Interior Design Business

If you’re not getting paid what you’re worth, the real issue might not be pricing—it’s boundaries. In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into why boundaries are the key to profitability, clarity, and peace of mind. From undercharging and scope creep to verbal orders and unpaid extras, I’m sharing the real-world ways designers lose money and respect, and how to stop the cycle. If you’ve ever ended a project feeling resentful or undervalued, this episode is your call to action. In this episode, I cover: Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Starting a design business isn’t just about being talented, it’s about building a real business foundation that can support you long-term. In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing what it really takes to start a design business—step-by-step—like a giant checklist. Most designers start by helping friends and family, but eventually you have to learn how to shift from “free help” into a legitimate business without becoming the gift that keeps on giving forever. I’m walking you through the legal and operational setup you need (licenses, insurance, business structure, and naming), how to build out your vendor accounts and trade relationships, what support teams you need behind the scenes (from delivery and installers to remodel trades), and what systems you must have in place to stay organized and profitable. Then I’ll cover the other half of success: marketing. Because if you want clients consistently, you need to know who your ideal client is, what problem you solve, and how to position yourself as the obvious choice—even when you’re just getting started. This episode is packed, practical, and designed to give you clarity on what to do first… and what to build over time. In this episode, I cover: Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

You’re not a charity. You’re not your client’s financial rescue plan. And you’re definitely not in business to burn out. In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into Part 4 of my Financially Sustainable Design Business series—and this one is all about the energetic side of money. Because here’s the truth: the mindset and beliefs you hold about money can block profitability faster than any pricing mistake. I’m sharing how to stop subconsciously repelling money, why over-giving leads to resentment and burnout, and how to shift into a healthy “giving + receiving” loop that creates consistent income. Plus, I’ll walk you through the practical side of sustainability: setting income targets, reviewing every job like a scorecard, and tracking the KPI that truly matters—job profitability. If you want a business that’s profitable year after year (without hustle), this episode is your wake-up call. In this episode, I cover: Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

You’re not a furniture store. You’re not a contractor’s free assistant. And you’re definitely not a charity. In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into Part 3 of our financially sustainable design business series. This time, we're getting crystal clear about what you really sell, your design time. Discover the one metric that will transform your business, why chasing product sales is a trap, and how to set up your LOAs to finally get paid what you're worth. Let’s talk about the true key to a million-dollar design business: consistently selling 20 hours of design time per week. In this episode, I cover: Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

You’ve priced your design work. You’ve marked up your product. So why does it still feel like you’re working for free? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into Part 2 of our financially sustainable design business series, focusing on boundaries. From endless client emails to last-minute add-ons and ghosting clients who suddenly reappear, this episode will show you exactly how to protect your time, your money, and your sanity with strong, clear boundaries. In this episode, I cover: Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

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: reallyShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow 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: mustShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow 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: Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow 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: isShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow 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: 3 full daysShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow 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: Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow 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: beforeShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow 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: Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy Tired of undercharging and overdelivering? Join Terri Taylor’s Snapshot program and learn the exact pricing systems and client scripts to lead every design job with confidence. In just 6 months, you’ll finally stop second-guessing your fees and start getting paid what you're worth. 📍Learn more at InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com – Look for the Snapshot popup!

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: Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy Feeling uncertain about your design business? Join Terri Taylor on Friday, October 17 at 9 AM PT for a free masterclass where she shares the Mindset Reset, a simple financial plan, and a 7-step triage system to help you feel confident and secure—no matter what the economy does. 👉 Register at InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com (look for the popup!). Live + replay available.

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: Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy Costs 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! Costs 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!

Feeling the weight of uncertainty in your design business? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m offering a no-fluff reality check on what’s happening in the design industry—and how to lead your business through it with strength and clarity. From economic shifts and rising costs to client hesitation and self-doubt, I’m sharing the mindset tools and practical strategies you need to stay visible, profitable, and confident, even when the market feels shaky. In this episode, I cover: Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What do you do when a client insists on making design choices you can’t stand behind? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing real stories and tough lessons from my early design career, including the moment I decided I’d never again let a client push me into delivering something I couldn’t be proud of. If you’ve ever felt trapped in a job where the client’s taste goes against your design principles, this episode will help you navigate it with confidence, ethics, and clarity. In this episode, I cover: Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are you struggling to consistently find great clients for your interior design business? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down the real reasons designers struggle with client attraction, and how to turn it around. Whether you think you don’t have time, can’t afford to market, or simply don’t know where to start, I’ve got the mindset shifts and proven strategies you need to get clients in the door. If you’re tired of relying on luck, waiting for referrals, or feeling like the best-kept secret in your city, this episode will give you the tools to confidently grow your visibility and your business. In this episode, I cover: Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are endless client revisions derailing your design projects? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing how boundary issues and a lack of Systems are at the root of most revision chaos. I’ll walk you through a real story of a talented kitchen designer whose client just kept changing her mind—and how it all could have been avoided with the right structure in place. If you’ve ever been trapped in revision after revision, struggling to say no or draw the line, this episode will show you exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to protect your time (and profit). In this episode, I cover: andShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Do you feel like you're always putting out fires in your design business? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m showing you how Systems create freedom—not restriction. By treating every task like a one-off event, you end up stressed, overworked, and overwhelmed. But when you put repeatable processes in place, everything changes. I’ll walk you through the mindset shift required to embrace Systems, explain what Systems really are (hint: you’re already using them in your daily life!), and reveal how to offload work to your team while still maintaining creative control. If you’re ready to step out of burnout mode and build a business that runs with more ease, this episode is your roadmap. In this episode, I cover: Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy