Design Curious | Interior Design Career and Business Podcast

Have you ever dreamed of becoming an interior designer but worried that your educational background, previous career, or lack of industry experience might hold you back? Perhaps you studied fashion, art, business, or something completely unrelated to interior design. You love beautiful spaces, have a natural eye for color and texture, and can spend hours imagining how a room could be transformed. But how do you turn that passion into a career? And where do you begin when you don't have a traditional interior design background?In this episode, I'm talking with Renee Gaddis, a highly sought-after interior designer in Naples, Florida, whose career proves that there's more than one way to enter this creative profession. Renee studied apparel merchandising, design, and production before moving to Florida with her husband. When she couldn't find work in fashion, a conversation with an interior designer opened her eyes to the possibility of applying her existing skills to a different industry. That conversation led to a 13-year career with an established design firm, further education, professional certification, and eventually the launch of her own interior design business.Renee's story proves that you don't necessarily have to start from scratch to become an interior designer. Your previous experience may give you valuable skills you can transfer into interior design, whether that's understanding textiles, recognizing color relationships, communicating visually, or working with clients. You'll also hear why learning the technical side of design, seeking out experienced mentors, and building strong professional relationships can help you grow into the career. If you're considering a career change into interior design, Renee's journey offers a realistic, encouraging look at how to take those first steps—and why you should understand the demands of the profession before taking the leap.Featured GuestRenee Gaddis is an accomplished interior designer based in Naples, Florida, whose residential design work spans projects across the United States, from Rhode Island to Chicago. Originally trained in apparel merchandising, design, and production, Renee transitioned into interior design after discovering how her knowledge of textiles, color, and materials could be applied to creating beautiful, functional spaces. What You’ll Learn in This Episode✳️ How to transfer fashion skills into interior design✳️ Why technical design knowledge matters beyond aesthetics✳️ How mentorship can open doors to new opportunities✳️ Why professional relationships help build a design business✳️ What aspiring interior designers should know before startingRead the Blog >>> How to Build an Interior Design Career From a Different BackgroundNEXT STEPS:🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺 "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymovesAre You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/areyoureadyreplayGrab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerCheck out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Connect With Me:📧 Email: [email protected]🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comTimestamps0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio2:16 Renee’s Early Career and Textile Expertise6:09 Learning Space Planning and Construction7:16 Specialization in Condo Design10:33 Starting an Interior Design Business13:33 The Challenges of Managing a Design Team17:57 Advice for Aspiring Interior Designers

Are you studying interior design, preparing to graduate, or hoping to land your first job at a design firm? You might already know how to create a beautiful space, develop a floor plan, or put together a portfolio. But do you know what happens between the first client consultation and the final installation? Do you understand how materials are specified, projects are managed, budgets are handled, and client expectations are met? These practical skills help turn your creative education into a successful interior design career.In this episode, I'm answering frequently asked questions from interior design students about how I got started, what I love about the profession, and what I've learned along the way. I'll share what I look for when hiring junior designers, which technical and business skills can help you stand out, how to present your portfolio, and whether professional credentials and design associations are worth pursuing. I'll also explain why communication, networking, curiosity, and a willingness to learn can be just as valuable as your design skills.If you're starting out and getting hired feels overwhelming, know that you don't need to know everything on your first day. You do need to be willing to learn, take responsibility, ask questions, and build experience over time. My goal is to help you understand what the profession actually involves so you can prepare for opportunities, make informed career decisions, and grow into a confident, capable interior designer.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ How to turn your creativity into an interior design career✔️ Which technical skills help new designers get hired✔️ How to present a portfolio that explains your design decisions✔️ Why business skills, communication, and networking matter✔️ How to build confidence through experience and continuous learningRead the Blog >>> Tips & FAQs for Building a Strong Interior Design Career FoundationNEXT STEPS:🎯 Join the webinar waitlist: “Your First Interior Design Client: The Roadmap You Need Before You Say Yes.” 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/firstclientwebinar🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love.👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺"From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymovesAre You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/areyoureadyreplayCheck out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: [email protected]🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps0:00 Introduction & Webinar Announcement3:14 How I Discovered Interior Design5:09 What I Love and Find Challenging8:57 What Design School May Not Teach You11:41 CAD Skills and Junior Designer Opportunities13:09 What I Look for When Hiring Designers16:09 The Value of Having Credentials or Belonging to Associations19:49 Hourly Billing, Flat Fees, and Design Rates20:55 Learning the Complete Design Process

