Designed for the Creative Mind™

Hiring feels like a milestone—but what happens after you bring someone on is where the real work begins.
In this episode, Michelle sits down with Erika Bonnell, Melissa Lee, and Ruth Ann Jansen for an honest conversation about what it actually looks like to grow a team inside a design firm. From hiring the wrong role to realizing leadership is a learned skill, this conversation pulls back the curtain on scaling a business in a way that's both profitable and sustainable.
If you've ever thought, "I just need to hire someone and everything will feel easier," this episode will give you a much more grounded (and useful) perspective.
What You'll Learn
Why hiring doesn't automatically fix overwhelm
The biggest misconception designers have about growing a team
How to determine who you actually need to hire (hint: it's often not a junior designer)
The difference between managing people vs. leading them
Why more team members ≠ more profit
How to think about scaling based on your desired lifestyle, not industry expectations
When to hire vs. outsource vs. use contractors (1099s)
What roles actually "move the needle" in a design firm
Why operations hires are often the most impactful
How to measure if a team member is truly contributing financially
The role AI is starting to play in design firms (and hiring decisions)
Why tracking time is critical—even if you charge flat fees
How to avoid costly hiring mistakes
Key Takeaways
1. You might be hiring the wrong role. Many designers think they need a junior designer—but what they actually need is administrative or operational support.
2. Hiring creates new problems (not just solutions). Managing people, training, and leadership all require time and energy—often more than expected.
3. Smaller teams can be more profitable. Scaling down doesn't mean failure. It can mean better margins, less stress, and more intentional growth.
4. Operations support is often the biggest game-changer. Getting procurement, invoicing, and admin off your plate frees you up to design and generate revenue.
5. Hire for values, not just skill. Skills can be taught. Cultural fit and alignment are what make team members stay and thrive.
6. Not every season requires full-time hires. Contractors, freelancers, and outsourcing can reduce risk and increase flexibility.
7. You need financial clarity before hiring. Understand how a role contributes to revenue—or how it frees you up to generate more.
8. AI is shifting how firms operate. From client communication to renderings to internal systems, AI is reducing admin load—but requires intentional implementation.
9. Time tracking is non-negotiable. Even experienced firms are surprised by how long projects actually take—and that data is critical for pricing.
10. Business first, always. You can care deeply about your team—but not at the expense of the health of your business.
Notable Quotes
"Hiring someone does not automatically fix the overwhelm."
"Sometimes you don't actually need the role you think you need."
"Smaller does not mean less profitable."
"People don't follow managers. They follow leaders."
"Find your zone of genius—and build around it."
"Nobody will care about your business as much as you do."
Practical Next Steps
If you're wondering whether it's time to hire:
List out everything you want off your plate
Identify patterns (admin vs. design vs. operations)
Decide what actually drives revenue
Run the numbers before hiring
Consider outsourcing before committing to full-time
Final Advice from the Panel
Erika Bonnell - Erika Bonnell Interiors https://erikabonnell.com/ Hire to free up revenue-generating time—and let go quickly if it's not workingt
Melissa Lee - New South Home Interiors https://www.newsouthhome.com/ Align hires with your long-term vision and strengths
Ruth Ann - The Dove Agency https://www.thedoveagency.com/: Scope the role clearly and track profitability from day one
Closing Thought
There is no one "right" way to build a team. The best business model is the one that supports your goals, your lifestyle, and your definition of success.

Furnishings should be one of the most profitable parts of your interior design business—but for many designers, it feels like the exact opposite.
In this episode, Michelle pulls back the curtain on what's really happening behind the scenes with furniture and procurement. From underpriced markups to disorganized systems and hidden time drains, she breaks down why your margins might look fine on paper… but still leave you feeling overwhelmed and underpaid.
If procurement feels like it's running you instead of supporting your business, this conversation will help you rethink your pricing, your process, and your role as a designer.
 
What You'll Learn
Why furnishings are not a transaction—but a full process

The biggest mistake designers make when pricing furniture

What's actually included in procurement (hint: it's a LOT more than you think)

Why a 30% markup is outdated—and what to consider instead

How underpricing happens gradually (even when you think you're doing it right)

The hidden cost of disorganized systems and double entry

Why raising your markup alone won't fix profitability

How to shift from "order taker" to trusted expert

The power of presenting a complete design vs. individual pieces

Two common patterns designers fall into (and how to break them)

 
Key Takeaways
1. Procurement is a Process, Not a Line Item
Sourcing, quoting, ordering, tracking, receiving, managing damages, and client communication—procurement includes far more than just buying furniture.
2. Your Markup Must Reflect Reality
If you're still using cost-plus 30%, you're likely undercharging. Your pricing should account for your time, expertise, and responsibility—not just the product.
3. Disorganization is Expensive
Spreadsheets, inbox tracking, and disconnected systems create inefficiencies, errors, and unnecessary labor costs.
4. You're Not a Personal Shopper
Presenting one item at a time positions you as a vendor. Presenting a full design positions you as the expert.
5. Profit Comes from Structure + Pricing
You can't fix a broken process with higher prices. Real profitability happens when your systems and pricing work together.
 
Signs Your Procurement Process Needs Work
You feel constantly "on" managing orders and updates

You're tracking items in your inbox, head, or spreadsheets

Projects feel chaotic behind the scenes

Your profit doesn't match the effort you're putting in

You avoid furnishings altogether to reduce stress

 
Michelle's Perspective
There's no single "right" pricing model—but there is a wrong one:
Any structure that doesn't properly compensate you for your time, energy, and responsibility

Minimum suggested markup on wholesale furnishings: 75%+

Procurement, when structured correctly, becomes a scalable and repeatable profit center

 
Tools & Resources Mentioned
Profit Mixer – A project management and financial system designed specifically for interior designers
Combines procurement tracking + financial data

Eliminates double entry between systems

Provides real-time visibility into project profitability

16-Step Project Management Framework
Michelle's complete process from client inquiry to project completion

Coaching Options
VIP Intensives

90-Day Advisory

Learn more at: thedesignbakehouse.com/coaching

Coming Next Week
Michelle shares a special panel conversation from High Point Market on:
Hiring for Profit (Not Just Growth)
You'll learn:
What it actually costs to hire

How to know if a hire supports revenue

Lessons learned (the hard way) from experienced design firm owners

Construction projects often look like the most profitable work in an interior design business—but behind the scenes, they're where many designers are the most underpaid.
In this episode, Michelle breaks down the hidden disconnect between what designers charge and what construction projects actually require. From the constant decision-making to the mental load that never turns off, she reveals why traditional pricing models fall short—and what needs to shift.
If you've ever felt busy, overwhelmed, or undercompensated during a renovation or new build, this episode will help you understand why—and what to do about it.
What You'll Learn
Why construction projects feel profitable—but often aren't
The hidden responsibilities designers take on during construction
The difference between renovation (reactive) vs. new build (proactive) projects
Where pricing structures typically break down
The real cost of underpricing construction administration
How "emotional pricing" quietly hurts your business
Why raising your prices alone won't fix the problem
What it actually means to align your pricing with your role
Key Takeaways
Construction projects don't just scale in size—they scale in responsibility. As the project grows, so does your mental load, decision-making, and ongoing involvement.
Renovations and new builds are not the same.
Renovations = reactive, unpredictable, fast decision-making
New builds = proactive, structured, vision-driven
You're not just designing—you're leading. During construction, you become the interpreter, problem-solver, and decision-maker for everyone involved.
Flat fees often fail mid-project. What felt like a solid number at the beginning rarely reflects the true scope as the project evolves.
Construction administration is not a "small add-on." It's a major, time-consuming, high-responsibility phase that deserves its own pricing structure.
If your structure is broken, raising prices won't fix it. You'll just charge more for the same exhausting experience.
Common Pricing Mistakes
Pricing based on initial scope without accounting for project evolution
Underestimating time, interruptions, and mental energy
Including construction administration inside the design fee
Making pricing decisions based on what feels "comfortable"
Keeping fees fixed even as responsibilities expand
Mindset Shift
Stop asking: "What feels fair?"
Start asking: "What does this role actually require of me?"
Because strong pricing isn't about feelings—it's about alignment between your responsibility and your compensation.
What to Do Instead
Separate design and construction phases clearly
Define and charge for construction administration
Build structure and boundaries into your process
Track your time and analyze where your effort is going
Price based on responsibility—not just deliverables
Final Thought
Construction projects aren't just bigger—they're heavier. And when your pricing finally reflects that, everything changes: your profitability, your energy, and your life outside the business.
What's Next
Next week's episode dives into furnishings and decorating pricing—and where designers are leaving even more money on the table.
Share the Episode
Know a designer who's deep in construction projects and feeling stretched thin? Share this episode with them—it might be exactly what they need to hear.


Resources Mentioned
Design Revenue Audit
A diagnostic deep dive into the financial structure of your design firm, including pricing, procurement, and operational profitability.
90-Day Advisory
Private strategic advisory focused on restructuring the revenue side of your design business.
VIP Intensive
A focused strategy session designed to map out the most efficient path toward a more profitable firm.
Learn more at:
TheDesignBakehouse.com

What if the reason your inquiries aren't turning into clients has nothing to do with your talent… and everything to do with what happens in between?
In this episode, Michelle Lynne breaks down the exact gap most interior designers don't realize they have: the missing sales process between inquiry and signature.
Through real stories from her own business, she shares how "being easy to work with" was actually costing her clients, confidence, and contracts. From over-delivering on discovery calls to second-guessing every follow-up, Michelle walks you through what it really looks like when there's no system in place—and how everything changes when there is.
This episode will help you understand why clarity creates conversions, how to lead client conversations without feeling salesy, and why your sales process is not just about closing—but about protecting your business from the wrong clients.
If you've ever had a "this felt like a yes… so why didn't they sign?" moment—this one is for you.
 
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
- Why conversations that feel good in the moment don't always convert
- The real reason clients "need to think about it"
- How over-explaining and over-giving creates confusion (not trust)
- Why "being nice" can actually cost you the sale
- The difference between reacting vs. leading on client calls
- How a sales process creates confidence—for both you and your client
- Why clarity is the most powerful sales tool you have
- How a structured process filters out the wrong clients before they ever sign
- The hidden cost of letting the wrong clients into your business
- Why every part of your business needs a process—especially sales
 
Key Takeaways:
You don't need to become someone you're not to sell well.
You don't need scripts that feel stiff or tactics that feel pushy.
But you do need a clear, repeatable process that guides your clients from inquiry to decision.
Because without it, you're not leading—you're reacting.
And when you're reacting, your business becomes inconsistent, unpredictable, and harder to grow.
A strong sales process doesn't just help you close the right clients.
It protects you from the wrong ones.
And that changes everything.
 
Mentioned in This Episode:
 
Design Revenue Audit 
https://thedesignbakehouse.com/design-revenue-audit
 
Private Coaching 
https://thedesignbakehouse.com/private-coaching
 
Follow Along:
 
Instagram 
https://www.instagram.com/thedesignbakehouse/
 
If This Episode Resonated:
 
Take five minutes today and map out your current sales process.
 
What happens when someone inquires?
 
What is the next step?
 
And the next?
 
And the next?
 
Because this part of your business is too important to wing.

The Client Red Flags Costing Designers Thousands (And How to Catch Them Early)
Designed for the Creative Mind Podcast


You can have incredible talent, a full calendar, and stunning projects—and still feel like your business is harder than it should be.
In this episode of Design for the Creative Mind, we're diving into one of the most overlooked reasons interior designers struggle with profitability and burnout: saying yes to the wrong clients.
Because the truth is, not every client is an opportunity. Some are a liability.
And the real problem? Most designers don't realize it until they're already deep into the project.
Michelle shares real client stories and hard-earned lessons from her own firm to help you recognize red flags earlier, protect your time and energy, and build a design business that actually works for you—not against you.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
Why being a talented designer doesn't automatically make you a profitable business owner
The hidden costs of the "wrong" client (that don't show up on an invoice)
How early-stage client decisions impact your entire project—and your capacity
The difference between trusting your gut vs. relying on a structured sales process
Why your client selection process is just as important as your pricing or marketing
Key Takeaways
1. Not every client is the right client Early in your business, every project feels like a win. But as you grow, discernment becomes critical. Some clients will cost you more in time, energy, and stress than they're worth financially.
2. Misalignment shows up early—if you know where to look From budget disconnects to decision-making habits, your sales process should help you identify red flags before the contract is signed.
3. Budget vs. vision misalignment is not a sourcing problem—it's a clarity problem Trying to "make it work" for a client with champagne taste and a beer budget only creates friction, revisions, and distrust later.
4. Decision paralysis slows everything down A client who struggles to make decisions early in the process will continue that pattern throughout the project—impacting timelines, team capacity, and overall momentum.
5. Procurement needs clear boundaries When clients are involved in sourcing and purchasing, it creates confusion, delays, and lack of accountability—ultimately affecting your ability to deliver results.
6. Boundaries must be process-driven, not personality-driven Being "always available" doesn't make you a better designer—it creates unsustainable expectations. Clear communication standards should be built into your process.
7. Process creates predictability When you rely on emotion, your business feels inconsistent. When you rely on process, your business becomes stable, scalable, and easier to manage.
Red Flags to Watch for During Your Sales Process
Clients whose budget doesn't align with their expectations
Indecisiveness or hesitation in early conversations
Resistance to your guidance or expertise
Desire to self-source or "price check" everything
Early boundary testing (frequent texts, off-hours communication, etc.)
Action Steps
Review your current sales process—do you actually have one?
Identify where you can better screen for client fit before signing
Define clear boundaries around communication and procurement
Pay attention to early behaviors—they rarely change later
Start treating client selection as a core business skill
Resources Mentioned
Design Revenue Audit
A diagnostic deep dive into the financial structure of your design firm, including pricing, procurement, and operational profitability.
90-Day Advisory
Private strategic advisory focused on restructuring the revenue side of your design business.
VIP Intensive
A focused strategy session designed to map out the most efficient path toward a more profitable firm.
Learn more at:
TheDesignBakehouse.com
What's Next
In the next episode, we're continuing the conversation on profitability by breaking down why so many interior designers are underpricing their services—and how to start correcting it.