Interior Design Business

Hosted by Terri Taylor

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

212

Latest episode

Aug 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

August 22, 2026Episode 21116 min

Where is the Profit? or How to Have a Paycheck

Are you actually getting a paycheck from your interior design business, or are you working hard and hoping there will be money left over? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down why every interior design business needs to do two things consistently: pay its owner for the work they perform and generate profit beyond that paycheck. Many designers tell themselves they're leaving money in the business so it can grow, while others believe they simply don't make enough to pay themselves. But if your projects can't compensate you for your time and still produce a profit, the problem may be how those projects are structured and priced. I explain the mindset shift from seeing yourself as a solo design practitioner to treating your company as a separate business that provides interior design services as its product. You're the owner, but you're also doing valuable work for the company, and that work needs to be included in the cost of every project. We'll also walk through real examples of product sales and design fees to understand internal hourly rates, wholesale pricing, markup, time budgets, overhead, and gross profit. If you're working long hours but wondering where the money goes, this episode will help you structure your projects so your business can pay you consistently and generate the profit it needs to grow. In this episode, we cover: Why every interior designer should pay themselves The difference between your paycheck and business profit Why every project needs profit built in from the beginning Moving from a personal practice to a profitable business Treating yourself as both business owner and employee Including your time and labor in project pricing Using an internal hourly rate to structure design fees Understanding wholesale pricing, markup, and product profit Creating time budgets that protect profitability Building a business that pays you and produces profit Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

August 15, 2026Episode 21026 min

“How to Hire a VA” with Evelyn McDougall and Shanna Rose of 4D Biz

Do you know what kind of help your interior design business actually needs, or are you simply overwhelmed and ready to hire anyone? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m joined by Evelyn McDougall and Shanna Rose of 4D Biz to talk about how interior designers can hire virtual assistants strategically and build the right support team as their businesses grow. Shanna shares how a serious accident forced her to delegate within her own interior design business, leading to hard-earned lessons about hiring, training, and creating systems. That experience ultimately helped inspire 4D Biz and its fractional support model specifically for interior designers. Together, we discuss why hiring one person to do everything rarely works, how to identify the tasks and specialties you actually need help with, and why fractional support can be especially valuable in a project-based industry with natural ebbs and flows. We also explore three key areas of virtual support, design, administration, and marketing, and how designers can determine where delegation will create the greatest relief. If you're overwhelmed by procurement, drafting, project management, marketing, or simply trying to do everything yourself, this episode will help you think differently about hiring and build support that makes your business more sustainable, profitable, and enjoyable. In this episode, we cover: How to know when you're ready for a VA Why hiring one person to do everything doesn't work The difference between employees, freelancers, and fractional support Why systems and documented processes matter The three specialties of virtual support Delegating procurement, drafting, and administrative work Matching the right specialist to the right role Managing the ebbs and flows of a project-based business Controlling profitability when adding team support How to identify the best tasks to delegate first Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

August 8, 2026Episode 20915 min

Imposter Syndrome with Master Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester

Have you ever landed a dream project only to wonder if you're truly qualified for it? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I'm joined by IDBA's Master Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester, to explore one of the most common challenges interior designers face at every stage of their careers: imposter syndrome. Whether you're taking on your very first luxury client or stepping into a larger project than you've ever handled before, feelings of self-doubt can quickly creep in. Many designers begin questioning their abilities, overlooking their accomplishments, and convincing themselves they're not experienced enough, even when the evidence says otherwise. Together, we discuss why imposter syndrome shows up during periods of growth, how to separate feelings from facts, and practical techniques to build confidence before fear takes over. From celebrating past successes and reviewing client testimonials to practicing gratitude and taking action before you feel completely ready, we share simple mindset shifts that can help you move forward with confidence. If you've ever thought, "Am I really good enough for this project?" this episode will remind you that your success isn't an accident, it's built on the skills, experience, and talent you've already earned. In this episode, we cover: Understanding imposter syndrome Why self-doubt appears during growth Separating feelings from facts Finding evidence of your capabilities Celebrating your accomplishments Why confidence comes from action Using testimonials to build confidence The power of gratitude Moving past fear with practical tools Trusting your experience and expertise Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

