Six Figure Designer

In this episode, I sit down with Michele Spadavecchia of Asta Design Group to talk about the pivotal shift that completely transformed her interior design business.

Like many talented designers, Michele found herself pulled in too many directions, trying to serve everyone, saying yes to every project, and feeling the slow drain of burnout. The joy she once had for her work was buried under constant chaos, unclear direction, and a business model that wasn't working.

She almost threw in the towel, but everything changed when we starting working together and Michele made the brave decision to commit to one niche.

We talk about:

• How she identified a niche that was both creatively fulfilling and profitable
• The mindset shift that made it easier to say “no” to the wrong projects
• Why focus is the fastest path to better clients, more profit, and renewed energy
• The surprising ripple effects a clear niche has on how she approaches marketing, referrals, content and vendor relationships

Michele’s story is a reminder that the right niche doesn’t limit you, it frees you. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin, unclear on your direction, or just plain tired of running on empty, this episode will inspire you to focus on what you love most and build a business around it.

To connect with Michele and see here beautiful work: Asta Design Group Website

Learn more about The Luxury Client Academy: Apply Here

Follow me on Instagram for more referral and business growth strategies: @PamelaDurkin

If you’re tired of chasing leads, talking people into your value, or saying yes to projects that make you question your life choices, Luxury Client Academy may be your next step.

It’s my private 1:1 coaching program for interior designers ready for better projects, higher fees, and less nonsense.

Inquire about coaching here>> https://pamela-durkin.com/contact-us/

Join the Rapid Referrals Challenge – September 10 @ 12pm ET here: elevateinnercircle.com/rapid-referral-challenge

We’ll map your vendor network, decide exactly who to reach out to first, and I’ll give you proven templates for what to say so you can start building your own Referral Machine.

Relying on client referrals, social media, or ads to fill your business means you’re working way harder than you need to. In this episode, I’m showing you:

• Why client referrals alone can’t sustain a thriving design business.
• The “bridge” to proactive, high-quality industry referrals that deliver 2–3 dream projects a year from one partner.
• The exact 3-step Referral Machine process I teach inside the Luxury Client Academy.
• Where most designers get stuck (and how to get unstuck).

If you’re tired of chasing leads, talking people into your value, or saying yes to projects that make you question your life choices, Luxury Client Academy may be your next step.

It’s my private 1:1 coaching program for interior designers ready for better projects, higher fees, and less nonsense.

Inquire about coaching here>> https://pamela-durkin.com/contact-us/

Sign up for my FREE Rapid Referrals Challenge coming up 9/10/25. Secure your seat here: https://elevateinnercircle.com/rapid-referral-challenge

What if one decision could lead to the biggest cashflow breakthrough of your design career?

In this episode, I’m talking with Tina Margrander, an incredibly talented designer who used to cap her design fees at $17,000. After joining the Luxury Client Academy, she shifted how she talks about her value, showed up with more confidence, and started attracting the kind of clients who don’t blink at premium pricing.

Her big win? A $96,000 design fee, and a completely new level of steady, predictable cashflow.

Inside this conversation, you’ll hear:

• How Tina broke free from the undercharging trap
• The mindset and messaging tweaks that helped her close high-ticket clients with ease
• What changed when she stopped “waiting for referrals” and took control of her marketing
• The power of community and coaching in creating real financial momentum

If you’re ready to move from income plateaus to profitable projects that flow consistently, this episode will show you what’s possible!

To connect with Tina, visit her website: https://tinamarie-interiors.com/

If you’re tired of chasing leads, talking people into your value, or saying yes to projects that make you question your life choices, Luxury Client Academy may be your next step.

It’s my private 1:1 coaching program for interior designers ready for better projects, higher fees, and less nonsense.

Inquire about coaching here>> https://pamela-durkin.com/contact-us/

Join my upcoming Rapid Referrals Challenge here: elevateinnercircle.com/rapid-referral-challenge

We’re kicking off a brand new series on the Six Figure Designer Podcast and it’s all about creating your referral machine!

In this episode, Pam makes a bold prediction: 2025 is the year of Industry Referrals and she’s breaking down exactly why this model is more relevant, more in-demand, and more effective than ever before.

