Interior Designers’ Business Goals for 2018

 

As a creative entrepreneur, each year gives you a clean slate to evaluate the state of your business, strategize, and instill business resolutions to increase revenue, awareness, and satisfaction. Having a hard time creating realistic business goals for 2018? Be sure to come up with SMART goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. Take some inspiration from the honest business & design resolutions Ivy Designers share for 2018. Wishing you a successful and happy New Year!

Lead Image by A Design Partnership


“Better structure the use of my time and start charging appropriately for it.”

“Set realistic increased revenue growth for 2018 from 2017. If you don’t mark-up your products, familiarize yourself with the trade sourcing game–this will be an income game changer.”

“Be profitable enough to ‘have a life’ and not just work and sleep.”

“I am still in my first year of business, but for 2018, my focus is to increase my rates so that I do not need to work so hard. I have already increased my hourly rate for a project that starts on January 5th!”

“Make a strong focus on profitability by creating and running detailed project reports for projects such as: financial (costs involved with contractors, supplies, overhead- break up by # of clients and percent of time dedicated to that client), time budgeted vs. time used (save to use as future reference when estimating), and lessons learned (list and discuss with team).”

“Learn the basics of become more proficient in key softwares such as Chief Architect, SketchUp, Photoshop, etc.”

“Complete my procedures manual.”

“Set and follow a system for each stage of a project.”

“Only accept projects that I’m truly interested in.”

“Quit my day job and pursue my business full time.”

“Increase public awareness of my business location by attending more local meetings, hosting community events, adding signage to my doors, submitting details to Google Business, etc.”

“Add 3-4 excellent projects to my portfolio.”

Design by @unpatterned, Wallpaper by @relativitytextiles, Photo by @aimeemazzenga

Design by @unpatterned, Wallpaper by @relativitytextiles, Photo by @aimeemazzenga

“Update my website.”

“Book photoshoots for projects not photographed and be sure to photograph all projects moving forward.”

“Strategically submit projects to relevant magazines and blogs.”

“Develop a content & social media strategy and post more regularly and consistently.”

“Embrace the help of my assistant more. I find it hard to delegate jobs or responsibilities, it’s just the control freak in me. Plus, I work very hands-on and closely with my clients so it’s hard let go of some of the work load. But, in order to take on more projects, I know I will need to set up a clear structure and give more responsibility to her.”

“Buy a laptop.”

“Pay off business credit cards.”

“Grow and learn from all of our mistakes so that we can keep gaining clients we desire.”

“Attend to 3 design conferences/trade shows.”

“Better understand and build relationships with wholesale / trade vendors.”

Basicspace

Photo by Basicspace


Here at Ivy, we’re more than just an interior design software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

December Edition: Ivy Designer Palettes

 

This December, Ivy Designers were all about cozy knits and luxe velvet with hues of gray, white and icy blues.


Ivy Designer Firm Jessica Lynn Williams – New York, NY

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Here’s a take from our recent Catskills project shoot! We loved working on this quaint winter home for a family of five and hope they enjoy cozying up here after hitting the slopes. Photo by: @lllukewilliams ❄️❄️❄️

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Ivy Design Firm Bandd Design – Austin, TX

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After all the heat here in Austin yesterday, the cold decided to roll in overnight. Cold weather makes me grumpy, but the show must go on. I'll just think back to this cement #tilebacksplash to make me happy😃 #tiletuesday

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Ivy Design Firm Alison Giese Interiors – Northern Virginia

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Icy blues and cuddly textures setting a cozy mood for a chilly and busy week. Wishing you calm amidst the bustle! :: #AGIstyle #moodboardmonday

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Ivy Design Firm 22 Interiors – Los Angeles, CA

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Aqua is ALWAYS a good idea.  #22interiors #royalwoods 📸 : @amybartlam

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Ivy Design Firm Kimberly Madara Interior Design – New Jersey

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Monday blues? Not in this clients new living room 💙 📷 @raquellangworthy.photo 🏠 @eleganthomesnj

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Ivy Design Firm Andrea Wojciak Interiors 

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L A Y E R S✨

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Ivy Design Firm Holly Bero Interiors – Auburn, WA

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A little afternoon #inspiration. Had to take a break from the #bathroom 3D model I've been working on…eyes where starting to cross (see my stories for a mini look at the model!) .. .. #ivydesignermoodboard #interiordesign #hbinteriors #ivydesigners #moodboard #seattleinteriordesign #seattle #dreamhome #tilebar #topknobs #swcolorlove #fireclaytile #designboard #design #details #stylemepretty #homedecor #renovation #instastyle #lovewhatido #ff #dreamkitchen

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Ivy Design Firm Ellie Mroz Design

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Ta da! Command central. The oversized marble Tulip style table is where we gather as a team to share ideas, with clients to present them, and at lunch to stuff our faces. 😜 One of my favorite features of our new office is the floors which we recovered under layers of carpet and linoleum. We did our best to restore this beautiful tile which became an inspiration for the rest of the space. @michaelrobertconstruction and I used the office as a place to show things to clients that we’d love to do for them. This way they can see what it looks like for themselves without just taking our word for it. Like dark cabinets. And a cranberry red refrigerator. 🤷🏼‍♀️👏🏻 The rolling ladder is a fun feature that is also super functional- I store my library of swatches and samples in baskets at the top and I need it to reach. And let’s be honest, it looks pretty sweet and makes for a killer Boomerang vid. 🤳🏻 📷 @raquellangworthy.photo . . . . . #westfieldnj #cabinets #darkcabinets #kitchendesign #interiordesign #interiordecor #njdesigner #officeinspo #conferencetable #rollingladder #husbandwifeteam #generalcontractor #lovewhereyoulive #remodel #beforeandafter #MRCxEMD

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Ivy Design Firm Jen Talbot Design – Chicago, IL

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Saturday morning vibes. I’m sure my client is enjoying her morning coffee right now 😘#jentalbotdesign #custombuiltins #custombanquette #interiordesigner #instagood #instadecor #lincolnpark #chicagointeriors #decor #interiordesign #interiors123

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Here at Ivy, we’re more than just an interior design software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

The Rise of E-Design and its Implications for Interior Designers


E-Design: Why Is It Gaining Popularity? And Should Interior Designers Get In On The Trend?


Op-Ed Written by Ivy Designer Chaney Widmer, founder of Mix & Match Design Company

There’s no doubt that the Internet has had an impact on just about every industry over the past couple of decades, and interior design is no exception. These days, beautiful spaces are a simple click away thanks to the rise in popularity of sites like Pinterest and Houzz, social media platforms like Instagram, and networks like HGTV. People are itching to create a home that looks like what they see online or on TV, and while some can do it on their own, many find that taking those inspiration images and turning them into reality isn’t all that easy. Constraints on time, money, and skills leave a lot of folks looking for help, yet traditional, full-service design feels out of reach or doesn’t quite fit their needs.

Mix & Match Design Company

Photo & Design by Mix & Match Design Company

So where do they turn?

Enter online interior design – also known as “e-design.” This type of service offers clients access to the expertise of a designer in a way that’s tailored to a tech-savvy, budget-conscious, do-it-yourself generation. These are folks who are willing to be active participants in the process – handling many of the logistical aspects like measuring their space, ordering the items, and installation – while the designer puts the look together and provides tools for them to be able to carry it out. It’s fast and fun for the client, and the result is an affordable, professionally designed space.

The emergence and growth of e-design would not be possible, however, if consumers weren’t comfortable using online services or purchasing furniture online. Couple those consumer trends with the availability of the right technology and tools, and boom! You have an entirely new industry to meet the needs of a previously unreached segment of the population.  

Additionally, interior designers (or aspiring ones!) are seeing the benefits of offering Internet-based services including the opportunity to reach a broader audience of potential clients, the flexibility of running an online business, low overhead costs, and a streamlined workflow.

All of those factors were key in my decision to start my online interior design business, Mix & Match Design Company, in 2015. I built my business around meeting the needs of well-informed clients who recognize they can’t pull together the look they want for their home on their own and want the help of a designer, but also don’t want to break the bank. As one of my clients once put it, “This is a do it WITH me service, not a do it FOR me service.” It’s important to help clients understand that and set expectations about what e-design is and isn’t since for many, it’s a completely new concept.

Mix & Match Design Company

Photo & Design by Mix & Match Design Company

Now let’s address one question I’ve heard discussed quite often: will e-design ever take the place of full-service design?

In a word, no. There will always be demand for full-service, luxury design and it’s important to recognize the distinctions between the two target client segments and business models.  The occasional client may waffle between full-service design and e-design, but I rarely see it in my target demographic and believe that e-designers should spend their energy targeting “untapped” clients who would not typically call a traditional designer.  The industry is changing though, and interior designers should consider how e-design could enhance their offering and open up new client segments.

If you are currently a full-service interior designer, what would it look like to add an e-design arm? Or are there ways you could integrate some of aspects of e-design into your current business model to adapt to the industry changes and trends we’re seeing in consumer behavior?

At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong business model – it all comes back to defining who your ideal client is, and then building a brand to attract them and creating a service that will serve them well. Offering online interior design services is one strategy if you’re looking to offer services to a different type of client. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if you want to incorporate that in your business.

Mix & Match Design Company

Photo & Design by Mix & Match Design Company

Are you currently considering starting an e-design business?

If so, I’m here to help! I recently released “How To Launch An E-Design Business,” a self-paced online course designed to be your quick start guide to beginning your journey as an online interior designer. I’ll teach you about the world of e-design, help you figure out your business model, talk about how to get clients in the door, and walk you step-by-step through the nuts and bolts of e-design. Want to learn more? You can find all the details and enroll in the course here.


Here at Ivy, we’re more than just an interior design software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

Schedule a Demo with Ivy

How Interior Designers Use Pantone’s 2018 Color of the Year Ultra Violet

 

Coming off 2017’s wild Pantone Color of the Year, Greenery, Pantone surprises the industry once again with another provocative hue, PANTONE 18-3838 Ultra Violet. Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute, shares, “The Pantone Color of the Year has come to mean so much more than ‘what’s trending’ in the world of design; it’s truly a reflection of what’s needed in our world today”. Skeptical about how to utilize this cosmic and controversial color in your client projects? Check out the creative ways Ivy Interior Designers have been using Ultra Violet as an accent, paint color and more.


Catherine French Design, LLC

Design by Ivy Design Firm Catherine French Design, LLC, Photo by J. Sinclair Photography

Jen Talbot Design

Design by Ivy Design Firm Jen Talbot Design

Relativity Textiles

Design by Ivy Design Firm Centered by Design, Wallpaper by Relativity Textiles, Photo by Aimée Mazzenga

Design by Price Style & Design, Photo by Kathryn MacDonald

Design by Ivy Design Firm Price Style + Design, Photo by Kathryn MacDonald

Alison Giese Interiors

Design by Ivy Design Firm Alison Giese Interiors

Thurman Design Studio

Design by Ivy Design Firm Thurman Design Studio

Redani Designs

Design by Ivy Design Firm Redani Designs, Photo by Karen Wolfe Photography


Here at Ivy, we’re more than just an interior design software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

Schedule a Demo with Ivy

Committing to Material & Design Integrity with Selamat Designs

 

Selamat Designs is a boutique, natural-materials focused product development company offering accent furniture and accessories made with the finest materials and the highest production values and design quality for the price. Selamat  original designs are executed by artisan wood workers, weavers, stone cutters and other craftsmen and women, some of whose families have been plying their trade for generations. The results are unique and enduring products of far greater value than mass-produced, off-the-shelf imports. Each piece has a story to tell about origins and resources, about meticulous hand work, about sustaining communities. Selamat Designs shares how they source their artisans, collaborations with Justina Blakeney and Florence Broadhurst, and their relationship with interior designers.

Photography courtesy of Selamat Designs


What’s Selamat’s design mission and inspiration?

