Business of Design® Podcast | Grow a Profitable Interior Design Business with Kimberley Seldon

What do you do when a great client suddenly wants to change the rules mid-project?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Milwaukee designer Jerrica Zaric to discuss how interior designers can handle client requests that disrupt established processes, create additional unpaid work, or challenge professional boundaries.

Even strong client relationships can become complicated when expectations shift unexpectedly. Learn how to recognize warning signs early, communicate more clearly, and confidently stand behind your process without damaging the relationship.

If you’ve ever struggled with scope creep or clients questioning your fees, this episode offers practical strategies to protect your business and your peace of mind.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to identify and address client red flags early

• What to do when clients question your pricing or billing methods

• How to confidently stand your ground during difficult conversations

• Why healthy client boundaries protect both you and the project

• How process interruptions create additional work and stress

• The importance of clear communication throughout the design process

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What happens when ambitious interior designers come together to solve real business challenges?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon offers a sneak peek inside BOD™ Live Coaching, where interior designers share honest experiences, business breakthroughs, implementation wins, and the challenges they’re actively working through.

These monthly meetings are designed to help design professionals stay motivated, accountable, and focused while implementing the Business of Design™ systems and procedures that lead to stronger, more profitable businesses.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like inside the BOD™ community—or you’re looking for more support and accountability in your business—this episode gives you an inside look.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How accountability helps interior designers implement lasting change

• Why community and peer support accelerate business growth

• Real-world strategies working for successful design professionals

• The importance of staying focused and motivated while implementing systems

• How monthly coaching and collaboration improve decision-making

• Why surrounding yourself with ambitious peers elevates your business

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Yaron Linett, Principal Designer of Formal Traditional in the Washington DC Metro, and long-time Business of Design® member, shares advice on how to increase profits by adding services that clients want, what and how to charge and how to deal with clients or trades who want to work without you in the mix. Lots of juicy insights and incredible wisdom.

It’s time to take control of your business.

Become a member of Business of Design®, today:

https://businessofdesign.com/podcast-category/mo-episodes/?ref=2&campaign=MOBODPodcast

What should interior designers really be sharing—and learning—during the consultation process?

In this episode, Cheryl Horne puts Kimberley Seldon in the hot seat to answer three frequently asked questions from Business of Design® members about consultations, pricing, client communication, and project coordination.

From why consultation pricing is public to how designers gather enough information to confidently move projects forward, this episode offers practical insight into one of the most important stages of the client relationship.

If you’ve ever questioned your consultation process or wondered how to better position yourself as the expert, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why Kimberley only shares her consultation fee publicly on her website

• How to gather enough information during the consultation to guide the project

• Why understanding a client’s aesthetic is about more than style preferences

• How to account for contractor and trade work within your presentations

• Why strong consultations set the tone for the entire project

• How clear communication builds confidence and trust with clients

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are flat fee projects actually making your interior design business profitable?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon dives into the realities of flat fee pricing and why so many interior designers unknowingly lose money on fixed-fee projects.

While flat fees can create a smoother client experience and encourage greater efficiency, they are not a shortcut to profitability. Kimberley explains why tracking time and understanding project resources is still essential—even when you aren’t billing hourly.

If you’ve considered offering flat fees or want to improve the profitability of your current pricing model, this episode is essential listening.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why many interior designers lose money on flat fee projects

• The biggest misconceptions about flat fee pricing

• Why time tracking still matters—even with fixed-fee proposals

• How flat fees encourage stronger systems and efficiencies

• The relationship between pricing, profitability, and project management

• How to structure flat fees more strategically for long-term success

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

How do you create interior design projects that are satisfying for both you and your clients?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores practical strategies for protecting your projects, managing expectations, and creating healthier working relationships with clients and trades.

Successful projects don’t happen by accident. They require clear boundaries, strong communication, and proactive leadership from the designer. Kimberley shares why addressing problems early—and setting expectations clearly—can dramatically improve both the client experience and your own satisfaction as a business owner.

If you’re tired of stressful projects and blurred boundaries, this episode offers practical guidance you can apply immediately.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why every trade working on your project should carry proper insurance

• How to address unrealistic client expectations early in the process

• Why clear boundaries improve project outcomes and reduce stress

• How to manage situations involving client-hired trades

• The importance of leadership and communication on every project

• How stronger systems create more satisfying client experiences

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

In one year, BOD™ member, Juliana Olivera is enjoying explosive growth while dealing with the same pandemic issues we are all experiencing. Listen to Juliana share her thoughts on how she manages delays, deficiencies, and client expectations.

It’s time to take control of your business.

Become a member of Business of Design®, today:

https://businessofdesign.com/podcast-category/mo-episodes/?ref=2&campaign=MOBODPodcast

Are you building the interior design business you truly want—or just reacting to client demands?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores what it takes to create a professional life that feels profitable, sustainable, and aligned with your goals.

From identifying client red flags to setting stronger boundaries around shopping, pricing, and project decisions, Kimberley shares practical strategies for running your business with more confidence and leadership.

If you’re ready to stop people-pleasing and start leading your projects more intentionally, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why resistance to paying a retainer is a major client red flag

• How saying no early can protect the success of a project

• Why shopping with clients requires a clear plan and structure

• How to handle requests for multiple pricing options professionally

• Why additional design work should come with additional fees

• How strong boundaries create a more satisfying professional life

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are you handling taxes in a way that protects your interior design business—and your peace of mind?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by California attorney Braden Drake to discuss practical tax and bookkeeping strategies every interior designer should understand.

From managing sales tax correctly to separating personal and business finances, this conversation focuses on simple habits that can help designers avoid costly mistakes, stay organized, and reduce financial stress at tax time.

If bookkeeping and taxes feel overwhelming, this episode offers practical guidance to help you build healthier financial systems.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why handling taxes properly is essential for business stability

• How separate accounts can simplify financial management

• Why sales tax should be moved immediately into a dedicated account

• The risks of mixing personal and business expenses

• How better financial organization reduces stress during tax season

• Why proactive systems protect your profitability and business health

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What should you do when an interior design project starts falling apart?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon gets candid about real-life project meltdowns and invites fellow designers to share their own challenging experiences from the field.

Every project problem offers an opportunity to learn, improve systems, and strengthen leadership skills. From client conflict to costly mistakes, Kimberley explores how designers can respond professionally, take responsibility when appropriate, and maintain strong boundaries under pressure.

If you’ve ever dealt with difficult project moments or demanding clients, this episode delivers honest advice and practical perspective.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to analyze project problems to prevent future mistakes

• Why taking ownership builds trust and professionalism

• When not to apologize for issues outside your responsibility

• How to stay firm and professional with aggressive clients

• Why difficult projects can strengthen your systems and leadership

• How honest reflection improves long-term business success

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com