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Today, I’m excited to share my conversation with Meredith Huck. Meredith is the owner and principal designer of House of Huck and a member of my course, Interior Designer’s Guide to Construction Management. House of Huck is a full-service Interior Design firm located in Coastal Connecticut. Their homes are the essence of coastal casual—textured accents, inviting spaces, high-end finishes and timeless furnishings. Their goal is to curate a tranquil and welcoming environment into their client's homes while not sacrificing the beauty within, just as the coast does for us.
I often talk about the members of my course and how valuable our conversations are. So, I wanted to share that type of conversation with each of you.
Meredith and I cover so many different topics in today’s episode, including profitability and how we gauge our profitability. Spoiler alert: it’s not always in dollars and cents! She’s also passionate about running an efficient and organized design business. Bringing her previous career in business forward into her design practice using repeatable processes that benefit not only her but also every project she’s working on.
You can find out more about Meredith and follow her here:
www.instagram.com/houseofhuck
https://www.youtube.com/@houseofhuck/videos
https://www.pinterest.com/houseofhuck/
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/design-processes-personal-freedom
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No one’s mind is more blown than mine that this is my 200th episode! This podcast started out as a Covid adventure, and if you had asked me at the time, would I be 200 episodes in? I honestly would have laughed at you if you’d told me that I would have started a podcast, first of all, and secondly, that I’d still be doing it 200 episodes later.
So many of you are new listeners, so I wanted to reintroduce myself today, who I am, why I am here talking about construction management, and why I think it’s so important for each of you. And to all of you who haven't been along for the ride, I can’t thank you enough. It’s because of all of you, your DMs, emails, and encouragement, that I am 200 episodes in with no end in sight!
Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/200-episodes -
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If you’ve struggled with setting boundaries, then today’s episode is for you!
If you missed last week’s Episode 198, go back and listen to that one first. Today, we are taking the next step in how to establish respect and control of a construction project with the contractor and the client. And that’s all about setting boundaries– right from the start of a project to maintain the control, respect, and confidence you need throughout the entire process! So today you will learn why boundaries matter, how they can actually create more freedom in your work, and how to set and maintain these boundaries from the very first day!
Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsiteFind the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/setting-boundaries
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Today’s topic is something I hear about frequently from designers, so I’m changing things up starting today and will be doing a series on this one topic: How to gain respect and authority on the job site.
In today’s episode, we are starting with mindset and how to shift your mindset from worker bee to becoming a project leader. This isn’t an overnight shift that you will be able to create, but I do know that small shifts in the right direction will be perceived and will shift the perception of your role with the other team members and your clients. And so today, we are digging into how to change your mindset, and what you can start implementing today.
Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/worker-bee-to-project-leader
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An often overlooked component is referral marketing—and I don’t mean just with your current or past clients. You need to start looking beyond them and building specific relationships that will drive construction projects to you and fill your pipeline. So today, we’re going to break down why that’s so important and how to best go about it!
As always, if this episode leaves you with more questions than answers, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or shoot me a dm on social media!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/master-referral-marketing
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Last week, we talked about how you can expand your services by moving into construction management. And I heard from many of you how you found the episode really helpful, so, thank you for reaching out! I always love hearing what resonates with each of you. So today, we are going to expand on that conversation, and I want to walk you through how you can showcase your expertise both in design and construction in social media and throughout your content!
As always, if this episode leaves you with more questions than answers, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or shoot me a dm on social media!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/showcase-your-skills -
There is nothing I love more than hanging out with fellow designers and my recent webinar gave me that opportunity.
What I love about it is realizing the commonalities that we all face - the good and the bad.
One of the things that came up was expanding your decorating business to include construction management. Why that’s important and how to take the first steps. So today, we’re going to break that down!
As always, if this episode leaves you with more questions than answers, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or shoot me a dm on social media!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/expanding-your-services
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Whether you are a new designer or seasoned, there is something to learn from today's conversation with my guest, Rebecca West!
Today, we are going to dig into the marketing messages that we are projecting not only to our clients but to our industry partners. And yes, there are lots of side conversations that are really valuable for you to hear in this episode as well!
