You’re not a furniture store. You’re not a contractor’s free assistant. And you’re definitely not a charity.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into Part 3 of our financially sustainable design business series. This time, we're getting crystal clear about what you really sell, your design time. Discover the one metric that will transform your business, why chasing product sales is a trap, and how to set up your LOAs to finally get paid what you're worth.

Let’s talk about the true key to a million-dollar design business: consistently selling 20 hours of design time per week.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why product sales are not the path to profitability
• How to structure your design process (and LOA) for clarity and confidence
• The 20-hour weekly design time goal that builds 7-figure businesses
• Why fee-based pricing beats hourly billing
• How to handle add-ons, scope creep, and client changes without losing money

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

You’ve priced your design work. You’ve marked up your product. So why does it still feel like you’re working for free?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into Part 2 of our financially sustainable design business series, focusing on boundaries. From endless client emails to last-minute add-ons and ghosting clients who suddenly reappear, this episode will show you exactly how to protect your time, your money, and your sanity with strong, clear boundaries.

In this episode, I cover:

• The biggest time and money leaks in your business
• Why boundaries are essential to long-term profitability
• How to respond to sneaky scope creep
• The “end date” clause every LOA should include
• What to say when a client ghosts you and comes back

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

A beautiful portfolio doesn’t guarantee a profitable business.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m kicking off a multi-part series on building a financially sustainable design business. Today’s focus? Understanding how to separate your design services from product sales, and why clinging to retail vendors and discount pricing is keeping you stuck.

If you want to create a business that pays you consistently, covers your team and tools, and leaves room to grow, this is where you start.

In this episode, I cover:

• What it really means to have a financially sustainable business
• Why designers must separate services from product sales
• The hidden cost of using Pottery Barn and Wayfair
• How vendor discounts work, and how to use them profitably
• Why retail pricing isn’t a problem (it’s your solution)

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What causes design jobs to fall apart? Spoiler alert: it’s rarely the client’s fault.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m walking you through the real reasons design jobs go sideways, and how to prevent them before they start. From clients ghosting your final presentation to never-ending projects with zero profit, I’ll show you how to build structure, communicate expectations, and take the lead from day one.

If you’ve ever found yourself mid-project wondering “How did we end up here?”, this episode is your roadmap to staying in control and getting paid what you're worth.

In this episode, I cover:

• The #1 mistake designers make that leads to job chaos
• What goes into a clear, client-aligned Letter of Agreement
• Why the money talk must happen up front
• How to structure your meetings and set boundaries
• The connection between planning and profit

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Hiring the right team member can transform your business, but hiring the wrong one? It can drain your time, money, and sanity.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing real stories from my own hiring journey, the flops, the fixes, and the eye-opening lessons that helped me build a team that actually supports me. From cheap hires to knee-jerk decisions, interns to untrained assistants, you’ll hear what not to do, and exactly how to prepare for your next great hire.

If you're looking to grow your team the right way, this episode is packed with lessons learned the hard way, so you don’t have to.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why “cheap” help usually costs more in the long run
• The hidden cost of hiring out of desperation
• What tasks to delegate first (and what to keep)
• Why interns and generalists can drag you backward
• The systems that keep a team running smoothly

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What’s the best way to charge for your design work, by the hour, by the square foot, or with flat fees? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down the pros and cons of each method, and revealing why design fees are the real workhorse of your business. You’ll learn how to handle scope creep, price add-ons properly, and present fees that align with how builders and clients think—without giving away your time or undercharging.

This episode is packed with practical advice to help you price confidently and get paid what you’re worth.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why design fees beat hourly billing every time
• When it is okay to bill hourly, and how to do it right
• The pitfalls of square foot pricing and how to avoid them
• How to handle add-on requests without giving your time away
• The #1 pricing strategy that positions you as a pro

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What happens when your dream project finally lands in your lap… but you’re too buried in admin to say yes?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing the story of a designer who landed her absolutely fabulous project, only to realize she couldn’t take it on without radically transforming how her business runs. Sound familiar?

I’ll walk you through how we helped her restructure her team, delegate admin tasks, and reclaim her time, so she could finally step into her next-level design career.

In this episode, I cover:

• The reality behind landing the “dream job”
• What keeps designers stuck in admin overload
• The paradigm shift that unlocks creative freedom
• How one designer freed up 3 full days a week to design again
• The power of structure, systems, and the right kind of help

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Think asking for help makes you look weak? Think again.

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m unpacking one of the biggest mindset traps designers fall into—believing they have to do everything on their own to prove their worth. From raising kids to managing client projects to building a sustainable business, real success comes when you’re willing to reach out and receive the support you need.

I’ll share my personal journey, plus a powerful client story that proves just how quickly things can shift when you stop trying to figure it all out yourself.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness
• How my own journey changed when I stopped trying to do it all alone
• The hidden mindset blocks that hold designers back from support
• A real story of a $55K raise—thanks to one brave ask
• How our programs help you move faster, with clarity and confidence

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What do you do when a contractor goes rogue?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing a real story from one of our Growth Q&A calls, where a new contractor undercut a designer’s pricing, bypassed communication boundaries, and caused major headaches on the job. It’s a cautionary tale, and I’m walking you through exactly how to prevent it from happening to you.

You’ll learn how to set expectations upfront, stay in control of your projects, and protect your income and reputation—even when a “bad contractor” tries to take over.

In this episode, I cover:

• The red flags to watch for when working with new GCs or subs
• How to hold your ground and finish the project without drama
• Why setting expectations before the job starts protects everyone
• What to include in a contractor “statement of work”
• How to regain control and protect your reputation

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are you starting projects without a profit plan, and hoping it all works out?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into the biggest reason designers under-earn: jumping into jobs without clarity on time, money, or scope. If you’ve ever found yourself discounting an invoice or redesigning a project just to meet the client’s “idea” of a budget, this one’s for you.

You’ll learn how to plan for profit before you ever write a letter of agreement, plus how to calculate fees, define deliverables, and set strong boundaries that keep your income intact.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why skipping planning is silently killing your profit
• The simple switch that keeps money from leaking out of your invoices
• What every designer needs to calculate a profitable design fee
• The power of client-approved budgets and clear deliverables
• How the Snapshot program helps you master all of this in just 6 months

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are tariffs, rising costs, or slow-paying clients eating into your design income?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down what it really takes to protect your profits, especially in unpredictable times. From tariff increases on imports to client ghosting and weak pricing strategies, I’m showing you exactly where money leaks from your business and how to plug them.
You’ll learn how to price with clarity, create healthy profit margins, and write solid letters of agreement that protect your time and income, even when the unexpected happens.

In this episode, I cover:

• How new tariff hikes could impact your furniture orders
• What to add to your purchase proposals now
• Why sharing discounts is hurting your business
• The 4 things every profitable job setup must include
• A new 6-month training to help you price and protect every job

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Feeling uncertain about your next move in business—or life?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about how to build unshakable confidence, even when things around you feel unstable. From rising costs and unpredictable markets to self-doubt and hesitation, I’ll show you how to shift from fear into action and clarity.
You’ll learn how to make decisions that move your business forward, attract better opportunities, and keep your profits intact—no shrinking, no discounting, no backing down.

In this episode, I cover:

• The mindset shift that turns uncertainty into opportunity
• Why “shrinking to fit” never works
• How to stop discounting and start leading
• The role of clarity and vision in creating confidence
• How to say yes to new opportunities—even when they look different

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Costs are rising, supply chains are shaky, and AI is changing everything — waiting for “normal” isn’t the answer. Join Teri Taylor on Friday, October 17th at 9 AM PT for a free masterclass to learn how to protect your profits, stay visible, and lead with confidence.

Register now at InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy.com — click the pop-up to save your seat or grab the replay!

Feeling the weight of uncertainty in your design business?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m offering a no-fluff reality check on what’s happening in the design industry—and how to lead your business through it with strength and clarity.

From economic shifts and rising costs to client hesitation and self-doubt, I’m sharing the mindset tools and practical strategies you need to stay visible, profitable, and confident, even when the market feels shaky.

In this episode, I cover:

• How to stop letting fear make your business decisions
• What top designers do when the market gets weird
• The myth that clients “aren’t spending” right now
• Why visibility is your biggest asset in a downturn
• The free masterclass that will show you how to future-proof your business

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What do you do when a client insists on making design choices you can’t stand behind?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing real stories and tough lessons from my early design career, including the moment I decided I’d never again let a client push me into delivering something I couldn’t be proud of.
If you’ve ever felt trapped in a job where the client’s taste goes against your design principles, this episode will help you navigate it with confidence, ethics, and clarity.

In this episode, I cover:

• How to respond when the client insists on “bad” design
• The moment I learned to say “no” and protect my brand
• What to put in your letter of agreement to avoid blame
• How to gracefully back out of a job without burning bridges
• Why honoring your aesthetic is essential to long-term success

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are you struggling to consistently find great clients for your interior design business?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down the real reasons designers struggle with client attraction, and how to turn it around. Whether you think you don’t have time, can’t afford to market, or simply don’t know where to start, I’ve got the mindset shifts and proven strategies you need to get clients in the door.
If you’re tired of relying on luck, waiting for referrals, or feeling like the best-kept secret in your city, this episode will give you the tools to confidently grow your visibility and your business.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why “I don’t have time to market” is a mindset trap
• The real difference between marketing and advertising
• How to network without sounding salesy
• What to say when someone asks you for free design advice
• How to re-engage past clients and become referral-worthy

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are endless client revisions derailing your design projects?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing how boundary issues and a lack of Systems are at the root of most revision chaos. I’ll walk you through a real story of a talented kitchen designer whose client just kept changing her mind—and how it all could have been avoided with the right structure in place.
If you’ve ever been trapped in revision after revision, struggling to say no or draw the line, this episode will show you exactly what to say, when to say it, and how to protect your time (and profit).

In this episode, I cover:

• Why revisions go off the rails
• How to stop resenting your clients
• The boundary script that makes you look generous and professional
• How to handle “one more little change” without giving your time away
• Why revisions need to be limited in your letter of agreement

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Do you feel like you're always putting out fires in your design business?
In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m showing you how Systems create freedom—not restriction. By treating every task like a one-off event, you end up stressed, overworked, and overwhelmed. But when you put repeatable processes in place, everything changes.
I’ll walk you through the mindset shift required to embrace Systems, explain what Systems really are (hint: you’re already using them in your daily life!), and reveal how to offload work to your team while still maintaining creative control.
If you’re ready to step out of burnout mode and build a business that runs with more ease, this episode is your roadmap.

In this episode, I cover:

• What a “Systems mindset” actually means
• The difference between structure and rigidity
• The 4-phase design process you can apply to every job
• Why you don’t have to do it all yourself
• How Systems let you delegate while still delivering your signature quality

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are you saying “yes” to small design jobs just to be nice—or to avoid a slow season?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into the real cost of people pleasing and how it undermines your time, energy, and business growth. Whether you’re helping a past client with a hallway light or hustling through low-paying work out of fear, these yeses are likely blocking you from the bigger jobs you really want.

I’ll show you how to shift your mindset, set a strong minimum fee boundary, and stop letting guilt or fear run your business.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by tiny jobs or pressured to take work that doesn’t serve you, this episode will help you take back control.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why people pleasing blocks profitable opportunities
• The mindset trap of “I should help”
• How small jobs sabotage big ones
• How to implement a minimum design fee boundary
• What to say when a past client asks for “just a quick thing”

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are you giving away your time and talent in the name of overdelivering?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, we’re digging into a sneaky habit that’s hurting your profitability—overdelivering to clients. Whether it’s showing too many design options, re-researching selections, or trying to “earn” your fees after the fact, these actions can backfire and actually lower your perceived value.
I’ll show you how to set respectful boundaries, build trust, and get paid what you’re worth—without burning out.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing too much for too little in return, this episode is your roadmap to reclaim your time, energy, and income.

In this episode, I cover:

• The hidden cost of overdelivering at the concept stage
• How your money mindset might be sabotaging your boundaries
• The truth about client “choice addiction”
• What happens when you don’t stand behind your letter of agreement
• The small conversation that leads to big respect

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are you constantly working evenings and weekends—only to feel like you’re barely keeping up?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, we’re diving into the real reason your schedule feels out of control: poor boundaries around your time. Terri Taylor shares why time—not money—is your most valuable asset, and how reclaiming it is the first step toward a balanced, thriving design business.

If you’re tired of feeling stretched thin and want to get your evenings (and your peace of mind) back, this episode is for you. You’ll learn actionable strategies for honoring your time, setting boundaries with clients, and staying on track with your goals—without guilt.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why time is more valuable than money—and how to protect it
• How to spot “time leaks” that drain your energy and profit
• Client behaviors that hijack your calendar (and how to stop them)
• A simple hack to keep sourcing decisions from spiraling
• Why saying “no” is a powerful business strategy

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Do you struggle with billing your design services—or even asking to be paid at all?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving deep into why charging what you're worth is so hard—and what to do about it. From emotional blocks to inherited beliefs, this issue is more than a numbers problem. It’s about boundaries, mindset, and reclaiming your value as a design professional.

If you've ever overdelivered without billing for it, or felt paralyzed when it's time to send an invoice, this episode will show you a new way forward. I’ll share practical insights and real-world strategies for transforming your billing process—and your self-worth.

In this episode, I cover:

• The emotional and historical roots of undercharging
• Why designers consistently overdeliver (and don’t get paid for it)
• How to stop self-sabotaging your invoices
• A proven “hack” to simplify pricing and eliminate billing guilt

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Are you unknowingly leaking money in your design business?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m diving into the five biggest ways interior designers leave money on the table—and how to stop it. From underbidding jobs to misusing retail vendors and clinging to hourly billing, we’ll explore common money mistakes and the mindset shifts you need to run a truly profitable design business.

If you've ever found yourself working overtime with little to show for it, struggling with product margins, or hesitating to set proper fees, this episode is for you. Learn how to plug the leaks and design a business that pays you what you’re worth.

In this episode, I cover:

• The #1 reason your margins keep disappearing (and how to fix it)
• The budgeting mistake that almost guarantees a re-do
• How retail vendors sabotage your profits
• The truth about hourly billing and why it’s costing you
• What your money mindset has to do with it all

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

What if I told you your client’s budget probably isn’t real?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m breaking down the truth behind client budgets—and why taking them at face value can lead to disaster. You’ll learn how to avoid the “design trap,” stop underquoting yourself, and lead with confidence (and real numbers).

If you’ve ever been caught in the middle of a project where the budget didn’t match the scope—or worse, where you became the “bad guy” for costing too much—this episode will change the way you do business.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why most client budgets are just guesses (and what to do instead)
• The costly trap of selling too early
• How to talk about money with confidence
• A better way to scope projects and protect your time
• Why Phase One Agreements save you time, stress, and money

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Even the best clients can turn difficult—and when they do, it’s often unexpected, confusing, and emotionally exhausting. In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m sharing real-world experiences and powerful tools to help you navigate client challenges with grace, confidence, and strong professional boundaries.

You’ll learn how to spot red flags early, how to protect your time and energy, and why holding firm to your systems and agreements isn’t just good business—it’s essential for your wellbeing.

If you’ve ever struggled with indecisive clients, passive-aggressive couples, or late-night panic calls about backorders, this episode is your toolkit.

In this episode, I cover:

• How to recognize and respond to emotionally charged clients
• The importance of boundaries and clear contracts
• Scripts and strategies to de-escalate drama
• Why standing firm earns you more respect (and better clients)

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

Do you second-guess your skills—even after landing an amazing client or completing a successful project?

In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, we’re diving deep into the difference between true confidence and imposter syndrome. Terri Taylor reveals how imposter thoughts sneak into even the most experienced designer’s mind and what to do when perfectionism, self-doubt, or over-delivery start taking the wheel.

From identifying the “superhero” and “natural genius” mindset traps to practical strategies for shifting your thoughts and building authentic confidence, this episode is packed with real talk and proven tools.

In this episode, I cover:

• The five imposter syndrome archetypes—and how to recognize them
• How to rewire your thought patterns and retrain your brain
• Why journaling your wins is more powerful than you think
• The real reason perfectionism backfires (and what to do instead)
• A simple visualization practice that builds unstoppable confidence

Show notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy
Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy