259. Building a Business That Fits Your Life: My 2026 Plan

Today I want to talk about something that quietly shapes almost every decision we make as designers—how we price our work, how we speak up in meetings, and which projects we feel ready to take on. That something is confidence. But I'm not talking about the kind of confidence that's just a personality trait or bravado. I mean confidence as clarity. Most designers I meet don't doubt their talent; they doubt themselves the moment the room changes, especially when construction comes into play. So today, let's get real about where that lack of confidence actually comes from, why it's especially strong when designers consider adding construction management to their business, and, most importantly, how you can build true confidence before you ever feel fully ready. I promise, confidence isn't something that arrives after the fact. And if you've been quietly curious about construction management, this conversation is for you.   Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Join the waitlist for The Designer's Edge here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers    Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-confidence-myth 

As we step into a new year, I want to talk today about something that sounds really simple, but in my experience has the power to quietly change everything about how we work, how we earn, and how we show up every day. This year, my word is boundaries. And today, I'm walking you through why boundaries, not hustle, not motivation, not another strategy, are often the missing piece between intentional growth and sustainable success. So I'm going to share the boundary that would have changed everything for me in 2025, the boundaries I'm actively putting into place for this coming year, 2026, and how you can identify the one boundary that would make the biggest difference in your own business this year. Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite  Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-boundaries 

Discover the subtle shifts actually shaping today's design world, beyond trends and highlight reels. Today, I share what top designers are paying attention to for 2026: why friction is data, how boundaries build trust, and the small refinements that lead to steady, profitable projects.    Mentioned in this episode: Join the wait list for The Designers Edge: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance   Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/real-shifts-happening-in-design 

Every meaningful shift I'm making for 2026 will come back to one question: What does this allow me to do better? And I mean better for my clients, better for this podcast, better for the education & coaching side of my business, and better for myself as well as my family. So when I look at decisions ahead of me, that one question will be the filter. And it will change how I say yes, how I say no, and how I decide when, not right now, is actually the most responsible answer I can give someone.    Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite    Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/building-a-business-that-fits-your-life-my-2026-plan/     

Do you ever wonder why certain collaborations feel so much easier than others? Today, we're pulling back the curtain on jobsite dynamics and talking about something design school never prepped you for: collaboration as a leadership strategy—not just a "soft skill." Collaboration isn't a bonus. It's not something you stumble into once you feel confident enough. It's a skill. And more importantly, it's a positioning choice. So if you're tired of second-guessing your input, or feel like you're always waiting to be "let into" the real conversations, this one's for you. We're getting sharp about what real authority looks like on a site and how to earn trust by leading with clarity. Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Join the waitlist for The Designers Edge here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers  Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/how-designers-earn-authority-jobsite 

We have officially entered the magical time of year when our current clients are hard to reach or vanish, our prospective clients aren't calling, and our personal lives all come together as we are barreling towards holiday chaos. So, today's episode, I want to walk you through something most designers completely overlook, and that is that the holiday slowdown is not a roadblock. It is actually leverage. So if you use the next few weeks intentionally, you'll walk into 2026 feeling prepared, profitable, and hell, maybe even rested. And yes, we're going to talk about that as well. So get ready to learn exactly what you want to start doing now to set future you up for success. Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Rate and review this podcast on any platform you are listening to, screenshot your review and email it to me at [email protected] and I will send you a link to schedule a call with me. Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite    Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/december-power-moves-for-designers   

Your portfolio is gorgeous — but is your website actually bringing in clients? If you've been staring at your site thinking, "It looks good… but something's not working," this episode's for you. Today, I'm joined by Robyn White of RDW Design Studio. Robyn White brings a rare fusion of strategy and aesthetics to interior design websites. A website designer who didn't follow the traditional path, she began her career working at one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world. She learned how the affluent think, what they value, and how they choose who to work with. In 2019 she founded RDW Design Studio where she combines that luxury market expertise with digital strategy to help elevate interior designers into the high-end market via an online presence that aligns with the clients, projects and opportunities they deserve so they can step into their next level of success. Robyn has been featured by a range of design industry resources from Business of Home to High Point Market. We're digging into how to create an interior design website that's both beautiful and strategic — including the key mistakes designers are making right now (even seasoned ones), how to get found by dream clients without sacrificing style, and what Google (and ChatGPT) actually want to see in 2026. This one's for the designer who's ready to stop blending in — and start building a website that works as hard as you do. Let's get you back in the client's inbox.   Get Robyn's free lead magnet here: How to Get Leads from Your Interior Design Website: https://rdwdesignstudio.com/website-leads/ Check out Robyn's Website: https://rdwdesignstudio.com/  Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rdwdesignstudio/    Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance   Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-website-robyn-white   

Today, I want to dive into something incredibly important as we close out 2025, and more importantly, gear up for 2026. This is something that every single designer needs to understand if they want long-term stability, profitability, and relevance in this industry. So today, we're going to unpack a brand new analysis from NAHB that just dropped. And honestly, it confirms something I've been saying on this podcast for years.  Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/remodeling-surge-designers-cant-ignore 

This episode is a special one for me, and frankly, one I never thought I would be recording, because this marks my fifth anniversary of this podcast, Only Girl on the Jobsite, which just is surreal, shocking, overwhelming, and humbling, all mixed in together. To mark the occasion, I invited my 3 design school besties, my design school friends, the girls, who have walked this path alongside me in different ways; they have been my support system, and my community. And that community started way back when, in 1992, when I started at the New York School of Interior Design. And I met three of the most incredible, dynamic, magical people. Whether you're just starting out or years into your design career, this candid discussion will remind you that your journey is unique, your evolution is valuable, and community makes all the difference. Tune in for real insights, shared wisdom, and a celebration of how far we've all come.   Mentioned in this episode: In honor of celebrating our 5-year anniversary here on Only Girl On The Jobsite, if you rate and review this podcast on any platform you are listening to, screenshot your review and email it to me at [email protected] and I will send you a link to schedule a call with me. Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance   Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/5-year-anniversary-designer-roundtable 

Today I'm sharing the story of how I built a design business that doesn't just rely on constant marketing, that next inquiry call, or that lucky referral. I don't go looking for new clients, and I haven't had to in years. My next project almost always comes from a client I've already worked with or from one of the contractors, architects, or realtors in my network. So today I'm breaking down exactly how that happens and, more importantly, how you can start building the same kind of stability and predictability in your own firm. Mentioned in this episode: Find out all the details about The Designer's Edge here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers  Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/why-i-never-have-to-go-looking-for-new-clients