Only Girl On The Jobsite: Recent Episodes
Renee Biery
Add-on’s, renovations, and new construction homes can seem intimidating to take on. How do you even get started? How do you find and manage contractors? What surprises should you anticipate coming up? How long do these things take?
In this podcast, you will learn all that and so much more! I’m Renee Biery, your host at Only Girl On The Jobsite. I love empowering women to take on their home projects both large and small. I am sharing with you my experiences working on the Jobsite for the past 27 years. I hope that with my help you will be able to avoid the mistakes I’ve seen in the past and your projects will turn out as smooth and successful as possible. Learn more at https://devignierdesign.com/
If your schedule is feeling tight, or your fall is filling up way faster than you’d like or feeling pressure to take on just one more project, then today’s episode is for you!
Scheduling can have an impact on the success of your projects, the health of your business, as well as your sanity. It’s all about scheduling, no matter how experienced you are or how many systems you have in place. And how you handle it and lead your clients through it, how you protect your calendar, that is where the real skills lie.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/busy-booked-burned-out
There is a powerful, yet overlooked question that you should ask yourself every time you start developing a proposal for your client: “So what?” Whether you’re listing deliverables, defining construction roles, or setting your fees, this question forces you to clarify the purpose, value, and outcome of every line in your scope. If you've ever had a client question why you’re needed on site—or why your fee is what it is—this episode is for you. Learn how to build trust, eliminate confusion, and finally land the jobs you want.
Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/one-question-to-transform-proposals
I often talk about the importance of industry partnerships for growing your business and keeping your project pipeline full. But today, I want to take that conversation deeper.
In this episode, I’m sharing how truly powerful these relationships can be — not just for business development, but for your own growth as a designer and leader. From managing construction with confidence to navigating complex projects, the right partnerships—built on respect, clear communication, and transparency—can completely elevate your experience and outcomes.
I'll also share a personal story about a contractor who became one of the most trusted collaborators of my career — and why partnerships like his are rare but absolutely worth seeking.
Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/collaborators-you-dont-forget
Today’s topic hits home for so many designers. It honestly doesn’t matter if you’re new to construction or you’ve been around for years. Today, we’re talking all about confidence, and specifically that gap between experience and confidence. This seems to trip up so many designers, and the two don’t always go hand in hand.
Confidence is not performative; it is built. And you absolutely have the ability to build that confidence to create more profitable projects that bring you joy.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/confidence-and-experience
Today’s topic is another one that I don’t think gets enough coverage or attention, and that’s what happens after you get your contract signed. We focus a lot on getting the signed contract, which makes sense because without it, you wouldn’t be getting to this step. But I want to cover what you do after the client hires you.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/you-got-the-job-now-lead-it
This wasn’t my plan. This wasn’t even close to my plan. I never set out to build a course, I never set out to be a podcaster. I certainly didn't imagine I’d be coaching designers or building a program like The Designers Edge. But somewhere along the way, I realized that every experience I’ve had, ever woman I worked for and the lessons I learned on their job sites, the lessons I learned on my own job sites as the owner of my own firm and every coverseation I’ve had with a fellow designer was all leading to here. So in today’s episode, I’m sharing the full story - how it started, what changed everything for me, and why this next chapter is about delivering something deeper, more transformational, more supportive than ever before.
Join The Designer's Edge here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/wasnt-the-plan-but-became-the-purpose
Today, I want to discuss the elephant in the room - and that is the economic unease that we’re all feeling, and particularly, how it’s impacting our industry. We’re going to talk about what’s behind the economic unease and how it is impacting both the construction and decorating worlds differently. It’s not just about the rising tariffs, it’s about who the buyer is that you are targeting.
I’ve been in this industry long enough to have weathered storms like this before, so I want to reassure each of you that there are ways to protect your businesses, your profits, and your bottom line, so that you can come out strong on the other side.
Join my upcoming workshop, How to Price Construction Projects When You’re More Than Just the Designer: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/pricing
Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/the-projects-are-out-there
Today, we’re going to have a little bit of a wreckoning from something I hear all the time from designers, and it starts something like, “Renee, I use square footage pricing to develop my fees for construction management.” Or, sometimes it’s a tiered flat fee, or per number room, or a percentage. While I'm not here to tell you that pricing formulas don’t ever work, I am here to tell you this: the formulas you are using for your decorating projects are holding you back and underpricing you for construction.
If you’ve ever gotten to the end of a construction project and wondered where your time and, therefore, profit went, today’s episode is for you.
Join my upcoming workshop, How to Price Construction Projects When You’re More Than Just the Designer: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/pricing
Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/formula-thats-failing-designers
If you’ve ever skipped billing for a “quick” call or job site decision, this episode is your wake-up call! In today’s episode, you’ll see how those small moments of expertise carry massive value—and why it’s time to stop giving them away for free. Learn to protect your time, price your worth, and set clear boundaries on every project, and get ready to take some notes!
Join my upcoming workshop, How to Price Construction Projects When You’re More Than Just the Designer: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/pricing
Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/10-minutes-of-magic-isnt-free
Today we’re going to talk about something that quietly chips away at your profits, your confidence, and your sanity on construction projects, and that is your unclear role, which affects your bottom line.
Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/doing-it-all-getting-paid-for-half
Today’s episode is a really special one. I am joined by Mercedes G Quintanilla, a designer who completed every single lesson inside my course, The Interior Designer's Guide to Construction Management.
I actually offered an incentive for the first time for members inside the course, who completed it in its entirety, and Mercedes dove in headfirst. She not only went through the whole curriculum from start to finish, but she’s now going back through it, to catch all of the, what she calls, nuggets. And here’s why that’s so powerful: it’s easy to cherry-pick content to solve an immediate problem on your plate, and sometimes that is exactly what you need. But when it comes to construction management, understanding how a project unfolds, phase by phase, and your role in each phase, that’s what’s going to help you avoid the headaches before they hit. The flow does matter. The foundation matters. And Mercedes does get that.
Mercedes G Quintanilla is an accomplished Designer originally from El Salvador, who has cultivated a rich career blending interior design and architecture. She holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and a master’s degree in architecture from Boston Architectural College.
In 2013, after navigating the challenges of the economic downturn, she ventured into real estate investment, got her license, and founded Atlanta Investing Properties LLC, specializing in flipping residential properties that required significant transformation. This hands-on experience in project management has equipped her with invaluable skills for overseeing complex design projects and renovations, as well as managing intricate real estate transaction paperwork.
After a rewarding journey in real estate, Mercedes returned to her true passion—design—in 2016, while continuing to manage real estate renovations on the side. As her real estate, remodeling, and design work deepened, particularly in residential and workspace design, Atlanta Investing Properties LLC naturally evolved into a design studio. Today, she blends her expertise with her design skills to craft unique spaces that nourish the soul and elevate well-being
Even with her background as a trained architect, her experience she recognized that there were gaps in how she approached her projects, in particular residential projects.
In today's episode, you'll hear about the areas of my course, The Interior Designers Guide to Construction Management, that surprised her, ones that challenged her, and ones that gave her the structure that she needed to take her business to the next level.
You can find out more about Mercedes and follow her on Instagram here:
https://mercedesquintanilla.com
https://www.instagram.com/_mercedes.quintanilla
Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/what-you-still-need
Today we are talking all about leadership. I know this is a skill you’ve mastered in your decorating projects and it is one you can translate many of the same aspects into construction. In today’s episode, I’m breaking this down so you can start leaning into it today.
Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/how-to-use-your-leadership
Picture this, you’re on a construction site, all sorts of hell is breaking loose, you’re scrambling for answers, and you’re also thinking, ‘Oh my god, why didn’t I see this coming?’ If this feels like you, today’s episode is for you!
Today you’ll learn why building your knowledge before the problems start is the only path to confident and profitable projects and why cherry-picking info in crisis mode just won’t cut it.
Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/build-your-foundation
Today, I want to talk about construction projects from a holistic birds-eye view because the reality is that construction projects are hard, and I don’t think I talk enough about the fact that they are challenging and sometimes can come with a steep learning curve.
I know there are more designers than not on construction projects, and I see designers every day diving in, determined to figure it out as they go. That’s who we are - we make things work. And while I know that resourcefulness is incredible and gets us so far in our business, it does have limitations and so today, I want to break this down in order to lift up our industry and set ourselves apart while we’re managing construction projects
Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/missing-support-for-designers-managing-construction
If you're ready to take your business to the next level, today's episode is for you! I am so excited to have my friend Katie Decker-Erickson on today's episode!
Katie began her career in commercial color consulting as a part-time passion project in 2007. Color Works, has grown into a multi-million dollar commercial design company, currently operating in over 20 states nationwide, with a fully remote team of more than a dozen individuals. Katie is known for her business acumen (having grown her interior design firm 1500% in a single year).
As a business coach for interior designers, 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 through her coaching.
In her podcast, "Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design" she helps interior designers bridge the gap between creativity and entrepreneurship. Katie shares real-world insights, actionable strategies, and candid conversations to help you streamline your operations, increase profitability, and build a business that works for you—not the other way around.
She has a passion for teaching others (with 18 years teaching graduate & undergraduate university courses), devotion to her two young daughters, and commitment to women’s empowerment both personally and professionally.
Today, we’re diving into when and how to scale your business, the power of process-driven success, and why agility is your greatest asset as an entrepreneur. Enjoy!
Mentioned in this episode: Rules of the Red Rubber Ball: Find and Sustain Your Life's Work
Find out more about Katie here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deckerkatie/
https://www.instagram.com/successbydesign_coach_podcast/
https://www.facebook.com/successbydesigncoachpodcast
Check out her free resources here: https://successbydesign.coach/free-resources
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/business-of-design-power-of-process
Today, we are bringing back a listener favorite from Season 5, Episode 177. Charging What You're Worth in Interior Design
We talked about the difference is between a hobby and a profession and how it can simply be boiled down to making money. So many designers undervalue their services and have anxiety about marking up procurements on construction projects, and this was a top downloaded episode, so I wanted to bring it back for all of those who may have missed it and as a refresher for those that did hear it!
After listening to today’s episode, I hope it gives you some new insight and inspiration, as well as hopefully a few actionable steps you can start taking today. Don’t wait to change your money mindset issues and boost your security, knowing your value and worth in ways that you can start charging for immediately!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/listener-favorite-charging-your-worth
If you have been looking for that one perfect solution in your business - that one right way to be successful in your business, then today’s episode is for you!
Today, I want to dispel the myth that there is only one right way, one successful way of running your projects and your business when that just isn’t the case and how flexibility is the key to success!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/flexibility-is-key-to-success
If you’re finding your designs are constantly being questioned or dismissed, then today’s episode is for you!
On any given day, interior designs have a lot to keep track of. Most of us are self-employed so we are not just working in our business, we’re working on our business. So today, I want to tackle something that will truly set you apart but is so often overlooked because we are so overwhelmed with everything else. But I want to highlight how important this is to add to our ever-growing to-do list because it will absolutely improve not just the success of your projects but the success of your business.
Miscommunication and power struggles on job sites can sabotage your designs. In today’s episode, we break down why trades and designers often clash—and how to earn respect, avoid costly mistakes, and strengthen collaboration.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/why-designers-struggle-with-trades
I am honored to host LuAnn Nigara today to talk all about leadership in our industry, the struggles and the underlying reasons why stepping into leadership is so critical for the health and profitability of our business.
LuAnn Nigara is a celebrated media personality, keynote speaker and seasoned entrepreneur. Recognized as the “go-to” keynote speaker for leaders and entrepreneurs to launch their life and get out of their own way, she always delivers a dynamic presentation. In her third business launch, LuAnn Nigara Inc., she provides business resources for entrepreneurs through live events and LuAnn University. LuAnn has published three books, is a sought-after columnist and has captured international attention for her weekly podcasts "Window Treatments for Profit" and “A Well-Designed Business®” which has more than 1000 episodes and 9 million downloads.
Luann’s experience and wealth of knowledge as a window treatment professional, working with designers day in and day out she knows our strengths, our weaknesses and our biggest struggles.
She always brings the wisdom, the tough love, and the straight talk that we need to hear! Leadership isn’t just about managing projects. It’s about owning your role, setting the tone, and building a business that truly thrives.
Download LuAnn's free quiz here: https://luannnigara.com/quiz/
You can find out more about LuAnn here:
https://www.instagram.com/luannnigara, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgRScT16XD_jq_NqsPPawDA, https://www.facebook.com/groups/luannnigaraandfriends/
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/luann-nigara
Today I want to talk about a critical component to your success of every construction project that you may not be thinking of because it doesn’t take the form of a process, tip, or trick on a physical job site - and that is the value of a support network. One that you can lean on, transparently ask the questions you’re afraid to ask, but most importantly, one that truly understands this crazy ass niche inside our industry.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/power-of-support-network
If you think back to last year’s worst project I know in a nanosecond you’d be able to tell me all about it, detail what went wrong, how much sleep you lost, the increased stress you went through, and likely profitability. I do understand that, and looking back on those projects are important, but today I want to talk about something we don’t analyze from previous years, and that is our wins. Focusing on our wins is so much more important than only looking at the projects that went wrong, and today I want to explain why this change in focus can propel your success for 2025.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/grow-your-business-in-2025
Planning your year is more than just filling your calendar—it’s about aligning projects with your business goals, avoiding burnout, and staying intentional. In today's episode, I also share with you how to recognize subtle "pink flags" in projects before they turn into major red flags, and why trusting your instincts can save you time, money, and stress. Plus, learn how to set boundaries, create flexibility in your schedule, and build a strategy that works for you in 2025 and beyond.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/planning-your-projects
Today, I am excited to welcome my guest, Rick Campos! Rick Campos is a former interior designer turned podcast host, business coach, and advocate for the interior design community. After years of running his own design business and working with industry professionals, Rick launched Design Biz Survival Guide, a podcast and platform that empowers designers with insights, strategies, and confidence to grow profitable businesses. With his background in leadership, community building, and expertise in the business side of design, today, Rick is sharing his practical advice to help interior designers lead with confidence, connect with peers, and embrace the unique challenges of the design industry.
Find out more about Rick by visiting his website here:
www.designbizsurvivalguide.com or follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designbizsurvivalguide/
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/real-talk-with-rick-campos
I’ve just returned from a family ski trip, and it was everything I needed. Vacations aren’t just about getting away; it’s about breathing and recharging, allowing you to come back stronger. Now that I’m home, I’m diving head first into 2025, so I want to kick off this new year’s episode with a topic that’s deeply personal to me, and that is defining success on your own terms. You CAN build a business that is meaningful, aligned, and truly works for YOU.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/defining-success-on-your-own-terms
Today is all about reflection. I’m going to be looking back on 2024, celebrating some wins, lots of lessons learned, and appreciating the growth along the way as well as what the design community has meant to me this year, why I’m so inspired by the changes I see in our industry and what I’m looking forward to in 2025.
Find out more about my course, The Interior Designer's Guide to Construction Management at: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/renovation-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/reflect-recharge-plan-for-2025
It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this time of year. We’ve got the holidays, year-end, projects in the works, and marketing for new projects. There are all sorts of things coming this time of year, and it’s really hard to take a step back and realize that you are not serving yourself, your clients, or your projects by getting caught up in that chaos.
As a whole, designers tend to be people pleasers, and while that serves us in so many ways, it can also hold us back. It can absolutely take time away from our lives, drain our energy, and it can definitely cost us money. Those are all things that we need to avoid to run healthy, profitable businesses that we love. So today, we are diving into how interior designers can thrive through the holidays!
Find out more about my course, The Interior Designer's Guide to Construction Management at: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/renovation-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/how-interior-designers-thrive-through-the-holidays
Today, we are tackling a topic that is so incredibly critical to the success of your project and, frankly, the success of your future projects, and that is the hidden costs of poor communication.
I think designers overlook this because they think they’re already great at communicating. This is what we do. We talk with our clients. We share our design. We explain our visions. Yes, yes and yes. But what I want to drive home is the power communication has on a project, both for good and for bad.
This is where I see a lot of projects fall apart because someone missed a detail, didn’t follow up, or assumed everyone was on the same page.
Miscommunication can be extremely subtle and often not intentional. But it can have an impact on everything.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/costs-of-poor-communication
Find out more about my course The Interior Designer's Guide to Construction Management at: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/renovation-management-interior-designers
Last week, I hosted a webinar titled Respected & Profitable, which has sparked such incredible conversations about how being respectful and respected on a project greatly impacts your profitability that I wanted to share with each of you! I also share how to approach negative comments you may hear with curiosity instead of judgment and how the client, contractor, and you, the designer, work together as equals.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/curiosity-over-judgment
If you've ever wondered if local marketing could make or break your business today’s episode is for you!
Today, my guest, Nancy Ganzekaufer, shares valuable insights on marketing your interior design business both locally and online, reveals surprising industry statistics you might not know, and explains how to build a thriving business while enjoying a balanced and fulfilling personal life.
Nancy Ganzekaufer is a sought-after Business and Life Coach, Body Language Trainer, Speaker, and Author. Previously named one of New York's top coaches, Nancy specializes in coaching interior designers with a focus on marketing and sales strategies, helping them maximize their profitability while identifying and serving their ideal clients with confidence.
Nancy guides her clients to develop the most straightforward path to higher profitability, visibility, and scalability through confident decision making, efficient systems development, and effective communication. She enjoys rolling up her sleeves and helping her interior design clients tackle the tough challenges in life and work, transforming them into happier, healthier, focused professionals.
With her no-nonsense coaching style, Nancy has empowered thousands to know and charge their worth and position themselves in their market with authority and authenticity.
Grab Nancy's free resources for Interior Designers here: https://nancyganzekaufer.com/free-resources-for-interior-designers/
Find out more about Nancy and all of her social media links here: https://nancyganzekaufer.com/
Join her Facebook Group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/interiordesignbusinessforum
Sign up for my upcoming webinar on Thursday, December 5th at 12:30 pm EST / 9:30 am PST >>>https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/respect-webinar
Today, we’re covering a topic that most designers struggle with, including myself, and that is talking with your client’s about their budgets and having a clear conversation so that everybody's on the same page, right from the beginning.
Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/budget-conversations-that-lead-to-success
Ready you’re ready or not, we’re heading into the holiday season! Although the dates don’t change, this time of year tends to sneak up on me, and I’m sure a lot of you as well. But it’s also a time that makes me think of connection and appreciation. And that may immediately make you think of family and friends, and it should. But the connection and appreciation also ties back to the way we work as interior designers. And that’s what I want to talk about today - how you can head into the holidays with a plan to build upon your connections, show your appreciation, and set yourself up for success, not only with the projects you’re on right now but for future projects coming your way.
Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/building-relationships-boosting-profits
Today, I’m excited to share my conversation with Meredith Huck. Meredith is the owner and principal designer of House of Huck and a member of my course, Interior Designer’s Guide to Construction Management. House of Huck is a full-service Interior Design firm located in Coastal Connecticut. Their homes are the essence of coastal casual—textured accents, inviting spaces, high-end finishes and timeless furnishings. Their goal is to curate a tranquil and welcoming environment into their client's homes while not sacrificing the beauty within, just as the coast does for us.
I often talk about the members of my course and how valuable our conversations are. So, I wanted to share that type of conversation with each of you.
Meredith and I cover so many different topics in today’s episode, including profitability and how we gauge our profitability. Spoiler alert: it’s not always in dollars and cents! She’s also passionate about running an efficient and organized design business. Bringing her previous career in business forward into her design practice using repeatable processes that benefit not only her but also every project she’s working on.
You can find out more about Meredith and follow her here:
www.instagram.com/houseofhuck
https://www.youtube.com/@houseofhuck/videos
https://www.pinterest.com/houseofhuck/
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/design-processes-personal-freedom
No one’s mind is more blown than mine that this is my 200th episode! This podcast started out as a Covid adventure, and if you had asked me at the time, would I be 200 episodes in? I honestly would have laughed at you if you’d told me that I would have started a podcast, first of all, and secondly, that I’d still be doing it 200 episodes later.
So many of you are new listeners, so I wanted to reintroduce myself today, who I am, why I am here talking about construction management, and why I think it’s so important for each of you. And to all of you who haven't been along for the ride, I can’t thank you enough. It’s because of all of you, your DMs, emails, and encouragement, that I am 200 episodes in with no end in sight!
Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/200-episodes
If you’ve struggled with setting boundaries, then today’s episode is for you!
If you missed last week’s Episode 198, go back and listen to that one first. Today, we are taking the next step in how to establish respect and control of a construction project with the contractor and the client. And that’s all about setting boundaries– right from the start of a project to maintain the control, respect, and confidence you need throughout the entire process! So today you will learn why boundaries matter, how they can actually create more freedom in your work, and how to set and maintain these boundaries from the very first day!
Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/setting-boundaries
Today’s topic is something I hear about frequently from designers, so I’m changing things up starting today and will be doing a series on this one topic: How to gain respect and authority on the job site.
In today’s episode, we are starting with mindset and how to shift your mindset from worker bee to becoming a project leader. This isn’t an overnight shift that you will be able to create, but I do know that small shifts in the right direction will be perceived and will shift the perception of your role with the other team members and your clients. And so today, we are digging into how to change your mindset, and what you can start implementing today.
Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/worker-bee-to-project-leader
An often overlooked component is referral marketing—and I don’t mean just with your current or past clients. You need to start looking beyond them and building specific relationships that will drive construction projects to you and fill your pipeline. So today, we’re going to break down why that’s so important and how to best go about it!
As always, if this episode leaves you with more questions than answers, please feel free to reach out to me at hello@devignierdesign.com or shoot me a dm on social media!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/master-referral-marketing
Last week, we talked about how you can expand your services by moving into construction management. And I heard from many of you how you found the episode really helpful, so, thank you for reaching out! I always love hearing what resonates with each of you. So today, we are going to expand on that conversation, and I want to walk you through how you can showcase your expertise both in design and construction in social media and throughout your content!
As always, if this episode leaves you with more questions than answers, please feel free to reach out to me at hello@devignierdesign.com or shoot me a dm on social media!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/showcase-your-skills
There is nothing I love more than hanging out with fellow designers and my recent webinar gave me that opportunity.
What I love about it is realizing the commonalities that we all face - the good and the bad.
One of the things that came up was expanding your decorating business to include construction management. Why that’s important and how to take the first steps. So today, we’re going to break that down!
As always, if this episode leaves you with more questions than answers, please feel free to reach out to me at renee@devignierdesign.com or shoot me a dm on social media!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/expanding-your-services
Whether you are a new designer or seasoned, there is something to learn from today's conversation with my guest, Rebecca West!
Today, we are going to dig into the marketing messages that we are projecting not only to our clients but to our industry partners. And yes, there are lots of side conversations that are really valuable for you to hear in this episode as well!
Two decades as CEO of Seriously Happy Homes turned Rebecca West into the go-to business coach for residential interior designers who create happy homes for regular people (rather than the wealthy 1%). In 2023 she closed her business and moved to Paris, France. Now she’s here to help you master your marketing message and establish professional practices that’ll keep your clients - and your accountant - Seriously Happy.
You may know Rebecca from the many webinars she’s done with the NKBA and IDS. She’s also been a regular TV guest on New Day Northwest, served as a judge for Best in Show at KBIS, and is on the board of Heritage Design School.
In addition to 1-1 business coaching, Rebecca offers a signature course called “Nail Your Niche” that lays the foundation for becoming the only designer your clients will call. She’s also working on her next book about the “DECIDE” method, a process that helps clients make quick, confident design decisions and keeps our projects on track.
But Rebecca’s not all business—she can’t resist a costume party or a cat video, loves sipping whisky and eating stinky French cheese, and dances tango with her hubby.
Grab Rebecca’s free Nail Your Niche starter kit PLUS direct feedback from me on their niche at https://seriouslyhappy.ck.page/aec00a8bb8
Find out more about Rebecca and follow her Parisian adventures on Instagram at @beseriouslyhappy
Check out her podcast, "Stuff Interior Designers Need to Know.”
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/rebecca-west
As the name of this podcast states, being the only girl on the jobsite can be difficult, and I know I’ve mentioned the challenges of this before, but I don’t always dive into the topic as much as I’d like to. Well today, we’re diving all the way in!
As always, if this episode leaves you with more questions than answers, please feel free to reach out to me at renee@devignierdesign.com or shoot me a dm on social media!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/role-of-women-in-construction
I received the emails I’m sharing in today’s episode from so many designers after they signed up for my upcoming webinar. They were letting me know their issues, concerns, and the top 1—and sometimes 10—problems they’re having with the profitability of their projects.
In today’s episode, I won’t mention names, but you might hear me read yours or hear one you can truly relate to. I know I have related to all of these questions at some point in my career. I want everyone to understand that we are all in this together. There is no judgment. There is no room for shame. We are all learning, and frankly, there just isn’t enough education out there for us on how to build profitable businesses. I hope today’s episode helps, and be sure to sign up for my upcoming webinar, which will give you all the answers to today’s questions in even more detail!
Please join me for my free Webinar, Unlocking Profitability: Pricing Strategies for Interior Designers, on September 12th & 13th at 12:30 pm EST >>>https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/pricing-webinar
Today, we are talking all things numbers, and I know that may make some of you cringe a little bit, but I have invited my friend Michele Williams on to share on how to unlock profitability in your business and how to master your financials.
Michele Williams is the dynamic owner of Scarlet Thread Consulting and Metrique Solutions, two companies focused on empowering creative professionals to own the financials of their business. 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 business owners navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.
At Scarlet Thread Consulting, Michele utilizes her extensive experience in finance and business management to offer tailored coaching and mentoring services. She is dedicated to helping her clients achieve financial clarity and operational efficiency, enabling them to make informed decisions that drive their businesses forward.
Through Metrique Solutions, Michele offers a unique blend of technology and consultancy, providing cutting-edge software solutions designed specifically for the owners of small business. Her expertise in financial metrics and data analysis empowers her clients to optimize their pricing strategies and enhance profitability.
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.
I am honored that Michele is here to talk with us about the finances that we need to get a hold of in order to establish, maintain, and grow our profitability. Without that, we are stuck in a hobby and not in a business. And while it can be anxiety producing to look at our numbers, listening today will not only help you understand how to look at them but also how to take charge of them!
Free download:
Use Coupon code WomanJS for one month free of Metrique Solutions
Grab Michele’s free quiz where you can get a financial health check-up here: https://www.scarletthreadconsulting.com/financial-quiz-landing-page
Find out more about Michele and follow her on social media here:
Instagram: @Scarletthreadatl, & @Metriquesolutions
Facebook: @Scarlet Thread Consulting & @Metrique Solutions
Please join me for my free Webinar, Unlocking Profitability: Pricing Strategies for Interior Designers, on September 12th & 13th at 12:30pm EST >>>https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/pricing-webinar
We’ve all been in these client meetings where you’ve hopefully asked the client, “Do you have a budget in mind for this project?” Hopefully, they have given this some thought. But here’s the tricky part….
You have no idea what they’re basing that number on or if it’s all they can spend.
A course member reached out to me asking about this issue. She said time and again she is going into these meetings, has bid the whole project out, and then the client starts adding scope of work to the project, and she, rightfully so, is saying, “Whoa, you’re going to blow your budget.” And they say, “Oh, I know. But it’s ok. I want to do more.”
Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. The opposite is also true. You build out to their budget, and they say, “Oh my gosh, no, I cannot spend this kind of money.” And then, you and your team have to start value-engineering the designs that you’ve completed.
Neither of these scenarios would set you up to move forward smoothly with the project or complete the design you created.
Today, I want to share my thoughts on handling these situations and how you can avoid them entirely by educating them on the front end.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/avoid-client-budget-changes
Today is Part 2 of my interview with Virginia DesRoches. If you missed the first part, Episode 187, I suggest going back and listening to that one first!
Virginia DesRoches and John Foran are the dynamic couple and trailblazing visionaries behind Ironwood Studio, an all-encompassing firm that seamlessly merges construction and interior design along the South Coast of MA. Rooted in strong family values, they have earned a robust reputation for their work in designing, building, and renovating family homes from floor plans to furnishings of extraordinary quality and character.
Drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature, their designs always blend modern and rustic elements, creating a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere ideal for family living. Their dedication to their craft has been recognized in publications such as The Boston Globe, DIY Network, and The Nest.
Virginia emailed me recently about a new build she had just recently completed. Her goal was to share her mistakes, which she calls rookie mistakes, with all the designers listening so they could learn the lessons that she experienced throughout this project.
There was so much value in our conversation that we split it into two episodes! So, today, we are going to dive further into what I call, teachable moments, and she calls rookie mistakes. Everything from understanding what’s in the proposals that the contractors present and do they cover everything to how to manage a project site book, how to develop and present flat fees to a client, and ultimately, how she plans to implement these lessons in her next projects so that she doesn’t make the same mistakes again.
Virginia has free resource for you here: https://www.ironwoodstudio.co/free-resources called "The Ironwood Dream Home Guide Book." It includes everything you need to know when preparing for your New Build.
Find out more about Virginia and follow her on social media here:
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/ironwoodstudio.co/
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-desroches-17192313/
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/rookie-mistakes-part-2
I hear everything from designers, from “I estimated 50 hours, and I’m now at 90. I’m totally upside down on my numbers.” to “I have no idea where to start” to “I totally messed this one up, Renee, and I don’t know how I’m going to get out of it.”
If that is you, or you’ve had these pangs of anxiety, you are amongst the many, and this is why I want to talk about his topic today.
I know I’ve discussed pricing in other episodes, but today, I want to discuss the common thread I’m seeing when designers tell me how they priced their projects. If you skip this step or gloss over it, you absolutely can’t build your pricing correctly.
As always if this episode leaves you with more questions than answers please feel free to reach out to me at renee@devignierdesign.com or shoot me a dm on social media!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/scope-of-work-is-key
We all make mistakes; I make plenty of them! The entire purpose of this podcast is for designers to learn from the mistakes of others. My guest today is Virginia DesRoches who is here today to talk about some of the rookie mistakes she has made and the lessons she learned from them.
Virginia DesRoches and John Foran are the dynamic couple and trailblazing visionaries behind Ironwood Studio, an all-encompassing firm that seamlessly merges construction and interior design along the South Coast of MA. Rooted in strong family values, they have earned a robust reputation for their work in designing, building, and renovating family homes from floor plans to furnishings of extraordinary quality and character.
Drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature, their designs always blend modern and rustic elements, creating a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere ideal for family living. Their dedication to their craft has been recognized in publications such as The Boston Globe, DIY Network, and The Nest.
When Virginia and I first met in my course, Interior Designers Guide to Construction Management, she shared a large new build she was working on, and couple of weeks ago she emailed me to tell me the job was finished and that while it ended well, she encountered a lot of what she called, rookie mistakes along the way. She thought other designers could also learn from them and wanted to share the high’s and low’s of this project.
The value in what Virginia shares is extensive, and so today is Part 1, where we cover cover setting fee structures, the details in making selections, permitting, and factoring in things often forgotten about, such as weather and then how to best work with new trades on a project.
Virginia has free resource for you here: https://www.ironwoodstudio.co/free-resources called "The Ironwood Dream Home Guide Book." It includes everything you need to know when preparing for your New Build.
Find out more about Virginia and follow her on social media here:
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/ironwoodstudio.co/
LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-desroches-17192313/
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/rookie-mistakes
It’s already July 30th and I don’t know about all of you but I’m feeling that mid-summer slow down, both the highs and the lows of it. Now is the time when we want to start looking ahead to start planning our fall and winter pipeline projects. So today I want to talk about how to embrace the moment while also preparing for the future if you have a full pipeline of projects and what to do if you don’t.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/planning-for-fall-winter
If you ever feel a lack of confidence about skills that you definitely have, then today’s episode is for you!!
Last week’s episode (Ep184) was a really important conversation around struggles I know so many designers have about setting boundaries and how they present themselves to contractors, clients, and anyone else in our industry.
A lot of this stems from a lack of confidence and feeling insecure about skills that you definitely have.
This topic definitely hit a nerve with a lot of designers listening to last week’s episode about things you took away from the episode and things you want to work on. In fact, it even came up inside my course's live masterclass on building the best team. So today I want to continue on with this topic on gaining confidence in our skills, setting those important boundaries, and elevating our design expertise!
As always if this episode leaves you with more questions than answers please feel free to reach out to me at renee@devignierdesign.com or shoot me a dm on social media!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/elevate-your-expertise
If you want to know how to really master your confidence and build effective, quality relationships with your team members then today’s episode is for you!!
Jeannie Andresen is here today and we dive into how to start building relationships with a new team member, why these relationships are so important, and how to create boundaries when needed and stand in our own value!
Jeannie Andresen is a former corporate director turned business coach who specializes in helping interior designers gain confidence, balance, and profitability in their businesses.
Jeannie’s background includes a decade of experience in corporate America running a recruiting business inside a Fortune 100 finance firm. Her role included directly managing a team of six, indirectly managing a team of 30, and onboarding, training, and coaching sales professionals to develop daily habits of success to reach their business goals.
Jeannie now focuses her business on teaching design professionals the confidence, processes, and boundaries necessary to run an organized, efficient, and profitable design business.
She has been interviewed on prominent design podcasts such as A Well Designed Business and Designed by Wingnut Social, and is an educational partner to Designer Link, an interior design membership community on Chicago’s North Shore.
Find out more about Jeannie and follow her here: Instagram: @jeannieandresen_ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeannieaandresen
Grab her free download here: https://pages.jeannieandresen.com/bulletproofboundaries
If you’re interested in joining my course, you can use my code ‘Masterclass’ to receive $150 off the price. That special discount will expire on July 18th at midnight EST.
If you have questions, feel free to schedule a course discovery call with me by scrolling down to the bottom of the page here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/renovation-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/jeannie-andresen
Recently, I’ve been hearing rumors about supply chain issues rearing their ugly heads again, and I was too busy to focus on them at the time and certainly didn’t feel it in my day-to-day world. But I came across an article and took the time to do some research on this topic and I want to share the information I found with you and why it is so important for you to continue to lean into your construction management services.
If you’re interested in joining my course, you can use my code ‘Masterclass’ to receive $150 off the price. That special discount will expire on July 18th at midnight EST.
If you have questions, feel free to schedule a course discovery call with me by scrolling down to the bottom of the page here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/renovation-management-interior-designers
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/supply-chain-issues
I am a luxury interior designer, construction expert, and industry educator.
That’s my sound bite.
What is your soundbite?
Today, I want to talk about how to develop your own soundbite and why it’s so critical to do so.
After listening to today's episode, I would love to hear your soundbites! Send me an email at renee@devignierdesign.com or shoot me a dm on social media! We are much stronger together, and this is a way we can connect even further!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/your-soundbite
I often say it takes more than a dozen people for any of my projects to be successful, and occasionally someone on that team goes rogue. That can be very disruptive to not only the process and the flow of the project, but potentially to your bottom line. So today, I want to talk about what that can look like, how you can remedy it, and, most importantly, how you can avoid it altogether.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/avoid-vendors-going-rogue
I often hear from designers asking for advice on how to price their fees. This isn’t because they’ve never priced out a construction project before for clients. It’s more often than not because they aren’t getting their numbers right, and they’re losing money on projects. So today, I want to talk about how to get your pricing covered to cover your actual price spent on projects - and spoiler alert, the key to your success comes before you start estimating.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/stop-losing-money
Today, I want to share with you a project I’ve been working on that had so many teachable moments that I think you will find valuable. This one project has reaffirmed to me the value of my referral network, the ability to pivot when things get turned upside down, the ability to obtain team cohesion, and my personal belief that you don’t design for future owners but for the current ones you are working with. Ultimately, this single project reaffirmed my belief that a client and potential work can be more valuable than a specific project they bring to you in the first place.
As always, I’d love to hear from you with any questions or any experiences you'd like to share! Email me at renee@devignierdesign.com or send me a DM on social media.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/teachable-moments
I’ve talked before about my ‘A team,’ which I refer to as ‘my Todd.’ I’ve also mentioned that he always threatens to retire, to which I always respond, “Well, you can’t retire until I retire!” Unfortunately, that likely isn’t going to happen as Todd is preparing for retirement. While I am disappointed we won’t be working together for much longer, I am looking at this as an exciting opportunity. Today, I want to dive into what that looks like and how you, too, can embrace change even when you don’t really want to.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/finding-new-a-team
What’s the difference between a hobby and a profession? Well it’s as simple as boiling it down to making money. I hear a lot of designers undervaluing their services and having anxiety about marking up procurements on construction projects. So today, we are having a frank discussion on this topic!
After listening to today’s episode, I hope it gives you some new insight and inspiration, as well as hopefully a few actionable steps you can start taking today. Don’t wait to change your money mindset issues and to boost your security, knowing your value and worth in ways that you can start charging for immediately!
As always, please feel free to reach out to me! Email me at renee@devignierdesign.com or send me a DM on social media.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/value-your-expertise
After talking to and hearing from many designers and hearing all of their questions, I started noticing this underlying theme in most of the questions the designers were asking.
I thought it couldn’t all boil down to this one similarity, but it did—and that was pain points. Almost every question I read involved a lack of fully understanding the pain point of whoever they were working with.
So, in today’s episode, I’m diving into the importance of identifying and addressing the specific challenges and issues not only your clients face but your industry partners and yourself as well. Missing the mark on understanding pain points can hinder successful project outcomes! I share how you can avoid this by investing time into truly listening to your clients, and industry partners and taking time to evaluate what is going on in your own business that may be presenting itself as a pain point.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/understanding-pain-points
Spring is a busy time of year! Today, I want to talk about how to manage these really busy months but also how to prepare for the summer months ahead by leaning in on your systems, getting schedules sorted out, now for all involved in a project, how to communicate this clearly with your clients and potential clients, and making sure to schedule in some down time for yourself and your family.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/summer-guide
Today, I’m covering a topic that has been coming up in conversations I’ve had with designers lately: the aversion to risks.
I am hearing from designers like you about all of the risks they are trying to avert—financial security, reputation damage, and legal risks—and they are normal and to be expected. But when they get in the way, you miss out on potential opportunities. They can slow down your career advancement and reduce your competitive edge.
So today, I am sharing some examples of each of these that can come up in your career and breaking them down into bite-sized pieces so that you can breathe a sigh of relief with a path moving forward, walk away with some actionable steps to mitigate these risks, start calming the spiraling down, and make professional and advisable decisions on exciting new opportunities!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/risk-reward-strategies-for-designers
People think that what we do is ‘make pretty spaces.’ And that makes sense; what we do is beautiful in the end. But what I’ve said before, and I’ll say again, is that we also affect the quality of the lives of the clients that we serve. By doing these construction projects and dialing in the customization, we not only make things beautiful but we impact the happiness and well being of our clients. Today, we’re diving even further into this topic so that you truly understand the power and elevation you bring to your client’s projects.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-on-wellbeing
I know you’ve all heard the saying, “You are the company that you keep.” And I want to talk today about how it’s not just about when you’re growing up. It still applies to my life today, and I want to explain how so that you can see signs of it in your own life because this can be key to your business success.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/successful-as-the-company-you-keep
Technology has improved so much in today's world. Although I’ll be the first to tell you that I’m much better on a construction site than on a computer, I still do use it. Today, I want to address the downside of using technology in our business that you may not be aware of!
Mentioned in today’s episode:
Episode 165 with Michelle Lynne: https://devignierdesign.com/michelle-lynne/
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/downside-to-technology
We live in a world where we all want quick fixes and instant gratification whether that’s through Amazon Prime 2-day shipping or the latest fad diet, or plug and play formula’s in our industry to price our fees.
Pricing your projects is critical to getting right and a huge stressor for the designers I talk to. Whether that’s in various FB groups, my course, or a Zoom call with one of you, it inevitably comes up in every call. We all want to be making the money we deserve and profit from the actual time we spend.
Today, I want to talk today about the risk of the one-size-fits-all approach and how to start pricing your projects to create a lucrative business.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/do-formulas-calculators-work
Do you need to add construction management to your firm?
I’ve heard this question from many designers who have reached out, as well as questions such as:
“Will this be something they regret not adding?”
“Will I not get the clients I want if I don’t offer this service to them?”
Today, I want to talk about how I responded to this question and the reasoning behind it.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/is-construction-management-right-for-you
When you think of crediting your work, you may be thinking solely about how this impacts you. But we also play a role in that issue. So today I want to share a story that has just hit mainstream media in our industry, and how critical it is to give as well as receive proper credit for our work.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/giving-receiving-proper-credit
One of the things I love most about construction management is that it’s constantly changing. I know that drives some of you crazy, and I don’t blame you! But for me, I think that’s how I’ve stayed in this niche for the last 30 years. Today, I want to share with you two things I’ve recently learned, and why we need to embrace learning without fear!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/embrace-learning-without-fear
I am in contact with a lot of designers, and in our conversations, I started to notice a common trend in traits and issues that I wanted to go over today. I address isolation, skillset concerns, construction phase misunderstandings, and the question of how to price construction projects. I hope today’s episode leaves you with more answers than questions! But as always, please feel free to reach out to me with your questions at renee@devignierdesign.com or on social media.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/isolation-skillset-concerns-construction-phases
I am so excited to share the conversation I had with my friend Michelle Lynne!
Michelle Lynne began her interior design career after spending more than two decades working in Corporate America. She began in the home staging arena and has since built a successful, award winning, full-service interior design firm, ML Interiors Group, employing talented designers and serving clients across the country.
In the summer of 2018, Michelle began focusing on a big gap she saw missing in the interior design industry: teaching interior designers how to run the business of an interior design business. She now leads The Interior Design Business Bakery, an in-depth, 12-month group coaching program that focuses on teaching designers profitable processes, systems, strategies, and mindset needed to run a streamlined, profitable interior design firm.
She also founded and leads Studio Works, a co-working studio for the interior design industry, where her design firm operates from. And is the co-founder of Sidemark, a sales & marketing software designed specifically for the interior design industry.
Her motto is simple: we rise by lifting others.
It is such a pleasure to have Michelle come on and talk with me in detail about profitability in our business, pay structure, sales and marketing, boundaries, the value of coaches, and so much more! Enjoy!
Grab Michelle’s Interior Design Business Review Planning Guide here:
https://designedforthecreativemind.myshopify.com/products/the-interior-design-business-review-planning-guide
Connect with Michelle here:
@MLInteriorsGroup
@DesignedForTheCreativeMind
@MySidemark
@StudioWorks.space
Join us at the Interior Design Business Success Summit! Use the code OGOTJS for $97 off https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/summit
Join me for my Pricing Webinar March 7th, 12:30pm EST / 9:30am PST here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/pricing-webinar
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/
So you’ve secured your next job, and you’re really excited to get started! But you also know you’re going to be working with an entirely new crew of construction workers. And that’s when you get a pit in your stomach as the anxiety builds.