Our mission is based in our commitment to material integrity and working with craftspeople who understand the medium and how to use it in innovative ways. Our inspiration comes from so many places: the city we live in, the places we travel to, the things we do and the people we meet. One of the greatest things about living in the Bay Area and frankly traveling the US and the world is that we see how people live and the beautiful things that are part of both everyday life and unique places.

Selamat

How do you source artisan woodworks, weavers, stone cutters and other craftsmen to execute your designs?

The core of our operations started in Indonesia, working with wood offcuts through a partnership with USAID. We first learned how to take discarded post-manufacturing “waste” and turn these offcuts into products. This is a partnership developed by assessing skills, tooling, finishing, and material familiarity. An equally important part of the process is trust, design integrity, and a willingness to try new things.

Selamat

What are your most popular product categories?

Well, we sell a lot of chairs! Frankly though, our fastest growing product categories are lighting and case goods.  

Selamat

Tell us about your collaborations with Justina Blakeney, Florence Broadhurst, and any upcoming collaborations you have in your pipeline…

Our first collaboration with Florence Broadhurst was a great way to show our product development skill set, which had always been at the core of our private label business. We get to work with a deep and diverse archive, and the story of Florence Broadhurst, the woman, is beyond belief. She was Madonna and Coco Channel all wrapped into one extraordinary woman. The Florence Broadhurst collection is an ongoing partnership, and we are working on our fourth capsule launch with the Archive coming out in late 2018.  

The partnership with Justina Blakeney is fantastic and such a totally different experience.  First off, she is a living, breathing, constantly creating force that is passionate about color, texture, and bringing an optimistic worldview to interiors and life. Her team is creative and fearless—the perfect combination from our standpoint. The Justina Blakeney products rely heavily on our expertise with natural materials, taking influences both from the 1970s and from a relaxed, contemporary California lifestyle that loves plants.

Selamat

How does Selamat value highly personalized service and individual client care?

We are a husband and wife led company, so at Selamat’s core, it’s personal.  We know all of our customers either by name or project. Just about all of our sales people work in-house, so everything gets the Selamat touch—from ordering to shipping. We know that we live in a multi-tasking world and sometimes we need to be problem solvers, product finders, or simply just a friendly voice on the phone. We know our products well, and think our product knowledge and understanding of the manufacturing process helps us talk to customers about the right product for them.  

Selamat

What’s your market strategy?

We have permanent showrooms in both High Point and Las Vegas, and we do various regional and commercial shows on a more temporary basis. We love seeing designers at markets because it allows us to produce a 3-D marketing experience for people to see Selamat product in various environments. We encourage people to sit on things, flip them over, and really kick the tires. We also feel like once designers get to know our construction and quality, they feel more comfortable placing our products in projects.  

Selamat

How does Selamat typically work with interior designers?

We love working with interior designers! Our opening account minimum is $1,200 for furniture and $500 for accessories. To make shipping easier, we offer white glove deliveries direct to residences, in addition to commercial deliveries.

Selamat

In your opinion, how has technology impacted the design industry?

In so many ways…where to begin? When we started our business 13 years ago, we literally used 5×7 printed photos to show people product. Most people in the industry didn’t even have a website! Now, we have a website and a sales app that shows product specifications, lead times, inventory and pictures galore. We use Instagram (@selamatdesigns) to spread the Selamat message worldwide.  

Selamat

Why do you think it’s important for interior designers to embrace tools such as Ivy to bring their business operations online?

Ivy is an awesome platform because it helps interiors designers juggle all of their projects. We have worked with several designers who utilize Ivy and it truly streamlines the order entry process not only for the designers, but also for us.

Selamat

How does Selamat prepare for the holiday season?

We have an awesome tree decorated with tassels! We are also closing this year for the first time between Christmas and New Year’s Day. We felt like 2017 was such a blur, we all need a vacation!

Selamat

What’s Selamat’s focus for 2018?

We are introducing loads of new product in the indoor/outdoor category. Look for products for living outdoors for all seasons—even in the cold!


Here at Ivy, we’re more than just an interior design software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

Schedule a Demo with Ivy

Chasing Light & Styling Spaces with Katie Charlotte Photography


Interiors Photographer Spotlight: Katie Charlotte Fiedler of Katie Charlotte Photography


How did you get where you are today?

Since I was a kid, polaroids and disposable cameras were a staple in my back pack.  I’m from Charleston, SC, but moved to Santa Barbara, CA in search of something different. I decided that I wanted freedom from the 9-5 and had always loved photography. I took a few photography classes for fun just to see what I could learn and started seriously immersing myself into all things photography, however, I wasn’t sure which direction to go in.  After about 5 years of living out on the West Cost, I left everything behind and traveled across the country with my dog Bam-Bam to come back home to Charleston. I faced new challenges and began to feel as though photography wasn’t going to get me where I wanted, so I started dabbling in other career choices. Six months later, I woke up and realized that the only way I was going to be happy was if I followed my passion. I quit the job I was in and worked as an intern for Charleston Magazine where I met so many talented people and made a ton of connections. After the internship, I finally started to build my foundation in Charleston as a photographer and can happily say that my business keeps me super busy and I am incredibly grateful!

What’s it like to be a photographer in beautiful Charleston, SC these days?
Charleston is a booming town. With that comes a ton of competition as a photographer, however, it keeps me grounded and gives me motivation to work my hardest. Outside of my business, I feel blessed to live in such a gorgeous town where I can photograph historic downtown, beaches, and old dirt roads all in the same day.  The culture and personality out here is something words cannot describe.
In 140 characters or less, how would you describe your interior photography aesthetic? 

Bright, airy and soft. A client of mine has described my work as “happy” which is fitting I think. I try to embrace the muted Low Country hues of my surroundings to bring a softness to my work and I always focus on where the light plays with the contrast in color palettes.  I’m a sucker for directional light!

How do you market your photography services to interior designers?

There’s a lot that goes on in the business end of photography. Marketing is very important but I think the most successful marketing strategy for me is keeping a strong presence on Instagram. It’s a great platform to showcase my work and make connections with other creatives and leaders in the industry.

Who are some interior designers you admire and enjoy working with?
One of my favorite designers has to be Cortney Bishop, her work is so inspiring; edgy, colorful and diverse.  Cortney really knows how to make a space speak for itself. Her design team is always there to help on shoots and her work ethic is second to none. Melissa Lenox is also a favorite of mine, I love the contrast in her work.  She is always very hands on with each shoot and we keep the laughter and positivity going strong during long days!
What makes it easy to shoot an interior space? What makes it difficult?
I will never say shooting an interior space is easy, but I will say that having a creative hands-on client that allows me to also have creative freedom is helpful. I also love walking into a home with a ton of windows and natural light, it helps add dimension to a space and brings an airy mood into play. What I find challenging in shooting an interior space is styling and making sure each element works well with each other. Whether it be a vase that needs to be moved an inch to the left or a huge sofa that has to go completely, making sure everything in my frame is spatially pleasing is super important to me and I will go to serious lengths to make it all come together in the way I envision it. I tell my clients I double as a furniture mover as well so they know ahead of time that I’m not messing around!
In your opinion, how important is a good-looking portfolio to the success of an interior design firm’s growth and reputation?
I would say it’s just as important for an interior design firm to have a beautifully curated portfolio as much as it is for me to have a good-looking portfolio. What you invest in your business is what you get will back. Your work will speak for itself if you take the time to present it the way you dreamt it. Besides word of mouth, it is the best way for designers to communicate their style; it is their voice to the world.
If you could make a PSA to all interior designers regarding photographing their portfolio, what would you say?

I always say I treat every shoot as if it will be my last, meaning, I work as hard as possible to translate each individual client’s vision through my lens. Also, consistency is key! Keeping a consistent photographic style in your portfolio allows the aesthetic to flow without any distraction, especially when you’re viewing a designer’s website; it holds a somewhat engaging tune to the portfolio.

Why is lighting so important when it comes to photographing an interior? What are the ideal times to photograph?
Lighting is everything. The way the light comes in through a room can completely change the mood of the overall photograph. I love the soft light you get in the morning time; the earlier the better!
How do you typically prep an interior designer for a photoshoot?
I try my hardest to get a time and day for a “walk-through” so that I can see how the light is falling and create a preliminary shot list for the shoot day to go as smoothly as possible. I also ask my clients to put together a “bag of tricks” to pull from. Having props to bring into the shot like flowers, textiles, art, and literature can add interest to the space and is always encouraged. I tend to say less is more, but having options is necessary and I have found that I really love styling.
What are some tips of best practices you can offer interior designers for making the most out of a photoshoot?
HAVE FUN! Long shoot days can be challenging, mentally and physically, so it’s best to keep a positive outlook and remember that it is a team effort that will make it all come together in the long run. Also, having patience is instrumental. Whether it be on location or waiting for the final edited images, it’s important to know that good quality work takes time so rushing the shoot or pushing a tight deadline can hurt the nature of the work.

Here at Ivy, we’re more than just an interior design software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

Schedule a Demo with Ivy

13 Ways Interior Designers Manage Client Expectations

 

Managing client expectations is one of the most crucial aspects of running an interior design business. Establishing a mutual understanding of the end-to-end design process lays down the foundation for a trustworthy and rewarding designer-client relationship. As an interior designer, your reputation is everything in this business, therefore, consistently maintaining positive relationships with clients will lead you to more successful and productive projects. Ivy Designers share the strategic and creative ways they manage client expectations.


1. Before your first consultation meeting, have your potential client complete a detailed questionnaire so you’re both well-prepared for an initial discussion.  

2. For residential processes, ensure both partners / spouses are present in the initial meeting.

3. In the first meeting, be very upfront about everything. Thoroughly discuss your process and detail how you work, bill, correspond, etc. Provide visual guides such as examples of old time bills so they can have a better understanding of what to expect. This helps you establish trust.  

4. After your client briefs you and you fully understand the scope of the project, be honest about the feasibility of their expectations. Setting realistic expectations around costs and timeline is crucial to avoid issues later on.

5. Get the money discussion out of the way as soon as possible. This way, you can spot potential red flags before you commit to working with a new client.

6. Share your current project load from the get-go so your client understands your bandwidth and that you may be working with more than one client at a time. 

7. Include as many details as you can in your Welcome/Intro packet. Provide full disclosure on elements such as the process chart, scope of work, project stages and guidelines, check-lists, important how to’s, FAQ, budget calculator office hours, an air-tight contract / LOA (Letter of Agreement), etc. Share a process chart, scope of work, project guidelines, a checklist for clients to follow, etc. Establish “billing & purchasing procedures” within your contract so there are no surprises. Have your clients initial each section about what is billable, what is design work, administrative or project management. Get all of your policies in writing. Lay down the law. Explain the what if’s, and’s, but’s, and potential hiccups. Make your boundaries crystal clear. Send ahead/share these documents as early as you can so the client quickly understands how you can best work together. 

8. Delicately explain to clients that in interior design projects, something always goes wrong, it’s not an exact science. This is the nature of the business, however, it’s your job as the interior designer to handle issues should they arise.

9. Hand potential clients a list of “things you should know”, especially for the clients who have never worked with an interior designer. You can share this list of 20 things you should know about working with an interior designer.

10. Encourage your client to over-communicate! Let your client know that you’ll keep in touch on a regular basis.

11. Never promise more than can be delivered. Under-promise and over-deliver! If it’s possible, you’ll make it happen; if it’s not possible, make sure your client understands the realities.

12. Ensure your clients don’t expect HGTV turnarounds. Clients should be prepared for delays that can be out of the interior designer’s control. Kindly request patience throughout this process. 

13. Explain to your client that your role is different than the role of the contractor. Interior designers don’t control how the contractor’s subcontractors work and who shows up for days on the job.


Here at Ivy, we’re more than just an interior design software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

Schedule a Demo with Ivy

22 Ways Interior Designers Can Generate Alternative Income

 

Interior Designers have mastered the art of creativity coupled with excellent project management skills. Their unique skillset gives them the ability to generate income outside of traditional interior design projects by applying their craft to other relevant endeavors. We asked Ivy Designers to share the different ways they generate additional revenue streams into their interior design business. 


