Designer's Oasis

When it comes to design services and the different options that we, as interior designers, have when it comes to what we each offer, I don't believe in a one size fits all approach. In many cases, designers today don't want to do procurement due to lead times, construction costs and delays, etc. Many of you may want to have a menu of options for clients. In this episode, I share what I feel are the 5 types of interior design services that you should consider offering, what they are, what the pros and cons are, and who they are ideal for.

I will throw out one caveat. In this episode I am talking about generally accepted practices in interior design. Will there be exceptions? Absolutely. This is intended to provide a framework for how to think about the different types of services you might offer and decide which ones are in alignment with the types of clients you want and the kind of design career you want.

In this episode we answer questions like…

1. What design services you may consider offering to your clients.
2. What are the pros and cons of each type of design service?
3. What kind of design career do you want?

Here's a glance at this episode…

[3:00] Why I don't feel like an interior designer should offer all types of services, but rather choose what interior design services are best for their business. Why offering a ladder of services may be a better fit.

[5:20] We dive into what full-service design includes and involves, how the project management may work, and the pros and cons.

[10:30] I share how I use design only services in my business, the pros and cons as well as who this is ideal for.

[18:05] Consultation only services and how you can set these by offering advice and design direction only, without drawings or detailed specifications.

[21:50] Offering services remotely via E-Design services - when they can work, who they work best for, and all of the pros and cons.

[29:45] One of my favorite services to offer, Designer for a Day - how much can you achieve in a day, how do you charge, what is really possible?

[35:27] Wrapping up with a few thought-provoking questions to get you on the right track!

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• E-Design Masterclass www.designersoasis.com/learn
• Is E-Design Finally Having it's Moment?
• E-Design: How to Develop your Pitch, Process and Price
• Sidedoor https://www.onsidedoor.com/

So first let's talk about why I want to go from blogging → podcasting. Over the past few years I have been sharing my content through the Designer's Oasis website (and fun little fact - there are over 78 blog posts you can still find there!). Recently I decided to switch over to providing content via podcasting because I'm more of a podcast listener myself. I figured if my audience is kinda like me, you like to learn on the go as well…… so podcasting just makes sense!

In this FIRST episode I share:

• A little about me
• Share some of the early struggles I experienced
• But also how I was able to overcome them and turn my little baby designer business into one that thrived and supported me and my family
• 3 core truths I believe can help you grow in business and accomplish your biggest dreams

Here's a Glance at this Episode:

[1:40] Why podcasting? I share how if you're anything like me, you listen on the go, fitting in during kids' practices/lessons/pickups or while doing laundry, cleaning the house or a million other things. You're a busy guy or gal!

[3:20] A little background on me. I'm just a regular old girl! I share my background while living in Austin. I share how I was running out of time to decide what I wanted to major in. Then I learned that there was an "Intro to Interior Design'' summer course at my local community college. I instantly knew that would be my path. I share my early life with my "weekend designer" single mom and how we moved alot - I mean - a lot 18x's in 18 years.

[6:00} I share about my internship with a high - end designer in Austin. We even did a $1M Boat Dock and how I then found my way to Denver working for OZ Architecture. It was a dream. Great team, Energy, buzz, Imagine scenes from The Intern - set designed by Nancy Myers.

[7:20] I had my first baby and returned to work - severely sleep deprived! - and people started to notice. I thought I was going to get fired. At this point my husband suggested maybe I should go to work for myself - I didn't see that potential in myself. But he did.

[8:30] I did it! I went to work for myself. I share what I didn't have going for me and then what I DID have going for me! Where did I start? What problems did I encounter? How and why did it "click"?

[10:00] My business was growing but I was getting burnt out! The running a business part of the design business along with the client work was exhausting. So I had to figure out what to do to "fix" this. I needed to charge more and I knew I provided great service.

[12:15} I will tell you what I did (not all at once) but I will share the top 3 things that I did to transform my business. Spoiler: I share much of what I learned inside my Designer's Oasis Membership.

[17:42] This is what I want you to know. These are 3 very simple truths I will stand behind until the day that I die. If you can get behind these ideas too, the sky's the limit for you.

[18:00] Core Truth #1 - You don't need to have it all figured out. You will never have all your ducks in a row, so you just need to get going!

[20:15] Core Truth #2 : There is No one-size fits all for running your design business. Design the business that works within what YOU want. That may be full-home design, specific room design, designer for a day, or agency work - it's up to you!

[22:00] Core Truth #3 - Everyone (including you) has a unique set of skills, background, expertise that adds a unique twist to your design POV. It's up to you to uncover this and tell that story. Listen in as I share examples of members inside the Designer's Oasis Membership and their unique backgrounds. What is your story?

[24:48] Recap of the core truths

1. You don't need to have it all figured out to get started
2. There is no one-size fits all approach to running your business
3. Your story matters and helps shape your POV as a designer.

I hope you enjoyed this inaugural podcast episode. I can't wait to bring you more, and to bring on guests so we can learn from them too.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

• Designer's Oasis
• @designersoasis
• Luanne Nigara Podcast Episode
• Book: Worth Every Penny: Build a Business That Thrills Your Customers and Still Charge What You're Worth

Hey designer! Thanks for listening. When you try something using the links we provide, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you. We only provide suggestions for products we actually use and recommend. Your support helps keep the podcast going. Thank you!

How do I build an interior design business? How do I get portfolio-worthy projects? Do I "have to" offer full-service interior design? How do I charge for my services? What if I want to do things differently with my interior design business? How do I take my design business to the next level?

Feeling overwhelmed? I got you friend.

Welcome to the Designer's Oasis Podcast. Consider this your place for a fresh drink of water for the inspired, creative, ambitious, and let's admit it, occasionally overwhelmed interior designer. Whether you are just starting your interior design business or you're looking to grow or scale, here you'll find actionable, real-world, and above all SIMPLE ways to launch, establish, and scale your interior design business with confidence.

Introducing your host, Kate Bendewald of Kate Bendewald Interior Design, real-life interior designer, mama, and CEO who grew her 6-figure interior design business on word-of-mouth referrals. Kate doesn't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to running your business. Instead, she offers authentic, approachable advice to help you start where you are.