You’ll hear about:

1) Why AI and Social Media aren’t a real threat to get clients who want professional design help

2) What makes this type of referral more effective and profitable, than any other marketing strategy

3) How industry referrals strike the perfect balance between quality, quantity and right sized projects

Whether you’re new in your design business or are a seasoned owner, this episode sets the tone for a powerful new series filled with real stories, fresh strategies, and honest perspective.

If you want to know how to leverage these relationships for better projects, join my FREE Rapid Referrals Challenge!

If you’re tired of chasing leads, talking people into your value, or saying yes to projects that make you question your life choices, Luxury Client Academy may be your next step.

It’s my private 1:1 coaching program for interior designers ready for better projects, higher fees, and less nonsense.

Inquire about coaching here>> https://pamela-durkin.com/contact-us/

Sign up for my FREE Rapid Referrals Challenge coming up 9/10/25. Secure your seat here: https://elevateinnercircle.com/rapid-referral-challenge

Ready to stop feeling frustrated with your design business and take control of your income? In this episode, I’m sharing some hard truths about why your creativity and passion aren’t always translating into a profitable, sustainable business and the exact steps you can take to bridge that gap.

I open up about my own experiences and what I’ve seen time and time again: just being a talented designer isn’t what brings steady income and dream projects. I walk you through why relying on client referrals might actually be holding you back, and why it’s time to rethink your strategy if you want bigger, better opportunities.

I dive into the importance of intentional networking with partners like builders, realtors, and vendors, instead of just waiting for the next client referral. I’ll show you how to attract high-quality clients who value your curated approach (and are ready to pay for your expertise), and why building these relationships can be a complete game changer for your business.

Plus, I’m breaking down how my Rapid Referrals Challenge can help you create a reliable, repeatable system for attracting the projects and the paycheck you deserve.

If you’re ready for more clarity, more confidence, and a step-by-step plan for real business growth, this episode is for you.

Tune in and let’s start building the design business you’ve always wanted.

If you’re tired of chasing leads, talking people into your value, or saying yes to projects that make you question your life choices, Luxury Client Academy may be your next step.

It’s my private 1:1 coaching program for interior designers ready for better projects, higher fees, and less nonsense.

Inquire about coaching here>> https://pamela-durkin.com/contact-us/

Are great clients becoming elusive? Join my FREE Rapid Referrals Challenge 9/10/25 12pm Eastern. Sign up here>> https://luxuryclientacademy.com/rapid-referral-challenge

We've all heard of "red flag" clients but do you know how to identify and land “green flag” clients who are aligned, respectful, and a pleasure to work with?

I walk you through my own multi-step qualifying process, including my “client audition”, and show you how you can adapt it to your own design business.

Instead of obsessing over red flags and what to avoid, I want you to start noticing the words, values, and attitudes that signal this could be an incredible partnership.

You’ll learn:

• How I structure my discovery call to spot clients who really value my expertise
• The key phrases and behaviors that signal trust, clarity, and genuine excitement for the process
• Why multiple touch points reveal so much more than a single phone call
• How clear boundaries and transparent conversations about budget protect your time and profitability
• Why listening to your gut can save you from difficult projects and open the door to more joy in your work

I want you to see the signs early and confidently choose the clients (and projects) that will truly energize your business.

I challenge you to write down your own top 5 green flag client traits, so you can look for these in future Discovery Calls!

If you’re tired of chasing leads, talking people into your value, or saying yes to projects that make you question your life choices, Luxury Client Academy may be your next step.

It’s my private 1:1 coaching program for interior designers ready for better projects, higher fees, and less nonsense.

Inquire about coaching here>> https://pamela-durkin.com/contact-us/

Ready to break through perfectionism and take action in your business?

I dive into why so many designers get stuck in procrastination and how I help my clients move past it with simple, actionable steps. I share my philosophy, done is better than perfect, and explain exactly how focusing on progress over polish can help you seize new opportunities and keep your business momentum going.

I walk through specific strategies I teach inside the Luxury Client Academy, from leveraging your closest connections for better referrals to building powerful outreach habits that don’t take hours or require the perfect script.

If you’re ready to stop relying on luck or chasing shiny objects, I’ll show you how to build a business rooted in real relationships and smart systems. You don’t need more followers, you need the right people talking about you.

Listen in, take action, and let’s build a design business you love with less stress and more results.

I’d love to hear your stories, celebrate your wins, and connect with you about what’s working in your world.

Talk to you next episode. Keep designing, keep connecting, and let's keep growing.

If you’re tired of chasing leads, talking people into your value, or saying yes to projects that make you question your life choices, Luxury Client Academy may be your next step.

It’s my private 1:1 coaching program for interior designers ready for better projects, higher fees, and less nonsense.

Inquire about coaching here>> https://pamela-durkin.com/contact-us/

Enrollment in the Luxury Client Academy is OPEN till July 2nd!

Apply Here>> www.luxuryclientacademy.com

In this episode, I dive into some of the biggest challenges I hear from designers and business owners like what to do when referrals slow down, how to attract higher-quality clients with bigger budgets, and how to stand out in a crowded online space without feeling like you’re bragging.

I talk about practical ways to connect with high-net-worth clients and why it’s so important to focus on the quality of your referral activities rather than obsessing over immediate results.

Through stories and real coaching examples, I explore how building consistent, meaningful relationships can lead to your best projects, even if it doesn’t happen overnight. If you’re ready to shift your referral strategy and learn how to have more intentional conversations that grow your business, this episode is for you.

Tune in and let’s make your referral process more intentional, more effective, and ultimately more rewarding.

If you’re tired of chasing leads, talking people into your value, or saying yes to projects that make you question your life choices, Luxury Client Academy may be your next step.

It’s my private 1:1 coaching program for interior designers ready for better projects, higher fees, and less nonsense.

Inquire about coaching here>> https://pamela-durkin.com/contact-us/

Enrollment in the Luxury Client Academy is OPEN till July 2nd!

Apply Here>> www.luxuryclientacademy.com

In this episode, I share some powerful realizations that were discovered during the Naples Experience. I encourage you to pause the hustle and get clear on the dream behind your business.

Success isn’t just about money, it’s about meaning. I give you real-life examples of designers who defined personal goals and started aligning their businesses accordingly. I know you’ll be amazed and inspired by these incredible dreams!

If you’re ready to define and realize your OWN dream for your business, that comes from amazing referrals. Come join my Rapid Referrals Challenge on June 25th to start growing through genuine connections. Sign up info is below!

If you’re tired of chasing leads, talking people into your value, or saying yes to projects that make you question your life choices, Luxury Client Academy may be your next step.

It’s my private 1:1 coaching program for interior designers ready for better projects, higher fees, and less nonsense.

Inquire about coaching here>> https://pamela-durkin.com/contact-us/

Join my FREE Rapid Referrals Challenge 6/25 here!

What happens when you take a group of powerhouse designers out of their routines and drop them into one of the most luxurious zip codes in the country?

You get breakthroughs. Big ones.

In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at The Naples Experience—my private, in-person retreat exclusively for members of the Luxury Client Academy.

We toured multi-million-dollar homes, shared what’s actually working in high-end design, and cracked open the mindsets that lead to fewer, better clients, and bigger profit.

You’ll hear:

• 10 powerful takeaways straight from our attendees
• Why being in luxury spaces is not a splurge, it’s essential R&D
• The real conversations we had about pricing, profit, and pressure (yes, even seasoned pros feel it)
• If you’ve ever thought, “I need to be in a room with people who get it,” this is that room. And it’s waiting for you next year.

Applications are open now for The Luxury Client Academy—my 9-month coaching program for interior designers ready to sign luxury clients, raise their profit, and finally stop chasing the next project.

Click here to apply: www.luxuryclientacademy.com

If you’re tired of chasing leads, talking people into your value, or saying yes to projects that make you question your life choices, Luxury Client Academy may be your next step.

It’s my private 1:1 coaching program for interior designers ready for better projects, higher fees, and less nonsense.

Inquire about coaching here>> https://pamela-durkin.com/contact-us/