1. Offer E-Design services via Laurel & Wolf, Havenly, Decorist, Homepolish, or independently.

2. Re-purpose lightly used or vintage products and re-sell to clients as unique. Shop the local vintage and antique stores for quality pieces, re-finish/re-upholster them, and sell them as new.

3. Run a storefront to sell product retail and retain walk-in clients.

4. Style and decorate for clients’ holiday and party events. Shop for the special occasion according to your client’s budget and then charge an hourly rate to setup/stage for the event.

5. Create custom art on the side such as ceramics, indigo textiles, hanging pots, paintings, or furniture for custom projects that can be sold directly to clients or retail stores as well.

6. Are you an expert in a specific area of the business? Offer business coaching, host workshops, webinars, or other educational programming.

7. Offer in-home consultations with recommendations.

8. Work with distributors and reps directly.

9. Create rendering and drafting for clients or other interior designers. 

10. Explore affiliate marketing opportunities.

11. Do you have a passion for branding? Guide other interior designers or creative entrepreneurs on the importance of defining your brand voice, brand identity brand tool kit. 

12. Offer your graphic design skills to help other interior designers and other creative entrepreneurs create assets to utilize across all marketing platforms and collateral. 

13. Buy homes, re-model them, and flip ’em! 

14. Buy a home, renovate it, and then rent it.

15. Sell documents such as educational and resourceful guides, contracts and professional templates to other interior designers. 

16. Provide CAD services to trade businesses such as custom cabinetry or millwork companies.

17. Put on your project management cap and offer your organizational services to builders if you have construction experience. 

18. Purchase and expedite product on behalf of other interior designers.

18. Charge your client a flat fee for taking them shopping for the day. This allows a client to get to know you and your taste, and will certainly think of you moving forward for bigger projects. 

19. Take on small Pinterest Board punch list-type consultations where the client actually does most of the sourcing. 

20. Sell left-over accessories from bigger installs to other clients or people who are interested.

21. Help out a client with a move. Organize their belongings, unpack, and install, all the way down to the nitty gritty details including the linen closet and silverware. This way, when your client moves in, the space is ready to be lived in.

22. Stage furnished homes for sale and market those homes to realtors. 


Here at Ivy, we’re more than just an interior design software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

Schedule a Demo with Ivy

 

What You Learn at Interior Design School

 

Interior designers are hired to re-structure, re-arrange and re-design spaces for their clients. With that comes great responsibility and a particular creative and technical skillset to execute a project. Attending Interior Design school provides students with the education, qualifications, licenses, and general knowledge of budget and safety to be a successful designer. We asked Ivy Interior Designers to provide their biggest technical, business, client management, philosophical, and experiential learnings from attending Interior Design school.


Technical

1. The Principles & Elements of Design  

2. AutoCAD, Rendering, Space Planning/Ergonomics, Scale

@asrdesignstudio

3. Learning to draft by hand

4. Critical design thinking

@alison_giese

5. Color theory

6. Construction principles and building code

@carolynleonadesign

7. The ‘design lingo’

8. How to think critically and holistically about the narrative of space

@bespokefineinteriors

9. Aesthetics divorced from function are meaningless

10. Pay attention to every detail

@jla_designs

Business & Client Management

11. How to network

12. The power of working while you’re taking classes. Internships give you real hands-on experience outside of the classroom. Your internship experience can also help you land your first design job. 

@breathedesign

13. Business workflow including design programs and time management

14. Various methods of conveying ideas to clients

@urbandwellings_

15. How to help clients stretch from the status quo

Philosophical & Experiential

16. Fail faster

17. Personal acknowledgment of what you’re capable of

18. Don’t only learn from your instructors – listen to your fellow students. Everyone has something to share with you, you just have to look and listen.

@caseyharrison_

19. Don’t fall in love with your first idea because it may be your last idea

20. Understanding that your skillset of creativity, technicality, spatial and critical thinking is perfect for executing great interior design projects

@thetruehouse

21. Work hard for you passion

22. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, change your process and try different ways that work for you. Change is a necessity and makes you grow. Just as you get creative in your designs, you have to get creative in your business model.


Here at Ivy, we’re more than just an interior design software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

Schedule a Demo with Ivy

Behind the Design: Ivy Interior Design Firm iD8 Design Studio


Ivy Design Firm Spotlight: iD8 Design Studio – Boston, MA


Lead Image: Joyelle West Photography
Sashya – how did you get where you are today?
I’m originally from India but have had the opportunity to live globally with my family. My husband and I lived in England for a short while before moving to Boston. We love Boston and have made it our home! I am a trained Architect and focus primarily on Interior Architecture and small scale additions. I’ve worked for several firms in India, Dubai, England, and now Boston, and have always wanted to have my own firm. I am a third generation Architect, my grandmother and mother have both had their own design firms in India and are a huge inspiration for me.
iD8 Design Studio

Joyelle West Photography

How is Boston unique from other major design hubs?
Boston is a beautiful city which reflects its rich history while embracing the present! We are fortunate to have world-class educational institutions which bring the brightest minds from around the world to create a diverse community. With this comes a diverse approach to design and aesthetics and gives us designers an opportunity to create globally diverse designs.
Who are your favorite local vendors, installers, and people of the trade in Boston?
We work with several local vendors as much as possible. As our business grows, our circle expands.
iD8 Design Studio

Joyelle West Photography

What trends, colors, materials and styles are you particularly into right now? 

Our philosophy is to create a space that can grow with an individual or family for years to come. While we are in touch with the trends and constantly looking for new materials, we often strive to create timeless spaces that are designed specifically for the client. Our overarching design aesthetic tends to be defined as ‘comfortable modernism’. Each space is designed to create a unique experience for the client both in our residential and commercial project types.

How does designing make you feel?
I am extremely passionate about design. I live it and breathe it 24 hours a day! I often wake up with a fantastic idea for a client. I enjoy the satisfaction of creating a space that could potentially change someone’s life by making it more functional and/or beautiful. I often feel like an anthropologist where we collect data every day that helps us understand our clients to serve them better. Often we are juggling budgets, personalities, spatial restrictions, and time. When all of this comes together successfully, and makes the client happy, it feels truly satisfying.
iD8 Design Studio

Joyelle West Photography

What’s your business mantra at iD8 Design Studio?
Be a great collaborator, and most importantly, have fun! I strive to create a culture where our designers’ opinions are valued and the studio environment is positive and fun! As a working mom, I focus on creating a balance between work and life for myself and my employees.
Do you attend markets? If so, what are you go-to-markets and what’s your market strategy?
I’ve attended the SoWa Open Market but I don’t really have a strategy at the moment.
iD8 Design Studio

Flagship Photos

Can you offer rookie interior designers some sage words of wisdom regarding business and project management? 
Every moment is a learning opportunity (as hard as that sounds in the moment). If you love what you do, keep going and always value your time.
Why did you join Ivy? 

I heard from other interior designers that Ivy streamlines the ordering and purchasing process.

iD8 Design Studio

Tamara Flanagan Photography

How does Ivy streamline your daily workflow?
We are still learning the software, but we can already see the benefits long term. It saves us time in coordinating the purchasing aspect for our clients while maintaining all the data in one place.
What have you learned from the Ivy Designer Community?
I’m learning a lot from the community. The tips that are shared are immensely helpful when I realize that I’m not alone when facing a challenging time.
iD8 Design Studio

Tamara Flanagan Photography

What’s an Ivy feature you can’t live without? 
The proposal and purchasing template. I look forward to digging deeper into the interface to realize more of its potential.
iD8 Design Studio

Joyelle West Photography


Here at Ivy, we’re more than just an interior design software. Our mission is to provide interior designers with the community, resources and tools needed to manage your business beautifully. Are you searching for a business management tool to help streamline your workflow as an interior designer?

Schedule a Demo with Ivy