Today I'm sharing the story of how I built a design business that doesn't just rely on constant marketing, that next inquiry call, or that lucky referral. I don't go looking for new clients, and I haven't had to in years. My next project almost always comes from a client I've already worked with or from one of the contractors, architects, or realtors in my network. So today I'm breaking down exactly how that happens and, more importantly, how you can start building the same kind of stability and predictability in your own firm.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Find out all the details about The Designer's Edge here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers 

• Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/why-i-never-have-to-go-looking-for-new-clients 

So you've probably noticed this before: you've noticed that contractors never apologize for their prices. They walk into a meeting, they set their number and paperwork on the table, and then they wait. There are no disclaimers. There's no, I hope this seems reasonable, Mrs. Smith. It's just, this is what it costs. Meanwhile, we as designers are still over-explaining, discounting, or defending what we charge. But here's the question I want you to think about today: What if the difference between how contractors and designers price has absolutely nothing to do with money and everything to do with mindset? Because the truth is, they're not just better at math. They're better at leadership.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Sign up for The Pricing Fix workshop on November 6th, 12:30 PM EST:  https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/the-pricing-fix

• Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/contractor-pricing-vs-designer-pricing 

Today I'm sharing two recent wins that build on what we discussed in Ep241: What Do Interior Designers Really Do on Construction Projects? These real-life stories show how valuable designers are on job sites—and I hope they inspire you to create similar experiences in your own projects.

Listen to Ep241 here:  https://devignierdesign.com/what-interior-designers-really-do-on-construction-projects/

Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-designers-invaluable-on-job-sites 

In any given week, I speak with countless designs across the country and even the world. And recently, the topics seem to be coming back to marketing - which makes sense. It's a critical part of our business. But what I'm starting to realize is that the questions aren't revolving around marketing but an underlying anxiety and stress about the current state of their business. 

While I'll never claim to be an expert in anxiety, I was forced into a crash course on how to manage it. And so today, I want to share with you the three steps I use to confront anxiety, what to do when you're feeling like an imposter, how to handle the inferiority complex we experience while scrolling social media, and more!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/confronting-anxiety 

It's early December, and the holiday season is looming and, frankly, has already been kicked into high gear! Now is the time to get a handle on how you are going to approach the rest of the month to position yourself for success after the new year.

In today's episode, I cover everything from preparing for your holiday vacation and your colleagues, to the importance of communication, tips on gift-giving, marketing, and a year-end review. Let's Master December and navigate the End-of-Year Rush with confidence!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/mastering-december 

Ellie Redder is here with me today to help all designers explore the possibilities of how to present and communicate their designs using Virtual Reality.

When you think of St. Louis luxury design and construction, you think of Ellie Redders. Ellie is the seasoned and endearing design leader behind her full-service firm, Ellie Redders Interiors. For over a decade, Ellie has earned a widespread reputation for her cutting-edge professional process, integrity in her partnerships, and her innate ability to design elevated yet comfortable family spaces. As a local household name, her work has graced the pages of House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and St. Louis Homes Magazine.

Clients ranging from surgeons to attorneys, professional athletes and entrepreneurial families have relied on Ellie Redders Interiors to successfully navigate the ins and outs of the luxury new build and massive large scale home renovation process. As a seasoned entrepreneur and designer, Ellie has developed a highly organized process paired with the use of cutting edge technology to support clients in visualizing and help them with their exact specific selections and furnishings before making costly decisions and mistakes. 

Virtual Reality is an amazing tool that can help verbalize our visions that sometimes we struggle to put words to - or we do put words to, and the homeowner doesn't get it. I think this is something to really look into, and I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Find out more about Ellie and grab her VR Guide here: https://elliereddersinteriors.com/virtual-reality#/ 

Follow Ellie on Instagram  @ELLIEREDDERSINTERIORSSTL

Follow Ellie on Facebook @ELLIE REDDERS INTERIOR

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/ellie-redder-virtual-reality 

Let's talk work/life balance.

I have been feeling a little overwhelmed with the holidays right around the corner and several projects finishing up all at the same time, and I noticed my work/life balance was even more out of wack than it normally is. 

And so I wanted to acknowledge that. And let others know that work/life balance, at least for me, has been very challenging, and I was flooded with designers responding to the newsletter I put out about this topic. 

I heard countless stories from other designers and what they are going through, and it pained me to read them because, frankly, I have gone through all of the phases that they were describing. 

I want you to know you are not alone and you are not doing anything wrong. So today, we are digging into this topic of the always challenging work/life balance and if it really is achievable.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/work-life-balance 

I hear a lot of designers struggling with how to price their services for construction management as well as decorating for potential clients. What I want to talk about today is not the actual dollars and cents but how pricing with confidence starts with knowing the value you bring to each and every project.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/knowing-your-value 

No two projects are alike. I know that can unnerve some of you, but I want you to think about it as a positive thing as it allows you to evaluate each project. Today, I want to talk about how to evaluate each project by the value it will bring to you and your business!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/determine-projects-value 

Today, I have my friend Lesley Myrick joining me in today's episode. Lesley is a recognized design media personality and the CEO of Lesley Myrick Interior Design, a full-service boutique interior design firm based in Macon, GA.

Having lived and worked internationally, Lesley specializes in designing personality-driven, playful, and function-forward "forever homes" for professional families.

Media outlets including Architectural Digest, People, Forbes Home, Insider, and InStyle magazine have celebrated Lesley for her signature aesthetic of bold, colorful, and collected interiors that offer a fresh take on Southern design.

Today, Lesley and I are breaking down a topic I am often asked about, and that is the best practices of pricing a project and what it actually looks like to be profitable through margins, hourly, or flat fee rates. 

Lesley shares her experience of participating in a panel at HighPoint, where experts discussed the challenging aspects of pricing interior design and construction management projects. Lesley emphasizes the absence of a one-size-fits-all pricing formula and the importance of finding your perfect approach. She highlights the significance of not only establishing upfront pricing but also analyzing the numbers on the back end to ensure profitability.

Lesley shares essential insights on pricing strategies, including the benefits of educating clients about project duration, the transition from hourly rates to flat fees, and the art of confidently stating your price. She dispels the fear of profit and the reluctance to walk away from unfit clients, stressing the importance of leading the design process and choosing the right projects.

You'll definitely want to grab a pen and paper and get ready to take notes! Enjoy!

Find out more about Lesley, as well as resources mentioned in today's episode, here:

https://nancyganzekaufer.com/free-resources-for-interior-designers &

https://www.instagram.com/lesleymyrick

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/lesley-myrick-pricing-a-project 

Have you ever had an overly enthusiastic client take over your project? You may think that clients being involved is not what you want, but the truth is their involvement is often essential to creating a space that truly reflects them. In today's episode, I share strategies for managing overly involved clients on construction projects and how to navigate this dynamic of challenges and opportunities effectively.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/managing-over-involved-clients 

It is critical to build confidence for your success on construction sites. But after reading a book recently, I realized I am skipping a step, and that is that courage is the precursor to confidence. 

Join me in today's episode to explore how courage can be the transformative force in your career. Let's redefine our approach, embrace courage, and let confidence naturally follow suit.

Mel Robbin's book mentioned in today's episode: https://www.melrobbins.com/5secondrule 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/role-of-courage 

There are many unique challenges interior designers face when managing construction projects during the 4th quarter, particularly around the holiday season!

Today, I want to share how we need to start talking about the holiday season NOW with our clients! And this goes beyond Thanksgiving and Christmas meals….There will be parties being thrown, new projects being proposed, deadlines needing to be met, vacations being taken, and more! Proactively planning and communicating effectively NOW will ensure a smooth and much more enjoyable experience for both designers and clients during the holiday season.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/holidays-4th-quarter-deadlines 

I know it probably feels a little crazy to be talking about the holidays right now. But here's the truth: before we know it, holiday parties, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukkah, and New Year's will be front and center, and for all of us in construction and design, that means deadlines, delays, and client expectations that will collide all at once. 

Add in the unpredictable fall and winter weather for some of us who have different weather throughout the year, and suddenly, you may have a perfect storm of challenges that will absolutely derail even the best planned projects.

