Financially Sustainable Design Business Part1

A beautiful portfolio doesn’t guarantee a profitable business.In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m kicking off a multi-part series on building a financially sustainable design business. Today’s focus? Understanding how to separate your design services from product sales, and why clinging to retail vendors and discount pricing is keeping you stuck.If you want to create a business that pays you consistently, covers your team and tools, and leaves room to grow, this is where you start.In this episode, I cover:What it really means to have a financially sustainable businessWhy designers must separate services from product salesThe hidden cost of using Pottery Barn and WayfairHow vendor discounts work, and how to use them profitablyWhy retail pricing isn’t a problem (it’s your solution)Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What causes design jobs to fall apart? Spoiler alert: it’s rarely the client’s fault.In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m walking you through the real reasons design jobs go sideways, and how to prevent them before they start. From clients ghosting your final presentation to never-ending projects with zero profit, I’ll show you how to build structure, communicate expectations, and take the lead from day one.If you’ve ever found yourself mid-project wondering “How did we end up here?”, this episode is your roadmap to staying in control and getting paid what you're worth.In this episode, I cover:The #1 mistake designers make that leads to job chaosWhat goes into a clear, client-aligned Letter of AgreementWhy the money talk must happen up frontHow to structure your meetings and set boundariesThe connection between planning and profitShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Hiring the right team member can transform your business, but hiring the wrong one? It can drain your time, money, and sanity.In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing real stories from my own hiring journey, the flops, the fixes, and the eye-opening lessons that helped me build a team that actually supports me. From cheap hires to knee-jerk decisions, interns to untrained assistants, you’ll hear what not to do, and exactly how to prepare for your next great hire.If you're looking to grow your team the right way, this episode is packed with lessons learned the hard way, so you don’t have to.In this episode, I cover:Why “cheap” help usually costs more in the long runThe hidden cost of hiring out of desperationWhat tasks to delegate first (and what to keep)Why interns and generalists can drag you backwardThe systems that keep a team running smoothlyShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What’s the best way to charge for your design work, by the hour, by the square foot, or with flat fees? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of each method, and revealing why design fees are the real workhorse of your business. You’ll learn how to handle scope creep, price add-ons properly, and present fees that align with how builders and clients think—without giving away your time or undercharging.This episode is packed with practical advice to help you price confidently and get paid what you’re worth.In this episode, I cover:Why design fees beat hourly billing every timeWhen it is okay to bill hourly, and how to do it rightThe pitfalls of square foot pricing and how to avoid themHow to handle add-on requests without giving your time awayThe #1 pricing strategy that positions you as a proShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What happens when your dream project finally lands in your lap… but you’re too buried in admin to say yes?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing the story of a designer who landed her absolutely fabulous project, only to realize she couldn’t take it on without radically transforming how her business runs. Sound familiar?I’ll walk you through how we helped her restructure her team, delegate admin tasks, and reclaim her time, so she could finally step into her next-level design career.In this episode, I cover:The reality behind landing the “dream job”What keeps designers stuck in admin overloadThe paradigm shift that unlocks creative freedomHow one designer freed up 3 full days a week to design againThe power of structure, systems, and the right kind of helpShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Think asking for help makes you look weak? Think again.In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m unpacking one of the biggest mindset traps designers fall into—believing they have to do everything on their own to prove their worth. From raising kids to managing client projects to building a sustainable business, real success comes when you’re willing to reach out and receive the support you need.I’ll share my personal journey, plus a powerful client story that proves just how quickly things can shift when you stop trying to figure it all out yourself.In this episode, I cover:Why asking for help is a strength, not a weaknessHow my own journey changed when I stopped trying to do it all aloneThe hidden mindset blocks that hold designers back from supportA real story of a $55K raise—thanks to one brave askHow our programs help you move faster, with clarity and confidenceShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What do you do when a contractor goes rogue?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing a real story from one of our Growth Q&A calls, where a new contractor undercut a designer’s pricing, bypassed communication boundaries, and caused major headaches on the job. It’s a cautionary tale, and I’m walking you through exactly how to prevent it from happening to you.You’ll learn how to set expectations upfront, stay in control of your projects, and protect your income and reputation—even when a “bad contractor” tries to take over.In this episode, I cover:The red flags to watch for when working with new GCs or subsHow to hold your ground and finish the project without dramaWhy setting expectations before the job starts protects everyoneWhat to include in a contractor “statement of work”How to regain control and protect your reputationShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are you starting projects without a profit plan, and hoping it all works out?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into the biggest reason designers under-earn: jumping into jobs without clarity on time, money, or scope. If you’ve ever found yourself discounting an invoice or redesigning a project just to meet the client’s “idea” of a budget, this one’s for you.You’ll learn how to plan for profit before you ever write a letter of agreement, plus how to calculate fees, define deliverables, and set strong boundaries that keep your income intact.In this episode, I cover:Why skipping planning is silently killing your profitThe simple switch that keeps money from leaking out of your invoicesWhat every designer needs to calculate a profitable design feeThe power of client-approved budgets and clear deliverablesHow the Snapshot program helps you master all of this in just 6 monthsShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are tariffs, rising costs, or slow-paying clients eating into your design income?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down what it really takes to protect your profits, especially in unpredictable times. From tariff increases on imports to client ghosting and weak pricing strategies, I’m showing you exactly where money leaks from your business and how to plug them.You’ll learn how to price with clarity, create healthy profit margins, and write solid letters of agreement that protect your time and income, even when the unexpected happens.In this episode, I cover:How new tariff hikes could impact your furniture ordersWhat to add to your purchase proposals nowWhy sharing discounts is hurting your businessThe 4 things every profitable job setup must includeA new 6-month training to help you price and protect every jobShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Feeling uncertain about your next move in business—or life?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about how to build unshakable confidence, even when things around you feel unstable. From rising costs and unpredictable markets to self-doubt and hesitation, I’ll show you how to shift from fear into action and clarity.You’ll learn how to make decisions that move your business forward, attract better opportunities, and keep your profits intact—no shrinking, no discounting, no backing down.In this episode, I cover:The mindset shift that turns uncertainty into opportunityWhy “shrinking to fit” never worksHow to stop discounting and start leadingThe role of clarity and vision in creating confidenceHow to say yes to new opportunities—even when they look differentShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademyCosts are rising, supply chains are shaky, and AI is changing everything — waiting for “normal” isn’t the answer. Join Teri Taylor on Friday, October 17th at 9 AM PT for a free masterclass to learn how to protect your profits, stay visible, and lead with confidence.Register now at InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com — click the pop-up to save your seat or grab the replay!