Mastering the Business of Interior Design: Success by Design
As an interior designer, do you find yourself caught between your love for design and the realities of running a profitable business? Whether you're launching your firm or scaling to new heights, the business side of interior design can be complex—and often overwhelming.
That’s where Katie Decker-Erickson comes in. As a business coach for interior designers and the founder of a multimillion-dollar design firm, she knows firsthand what it takes to build a thriving, sustainable business while staying true to your creative vision. With nearly 20 years in the industry and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Katie is actively in the trenches—elevating her own firm while helping other designers master the business of design.
We’ll answer questions like:
How do I get more interior design clients?
What should I charge for interior design services?
What are the best marketing strategies for interior designers?
How can I grow my interior design business?
How do I build a brand as an interior designer?
How can I scale my interior design business?
What systems do I need to run a successful interior design business?
How do I create a client onboarding process for my design firm?
Is it worth hiring a coach for my interior design business?
This show delivers actionable tips on how to grow an interior design business with smart, sustainable strategies. You'll get insights on marketing your interior design services, building a strong brand, streamlining your systems, and scaling your firm—without burning out.
If you're an interior designer, firm owner, or creative entrepreneur ready to build a profitable, passion-filled business, you're in the right place.
Tune in, and let’s grow your interior design business—together.
Mastering the Business of Interior Design: Success by Design
90. Top Questions Every Designer Has About Growing Their Business - And My Answers
Today’s episode is one I’ve been wanting to record for a long time because it’s built entirely around the questions I hear every single week as a business coach. These are the questions that come up in strategy calls, Voxer messages, office hours, and hallway conversations at High Point. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unsure about hiring, confused by your numbers, or stuck relying on referrals, you are not alone — and this episode is for you. I’m walking you through the real answers, not the emotional ones, so you can start making CEO-level decisions in your business.
IN THIS EPISODE, I COVER:
- Why feeling overwhelmed usually isn’t a hiring problem, but a clarity and systems problem
- How to know whether you actually need help — and whether that should be a contractor or a W2 employee
- What your numbers need to tell you before you ever make a hire
- Why relying only on referrals leaves your business vulnerable, especially in changing markets
- What a sustainable, predictable marketing strategy actually looks like for designers
- How to align your financial reality with your goals instead of relying on vision boards alone
- Why pricing is math and positioning, not emotion
- How to know when you’re truly ready to scale
- Why niching isn’t limiting — it’s how premium businesses grow
- How to raise prices without guilt and stop undervaluing your expertise
- Why you can’t “do it all” at once — and how the accordion model allows your business to support your life
If there’s one thing I want you to take away from this episode, it’s this: you cannot reach your goals without understanding your numbers. Every single time. Clarity comes from data, not panic, and confidence comes from knowing what your business can actually support. If you’re ready to take the next strategic step — not the emotional one — I’d love to help. You can book a free 15-minute problem-solving session with me at fixmydesignbiz.com. Your business should work for you, not the other way around.
Connect with Katie
LinkedIn
Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers
Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm
Website
