Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

291. From $500 Flyers to a $7M Show Home: The Contract Lessons Behind Erica Gelman’s Thriving Luxury Design Business


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In this episode, luxury interior designer Erica Gelman returns to share how she evolved her contract from simple terms to a robust, 15-page agreement that protects her time, energy, and profitability.

We dive into the real lessons learned through years of client experience, including what it was like to design a $7.3 million Princess Margaret Show Home, how she learned to charge for her value, and the timeline and revision clauses she swears by.

Whether you're struggling with flat fees, endless revisions, or client delays, this conversation will help you shift your mindset and sharpen your process.

 

Episode Highlights:

  • Interior design contract tips that save you time and money

  • How to handle revisions without getting stuck in feedback loops

  • What to include in your proposal (and why it matters!)

  • Why Erica stopped using flat fees—and what she uses now

  • How to create boundaries while still delivering white-glove service

 

Episode Resources:

  • Episode 147: Protecting yourself with a contract. Why you need a contract as an interior designer with Erica Gelman
  • Episode 154: The ins and outs of designing a show house with Jennifer Muirhead
  • Princess Margaret Lottery Grand Prize House
  • Learn more about Erica at her website and follow her on Instagram.

 

Download our Free Resources

➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script

➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue

 

Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses

➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course

➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners.

➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

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Resilient by Design with Rebecca HayBy Rebecca Hay

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