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
Ep. 107 The Smarter Way Interior Designers Increase Profit (Without More Clients or Higher Prices)
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In this episode, I’m joined by Heather McManus, founder of The Designers Collaborative, and we’re diving into a conversation that challenges what most designers believe about profitability. Because if you’ve been told the only way to make more money is to raise your rates or take on more clients, I want you to hear this—there’s another way. And it might completely shift how you think about your business.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- Why making more money doesn’t always mean raising your prices
- The real reason designers lose sales (and client trust) when products get shopped online
- How pricing tiers and sourcing structure impact your profitability more than you think
- What a buying collective actually is—and how it can dramatically increase your margins
- The difference between designers who scale and those who stay stuck
- Why systems, not just talent, are what drive long-term success
- How to stay competitive with online pricing without sacrificing your profit
I see so many designers working harder, taking on more projects, and still feeling like the profit just isn’t there. And the truth is, it’s not always a pricing problem—it’s a structure problem. This conversation opens up a completely different way to think about sourcing, margins, and how you actually build a profitable design business without burning yourself out.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated being shopped by your own clients, questioned your pricing, or wondered how other designers seem to make more without doing more, this episode is going to hit home.
Connect with Katie
LinkedIn
Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers
Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm
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