August 1, 2026Episode 20815 min

The Two Income Stream Business

Are you building both income streams your interior design business needs to thrive? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the most important concepts every designer needs to understand: your business should generate income from two completely separate sources, your design expertise and your product sales. Many designers unknowingly combine these two revenue streams, creating confusion for clients and limiting their profitability. When design and purchasing become blurred together, designers often undervalue their expertise, struggle with pricing, and end up working far more than they're being paid for. I explain why design should always lead the client relationship, how purchasing should function as a separate white-glove service, and where the line between design work and administrative purchasing tasks should be drawn. We also discuss why fee-based pricing creates stronger boundaries than hourly billing, how wholesale purchasing builds a healthier business, and why developing both income streams is essential for long-term success. If you've ever wondered why you're working so hard without seeing the financial rewards you expected, this episode will help you rethink how your business generates profit and where opportunities for growth may be hiding. In this episode, we cover: The two income streams every design business needs Separating design from purchasing Why clients shouldn't see you as a furniture salesperson Fee-based pricing versus hourly billing Defining where design ends and purchasing begins Avoiding scope creep and underbilling Building profitable purchasing systems The importance of wholesale vendor relationships Creating sustainable business profit How mindset affects your income ceiling Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

July 25, 2026Episode 20723 min

Purchasing Secrets

Are your purchasing policies protecting your business, or creating costly headaches? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I share the purchasing strategies that have helped countless interior designers avoid some of the biggest mistakes in managing client purchases. From retail shopping requests to custom drawings and hybrid purchasing, we'll explore the boundaries every designer needs to establish before a project begins. Many designers struggle when clients want to shop alongside them, purchase products themselves, or ask for custom drawings they plan to take elsewhere. While these requests often seem harmless, they frequently lead to confusion, damaged relationships, lost profits, and projects that no longer reflect the designer's standards. I explain why selling trade products at retail pricing creates a healthier business model, how to handle clients who insist on buying from stores like Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware, and why hybrid purchasing almost always becomes a nightmare. We also cover the importance of setting clear expectations in your Letter of Agreement and charging appropriately for purchasing services when retail products are involved. If you've ever wondered how to protect your time, maintain profitability, and avoid purchasing disasters before they happen, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement immediately. In this episode, we cover: Why hybrid purchasing doesn't work Selling trade products profitably Handling clients who want retail products Setting purchasing boundaries from the beginning Avoiding custom drawing disasters Protecting your reputation during purchasing Writing stronger Letters of Agreement Charging purchasing fees on retail products Giving clients clear purchasing options Creating a smoother purchasing process Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

July 18, 2026Episode 20620 min

What's Your Money Story

What beliefs about money are quietly shaping your interior design business? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m joined once again by IDBA's Head Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester, to explore one of the most powerful mindset topics every designer faces: their money story. The way we think about money often begins long before we start a business. Childhood experiences, family beliefs, and past conversations can shape how comfortable we feel discussing budgets, charging premium fees, and working with affluent clients. These unconscious beliefs frequently influence pricing decisions, client conversations, and even the opportunities we allow ourselves to pursue. Together, we unpack where money stories come from, how they create fear around charging what you're worth, and why many designers unknowingly project their own financial beliefs onto luxury clients. We also discuss how developing a healthier relationship with money creates more confidence, better client experiences, and greater business growth. If you've ever struggled to raise your fees, felt uncomfortable talking about budgets, or worried that clients won't invest in your services, this episode will help you recognize the beliefs that may be holding you backk, and show you how to begin changing them. In this episode, we cover: Understanding your money story How childhood experiences shape financial beliefs Why designers struggle with pricing conversations Common money beliefs that limit business growth Separating your financial mindset from your clients' Why luxury clients think differently about money Building a healthier relationship with money Recognizing scarcity versus abundance thinking Allowing money to flow instead of chasing it How mindset impacts attracting ideal clients Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

