There are so many paths to interior design as a career, but it seems very few of them offer experience in actually running an interior design business. Today, San Francisco Bay Area award winning designer Lauren Nelson walks us through navigating the business side of a beautiful design business. From pricing strategies to her experience in corporate design public relations, Lauren's coveted expertise has proven that every path to design offers unique wisdom.
 
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Lauren Nelson: Business Operations at a Boutique Studio

A podcast for the business of beautiful living presented by IDCO Studio. The Interior Collective is equal parts advisor, collaborator, and trusted friend to interior designers around the world. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey -- bringing in interior designers and industry tastemakers to provide you with actionable advice for your own practice from experts you already trust. Our star-studded lineup features industry-renowned names such as Amber Lewis, Heidi Callier, Shea McGee, Marie Flanigan, Jake Arnold, Clara Jung, Carley Summers, Gail Davis, Lindsey Borchard, Lauren Liess, Light & Dwell, Victoria Sass, Megan Grehl and so many more. We’ve assigned each guest a specific topic, for truly actionable, inspiring and strategic takeaways from each episode.

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Tiffany Piotrowski, owner of Tiffany Leigh Design, discusses the power of pivoting in business and the decisions that inform those pivots. She shares her journey as a business owner, including starting her own design blog, working for a well-known interior design firm, and eventually starting her own business. Tiffany talks about a pivotal moment when she realized she needed to shift her focus back to design and let go of her online shop. She emphasizes the importance of listening to your gut and being flexible in business. Tiffany also discusses how she communicates changes to her team and clients and the balance between growth and financial stability.
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The Transformative Power of Pivoting with Tiffany Leigh

Access all bonus material now on Patreon at patreon.com/TheInteriorCollective incuding this week's New Project Marketing Plan download.
This week on the Interior Collective Podcast, we sat down with Lindye Galloway, an Orange Country, California, designer and shop owner to talk about her strategies for setting her firm apart and developing a distinct point of view in an area that is super saturated with designers. Lindye walks us through her transition from wedding designer to interior designer as she and her husband embark on a renovation just weeks after the birth of their son, Theo, and how it works now that he has joined the business. She candidly shares how she pieced her business together, always keeping her vision in mind and maintaining a stylistic thread while designing homes around the country, and how innovation and competition can propel you forward.
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Strategic Brand Development with Lindye Galloway

Download our guide to pricing your services as an interior designer now on Patreon at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective. 
Hema Persad, founder of Sagrada Studio, discusses her approach to billing as an interior designer. She explains the onboarding and design discovery phase, as well as the billing structure at each phase of her process. Hema emphasizes the importance of being clear about the fee structure and having expectations outlined in the contract. She also talks about the significance of tracking hours and project profitability. Hema believes in open discussions about money in the industry to set realistic and fair industry standards. In this conversation, Anastasia discusses various aspects of billing and client management in interior design, while Hema expands her approach to collecting funds for accessories and artwork, as well as how she handles retainer fees and invoices. Hema also shares her thoughts on hourly rates for install and project management, as well as the challenges of hiring and managing a team. She emphasizes the importance of tracking time and managing finances, and discusses the benefits of remote work. Additionally, she talks about the impact of visibility and recognition on billing and client acquisition, and shares her excitement about upcoming projects and collaborations.
 
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Want to hear more from Hema Persad, listen to her episode on Design Perspectives with Gail M. Davis

Pricing Your Services with Hema Persad

Today, interior designer and 2 time author Brian Paquette is serving a masterclass in lighting design. Brian’s breaking down the concept of lighting plans, how to create one, and budget allocations. I find it particularly fascinating because of the importance of harnessing light in the Pacific Northwest where Brian’s based.
Our conversation really emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' needs and preferences during initial conversations and tailoring the lighting plan accordingly, while balancing aesthetic and function when selecting light fixtures.
Brian is also offering a peek into his latest book ‘Outside In’, which finds a deeper meaning in design. Find sample lighting plans from some of Brian Paquette’s portfolio of work in the bonus materials section of Patreon. Access them now at Patreon.com/TheInteriorCollective or book an Expert call with Brian directly.
 
The Interior Collective InstagramIDCO Studio Instagram Shop Our Products at IDCO StudioFor any custom projects, please inquire at Kwin MadeBrian PaquetteOutside In: Interiors Born from Nature Lighting Plan Reel

Lauren Nelson: Business Operations at a Boutique Studio

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