Today, we are talking about how to handle holiday deadlines, vacation slowdowns, and other delays. Not just to save our sanity, but to set realistic expectations with clients

Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers

Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite 

Follow me on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/devignierdesign/ 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/holiday-design-planning-for-interior-designers  

It's hard being the only girl on the job site. I know. I've been there. It can rock your confidence whether you're new or seasoned.

But there is always someone rooting for you on a project site.

On every project you are going to come into contact with the contractor, the glass shower door installer, the tile installer, the plumber, the electricians, and the flooring guy - there are a lot of guys you'll come into contact with, and at least one of them will be rooting for you.

How does this happen? It starts with building rapport with your team members.

Whether that's through shared interest or discussions on our ever-evolving industry, building relationships with team members will not only brighten your day, but enhance your skills and confidence as well.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/allies-start-with-rapport 

I've been talking about interior designers' superpowers on job sites, and today, I want to talk about a really practical one and why it is critical for you to be involved in your projects very early on, long before you're specifying the decorative items. Today, we're going to dive into the topic of lighting. Find out how to elevate the lighting in your clients' homes to transform their space and quality of life.

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/elevating-lighting-superpower 

Vetting potential calls, explaining yourself and the work we do, and the value we bring to each project over and over can lead to overwhelm and be exhausting!

I want you to know that I get it and have heard from a lot of designers lately about how to prove themselves and their value to various industry partners and various clients or potential clients.

It is normal to experience overwhelm, stress, and anxiety when we are being questioned about our value and our services. But I don't want you to shy away from it or ignore it.

You will learn in today's episode how you can stand firm, lean into your strengths, and explain your services and your value, and why their project would be better served and elevated to a custom level they are seeking by having you be a part of the project.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/proving-our-worth

Today, we're talking confidence.

There is no good that comes out of panic, wondering if you messed up, and anxiety. All it does is make you fearful of your own decision-making powers. And that is something I want you all to avoid at all costs. 

Confidence is a topic that every designer, regardless of their experience level, grapples with at some point in their career. In a profession where decision-making powers are paramount, self-assurance becomes your best ally. Today, you will learn how to build your baseline confidence you will need to take on any challenge that comes up on a construction project, how this kind of confidence arises from an appreciation of your own abilities and qualities, and how to tackle common confidence crushers like imposter syndrome and overwhelm.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/developing-confidence 

In the world of interior design, there's a superpower that often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in creating functional and comfortable living spaces. It's the ability to understand how people live in homes. In today's episode, I talk about why this superpower is essential, how it can be honed, and why it should be marketed not only to clients but also to industry partners. We'll delve into real-life examples that highlight the significance of this superpower and how it can make a difference in the design of spaces where people live and elevate custom projects.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/designers-superpower-elevate-projects 

Today, I want to talk about some of the frustrations I hear about from other designers, such as if you're on construction sites right now and you aren't confident in your skills, the stages and steps to take, or you're unable to take a pretty significant pay cut from your current position and go back and work for an interior designer, or if you went to school and you weren't taught the basics of running a project. 

In today's episode, you'll learn how to resole these frustrations so that you can move forward in your business successfully!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/knowledge-and-skills-for-construction-management 

Understanding the contract is one of the most critical steps in any construction project.

As designers, we have a superpower that makes us the most important person for your client to review the contracts and understand the numbers that are being included.

So today I want to cover why you need to see the contract as soon as you are brought onto a team that has already been formed, how early contract involvement leads to project success as well as exercises you can do (whether you are new or seasoned) to help you better understand budgeting for contracts.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/designers-superpower-contracts-budgets 

Many designers have been asking me what types of materials they need to supply to the contractor for the projects they're working on. 

Today I break down terms between a specification book and a project binder and when and how you should be using them, and also the level of detail you should be including so that you are not over-delivering when you're not being paid to do that service. 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/project-specifications 

If you missed Episode 134, be sure to go back and listen to that episode BEFORE listening to today's episode. Last week I talked about practicing what I preach and why I said "no" to two recent projects that were offered my way. In today's episode, I want to go over what happened afterward, how I would have reacted a couple of years ago, why I am doing this to keep myself laser-focused, and what I am doing behind the scenes to move in the direction of my goals.

