Advertise on podcast: Only Girl On The Jobsite

I'm currently working on a beautiful historic renovation and addition that's running almost seven months behind schedule. And while that certainly wasn't the plan, it's also been a really valuable reminder of what matters most when construction doesn't go the way we expected. In this episode, I'm talking about construction delays, what they actually mean for your project, and how to manage them without damaging your client relationships. Because here's something I think designers need to understand: just because an activity is delayed doesn't necessarily mean your entire project is behind schedule. And before you start giving your client new completion dates, you need to understand the difference. We're also talking about those uncomfortable conversations with contractors, why consistent communication matters so much, and what an extended construction schedule can mean for your own business and profitability. You'll Learn: Why a delayed task doesn't always mean a delayed completion date What to ask your contractor when a project falls behind How to communicate delays without making promises you can't keep Why a new completion date isn't the same as a recovery plan How extended construction schedules can affect your fees, capacity, and other projects   Mentioned in this episode: Grab Your Free Script Guide here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout 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/how-to-handle-construction-delays

For years, I thought the answer to making more money in my design business was simple: more projects. More clients, more opportunities, more work. But when I finally stopped and looked at what those projects were actually costing me, I realized how wrong I'd been. As we head toward 2027, I want you to look at what your business is already telling you before you start making plans for next year. In this episode, I'm walking you through five things I believe every interior designer should review, whether you're managing your first construction projects or you've been running your firm for decades. We're talking about profitability, the projects you'd actually want to repeat, your calendar and capacity, referral relationships, and how to figure out what kind of help your business really needs.   You'll Learn: Why more projects don't necessarily mean more profit How to recognize patterns in your fees, scope, and project profitability What your calendar reveals about your capacity and personal life How to attract better-fitting projects through your referral relationships How to identify the support your business actually needs before hiring   Mentioned in this episode: Grab Your Free Script Guide here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout 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-business-planning-2027

My guest today has a background that's genuinely unusual in this space, and it's exactly what makes her perspective so useful. Deb Mitchell is a brand strategist and messaging expert who has worked with interior designers for more than a decade. She helps designers clarify their positioning, find their voice and attract the clients they actually want to work with. But here's what makes Deb different from most people talking about branding and marketing. Before launching her own business, she worked in-house at a luxury interior design firm, shaping the firm's brand identity and managing client communications. She saw firsthand what attracts premium clients and what helps them trust a designer before that first conversation ever happens. In this episode, we're talking about the gap between the quality of your work and what your brand may actually be communicating. We get into discovery calls, why your portfolio can't do all the talking for you, the pink flags you shouldn't ignore and the trust signals that help potential clients understand your value. And yes, we also get into something I will preach all day long: you're interviewing the client just as much as they're interviewing you. You'll Learn: Why attracting the right client starts before the discovery call What your website and messaging need to communicate that your portfolio can't How to recognize pink, red and green flags when talking with potential clients Why your discovery call should be a two-way interview How trust signals help clients understand your value and feel confident hiring you   Connect with Deb here: Deb's Freebie mentioned in today's episode: https://debmitchellco.kit.com/34e40aabe1 Website: https://debmitchellco.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debmitchellco/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DebMitchellCo/     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@debmitchellco    Mentioned in this episode: Grab Your Free Script Guide here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout 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/communicate-value-interior-designer

Two designers can walk onto the exact same construction project, look at the exact same room, talk to the exact same contractor or trade, and leave noticing completely different things.  So today I want to take you onto a jobsite with me. This is not a checklist or 10 things you should inspect. I want to show you how I actually think when I walk through that door. Because after 32 years, a lot of it is now automatic, and I want to make it less automatic so that you can start doing it on your next site visit.   You'll Learn: What experienced designers look for during each phase of construction Why arriving early and building relationships with trades makes you a better project manager How to spot potential issues and ask questions without putting anyone on the defensive   Mentioned in this episode: Join The Designer's Edge here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers Grab Your Free Script Guide here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout 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/jobsite-tips-for-interior-designers

What happens when you're standing on a jobsite, and someone asks you a question you don't know how to answer? Construction confidence isn't about knowing everything; it's knowing what to do next. Today I share the four-step process I use when construction hands me something new, how to find the right answers, and how to recognize when a question isn't yours to answer at all. You'll Learn: The 4 steps to follow when you don't know the answer on a jobsite. How to know who to turn to for the right answer—and when the decision isn't yours to make. The difference between a healthy professional stretch and truly being in over your head.   Mentioned in this episode: Join The Designer's Edge here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers Grab Your Free Script Guide here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout 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-designers-jobsite-confidence

There's a quiet assumption in the interior design industry that if you spend enough time around construction projects, eventually you'll just "figure it out." And honestly? Most designers do. Project by project. Mistake by mistake. Usually while undercharging, overextending themselves, and absorbing responsibilities they never intentionally agreed to manage. In this episode, I want to talk about something I wish every interior designer understood much earlier in their career: Construction management is not simply an extension of design work. It is a completely different body of work entirely.   We're talking about: the difference between consulting and managing why construction responsibilities quietly "creep in" how profitability disappears project by project why hourly billing often hurts designers more than it protects them the importance of a true scope of work and how better process leads to better pricing, confidence, and projects I also share the idea of "pink flags" — the subtle client behaviors that often tell you far more about how a construction project will unfold than obvious red flags ever will. If you've ever found yourself managing far more than you priced for, questioning your fees, or feeling exhausted by construction projects you thought you understood, this episode is for you.   Mentioned in this episode: Join The Designer's Edge waitlist here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers Grab Your Free Script Guide here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout 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-designers-lose-money-construction-projects

Today's episode is a little different, and honestly, one of my favorites I've done in a while. Instead of teaching a specific construction management strategy, I'm bringing you two honest conversations with designers inside The Designer's Edge. Not polished testimonials. Not highlight reels. Just real conversations about what actually changes when designers start putting better systems, pricing structures, boundaries, and construction management processes into place. You'll hear from Missy Werbrich, whose background in corporate design and outdoor living helped her build incredible transferable skills — but who still found herself dramatically undercharging and looking for a framework that matched the level she was operating at. Find out more about Missy here: Website: https://www.designwithmissy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designwithmissy/ FB:https://www.facebook.com/DesignWithMissy  LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/200803  FB: https://www.facebook.com/Werbrichs  Website: https://www.instagram.com/werbrichs_landscaping/  And you'll hear from Cynthia Lacy, a seasoned designer with decades of experience who realized she had fallen into what she calls "routine without purpose" — and how construction management gave her spark for the business back. Find out more about Cynthia here: Website: https://www.lacyandco.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacyflips/ We talk about: Why so many designers undercharge The difference between scope of work and proposals Trusting your gut on projects Boundaries with contractors and clients Why systems create confidence The reality of managing construction projects And what designers actually need help with behind the scenes If you've ever wondered whether construction management coaching is really worth it, or whether you're "experienced enough already", I think these conversations will answer that better than I ever could myself.   Mentioned in this episode: Join The Designer's Edge waitlist here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers Grab Your Free Script Guide here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout 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/construction-management-coaching-interior-designers

Most exceptional homes aren't created by one professional working alone. They happen when architects and interior designers collaborate well—and that only works when both people understand their role, communicate clearly, and respect each other's expertise. In this episode, I'm breaking down the real dynamics behind successful designer-architect relationships: how projects get set up, where friction usually starts, how to handle disagreements professionally, and why understanding the difference between "outside in" and "inside out" thinking changes everything. Because this relationship isn't about hierarchy. It's about building better projects together.   You'll Learn: Why the best projects happen when both perspectives are fully respected The biggest mistakes designers make in architect relationships Why role clarity early on prevents friction, fee issues, and project delays   Mentioned in this episode: Join The Designer's Edge waitlist here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers Grab Your Free Script Guide here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout 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-designer-architect-collaboration

A construction project can feel like it's running perfectly fine, until suddenly, it isn't. A few missed conversations, an unanswered question, or a decision that quietly gets pushed can create delays that were completely avoidable. In this episode, I'm talking about one simple part of my construction management process that I recently removed from a project…and very quickly brought back. The client's reaction confirmed exactly why I believe it matters so much. If you're managing construction projects and wondering how to create more accountability, better communication, and calmer clients, this one is for you. You'll Learn: Why weekly site meetings prevent avoidable delays and communication breakdowns. The difference between active management and reactive consulting on construction projects. How weekly meetings and Friday updates create accountability, clarity, and client confidence.   Mentioned in this episode: Join The Designer's Edge waitlist here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers Grab Your Free Script Guide here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout 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/weekly-site-meetings-construction-project-management

If you've ever finished a construction project feeling exhausted, overextended, and quietly underpaid, I want you to hear me when I say this: the problem is probably not your efficiency. It's your pricing. In this episode, I'm breaking down one of the biggest mistakes I see interior designers make over and over again — folding construction management into their design fee instead of treating it like the completely separate professional service it actually is. We're talking about what construction management truly includes: site visits, contractor coordination, change orders, real-time problem solving, client communication, project documentation, and the constant availability these projects require from you. Because when you actually sit down and calculate the hours honestly, the undercharging becomes impossible to ignore. I'm also walking you through where this conversation should begin — and spoiler alert, it's not the proposal. It starts on your website, continues through your discovery call, and gets reinforced all the way through your scope of work before you ever present a fee. If construction projects constantly leave you feeling like the math isn't mathing, this episode will help you understand why and how to fix it. You'll learn: Why construction management should always be priced separately from design What designers consistently forget to account for in their fees How to introduce construction management pricing before the proposal stage Mentioned in this episode: Join The Designer's Edge waitlist here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers Grab Your Free Script Guide here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout 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/construction-management-fee-interior-design

What if the thing that sets your design business apart isn't the design itself? In this episode, Renee sits down with Rick Campos of Design Biz Survival Guide to talk about something the design industry doesn't discuss enough: hospitality. Not restaurant hospitality. Human hospitality. The kind that makes clients feel seen, remembered, and emotionally connected to the experience of working with you. Inspired by the book Unreasonable Hospitality, Rick shares how designers can elevate their client experience through thoughtful touchpoints, small moments of surprise, and genuine attention to detail — often without spending much money at all. From custom presentations for clients' children to a private porta potty on a construction site, this conversation is packed with examples of what clients actually remember long after the project is over. If you've ever wondered what truly separates a luxury design experience from everyone else offering beautiful rooms, this episode is for you. You'll learn: Why hospitality matters more than ever in luxury interior design How small client touchpoints create lasting emotional impact The difference between checking a box and creating a memorable experience Find out more about Rick here:  Website: https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/business-coaching-for-interior-designers/  Get an inside look at this year's Design Biz Retreat: https://youtu.be/sz_czKvZ3Wg?si=zkr2K-nN4zqDHXD5   Mentioned in this episode: Join The Designer's Edge waitlist here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers Grab Your Free Script Guide here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara Find the full shownotes at:  https://devignierdesign.com/unreasonable-hospitality-missing-piece

Today, I want to talk about something that every designer faces, sometimes more than once, but we don't talk about it enough. And that is what to do when a client becomes difficult mid-project. Now, I'm not talking about beforehand. Today, I mean after the contract is signed, after the project is underway, after you're already in it.   I want to talk about when the dynamic starts to shift, and you're not quite sure whether to manage through it or to get out.   And then the harder question: how do you know when it's time to actually fire a client? And what does that even look like in practice?   You'll learn: How to recognize the difference between a difficult project and a difficult client. How to reset communication, strengthen documentation, and protect your authority before a relationship reaches the breaking point. Know when walking away is the most professional decision, and how to do it without damaging your reputation or your business. Mentioned in this episode: Join The Designer's Edge waitlist here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers Grab Your Free Script Guide here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout 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/how-to-handle-a-difficult-interior-design-client

If you've ever had a prospective client reach out to you about a construction project, or you're at the beginning of a construction project and you're thinking, okay, I need a contractor. Where do I even start? This episode is for you because finding the right contractor is one of the most important decisions on any construction project. You get it right, and everything that follows is easier. You get it wrong, and no amount of good design or careful documentation or incredibly well-thought-out processes or client communication will fully fix it. So today, I want to walk you through exactly how I approach this, from finding names worth considering all the way through the vetting conversation that tells me whether someone belongs on this project with me or not.   You'll Learn:   Learn the six best places to find trusted contractors—and why Google shouldn't be your starting point. Discover the interview questions that reveal how a contractor really communicates, manages projects, and works with designers. Identify the biggest contractor red flags before they become expensive problems on your job site.   Mentioned in this episode: Join The Designer's Edge waitlist here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers Grab Your Free Script Guide here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout  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/how-to-find-the-right-contractor

AI is changing interior design, but it cannot replace the expertise, judgment, relationships, and real-time problem-solving required on a construction site. Today, I am sharing how AI is disrupting decorating, why construction management remains distinctly human, and how designers can build stronger, more resilient practices around the work technology cannot replicate. You'll Learn: What AI can already do in interior design—and which services may become increasingly difficult to sell on their own.   Why construction management requires human judgment, professional relationships, and real-time problem-solving that AI cannot replace. How to begin building construction knowledge, trade connections, and a more stable interior design practice now.   Mentioned in this episode: Join The Designer's Edge waitlist here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers Grab Your Free Script Guide here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout 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/what-ai-cant-replace-in-interior-design

This week, I'm re-airing one of the highest-listened interviews we've ever done — my conversation with Katie Decker-Erickson, founder of Success by Design. And I'll be honest: when I listened back, it landed completely differently than it did the first time. I was in a different place. I heard different things. That's exactly why good content is worth coming back to.   Katie is a commercial interior designer turned business coach, and she has built her firm on something most designers skip entirely: airtight processes that run in the background so she can focus on the work she actually loves.   We get into scaling — when to do it, when not to, and what has to be in place first. We talk about agility, the myth that more projects equals more profit, and the "lonely work" that no one sees but everyone benefits from.   Whether you're hearing this for the first time or coming back around to it, there is something in this conversation you can put to work today.   You'll learn: Why scaling before your processes are solid usually backfires What agility actually means in a design business — and why rigid processes create paralysis The "lonely work" that positions you for growth before the big clients arrive   Mentioned in this episode: Join The Designer's Edge waitlist 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/business-of-design-power-of-process-katie-decker-erickson