What if the best interior design solutions don’t come from having all the answers, but from being curious enough to ask better questions?In this episode with Sarah Broughton of Rowland+Broughton, the Colorado-based architecture and design studio, what really stood out to me was the way Sarah approaches design: not as a collection of separate specialties, but as a holistic, collaborative practice.She describes this approach as convergent design—bringing architecture, interior design, landscape, makers, products, and other creative disciplines together rather than treating them as isolated pieces of a project.And at the heart of it all is the client. Great design isn’t simply about creating something beautiful. It’s about listening, anticipating, collaborating, solving problems, and ultimately providing a level of service that creates delight for the person you’re designing for.Featured Guest:Sarah Broughton is a principal and co-founder of Rowland+Broughton, an Aspen- and Denver-based architecture and design studio she founded with her husband, John Rowland, in 2003. A licensed architect and Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Sarah is recognized for her leadership in sustainable design and professional advocacy. Her work spans architecture, interior design, hospitality, residential projects, product design, and civic work, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, place, wellness, and artistic integration. She and John have built a multidisciplinary practice that embraces a convergent approach to design and actively mentors the next generation of designers.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✳️ Why curiosity makes designers better collaborators✳️ How convergent design creates a seamless client experience✳️ Why designers should anticipate client needs✳️ How iteration strengthens the creative design process✳️ Why great design is ultimately a serviceRead the Blog >>> Interior Design as a Collaborative ServiceNEXT STEPS:🎯 Get on the waitlist for the Launch Your Business Bootcamp Winter Season 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/launch-your-business-bootcamp🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love.👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺"From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymovesAre You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/areyoureadyreplayCheck out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: [email protected]🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio3:32 Sarah’s Journey From Architecture to Convergent Design6:18 The Advantage of Combining Architecture and Interiors9:38 Building a Multidisciplinary Design Team14:54 Blending Architecture, Interiors, and Product Design18:18 Why Progress Matters More Than Perfection20:13 The importance of mentors22:40 Getting Unstuck by Returning to the Basics

Running an interior design business can be incredibly rewarding, but let's be honest: it can also be lonely. You might love the creative work, enjoy transforming homes, and feel passionate about serving your clients, yet still struggle with financial management, project profitability, client challenges, and the many decisions that come with being a business owner. And when things slow down, it's easy to question yourself, wonder whether you're doing something wrong, or feel like you should have everything figured out by now.I've learned that growing a successful interior design business isn't just about having the right skills, creating beautiful spaces, or listening to another business podcast. It's also about surrounding yourself with people who understand what you're going through, who will hold you accountable, and who are willing to give you candid feedback when you need a fresh perspective. That's one of the biggest benefits I've experienced through the Design Leaders Collective (DLC), an international community of interior designers who share their experiences, compare business practices, and help one another grow.In this episode, I'm joined by two of my fellow Design Leaders Collective members, Jodie Carter of Jodie Carter Design in Australia and Andrea Reardon of Andrea Reardon Design in Texas. We talk about how our group evolved from a three-year mastermind into an ongoing community, why financial transparency and accountability matter, and how peer support can help you make better business decisions. If you're an established interior designer looking for accountability partners, candid feedback, and a stronger business perspective, this conversation will help you understand what meaningful professional support can look like. We're also opening the door to new members who are ready to contribute, learn, and grow alongside other design business owners.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✳️ Why accountability helps interior design businesses grow sustainably✳️ How financial comparisons improve business management and profitability✳️ Why candid feedback leads to better business decisions✳️ How peer support helps designers navigate challenging seasons✳️ What it takes to join Design Leaders CollectiveFeatured Guests:Jodie Carter is the founder of Jody Carter Design, based near Sydney, Australia. With more than two decades of experience in interior design, she works on high-end residential projects, including beautiful coastal waterfront homes and historic properties. Andrea Reardon is the founder of Andrea Reardon Design, serving the Dallas, Texas, suburbs. She specializes in residential interior design and has increasingly focused on accessibility design, including remodels for families with special needs. Read the Blog >>> How Design Leaders Collective Helps Interior Designers Build Stronger BusinessesNEXT STEPS:🎯 Design Leaders Collective: Contact me at [email protected] to request membership information and details about the recruitment presentation.🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love.👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺 "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymovesAre You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/areyoureadyreplayConnect With Me:📧 Email: [email protected]🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps0:00 Introduction and Guests Bio5:48 The Origins of Design Leaders Collective11:15 Financial Management and Accountability15:36 Collaborative Benefits and Meetings19:16 Who Can Join Design Leaders Collective?30:35 How to Explore Membership Opportunities

If you’re an interior designer trying to build a business, you’ve probably heard that you need a strong brand. But what does that actually mean? Is it your logo? Your color palette? The beautiful images on your website? While all of those things can help identify your brand, they aren’t what makes your business different.The more important question is: Why should a potential client choose you over another interior designer? When designers look similar from the outside, clients can easily start comparing portfolios, services, and—eventually—prices. That can make it incredibly difficult for a small business or solopreneur to establish a competitive advantage.In this episode, I talk with Jon Czeranna, co-founder of Wit & Craft and creator of the Brand Lab, about brand positioning for small businesses and interior designers. Jon shares a structured positioning framework that helps you identify your competition, uncover market gaps, understand your ideal client, articulate what makes your business unique, and build a brand story around that difference.And if you’re a newer designer without a large portfolio, Jon shares something that can help you build your online presence right away.Featured GuestJon Czeranna is the co-founder of Wit & Craft and creator of the Brand Lab. With more than 20 years of experience in advertising, branding, and graphic design, Jon focuses on helping small businesses and solopreneurs uncover and articulate their competitive advantage. Through the Brand Lab, he teaches entrepreneurs how to approach brand positioning, ideal client profiles, brand stories, messaging, and brand voice so they can better connect with customers, differentiate themselves from competitors, and build a stronger foundation for business growth.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✳️ Why your brand is more than visual identity✳️ How to identify gaps in your marketplace✳️ How to define your ideal client profile✳️ How to articulate your unique positioning✳️ How to build an online presence without experienceRead the Blog >>> Foundation for Building Your Interior Design BrandNEXT STEPS:🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love.👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺 "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymovesAre You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/areyoureadyreplayCheck out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: [email protected]🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio2:12 Jon’s Journey Into Branding and Positioning4:26 Where New Designers Should Start With Branding7:48 The “Only Statement” Positioning Exercise9:50 Building a Website Without a Large Portfolio11:31 Identifying Your Ideal Client Profile (ICP)13:46 The Story Behind the Brand Lab and Its Offer19:06 One Branding Question Every Designer Should Answer21:11 Using AI Without Losing Your Brand Voice

If you’ve ever looked at another interior designer’s business and thought, “Maybe I just need better software,” you’re not alone.There is always a new platform, app, or shiny software promising to make your projects run more smoothly, save you time, or help you make more profit. And with AI becoming part of almost every software platform, it can be even harder to know what you actually need.But after years of running an interior design business, I’ve learned that software is only as effective as the systems behind it. Before you start investing in expensive platforms, you need to understand how you want your business to operate. In the early stages, especially when you have zero or one client, simple spreadsheets can be enough. They can help you learn how you like to manage projects before you invest in more sophisticated interior design software.In this episode, I’m opening up my toolbox and walking you through the software I currently use to run my interior design business—from project management and time tracking to accounting and interior design operations, including drafting, client presentations, client intake, file management, communication, and even AI support. My goal isn’t to tell you there is one perfect software solution. Instead, I want to give you a real-world look at how these tools support my systems and workflows.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ Why strong systems matter more than software✔️ How I use Asana for projects and time tracking✔️ Why Studio Designer supports my design business accounting✔️ Which software I use for drafting and presentations✔️ How I manage clients, files, communication, and AIRead the Blog >>> The Interior Design Software I Use to Run My Business EfficientlyNEXT STEPS:🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love.👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺 "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymovesAre You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/areyoureadyreplayCheck out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: [email protected]🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps0:00 Introduction to the Software Behind My Business4:43 Project Management and Time Tracking8:02 Accounting and Operations Software11:42 Design Production and Presentations16:05 Client Intake and Lead Generation17:37 Curation and File Management Tools20:11 Internal Communication and AI Use

Interior designers love the beautiful, creative side of the work. They love choosing materials, working with clients, selecting furnishings, and bringing a vision to life. But when a project moves into renovation, remodeling, or new construction, another side of interior design becomes just as important: the technical side.I see this gap often, especially with designers who are moving from decorating and furnishing into more complex residential or commercial projects. You may be confident in your aesthetic skills but feel intimidated by construction documentation, building drawings, space planning, technical details, or understanding how everything will actually be built. And if that technical knowledge wasn't a major focus of your interior design education or career, it can become a real weak spot. In this episode, Jessica Marchand and I talk about exactly why this matters and what you can do about it.Interior design is really two distinct crafts—the aesthetic craft and the technical craft—and great projects happen where those two worlds meet. You don't have to be brilliant at both. But the work does.Featured GuestJessica Marchant is the founder of Blue-Sky Creative, a technical design firm that partners with interior designers nationwide to provide white-label design support, space planning, build-ready construction documentation, and realistic 3D renderings. Her team helps bridge the gap between interior designers and contractors so designers can confidently execute residential and commercial projects. Jessica is a formally trained interior designer with a master's degree in design management and has experience in kitchen and bath design, construction, themed entertainment, and project management. She also coaches interior designers who are transitioning into more complex renovation and new construction work. Her approach combines technical design expertise with practical business strategy to help creative businesses scale with confidence.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✳️ Why technical design knowledge matters in complex projects✳️ How construction documentation protects your design decisions✳️ When to outsource technical design support✳️ How to choose the right GC partner✳️ Why intentional teams help interior designers scaleRead the Blog >>> Bringing the Aesthetic and Technical Sides Together of Interior DesignNEXT STEPS:🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love.👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺 "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymovesAre You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/areyoureadyreplayCheck out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: [email protected]🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio3:00 Jessica’s Journey Into Interior Design9:17 Why Designers Often Lack Technical Experience10:21 The Idea Behind Blue-Sky Creative13:28 Blue-Sky Creative Services15:05 Getting As-Built Information for Projects17:26 Creating Templates and Polished Drawings19:46 Building a Team and Getting Help21:41 Managing Construction Partnerships

You became an interior designer because you love design. You know how to create beautiful spaces, solve design problems, make thoughtful selections, and bring a client's vision to life. But once you start your own interior design business, you quickly discover that being a talented designer is only one part of the job.Suddenly, you're also responsible for marketing, sales, client experience, project management, finances, systems, leadership, and all the decisions that come with running a business. It can feel overwhelming because nobody necessarily teaches you how to make that transition from skilled creative to confident business owner.One way I've grown my business over the years is through reading. I've read a lot of business and personal growth books over the last 10 years, and some have completely changed the way I think about my career, my clients, my money, and my business. In this episode, I'm sharing seven books that have helped me answer important questions about building an interior design business that is profitable, sustainable, memorable, and capable of growing beyond me.My recommendation: Start with the book that speaks to the question you're asking in your business right now. Sometimes one idea or one important shift in perspective is enough to make an entire book worthwhile.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ Why your interior design business exists✔️ How to make your marketing more client-focused✔️ Ways to create a memorable client experience✔️ How systems can help your business grow✔️ How to develop a healthier money mindsetRead the Blog >>> 7 Must-Read Business Books for Interior DesignersNEXT STEPS:🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co📗 Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺 "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymovesAre You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/areyoureadyreplayCheck out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: [email protected]🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps0:00 Introduction to business books for interior designers5:10 On Finding Your Purpose7:18 On Effective Marketing Messaging10:31 On Giving Exceptional Client Experiences13:35 On Building Scalable Systems15:24 On Creating a Business Built to Sell17:25 On Mastering Money Mindset19:02 On Managing Business Cash Flow

What does it really mean to be an interior designer? Is it simply choosing beautiful colors, furniture, and finishes? Or is there something much deeper happening when we step into a client's home and ask them to trust our professional judgment?In this episode, I sit down with Tamera Gamble of Arranged Space, an interior designer, educator, mentor, and longtime design professional whose career has taken her from high-end residential design to commercial, municipal, retail, and residential projects. Her story is a wonderful reminder that interior design is both a creative career and a technical, human-centered profession.I especially loved Tamera's commitment to making good interior design accessible to real people, regardless of their budget. Whether you're working on a luxury residential project, helping a client make a few changes with $1,000, creating construction documents in AutoCAD, or simply solving a difficult space-planning problem, the fundamentals still matter. Your job is to make the space work for the person living in it.And sometimes, doing that means telling a client no.Featured GuestTamera Gamble is the founder of Arranged Space, an interior design business focused on creating thoughtful, functional spaces that reflect each client's style and budget. Her career in interior design spans residential, commercial, municipal, retail, and historic preservation projects, including work with prominent firms such as Ralph Lauren, Gruzen Sampton, and Goldenstein Hill and West. Tamera earned her BFA from the New York School of Interior Design and has developed a particular passion for space planning, technical drawing, and using design to make everyday spaces work better for the people who live in them. In addition to practicing interior design, she teaches at the New York School of Interior Design and has spent years mentoring aspiring designers, helping them build their skills, confidence, and portfolios.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✳️ Why interior design requires technical expertise✳️ How to confidently stand behind your recommendations✳️ Why continuing education matters throughout your career✳️ How to make good design accessible✳️ Ways to build experience and your design portfolioRead the Blog >>> The Real Work of a Professional Interior DesignerNEXT STEPS:🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love.👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺 "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymovesAre You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/areyoureadyreplayCheck out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: [email protected]🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio2:35 How Barbie’s Dream House Sparked Tamera’s Design Career4:14 Education and Early Career8:53 The Experience That Led to Business Ownership11:32 Making Interior Design Accessible to Everyone14:28 When a Designer Has to Tell a Client No18:29 Why Design Fundamentals Matter25:34 The Challenge of Educating Clients28:53 Career Advice for Aspiring Interior Designers

Construction and remodel projects can feel intimidating, especially when you’re a new interior designer approaching your first project.You may be wondering how to work with contractors, who should handle permits and engineering, how to respond when a contractor pushes back on your design, or what happens when something unexpected appears after a wall is opened. These are all real concerns—and they’re exactly why understanding construction project management is such an important part of becoming a confident interior designer.In this episode, I’m walking you through how I approach construction and remodel projects, from bringing contractors into the process early to defining responsibilities, managing site visits, documenting decisions, communicating with clients, and building strong relationships with your construction team. My goal is to help you approach construction projects with more confidence instead of fear—and become the project leader your clients need you to be.What You’ll Learn in This Episode✔️ Understand your role during construction and remodel projects✔️ Bring contractors into the design process early✔️ Define responsibilities before construction begins✔️ Improve construction communication and document project decisions✔️ Build stronger relationships with your A-list contractorsRead the Blog >>> 5 Practical Tips for Managing Construction and Remodel Projects SmoothlyNEXT STEPS:📋 Get the Remodel Survival Guide: a step-by-step process on the construction side of a remodel project🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love.👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺 "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymovesAre You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/areyoureadyreplayCheck out our Designer's Playlist!*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies:📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerConnect With Me:📧 Email: [email protected]🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps0:00 Introduction to managing construction projects4:16 Understanding Your Role as the Designer5:47 Collaborating with Experts Early10:10 Defining Roles and Responsibilities15:01 Client Communication and Contractor Collaboration18:14 Using Site Binders and Documenting Decisions21:13 Managing Budgets and Timelines23:25 Building Professional Relationships