Two decades as CEO of Seriously Happy Homes turned Rebecca West into the go-to business coach for residential interior designers who create happy homes for regular people (rather than the wealthy 1%). In 2023 she closed her business and moved to Paris, France. Now she’s here to help you master your marketing message and establish professional practices that’ll keep your clients - and your accountant - Seriously Happy.
You may know Rebecca from the many webinars she’s done with the NKBA and IDS. She’s also been a regular TV guest on New Day Northwest, served as a judge for Best in Show at KBIS, and is on the board of Heritage Design School.
In addition to 1-1 business coaching, Rebecca offers a signature course called “Nail Your Niche” that lays the foundation for becoming the only designer your clients will call. She’s also working on her next book about the “DECIDE” method, a process that helps clients make quick, confident design decisions and keeps our projects on track.
But Rebecca’s not all business—she can’t resist a costume party or a cat video, loves sipping whisky and eating stinky French cheese, and dances tango with her hubby.
Grab Rebecca’s free Nail Your Niche starter kit PLUS direct feedback from me on their niche at https://seriouslyhappy.ck.page/aec00a8bb8
Find out more about Rebecca and follow her Parisian adventures on Instagram at @beseriouslyhappy
Check out her podcast, "Stuff Interior Designers Need to Know.”
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/rebecca-west
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As the name of this podcast states, being the only girl on the jobsite can be difficult, and I know I’ve mentioned the challenges of this before, but I don’t always dive into the topic as much as I’d like to. Well today, we’re diving all the way in!
As always, if this episode leaves you with more questions than answers, please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or shoot me a dm on social media!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/role-of-women-in-construction
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I received the emails I’m sharing in today’s episode from so many designers after they signed up for my upcoming webinar. They were letting me know their issues, concerns, and the top 1—and sometimes 10—problems they’re having with the profitability of their projects.
In today’s episode, I won’t mention names, but you might hear me read yours or hear one you can truly relate to. I know I have related to all of these questions at some point in my career. I want everyone to understand that we are all in this together. There is no judgment. There is no room for shame. We are all learning, and frankly, there just isn’t enough education out there for us on how to build profitable businesses. I hope today’s episode helps, and be sure to sign up for my upcoming webinar, which will give you all the answers to today’s questions in even more detail!
Please join me for my free Webinar, Unlocking Profitability: Pricing Strategies for Interior Designers, on September 12th & 13th at 12:30 pm EST >>>https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/pricing-webinar
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Today, we are talking all things numbers, and I know that may make some of you cringe a little bit, but I have invited my friend Michele Williams on to share on how to unlock profitability in your business and how to master your financials.
Michele Williams is the dynamic owner of Scarlet Thread Consulting and Metrique Solutions, two companies focused on empowering creative professionals to own the financials of their business. With an eye for detail and a passion for innovation, Michele has carved a niche in providing strategic business coaching and financial analytics to help business owners navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.
At Scarlet Thread Consulting, Michele utilizes her extensive experience in finance and business management to offer tailored coaching and mentoring services. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve financial clarity and operational efficiency, enabling them to make informed decisions that drive their businesses forward.
Through Metrique Solutions, Michele offers a unique blend of technology and consultancy, providing cutting-edge software solutions designed specifically for the owners of small business. Her expertise in financial metrics and data analysis empowers her clients to optimize their pricing strategies and enhance profitability.
Michele's commitment to excellence and her unwavering support for her clients have established her as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the design community. Her work not only transforms businesses but also inspires creativity and growth, making her an invaluable asset to the industry.
I am honored that Michele is here to talk with us about the finances that we need to get a hold of in order to establish, maintain, and grow our profitability. Without that, we are stuck in a hobby and not in a business. And while it can be anxiety producing to look at our numbers, listening today will not only help you understand how to look at them but also how to take charge of them!Free download:
Use Coupon code WomanJS for one month free of Metrique Solutions
Grab Michele’s free quiz where you can get a financial health check-up here: https://www.scarletthreadconsulting.com/financial-quiz-landing-page
Find out more about Michele and follow her on social media here:
Instagram: @Scarletthreadatl, & @Metriquesolutions
Facebook: @Scarlet Thread Consulting & @Metrique Solutions
Please join me for my free Webinar, Unlocking Profitability: Pricing Strategies for Interior Designers, on September 12th & 13th at 12:30pm EST >>>https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/pricing-webinar
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We’ve all been in these client meetings where you’ve hopefully asked the client, “Do you have a budget in mind for this project?” Hopefully, they have given this some thought. But here’s the tricky part….
You have no idea what they’re basing that number on or if it’s all they can spend.
A course member reached out to me asking about this issue. She said time and again she is going into these meetings, has bid the whole project out, and then the client starts adding scope of work to the project, and she, rightfully so, is saying, “Whoa, you’re going to blow your budget.” And they say, “Oh, I know. But it’s ok. I want to do more.”
Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. The opposite is also true. You build out to their budget, and they say, “Oh my gosh, no, I cannot spend this kind of money.” And then, you and your team have to start value-engineering the designs that you’ve completed.
Neither of these scenarios would set you up to move forward smoothly with the project or complete the design you created.
Today, I want to share my thoughts on handling these situations and how you can avoid them entirely by educating them on the front end.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/avoid-client-budget-changes
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Today is Part 2 of my interview with Virginia DesRoches. If you missed the first part, Episode 187, I suggest going back and listening to that one first!
Virginia DesRoches and John Foran are the dynamic couple and trailblazing visionaries behind Ironwood Studio, an all-encompassing firm that seamlessly merges construction and interior design along the South Coast of MA. Rooted in strong family values, they have earned a robust reputation for their work in designing, building, and renovating family homes from floor plans to furnishings of extraordinary quality and character.
Drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature, their designs always blend modern and rustic elements, creating a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere ideal for family living. Their dedication to their craft has been recognized in publications such as The Boston Globe, DIY Network, and The Nest.
Virginia emailed me recently about a new build she had just recently completed. Her goal was to share her mistakes, which she calls rookie mistakes, with all the designers listening so they could learn the lessons that she experienced throughout this project.
There was so much value in our conversation that we split it into two episodes! So, today, we are going to dive further into what I call, teachable moments, and she calls rookie mistakes. Everything from understanding what’s in the proposals that the contractors present and do they cover everything to how to manage a project site book, how to develop and present flat fees to a client, and ultimately, how she plans to implement these lessons in her next projects so that she doesn’t make the same mistakes again.
Virginia has free resource for you here: https://www.ironwoodstudio.co/free-resources called "The Ironwood Dream Home Guide Book." It includes everything you need to know when preparing for your New Build.
Find out more about Virginia and follow her on social media here:
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/ironwoodstudio.co/
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-desroches-17192313/
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/rookie-mistakes-part-2 -
I hear everything from designers, from “I estimated 50 hours, and I’m now at 90. I’m totally upside down on my numbers.” to “I have no idea where to start” to “I totally messed this one up, Renee, and I don’t know how I’m going to get out of it.”
If that is you, or you’ve had these pangs of anxiety, you are amongst the many, and this is why I want to talk about his topic today.
I know I’ve discussed pricing in other episodes, but today, I want to discuss the common thread I’m seeing when designers tell me how they priced their projects. If you skip this step or gloss over it, you absolutely can’t build your pricing correctly.
As always if this episode leaves you with more questions than answers please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or shoot me a dm on social media!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/scope-of-work-is-key
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We all make mistakes; I make plenty of them! The entire purpose of this podcast is for designers to learn from the mistakes of others. My guest today is Virginia DesRoches who is here today to talk about some of the rookie mistakes she has made and the lessons she learned from them.
Virginia DesRoches and John Foran are the dynamic couple and trailblazing visionaries behind Ironwood Studio, an all-encompassing firm that seamlessly merges construction and interior design along the South Coast of MA. Rooted in strong family values, they have earned a robust reputation for their work in designing, building, and renovating family homes from floor plans to furnishings of extraordinary quality and character.
Drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature, their designs always blend modern and rustic elements, creating a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere ideal for family living. Their dedication to their craft has been recognized in publications such as The Boston Globe, DIY Network, and The Nest.
When Virginia and I first met in my course, Interior Designers Guide to Construction Management, she shared a large new build she was working on, and couple of weeks ago she emailed me to tell me the job was finished and that while it ended well, she encountered a lot of what she called, rookie mistakes along the way. She thought other designers could also learn from them and wanted to share the high’s and low’s of this project.
The value in what Virginia shares is extensive, and so today is Part 1, where we cover cover setting fee structures, the details in making selections, permitting, and factoring in things often forgotten about, such as weather and then how to best work with new trades on a project.
Virginia has free resource for you here: https://www.ironwoodstudio.co/free-resources called "The Ironwood Dream Home Guide Book." It includes everything you need to know when preparing for your New Build.
Find out more about Virginia and follow her on social media here:
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/ironwoodstudio.co/
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-desroches-17192313/
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/rookie-mistakes-part-1
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It’s already July 30th and I don’t know about all of you but I’m feeling that mid-summer slow down, both the highs and the lows of it. Now is the time when we want to start looking ahead to start planning our fall and winter pipeline projects. So today I want to talk about how to embrace the moment while also preparing for the future if you have a full pipeline of projects and what to do if you don’t.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/planning-for-fall-winter
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If you ever feel a lack of confidence about skills that you definitely have, then today’s episode is for you!!
Last week’s episode (Ep184) was a really important conversation around struggles I know so many designers have about setting boundaries and how they present themselves to contractors, clients, and anyone else in our industry.
A lot of this stems from a lack of confidence and feeling insecure about skills that you definitely have.
This topic definitely hit a nerve with a lot of designers listening to last week’s episode about things you took away from the episode and things you want to work on. In fact, it even came up inside my course's live masterclass on building the best team. So today I want to continue on with this topic on gaining confidence in our skills, setting those important boundaries, and elevating our design expertise!
As always if this episode leaves you with more questions than answers please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or shoot me a dm on social media!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/elevate-your-expertise
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If you want to know how to really master your confidence and build effective, quality relationships with your team members then today’s episode is for you!!
Jeannie Andresen is here today and we dive into how to start building relationships with a new team member, why these relationships are so important, and how to create boundaries when needed and stand in our own value!
Jeannie Andresen is a former corporate director turned business coach who specializes in helping interior designers gain confidence, balance, and profitability in their businesses.
Jeannie’s background includes a decade of experience in corporate America running a recruiting business inside a Fortune 100 finance firm. Her role included directly managing a team of six, indirectly managing a team of 30, and onboarding, training, and coaching sales professionals to develop daily habits of success to reach their business goals.
Jeannie now focuses her business on teaching design professionals the confidence, processes, and boundaries necessary to run an organized, efficient, and profitable design business.
She has been interviewed on prominent design podcasts such as A Well Designed Business and Designed by Wingnut Social, and is an educational partner to Designer Link, an interior design membership community on Chicago’s North Shore.
Find out more about Jeannie and follow her here: Instagram: @jeannieandresen_ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeannieaandresen
Grab her free download here: https://pages.jeannieandresen.com/bulletproofboundaries
If you’re interested in joining my course, you can use my code ‘Masterclass’ to receive $150 off the price. That special discount will expire on July 18th at midnight EST.
If you have questions, feel free to schedule a course discovery call with me by scrolling down to the bottom of the page here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/renovation-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/jeannie-andresen -
Recently, I’ve been hearing rumors about supply chain issues rearing their ugly heads again, and I was too busy to focus on them at the time and certainly didn’t feel it in my day-to-day world. But I came across an article and took the time to do some research on this topic and I want to share the information I found with you and why it is so important for you to continue to lean into your construction management services.
If you’re interested in joining my course, you can use my code ‘Masterclass’ to receive $150 off the price. That special discount will expire on July 18th at midnight EST.
If you have questions, feel free to schedule a course discovery call with me by scrolling down to the bottom of the page here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/renovation-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/supply-chain-issues
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I am a luxury interior designer, construction expert, and industry educator.
That’s my sound bite.
What is your soundbite?
Today, I want to talk about how to develop your own soundbite and why it’s so critical to do so.
After listening to today's episode, I would love to hear your soundbites! Send me an email at [email protected] or shoot me a dm on social media! We are much stronger together, and this is a way we can connect even further!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/your-soundbite
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