July 11, 2026Episode 20520 min

What's Your Story

Are the stories you're telling yourself holding your interior design business back? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m joined by IDBA’s Head Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester, to explore how the stories we create in our minds shape our decisions, confidence, and business success. Many designers hesitate to pursue bigger opportunities, raise their fees, or change the way they do business, not because they lack the skills, but because they're operating from stories based on fear, doubt, or past experiences. These stories often feel true, even when they aren't. Together, we discuss where these stories come from, why our brains hold onto them, and how they influence everything from client conversations to pricing decisions. We also share practical ways to recognize limiting beliefs, stop preparing for imaginary problems, and take action with confidence. If you've ever found yourself thinking, "What if they say no?" or "That won't work for my clients," this episode will help you replace fear-driven stories with empowering beliefs that support your business growth. In this episode, we cover: What your "story" really is How fear-based thinking affects business decisions Why your brain mistakes repeated thoughts for truth Recognizing the "what if" mindset Why action builds confidence How stories create procrastination Common limiting beliefs designers experience The importance of staying present with clients Replacing fear with a winning mindset Building awareness to overcome self-sabotage Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

July 4, 2026Episode 20411 min

Being Paid What You Are Worth is Not About Design Fees or Hourly Billing

Is the real reason you're underpaid your pricing model, or something much deeper? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I wrap up our series on hourly billing versus design fees by exploring the real issue behind getting paid what you're worth: your relationship with money. Many designers believe switching from hourly billing to design fees will solve their profitability problems. But the truth is, neither pricing model works if you don't have healthy boundaries and the confidence to charge appropriately for your expertise. In this episode, I discuss how limiting money beliefs affect pricing decisions, why designers often discount their services without realizing it, and how childhood money stories continue to influence business decisions years later. We also talk about the importance of maintaining boundaries, receiving payment with confidence, creating a healthy exchange of value with clients, and replacing outdated beliefs that keep you underpaid. If you've been struggling to charge what you're worth, this episode will help you shift your mindset so you can confidently build a profitable design business. In this episode, we cover: Why pricing models alone won't solve undercharging How money stories affect your business decisions The importance of strong client boundaries Why designers discount themselves unnecessarily Changing the language you use around money Receiving payment with confidence Creating a healthy exchange of value Recognizing and overcoming scarcity thinking Rewriting limiting beliefs from childhood Building a mindset that supports being paid what you're worth Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

June 27, 2026Episode 20324 min

Getting Out of Your Own Way

Are you the biggest obstacle standing between your business and the success you want? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I explore one of the most important, and often overlooked, factors in building a successful design business: mindset. Many designers work harder, put in longer hours, and constantly search for new strategies, yet still struggle with inconsistent cash flow, difficult clients, and stalled growth. Often, the problem isn't a lack of talent or opportunity. It's the beliefs, fears, and habits that are keeping them stuck. In this episode, I break down some of the most common ways designers get in their own way, including feeling "not good enough," letting fear dictate decisions, playing small when opportunities arise, and surrounding themselves with people who reinforce limiting beliefs. We also discuss how mindset impacts financial success, why your internal dialogue matters, and how changing your expectations can transform the clients, projects, and opportunities you attract. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated by the pace of your business growth, this episode will help you identify the invisible barriers holding you back, and show you how to move beyond them. In this episode, we cover: Why mindset impacts business success How excuses keep designers stuck Overcoming the "I'm not good enough" belief Understanding fear versus reality Why playing small limits your growth Learning to say yes to bigger opportunities The connection between beliefs and financial success How your environment influences your results The power of taking responsibility for your future Creating a mindset that attracts better clients Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

June 20, 2026Episode 20213 min

Why Design Fees Work Best… and Why They Don't

Are design fees really the best way for interior designers to get paid? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I continue the conversation around pricing and billing by exploring the advantages and disadvantages of fee-based design. Many designers assume design fees automatically solve the problems created by hourly billing. But the truth is that design fees only work when they are supported by a clear scope of work, defined deliverables, strong boundaries, and a well-written letter of agreement. In this episode, I explain why fee-based design can dramatically improve profitability, cash flow, client confidence, and project management. We also discuss the mistakes designers make when creating flat fees, how to handle client requests outside the original scope, and why talking about money remains one of the most important skills a designer can develop. If you've ever wondered whether design fees are right for your business, this episode will help you understand when they work best, and when they can become a costly mistake. In this episode, we cover: Why design fees fail without clear boundaries The importance of scope, deliverables, and planning How design fees improve client confidence Why fee-based design improves cash flow Creating profitable letters of agreement Managing client requests outside the scope of work Why designers need to talk about money Understanding value versus time How experience increases profitability When fee-based design works best Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy