Turnkey Design Talk

Welcome to Turnkey Design Talk.

In this episode, Adam explains why the podcast has evolved — and why this season is focused on designers and decorators who are already working but feel stuck with unfinished projects, unclear boundaries, and underwhelming outcomes.

After 50+ research calls with designers, one issue kept coming up: projects weren’t finishing, photography wasn’t happening, and clients were left managing too much. This episode introduces what Adam means by turnkey design — taking responsibility for the finish so the work truly reflects your skill.

Episode 0 sets the scene for the first three episodes, which explore:

• Building a design business without relying solely on credentials
• Starting again or resetting when things feel off
• Running a profitable, finished-project-focused practice as a solopreneur

If you’ve ever felt behind, unqualified, or frustrated that your best work isn’t being seen — this episode is for you.

You’re not behind. You’re building.

If this episode raised questions for you, or you’re feeling stuck in your solo design business, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
I offer a 30-minute clarity session where we can talk through where you’re at, what’s getting in the way, and whether I can help.
Email me at [email protected]

Welcome to Turnkey Design Talk.

In this episode, Adam explains why the podcast has evolved — and why this season is focused on designers and decorators who are already working but feel stuck with unfinished projects, unclear boundaries, and underwhelming outcomes.

After 50+ research calls with designers, one issue kept coming up: projects weren’t finishing, photography wasn’t happening, and clients were left managing too much. This episode introduces what Adam means by turnkey design — taking responsibility for the finish so the work truly reflects your skill.

Episode 0 sets the scene for the first three episodes, which explore:

• Building a design business without relying solely on credentials
• Starting again or resetting when things feel off
• Running a profitable, finished-project-focused practice as a solopreneur

If you’ve ever felt behind, unqualified, or frustrated that your best work isn’t being seen — this episode is for you.

You’re not behind. You’re building.

From First Yes to Final Reveal

Hosted by interior designer Adam Scougall, Turnkey Design Talk is a podcast for solo interior designers and decorators who want to run calmer, more controlled businesses — and finish projects properly.

 The show focuses on what actually makes the difference in a design career:

how projects are led, how boundaries are set, how decisions are made, and how work is brought to a confident, photo-worthy close.

 This isn’t about trends or overnight success.

It’s about taking responsibility for the outcome — from the first client yes through to the final reveal.

 If you care about delivering beautifully finished homes, creating genuine wow moments for your clients, and building a business that works on your terms, you’re in the right place.

If this episode raised questions for you, or you’re feeling stuck in your solo design business, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
I offer a 30-minute clarity session where we can talk through where you’re at, what’s getting in the way, and whether I can help.
Email me at [email protected]

Have you wondered how you can work successfully with your trades? Not so much just ‘on the job’ but so they keep you top of mind for client referrals rather than you continually bringing work to them? I want a share an experience from this week that I’d like you to consider keeping top of mind. Lets discuss! 

Hey guys its Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to Season 3 and EPISODE 27. 

Flailing in your new design biz? *Take the quiz over at adamscougall.com/quiz 

So You Want To Be an Interior Designer?

So guys, today I want to talk about how to deepen the partnership you want to develop with trades. By trades, I mean Builders, cabinet makers etc.

1.     PROACTIVELY SHOWCASE YOUR TRADE PARTNERS WORK

-        Ensure they are included in published articles

-       Interview them for your blog/podcast or just for an Instagram live

2.     SHOW THEM HOW GOOD PARTNERSHIPS SHOULD WORK

-        Lead by example. Most trades don’t proactively look to highlight designers, They don't mean to be thoughtless, but yes, there is thoughtlessness. I talk how to change that.

-        Highlight Instagram posts that have not included you the Designer! Keep you trades accountable by letting them know the how this should work. Don't assume they will naturally know.

-        Thank them for any referrals or enquiries

3.     MAINTAIN CONTACT

-        Refer anyone you can to your trusted trades to support their business. This is the best way to support reciprocation.

-        Create a partnership package. Can you offer finishes schedules that help joiners/builders get their clients over the line?

-        Keep in touch appropriately

If this episode raised questions for you, or you’re feeling stuck in your solo design business, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
I offer a 30-minute clarity session where we can talk through where you’re at, what’s getting in the way, and whether I can help.
Email me at [email protected]

Have you wondered how you can create a higher reach than juts plugging away with mood boards and stories on Instagram? Today I want to talk about how you can spread the good word about what you do on other peoples podcasts. Let’s discuss.

 Hey guys its Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to Season 3 and EPISODE 26. 

 I help mature aged solopreneur Interior designers and decorators find their true voice by creating their own sensational brand which leads to a fulfilling career working with clients attracted to your unique story, gift and vision.

 Before we get going, let me ask you a question? Are you struggling with getting new design clients or jobs in the door? If so join the waitlist for my get design clients summit happening in early August 2024. The new website is: https://www.getdesignclientssummit.com

Watching on YouTube? Like and subscribe!

*Design biz in a bit of a tizz? Need some advice today on your strengths and opportunities? Take the quiz over at adamscougall.com/quiz 

If this episode raised questions for you, or you’re feeling stuck in your solo design business, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
I offer a 30-minute clarity session where we can talk through where you’re at, what’s getting in the way, and whether I can help.
Email me at [email protected]

Hindsight is a powerful concept. If you look up the definition online, it says that it’s ‘the ability to understand and realise something about an event after it has happened, although you did not understand or realize it at the time’

Well today I want tom share 3 things I would do differently if I could turn back the clock in my design biz. Lets have a chat about it.

Hey guys its Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to Season 3 and EPISODE 25. 

I help struggling freelance Interior designers and decorators find their true voice by creating their own sensational brand which leads to a fulfilling career working with clients attracted to your unique story, gift and vision

 Before we get going, let me ask you a question? Are you struggling with getting new design clients or jobs in the door? If so join the waitlist for my get design clients summit happening in early August 2024. The new website  is https://www.getdesignclientssummit.com

Need help with a practical report that is focused on identifying your strengths and helping you with your opportunities? Take the quiz over at adamscougall.com/quiz

Wondering if you're charging enough?

Download my free Solo Designer Profit Guide™ and discover what interior designers are charging in 2026 based on 50+ research interviews across Australia, Canada and the USA. You'll also learn how to calculate the hourly rate YOU need to charge based on your own business, projects and financial goals—not someone else's.

Download your free copy:
turnkeydesignsuccess.com/profitguide

If this episode raised questions for you, or you’re feeling stuck in your solo design business, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
I offer a 30-minute clarity session where we can talk through where you’re at, what’s getting in the way, and whether I can help.
Email me at [email protected]

Design biz in a tizz? Take my quiz and get your action plan over adamscougall.com/quiz

It’s time for a question. Are you confident enough to speak passionately about what you do? Why not consider doing an event where you speak to your ideal audience? I got two client jobs out of one event and so can you!

In today’s episode I want to discuss how you can step up and speak about what you do, and how to follow through with that audience after the event.

Hey guys it's Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 24. This is the final episode of Season 2!

I help solopreneur, mid career Freelance Interior Designers and Decorators find their true voice and create a sensational brand that leads to a fulfilling career working with clients attracted to your unique story, gift and vision.

Please leave me a comment! Like and subscribe to be kept up to date with my new episodes.

adamscougall.com/quiz
#freelanceinteriordesigners

Wondering if you're charging enough?

Download my free Solo Designer Profit Guide™ and discover what interior designers are charging in 2026 based on 50+ research interviews across Australia, Canada and the USA. You'll also learn how to calculate the hourly rate YOU need to charge based on your own business, projects and financial goals—not someone else's.

Download your free copy:
turnkeydesignsuccess.com/profitguide

If this episode raised questions for you, or you’re feeling stuck in your solo design business, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
I offer a 30-minute clarity session where we can talk through where you’re at, what’s getting in the way, and whether I can help.
Email me at [email protected]

It’s time for a question. Are you confident that your marketing efforts are hitting the mark? Did you know that most solopreneur interior designers I speak with say that their marketing efforts are falling way under the mark? The proof as to why? They don’t have clients. 

In today’s episode I want to discuss where I think we waste time and where our efforts can be tweaked or entirely redirected for much better outcomes.. 

Hey guys its Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 23!

I help flailing new solopreneur Interior designers and decorators find their true voice and create a sensational brand, which leads to a fulfilling career working with clients attracted to your unique story, gift and vision.

Want to jump on a complimentary 30 minute call to get my support in re-invigorating your design biz? Email me at [email protected] to schedule your session.

Take the design quiz and get your own personalised report emailed in 5 minutes. Go to adamscougall.com/quiz today. It's 15 questions and takes no more than 3 minutes to complete.

adamscougall.com/quiz

Wondering if you're charging enough?

Download my free Solo Designer Profit Guide™ and discover what interior designers are charging in 2026 based on 50+ research interviews across Australia, Canada and the USA. You'll also learn how to calculate the hourly rate YOU need to charge based on your own business, projects and financial goals—not someone else's.

Download your free copy:
turnkeydesignsuccess.com/profitguide

If this episode raised questions for you, or you’re feeling stuck in your solo design business, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
I offer a 30-minute clarity session where we can talk through where you’re at, what’s getting in the way, and whether I can help.
Email me at [email protected]

Let me ask you a question? Have you wondered about Podcasts and what they do for the person who created it? Have you considered starting a podcast? 

Today I want to walk you through why I did this and 3 reasons you could consider starting a podcast in the near future. Let’s chat!

Hey guys its Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 22. 

 This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst working 9 to 5. 

 My aim is to help you balance your time and make more money whilst being able to choose the projects you want to work on rather than ones you have to take to pay your bills.- 

*Need support with your design biz? Take the quiz over at adamscougall.com/quiz 

Watch on YouTube 

Wondering if you're charging enough?

Download my free Solo Designer Profit Guide™ and discover what interior designers are charging in 2026 based on 50+ research interviews across Australia, Canada and the USA. You'll also learn how to calculate the hourly rate YOU need to charge based on your own business, projects and financial goals—not someone else's.

Download your free copy:
turnkeydesignsuccess.com/profitguide

If this episode raised questions for you, or you’re feeling stuck in your solo design business, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
I offer a 30-minute clarity session where we can talk through where you’re at, what’s getting in the way, and whether I can help.
Email me at [email protected]

Let me ask you a question? Do you have a lead magnet currently in your business? What is a lead magnet anyway? A lead magnet is a free, helpful resource that you can offer potential future customers to get them on your email list.

Hey guys its Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 21. 

 This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst working 9 to 5. 

 My aim is to help you balance your time and make more money whilst being able to choose the projects you want to work on rather than ones you have to take to pay your bills.

In today's episode I cover the three ESSENTIALS you must consider before you create your now lead magnet:

1.      Who do you want to attract?

-        Ensure you are aiming for your niche customer

2.      What do you want them to do with the info?

 -        Get them inspired, but also highlight the technical skills needed to be successful. This is where you can help!

3.     Always have a Call To Action [CTA]

-        Let the subscriber know how they can get in contact for further help, when they are ready.

Resources discussed in this episode include:
https://www.canva.com
https://www.scoreapp.com

Watch the video version of the show over on on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@adamscougalltv
Please like, comment and subscribe!

*Take the design quiz over at adamscougall.com/quiz
Within 3 minutes you will have a personalised report that shows your strengths and opportunities, and where to go next to seek the success you desire.

Wondering if you're charging enough?

Download my free Solo Designer Profit Guide™ and discover what interior designers are charging in 2026 based on 50+ research interviews across Australia, Canada and the USA. You'll also learn how to calculate the hourly rate YOU need to charge based on your own business, projects and financial goals—not someone else's.

Download your free copy:
turnkeydesignsuccess.com/profitguide

If this episode raised questions for you, or you’re feeling stuck in your solo design business, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
I offer a 30-minute clarity session where we can talk through where you’re at, what’s getting in the way, and whether I can help.
Email me at [email protected]