, Only Girl on the Jobsite, which just is surreal, shocking, overwhelming, and humbling, all mixed in together. To mark the occasion, I invited my 3 design school besties, my design school friends, the girls, who have walked this path alongside me in different ways; they have been my support system, and my community. And that community started way back when, in 1992, when I started at the New York School of Interior Design. And I met three of the most incredible, dynamic, magical people. Whether you're just starting out or years into your design career, this candid discussion will remind you that your journey is unique, your evolution is valuable, and community makes all the difference. Tune in for real insights, shared wisdom, and a celebration of how far we've all come.
Mentioned in this episode:
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/5-year-anniversary-designer-roundtable | |||