Interior Design Business

Hosted by Terri Taylor

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

202

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Are you an interior design professional who wants to create time-accurate, money-generous, and fee-based job offers that clients jump to say "yes" to? Terri Taylor, President and Creative Director of the Interior Design Business Academy and the host of the Interior Design Business Podcast, is here to help interior design professionals who want to create lifestyle design businesses that pay them what they are worth. Each week, Terri is bringing her clear, proven, and repeatable step-by-step "recipes" for attracting ideal luxury clients along with her overreaching attitude of gratitude, abundance, beauty, and joy for creating long-lasting and meaningful success. Terri knows that what you believe to be true and how you feel about wealth and money have a direct connection to the level of clients, budgets, and jobs you attract, so tune in each week to discover the strategies and support mechanics you need to achieve your goals as an interior design professional.

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60 recent

June 13, 2026Episode 20114 min

Why Hourly Billing Works and Doesn't Work

Should interior designers charge hourly, or is there a better way?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the longest-running debates in the design industry: hourly billing versus fee-based design.While hourly billing can work in certain situations, it also creates significant challenges for both designers and clients when it's not managed properly. From inaccurate time tracking and delayed cash flow to client anxiety around costs and scope creep, hourly billing often creates more problems than designers realize.In this episode, I explain when hourly billing works, how to make it more effective, and the hidden pitfalls that can hurt profitability. We also discuss retainers, scope management, client communication, time tracking, and why experience should increase your value, not reduce it.If you've ever wondered whether hourly billing is helping or hurting your business, this episode will help you understand the advantages, disadvantages, and what to watch out for as your business grows.In this episode, we cover:Why hourly billing creates challenges for many designersThe importance of accurate time trackingHow delayed billing impacts cash flowWhy designers often underbill clientsUsing retainers to improve hourly billingManaging scope creep and additional requestsWhy client communication around money mattersThe hidden costs of hourly billingUnderstanding the difference between time and valueWhy experience should increase your earningsShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

June 6, 2026Episode 20018 min

Why Templates Don't Work

Are templates helping your interior design business… or hurting it?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I explain why templates often create more problems than they solve for interior designers.Many designers rely on template contracts, letters of agreement, proposals, and deliverables because they want a faster, easier way to start projects. But the reality is that every project is different, every client is different, and every successful design business requires thoughtful planning and customization.In this episode, I break down why one-size-fits-all templates fail, what deliverables actually are, how boundaries protect both you and your clients, and why a properly crafted letter of agreement is one of the most important business tools you have.We also discuss project planning, payment structures, client expectations, legal protections, and how organizational systems create more profitable projects and a better client experience.If you've ever searched for the perfect template to solve your business challenges, this episode will show you why the real solution is developing the skills and systems behind the document.In this episode, we cover:Why templates create problems for designersThe purpose of a strong letter of agreementWhat deliverables actually meanWhy every project requires customizationCreating boundaries that protect profitabilityStructuring payments and cash flow correctlyPlanning projects before design work beginsProtecting yourself with legal languageWhy organization improves client experienceThe connection between systems and profitabilityShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

May 30, 2026Episode 19918 min

Do You Have the Right Insurance?

Do you actually have the right insurance coverage for your interior design business?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about one of the most overlooked but critical parts of running a successful design business: professional liability protection.Many designers assume their homeowner’s insurance covers their business, or they believe they’re “too small” to need errors and omissions insurance. But the reality is that every project carries liability, and even happy clients can suddenly become difficult when problems arise.In this episode, I share real stories from my own business experience, including client disputes, product failures, remodel complaints, and unexpected accidents that could have turned into major legal and financial problems.We also discuss why documentation matters, how to protect yourself legally, what errors and omissions insurance actually covers, and why separating your personal and business protections is essential.If you’re running an interior design business without understanding your liability exposure, this episode is a must-listen.In this episode, we cover:Why homeowner’s insurance does not cover your design businessWhat errors and omissions insurance actually protectsWhy no design business is “too small” for liability coverageReal examples of design-related lawsuits and disputesHow clients can suddenly become difficult after projects finishWhy documentation and signed approvals matterProtecting furniture, inventory, and stored productsUnderstanding liability around specifications and selectionsWhy legal defense costs can become overwhelmingSteps every designer should take to protect their businessShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

May 23, 2026Episode 19819 min

Is My Design Fee Enough?

Are you constantly wondering if your design fee is really enough?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the biggest mindset and business challenges interior designers face: pricing their services confidently and profitably.Many designers struggle because they blur the line between design services and product purchasing. They rely on future furniture sales to make the project profitable, overdeliver without boundaries, and end up exhausted, underpaid, and frustrated.In this episode, I explain why separating design fees from purchasing changes everything. When your design fee fully pays you for your expertise, your time, and your process, you create a healthier business, stronger client relationships, and far more profitability.I also walk through how to structure boundaries inside your agreements, why deliverables need to be crystal clear, how budgets support fee conversations, and why clients are actually more comfortable saying yes when they understand the full financial picture.If you’ve ever questioned your pricing, struggled to hold boundaries, or felt like you were giving away too much unpaid time, this episode will completely change how you think about design fees.In this episode, we cover:Why design fees and purchasing should stay separateThe mindset shift from designer to consultantHow unclear boundaries create unpaid workWhy overdelivering hurts your businessSetting limits on meetings, selections, and revisionsThe relationship between project budgets and feesWhy clients say yes more easily when budgets are clearCreating stronger letters of agreementDefining clear deliverables in your contractsStructuring a profitable purchasing processShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

May 16, 2026Episode 19719 min

How to Manage Clients Who Can't Make a Decision

What do you do when a client loves every option… but still won’t make a decision?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down how to manage clients who struggle with decision-making and why unresolved decisions can completely derail a design project.When clients delay decisions, it creates confusion, slows contractors down, impacts timelines, increases your unpaid hours, and often weakens the overall design outcome. But the truth is, many clients aren’t intentionally difficult, they simply lack confidence and need more structure, guidance, and clarity throughout the process.In this episode, I share six practical strategies to help clients move through decisions with more confidence while keeping your projects organized, on schedule, and beautifully cohesive.You’ll learn how to reduce overwhelm, create better specification meetings, structure your agreements to support progress, and guide clients through the emotional side of decision-making without becoming frustrated or losing control of the project.If you’ve ever had a client say “I need to think about it” over and over again, this episode will help you lead the process more effectively and protect both your time and your design.In this episode, we cover:Why some clients struggle to make decisionsHow open-ended decisions delay projectsWhy unresolved selections hurt the overall designThe impact delayed decisions have on contractors and timelinesHow too many options overwhelm clientsWhy presenting one best option works better than fiveHow to use anchor selections to guide the design directionWhy inspiration photos help reinforce decisionsThe importance of meeting agendasHow preparing clients before meetings improves outcomesBuilding deadlines into your letter of agreementHow written agreements create accountabilityWhy clients need design education throughout the processExplaining the emotional feel behind design choicesHow to build confidence in hesitant clientsWhy reinforcing wins helps clients decide fasterThe importance of holding boundaries during selectionsWhy you should never allow decisions to carry into the next meetingHow stronger leadership creates smoother projectsShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

May 9, 2026Episode 19620 min

Looking for Clients?

Wondering where your next client is coming from?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down what to do when your pipeline is empty, and how to get clients coming in consistently.Every designer experiences cycles in their business. There are times when you’re fully booked, and times when things feel quiet. But instead of panicking, this is your opportunity to reset, refocus, and rebuild your marketing momentum.In this episode, I share five proven strategies to help you generate new clients, reconnect with your network, and create a steady flow of opportunities, without relying on random luck or last-minute hustle.If you’ve been feeling stuck, worried about where your next project is coming from, or unsure what to do next, this episode will give you a clear plan to get back in motion.In this episode, we cover:Why slow periods are normal in a design businessHow to use downtime productively instead of panickingThe importance of keeping your marketing consistentHow to clearly define your ideal client and projectWhy intention and clarity drive resultsThe power of reconnecting with past (legacy) clientsHow to ask for referrals without sounding needyWhat real networking actually looks likeWhy your elevator pitch matters (and what to say instead)How to build powerful referral partnershipsThe key relationships that bring consistent workWhy timing plays a huge role in landing projectsHow to use social media and email marketing effectivelyThe importance of staying top of mindWhy marketing is the most important part of your businessHow to stop being “busy” and start growing your businessShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

May 2, 2026Episode 19524 min

Abundance vs. Scarcity

Why do so many designers struggle to get paid what they’re truly worth?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I dive into the real reason behind undercharging, overworking, and feeling stuck financially, and it’s not your pricing strategy. It’s your mindset.Before any system or structure can work, you have to address the beliefs you hold about money. Your “money story” shapes every decision you make in your business, from what you charge to what you present to clients.If you’re operating from scarcity, believing there’s not enough, worrying about what clients can afford, or feeling like you need to be the “affordable option”, you will continue to limit your growth.In this episode, I break down the difference between scarcity and abundance, how your upbringing influences your financial reality, and what it takes to shift into a mindset that aligns with high-end, luxury clients.In this episode, we cover:Why mindset comes before strategy in your businessWhat your “money story” is and how it affects your incomeThe difference between scarcity and abundance thinkingWhy your beliefs about money may not match your ideal client’sHow scarcity keeps you undercharging and overworkingWhy luxury clients don’t value “cheap”The danger of assuming clients can’t afford your servicesHow your upbringing shaped your financial mindsetCommon scarcity beliefs designers carryWhy working harder won’t make you more successfulHow abundance thinking changes your business resultsWhy you must become the high-end designer before attracting high-end clientsThe role of self-worth in pricing and profitabilityHow to confidently present higher feesWhy clients are happy to pay when you show valueShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

April 25, 202615 min

Success Story

What does it actually take to go from a struggling design business to a thriving, seven-figure company?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I share a real success story of one of our designer students who transformed her business from $250,000 to over $1.25 million in revenue.This isn’t about luck, talent, or magic, it’s about learning, implementing, and consistently taking action.From navigating a major project opportunity during COVID, to refining pricing, building systems, hiring support, and stepping into leadership, this story breaks down exactly what it takes to grow a profitable and sustainable design business.If you’ve ever wondered what’s possible for you, or what it really takes to get there—this episode will give you both inspiration and a clear path forward.In this episode, we cover:The real difference between a design practice and a design businessHow one designer scaled from $250K to $1.25MWhy implementation matters more than informationThe importance of asking for help and being open to changeHow to properly structure a large, high-value projectWhy big opportunities must be set up correctly from the startThe role of pricing, profitability, and money mindsetHow to identify and attract your ideal clientWhy systems are essential for growth and scalabilityWhen and how to hire support in your businessThe importance of staying profitable while growingHow to “fly the plane while building it”Why consistent action creates exponential resultsShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

April 18, 2026Episode 19317 min

Why Are Boundaries So Hard?

Why are boundaries so hard to set, and even harder to keep?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the biggest challenges designers face: creating and holding boundaries in their business without feeling guilty, uncomfortable, or afraid of losing the client.If you’ve ever said yes when you wanted to say no, answered texts late at night, worked weekends you didn’t want to, or given away hours of unpaid work… you’re not alone.Boundaries aren’t just about rules, they’re about protecting your time, your energy, your profitability, and ultimately, your love for your business.In this episode, I walk you through why boundaries feel so difficult, where it comes from, and how to start changing it, so you can create a business that works for you instead of draining you.In this episode, we cover:Why designers don’t realize they need boundaries—until it’s too lateThe most common boundary violations (and how they happen)Why clients aren’t the problem—you just didn’t set expectationsThe importance of clear rules in your letter of agreementWhy holding boundaries is harder than creating themHow clients test your boundaries (just like kids do)The real reason designers struggle to say noHow people-pleasing impacts your profit and timeWhy “just one quick thing” always costs more than you thinkHow to use “yes, and…” to maintain boundaries professionallyWhy treating clients like family backfiresThe connection between boundaries and resentmentHow lack of boundaries leads to burnout (and even quitting)Why clients actually prefer clear structure and leadershipThe role of boundaries in creating better client experiencesHow boundaries increase confidence, respect, and profitabilityShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

April 11, 2026Episode 19211 min

The Secret to Asking for Money

Why is asking for your full design fee so hard, even when you know you’re worth it?In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the biggest challenges designers face: confidently asking for the money they deserve.You can have the systems, the process, and the perfect project… but when it comes time to say the number out loud, everything can fall apart. Fear, doubt, and old money stories start creeping in, and suddenly, what should be a simple conversation feels overwhelming.In this episode, I share the real reason this happens and how to move past it so you can confidently present your fees, without hesitation, apology, or second-guessing.If you’ve ever struggled to say your number, worried about what clients will think, or felt uncomfortable asking for higher fees, this episode will show you exactly how to break through that ceiling.In this episode, we cover:Why asking for money feels so difficult (even when you’ve earned it)The “glass ceiling” every designer must break throughHow your internal money story is holding you backWhy your client’s money mindset is different from yoursThe real value behind high design feesHow large projects justify six-figure feesWhy designers often undercharge (and regret it later)The importance of separating emotion from pricingWhat the “pass the salt” moment really meansHow to train your body to confidently say your feeWhy repetition and practice are essentialHow confidence in delivery leads to client trustShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.comFollow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademyFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy