Design Curious | Interior Design Podcast, Interior Design Career, Interior Design School, Coaching

"Do I need a formal degree in interior design to succeed? What steps should I follow in the design process? Should I add new services like construction management or staging? How do I diversify my offerings while staying true to my brand?" These questions reflect a critical milestone in a designer’s career journey, helping them go from establishing their practice to running a thriving business. In this episode, you will find answers from Michelle Norgren, the founder of Harmony Homes, a successful luxury interior design and construction firm. She shares her inspiring story highlighting how she built her business during the uncertainties of the pandemic and the systems she developed to ensure her team runs like clockwork. She also reveals practical strategies for growing your design business, from using tools like Motion AI to streamline tasks, to hiring the right people to cover your weaknesses. Whether you're just starting or looking to scale up, Michelle’s insights will help you create clear processes, improve client relationships, and achieve your goals. If you’ve been searching for ways to grow your interior design career with confidence and clarity, this episode is for you! Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical, battle-tested advice from an interior design entrepreneur who's been in your shoes. Tune in now! Featured Guest: ⁠Michelle Norgren⁠ is the owner and founder of ⁠Harmony Homes⁠, a luxury interior design and construction firm. With a background in architecture and a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces, Michelle launched Harmony Homes to help clients bring their dream homes to life. Under her leadership, the company has become known for its seamless design-build approach, ensuring every project reflects the firm's ethos, where beauty, space, and functionality harmonize. Michelle's expertise in both design and construction allows her to offer clients a comprehensive, personalized experience from concept to completion. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover how to build an efficient, collaborative team and implement streamlined processes to manage projects effectively Learn expert advice on scaling whether it’s expanding into construction, collaborating with architects, or preparing for new build projects Gain inspiration to turn your creative passion into a thriving, sustainable enterprise Check out the show notes >>> Expert Advice on Building & Scaling Your Interior Design Firm With Confidence NEXT STEPS: Grab your freebies: The Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide Furnishings Investment Guide Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Take a Quiz! Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here.  Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Newbie interior designers often have questions as they start building their careers, balancing creativity with client satisfaction, and running a business effectively. In this episode, I answer questions sent in by listeners over the past couple of months. Some listeners were unsure whether I had covered these topics in previous episodes, and it seems I haven't. I thought it would be a great time to answer some of those questions now. For those starting, these might be the areas you are struggling with right now. I share my tried-and-true methods for success as an interior designer. From mastering the all-in-one proposal presentation to finding trustworthy contractors, my recommendations will help you avoid common design pitfalls and create a seamless experience for your clients. And if you’re struggling to organize yourself with several projects at once, my step-by-step approach will help you stay on track without getting overwhelmed. Don't miss out - listen now and take the next steps towards achieving your design business goals. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover the proven method to present a design proposal that makes clients confidently say “yes” and saves everyone time Develop a plan or strategies for organizing your workflow when juggling multiple projects Learn practical tips on building a network of reliable tradespeople and vendors to support your work Check out the show notes >>> Essential Tips for Interior Designers on Presenting Proposals and Managing Multiple Projects Links Mentioned: Interior Designer Business Starter Kit NEXT STEPS: Grab your freebies: The Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide Furnishings Investment Guide Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Take a Quiz! Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Listen to Related Episode: Episode 105: The Must-Ask Questions for Successful Interior Design Consultations and Projects Episode 103: Project Management 101: Seven Steps to a Stress-Free Interior Design Projects Episode 99: Smart Way to Maximize Profits in Your Interior Design Business: Furniture Sales and Designer Discounts Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here.  Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Interior designers often find managing the financial side of their business challenging because they are primarily focused on creative work rather than financial planning and analysis. Many start their careers with a passion for aesthetics, design, and problem-solving for clients’ spaces, not necessarily for crunching numbers. This makes dealing with finances—like budgeting, pricing, and understanding profit margins—feel less intuitive and sometimes even overwhelming. So if you are an interior designer struggling to manage the financial side of your business and wish you had a trusted advisor to guide you, this episode is for you. Today, I chatted with Michelle Williams, owner of Scarlet Thread Consulting and Metrik Solutions, who specializes in helping designers take control of their numbers. She shares practical ways to read financial statements, price your services, and understand what your numbers really mean. With easy-to-use tools and strategies, she helps business owners make smart financial decisions—whether it's setting prices, hiring, or planning for future growth. Michelle also shares insights on setting up a clear financial strategy and tips on adapting the Profit First method. Don't miss this opportunity to gain the financial confidence and tools you need to take your business to new heights. Tune in now and start owning your numbers! Featured Guest: Michele Williams is the dynamic owner of Scarlet Thread Consulting and Metrique Solutions, two companies focused on empowering creative professionals in the design industry including interior designers, workrooms, and window covering professionals. 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 designers and workrooms navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. 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. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn practical steps to help you understand your numbers and make smart decisions that support your growth Discover how to create a solid strategic plan tailored to your goals Apply the Profit First method to manage your cash flow, pay yourself, and keep your business financially healthy Check out the show notes >>> Master Your Finances: How Interior Designers Can Take Control of Pricing, Planning, and Profit Links Mentioned: Find the books Atomic Habits and Profit First here NEXT STEPS: Grab your freebies: The Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide Furnishings Investment Guide Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Take a Quiz! Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here.  Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

The interior design industry is quite crowded, especially with the rise of online platforms and social media showcasing designers’ work, making the field more visible and accessible than ever. The growth in popularity is fueled by shows on networks like HGTV, DIY resources, and the increase in design-focused social media content, which has inspired many people to pursue interior design as a career. Having said that, how do you stand out in the crowded interior design market? How do you attract your ideal clients and build a thriving, sustainable design business? In this episode, I share my proven strategies to help you set yourself apart from the competition, whether you are just starting or already growing your business. From finding your unique voice to mastering smooth business operations, you will find practical ways to become unforgettable to clients. You will learn why it is essential to show off your personality, create systems that run like clockwork, and deliver the kind of customer service people remember. So don't settle for blending in with the crowd. Discover how to make your interior design services irresistible to your dream clients. Tune in now and start setting yourself apart today! Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Uncover proven strategies to differentiate yourself and stand out in a crowded interior design market Learn how to leverage your unique expertise and adapt to industry innovations to become the go-to designer in your local area Be ready to build a brand that resonates with the clients who want exactly what you offer Check out the show notes >>> 9 Proven Ways to Set Yourself Apart as an Interior Designer and Succeed NEXT STEPS: Grab your freebies: The Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide Furnishings Investment Guide Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Take a Quiz! Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Listen to Related Episode: Episode 68: The Power of Intention: How to Set and Achieve Your Goals for 2024 With Sierra Collins Episode 28: Designing Your Success: Finding the Right Niche in Your Interior Design Career with Yvonne Harty Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here.  Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...