Today's episode is to really get you to look at your own businesses. And I wanted you to hear that I am doing this as well. I wanted you to see that if I am peeling back the onion layers in the business and taking a look inside, and deciding what to keep and what not to keep, you will also go and do this in your own business and see the changes that can be put in place to change the trajectory of your next year. 

If you're unsure about what projects you should be taking on, then today's episode is for you!

I am a big proponent of ONLY taking on projects that are a good fit for you and your firm at the time that a potential client reaches out to you, but how do you determine that? 

I always want to practice what I preach, so today, I am sharing with you two recent examples of this that I recently went through.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/turned-down-jobs 

Have you ever been asked, "So… what do you do here?" If you're an interior designer, chances are you've heard this question more than once—from contractors, trades, or even clients. The truth is, many people don't fully understand the value designers bring to a construction project. And if they don't know what you do, they can't value it—or hire you for it.

In this episode, we dive into why it's critical to define your role with clarity and confidence. You'll hear how one greenhouse project revealed the gap in understanding, and how showing up as a decision-maker, problem-solver, and translator between client and contractor changes everything. You'll leave with the exact language to position yourself as essential, not optional, so you can gain respect, influence, and bigger opportunities.

Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers 

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devignierdesign/ 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/what-interior-designers-really-do-on-construction-projects 

Here we are mid-summer - if any of you are like me, you're finally starting to relax and take a moment for yourself. What that also means is you may be putting things off.

So today, I am so excited to welcome my friend Desi Creswell back to the podcast. This is her third time sharing her expertise with fellow interior designers, and it is because of an ah-ha moment I had while listening to Desi's podcast The Interior Design CEO, that inspired me to invite her back on. She did an entire episode called The Later Habit which you can find here: https://www.desicreswell.com/podcast/the-later-habit I knew everyone else would relate to this Later Habit that we all tend to slide into, especially when it's summer months, and schedules are wonky, and we are out of sorts. 

Desi is a master certified Life and Business Coach who helps Interior Designers build thriving businesses without the stress adn overwhelm. She uses a blend of mindset, actionable strategies, and industry specific expertise. Desi supports clients with topics such as time management, leadership, delegation, systems, and goal setting. And the best part about it is she is one of us. She is a trained interior designer who left practicing in order to dive in and support designers even more!

In today's episode, we talk about what the later habit is, and how we can avoid it, the importance of time management, where to start, how things like getting over perfectionism and building confidence as a CEO can help you take back your time!

You can find out more about Desi by visiting her Website at: www.desicreswell.com

Grab her Interior Designers Get it Done Daily Planner at:

www.desicreswell.com/planner

Listen to her new Podcast: The Interior Design Business CEO at:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-interior-design-business-ceo/id1652747762

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/time-management-desi-creswell 

It's officially mid-summer! How are you feeling about your pipeline of projects starting in the fall? If you're starting to panic, this episode is for you!

We all think we will have extra time on our hands during the summer, with the best of intentions, so we will do XYZ. And for small business owners, summer is really the time we need to expand certain projects, like marketing. So that's what I want to talk about today!

Find out more about my course, The Interior Designer's Guide to Construction Management here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/renovation-management-interior-designers 

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/strategic-marketing-during-slow-months 

Do you know what the number 1 question I get is? How to price construction projects and how to best go about it. I understand why this is a scary step! You are projecting costs that may run weeks, months, or years, and you want to make sure your bottom line is covered. So today, I'm going to break this down so that your pricing can be strong and reflective of the work you're going to produce!

Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/pricing-construction-projects 

I want to wish everyone a very happy 4th of July!

Today is a time to unplug from work and relax. And that is an important ingredient to inspire creativity. 

When we are stressed out, running ragged, freaking out, frazzled, and everything in between, it is neary impossible to tap into our creative side. 

In today's episode, I am sharing about how independence plays out in our businesses and the perks we need to focus on!

Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/independence-self-employed-designers 

There will always be issues and surprises that come up on job sites. I find that just knowing to expect it makes things easier to get through. 

Anticipating and knowing the parameters of the issues that can happen make them so much less scary when they do happen and allows you to be prepared ahead of time and have confidence in taking the next steps.

So today I want to break down different construction challenges I commonly see happen and how to navigate them successfully.

Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/navigating-construction-challenges 

I know professional development isn't anything new, yet for some reason, I feel like it's lacking in the world of creatives.

So today I want to talk all about professional development and why it isn't a term often used with creatives like us, yet is really the key to success.

Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/success-in-professional-development 

Today I am so excited to share with you the conversation I had with Tobi Fairley. 

Tobi is an award-winning interior designer and business consultant with over two decades of experience helping high-achieving, creative professionals take their companies and lives to the next level. When she's not running her luxury interior design firm and her consulting practice for artistic business owners, she leads an online membership community for ambitious professionals, hosts the Design You podcast, and is launching her new Home Decor and Apparel eCommerce venture, Fairley Fancy, in June 2023, a collaboration with her daughter. Fairley has been featured on television and in top-shelf publications including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Real Simple, Better Homes and Gardens, The Huffington Post, Southern Living, and on the covers of House Beautiful and Traditional Home.

Tobi has not only been a mentor and coach to me, but she has also become a dear friend that I continue to learn on for advice and encouragement.  So it is truly an honor to have her on this podcast, which she inspired me to create and to share her wealth of knowledge with all the designers listening today. 

In today's episode, Tobi shares how she accidentally built her 15-year consulting business, created new businesses, the knowledge, wisdom, and confidence she has gained along the way, and how she has helped so many other people do the same. 

Find out more about Tobi by visiting her websites at: https://tobifairley.com, https://fairleyfancy.com & https://tobifairley.com/designyou2022

Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/tobi-fairley 

When people hear that I manage construction, they automatically think of the basics - floor plans, finishes, and actual building materials. But what they aren't thinking about, and what is really the key to my success, is building the relationships on those job sites that bring the success we are all searching for. 

So today, I want to talk about the 3 key relationships that are necessary in order to have the success we are all searching for.

Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/3-relationships-to-build 

If you've been listening to me for any amount of time, then you know I believe construction management is a niche inside the interior design industry, and today I want to talk about how you can niche down even further inside of construction management. 

Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/expert-specialty-niche 

Today's episode is a treat where you can listen to the conversation I had with Catherine Marrano. Catherine and I first met when she joined my first course, The Interior Designer's Guide to Construction Management. Once we got to know each other, we realized we were both seasoned designers who loved to run construction projects for our clients. Catherine has over 20 years of experience but started her career as an event planner creating experiences and spaces - the likes of Planet Hollywood. But when she worked for an interior designer, her life was changed forever. She worked full-time at a design firm during the day while continuing her education in interior design at night. And in 2003, she founded her own firm Catherine Marrano Interiors. 

These experiences and education, along with international travel and studies abroad, have helped her to understand different client perspectives and develop a creative eye for design. Over the years, Catherine has developed a specialty niche in kitchens and baths and offers a bespoke private labeled cabinet line that she created. 

It's a really exciting time to hear the designers in our course share how their experience is coming through in so many different ways. Today's conversation is no exception. You will hear us talk about how her career evolved, how she started private labeling a cabinet line, and so much more! I'm excited for you to learn through our conversation today! 

You can find out more about Catherine by visiting her website at: https://catherinemarrano.com

Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/catherine-marrano 

Mistakes happen on every design and construction project—because we're human. But how you handle them can make or break your client relationships. In this episode, I share real stories from designers (and my own experiences) about the inevitable missteps that happen, and the exact steps you can take to resolve them with professionalism and confidence. From talking to clients about the problem to navigating tricky contractor conversations, you'll learn how to stay calm, find solutions, and keep projects moving forward—without losing sleep or credibility.

Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/how-to-handle-mistakes 

If you've been curious, skeptical, or maybe avoiding AI altogether, today's episode is for you!

In this ever-changing world in which we live, it is quite understandable and normal to be fearful of technological advances such as AI (Artificial intelligence) and to worry about how it will impact our industry and how it will affect your day-to-day business. And so today, I want to talk about what industry experts are saying about it, how to position yourself to avoid any pitfalls and harness its power to put you on a greater, stronger footing than you are today!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/ai-future-interior-design 

Even seasoned designers have stories of having to build and rebuild their confidence in this industry, and today, I want to share with you my story. All the things we discussed in last week's Episode 121: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/pricing-projects-rebecca-hay  came down to confidence, whether that's pricing your projects that shows your worth, whether that's taking on new projects that you think might be a stretch or hiring people. All of it boils down to having the confidence to know it will work. You may not know how it will work, but it will work. 

I mentioned how my confidence was severely broken midway through my career and I thought it was valuable to share with all of you listening because so often we see seasoned designers like Rebecca and I as always having had confidence. And that couldn't be further from the truth! 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/how-i-rebuilt-confidence 

I am so excited for you to hear this conversation with fellow designer Rebecca Hay, CEO of Rebecca Hay Designs, host of the Resilient by Design podcast, international speaker and business coach. She's the creator of the revolutionary online course, Power of Process, helping time-strapped and frustrated Interior Designers eliminate the chaos of running a business so they can achieve focus and clarity. She helps designers build confidence and streamline their business, taking them from chaos to coordinated. Her methods and experience prove that anyone can up-level their business & make more money without working around the clock. Rebecca believes in collaboration over competition and given the right tools, anyone can be successful.

In today's episode, we cover it all! From interior design to pricing, to confidence building, and even AI. You will no doubt learn something from today's episode. It's like listening to two seasoned designers chatting about the industry that we love!

You can find out more about Rebecca, her offer mentioned in the show as well as her podcast at:

rebeccahay.com/podcast/ 

rebeccahay.com/revenue/ 

 https://rebeccahay.com/pricing/

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/rebecca-hay 

We are a few weeks into the Group Coaching VIP Calls for my course, Renovation Management for Interior Designers, and I've had a question come up more than once, so I wanted to share it with all of you today.

A designer shared with me that she was working on a project and she had written the contract in two phases. One was the design and development phase, and the other was the renovation management phase. 

And her client chose only to hire her for the design and development phase. And while she went to great lengths explaining the value an interior designer can bring to managing these projects, her client felt they could manage their project on their own. 

I'm sure this has happened to you as well! Find out how to avoid this in today's episode, other critical jobsite questions that were asked, and how these Group VIP calls benefit not JUST the designers asking the questions!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/designers-questions-answered 

Renovation or construction management is a niche inside the interior design industry. Inside that niche, there are specialties. In particular, kitchens and baths. Today, I want to take a deeper dive into how to create a custom bath for your clients. 

If this is something you already specialize in and want to elevate this skill or would like niche down into kitchen and bathroom renovations, this episode is for you!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/elevate-clients-bathroom-design 

Most designers I speak with are already doing construction work. Maybe it's on their own home, a bath or two, or a kitchen refresh. Meaning they don't actively market for it. It happens organically. These designers may be listening to this podcast for tips and ideas. But how would renovation work improve and add value to your business? And I mean beyond financial value. 

This we've got to discuss! 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/value-beyond-income 

I am so excited to once again have my friend Linda Holt with me today! 

If you haven't heard her first episode, you definitely want to go check that out at https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/photography-using-your-iphone-linda-holt 

Today I wanted to take a deep dive into professional portfolio-level photos. That is something all designers really struggle with, myself included! 

Linda shares so many actionable tips on photography. When I saw her latest IG story about how she is adding more content to her course about taking portfolio photos for yourself and breaking down all the scary components that can hold you back, I knew I had to have her on!

Linda Holt is a former professional photographer. She is no stranger to merging her creative eye with her esthetic appeal. She has worked with more than five thousand celebrities, actors and models as one of Boston's top commercial head shot photographers. That was her former life! Today, she uses her skilled photographic eye to help homeowners create a stylish, fresh and relaxed home that is reflected of their unique personality and lifestyle. She has put away her heavy DLSR cameras and now shoots exclusively with her iPhone and Samsung phones. She has become an expert in both iPhone photography and smartphone photo editing. After successfully teaching smartphone photography workshops in and around Boston, she created an online photography class solely for interior designers, stagers, and creatives called Smart Phone Photography for Interior Designers. 

Linda not only knows her stuff behind the camera but also in the design field!

In today's episode, we talk about the pros and cons of the iPhone 14, leaving lamp lights, floor lights, and ceiling lights on or off during your photo shoot, what to know about hiring a professional photographer, and more!

This is such an important conversation to have and one that you're going to want to take notes on so that you can be more confident in taking your own photos that are portfolio worthy.

Find out more about Linda as well as the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/portfolio-photos-linda-holt 

Curious to hear what a 1:1 call with a designer is like? Today's episode is for you! 

Last week I introduced an exciting new offer for a live group coaching program in the VIP option inside my signature course, Renovation Management for Interior Designers! Today, I'm giving you a sneak peek into what these coaching calls can look like and the value they can bring you and your business!

To find out more about this exciting new offer, go to  https://devignierdesign.com/ 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/call-with-designer 

Today is a special episode and one I've been waiting to share with you for the past few weeks!

Today I want to share with you the trajectory of where this podcast came from, where it is now, and an exciting new offer I have for course members that will take their knowledge, skills, and experience to a whole other level!

To find out more about this exciting new offer, go to >>https://devignierdesign.com/<<

Want to know what a group coaching experience would feel like? Get on my email list for all the info at https://devignierdesign.com/ 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/new-course-vip-program 

Are you chomping at the bit, ready to do some better marketing for yourself?

Today we're talking about the nuances we need to incorporate into our marketing pitches depending on who we are talking to. 

Sending the same marketing pitch to every industry partner isn't going to cut it. Find out in today's episode how you need to be thoughtful and strategic about each category that you're marketing yourself to. 

Be sure to listen to the end because I have something exciting coming in the next few weeks, and I don't want you to miss out!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/your-marketing-shouldnt-be-generic 

I am frequently asked what it's really like to be inside The Designer's Edge program, and especially what these new features are inside The Studio portion of the program.

Today, I'm excited to pull the curtain back and share one of The Studio's newest features: module-specific live Q&As. 

The insight that I'm sharing today, which came out of that live call, applies to each and every one of you and your current and future projects. You will feel like you were a part of that call, with actionable takeaways, just like the members did.

Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers 

Find the full shownotes at:  https://devignierdesign.com/conversations-for-designers 

Offering renovation management services to your clients is so valuable.  I've mentioned in the past I was hearing chatter about 2023, the slowdown in the volume of work, and the possibility of a recession. If you have been feeling anxious about 2023 and not getting many phone calls, this episode is for you! You can get through this year and whatever the economy brings by leaning into your renovation management skills when decorating projects diminish. 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/lean-into-renovation-management 

Do you ever feel unsure about what exactly your responsibilities are on the job? Or worry that there are overlapping responsibilities? Today I want to talk about how you can define your role on various size projects that you will be a part of, and how best to handle each situation so that you have a clear path and your client has a clear understanding of whose doing what.

I am excited to announce I am once again offering free twenty-minute 1:1 calls with me for rating and reviewing this podcast! Take a screenshot of your rating and review and email it to me at renee@devignierdesign.com, and I will send you my calendar link to book your free call!

If you're not sure how to leave a review, you can watch this quick tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53JdV8sC2g

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/establish-your-role 

Ok, designers, let's talk imposter syndrome!

We all can suffer from imposter syndrome throughout each stage of our careers. Today, I want to share with you how I have managed it from the very beginning of my career and still do to this day. I'm sharing with you some of the positive affirmations I use and how I break things down into bite-sized chunks.

Imposter syndrome is real. It's nothing to be ashamed of. And it's totally manageable. 

I am excited to announce I am once again offering free twenty-minute 1:1 calls with me for rating and reviewing this podcast! Take a screenshot of your rating and review and email it to me at renee@devignierdesign.com, and I will send you my calendar link to book your free call!

If you're not sure how to leave a review, you can watch this quick tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53JdV8sC2g

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/how-ive-managed-imposter-syndrome