Today, we’re talking about why that happens in the first place, how to see it coming, and, better still, how to put those fears of working with a new team of contractors to rest.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/thriving-in-new-construction-teams
What happens when a client ghosts us or puts a project on pause only to return unexpectedly and yet expects us to drop everything and pick up right where we left off?
This is a topic that we need to get right! So today, we’re going to explore how to manage these situations with grace and professionalism.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/manage-client-ghosting
In today’s episode, I peeled back the curtain and looked at the crucial role we, as interior designers, play in construction projects, moving beyond esthetic contributions and into a vital function in managerial roles.
Our expertise not only enhances the beauty of a space but also its usability, efficiency, and often it’s cost effectiveness. The collaboration we can foster between contractors, architects, and ourselves brings together a spectrum of expertise that’s essential to the success of any construction project.
Today, we are going to talk about the indispensable role we, as interior designers, play in construction projects and how you can educate your clients as well as industry partners.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/crucial-role-interior-designers
I am so excited to be able to bring on a GC that enjoys, appreciates, and understands the value that designers bring.
My guest today is Sean Canada, Co-Owner of Park & Patina Design + Build, licensed Contractor/GC, and a big fan of the show!
Sean has one foot in the Construction/job-site/GC world and one in the design. He has worked with both, hired both, and helped develop teams and people to work together to accomplish projects. He loves what both sides bring to the table and sees the need for them to be a collected team. Sean also has a wife who is a designer but is on job sites constantly. Sean also has Woman owned subs and hires onsite. He sees and engages with the design, development, and management of remodels and builds and loves to help elevate and grow the people in our industry.
In today’s episode, we talk about the value a designer can bring to projects, how Sean started structuring his business differently once he started engaging with designers, and how they allowed him to see from the viewpoint of elevation and the experience of the client. We talk about how to start out in this industry if you are new, how to become a team player, licensing, permits, and more!
Grab a piece of paper and pen, and get ready to take some notes and hear some insightful advice directly from a GC!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/builders-and-designers
One way to manage overwhelm is by hiring help and support within your firm. Today, I want to share how to be strategic and thoughtful when hiring, especially in the world of construction management.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/thoughtful-hiring
Toxic clients - they exist!
Perhaps you’ve had your own experience. I know I’ve had mine!
Today, I’m taking a deeper dive into what you can be looking for, ways you can improve the relationship, and how to sever ties if that’s ultimately the decision you make.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/toxic-clients
In last week’s Episode 157: https://devignierdesign.com/empowering-you-construction-management/, I talked about designers supporting fellow designers in the world of construction management and how critical it is for designers to understand there is a support system out there rooting them on. Today, I want to take it to the next step and discuss other support systems that are available to you that not only make you feel like a part of a community but will help establish you as an expert running successful projects.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/build-a-supportive-network
Today’s topic is critical to cover at the beginning of the year - this isn’t something I was planning on talking about, but felt it was such an important topic, and that is YOU!
If you are a designer who has been feeling isolated, alone, and unsupported - today’s episode is for you!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/empowering-you-construction-management
This year of 2024 is one we really should be looking forward to!
I have been hearing so many positive stories, studies, and forecasts that will set us up for a successful year in regard to construction management.
Some of you may be questioning this because your phone isn’t ringing, you’re not getting work, or you’re feeling overwhelmed and like you can’t possibly take on more.
This is why I wanted to take the time today and break down what they’re saying, how this impacts our specific niche inside our industry, and how to take full advantage of it in the first quarter to set you up for the rest of the year.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/construction-management-2024
By now, you have no doubt been inundated by emails, social clips, and webinars about doing a year-end review. But if you’re a small business, you may not understand the value of doing one. I came across an article where they interviewed a bunch of interior designers. They had great insight as to the questions they asked themselves, and I wanted to share them with you all today.
Get ready for a journey of introspection and transformation in today’s episode. Whether you're a seasoned designer or contemplating your first year-end review, these shared experiences will encourage you to ponder the right questions, navigate challenges, and approach 2024 with newfound confidence. After all, success isn't about avoiding mistakes but learning from them to make fewer, wiser choices in the future.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/lessons-year-end-reviews
We are in the middle of the holiday season, and everyone is feeling stressed. This reminded me that this feeling and some of the actions we take during this time period are very similar to the feeling you get when you’re winding down a construction project. So today, I want to talk all about controlling the chaos when finishing up a project so that you can end up strong, successful, and proud of yourself as you pivot to the next project.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/holiday-stress-project-success
In any given week, I speak with countless designs across the country and even the world. And recently, the topics seem to be coming back to marketing - which makes sense. It’s a critical part of our business. But what I’m starting to realize is that the questions aren’t revolving around marketing but an underlying anxiety and stress about the current state of their business.
While I’ll never claim to be an expert in anxiety, I was forced into a crash course on how to manage it. And so today, I want to share with you the three steps I use to confront anxiety, what to do when you’re feeling like an imposter, how to handle the inferiority complex we experience while scrolling social media, and more!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/confronting-anxiety
It’s early December, and the holiday season is looming and, frankly, has already been kicked into high gear! Now is the time to get a handle on how you are going to approach the rest of the month to position yourself for success after the new year.
In today’s episode, I cover everything from preparing for your holiday vacation and your colleagues, to the importance of communication, tips on gift-giving, marketing, and a year-end review. Let’s Master December and navigate the End-of-Year Rush with confidence!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/mastering-december
Ellie Redder is here with me today to help all designers explore the possibilities of how to present and communicate their designs using Virtual Reality.
When you think of St. Louis luxury design and construction, you think of Ellie Redders. Ellie is the seasoned and endearing design leader behind her full-service firm, Ellie Redders Interiors. For over a decade, Ellie has earned a widespread reputation for her cutting-edge professional process, integrity in her partnerships, and her innate ability to design elevated yet comfortable family spaces. As a local household name, her work has graced the pages of House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and St. Louis Homes Magazine.
Clients ranging from surgeons to attorneys, professional athletes and entrepreneurial families have relied on Ellie Redders Interiors to successfully navigate the ins and outs of the luxury new build and massive large scale home renovation process. As a seasoned entrepreneur and designer, Ellie has developed a highly organized process paired with the use of cutting edge technology to support clients in visualizing and help them with their exact specific selections and furnishings before making costly decisions and mistakes.
Virtual Reality is an amazing tool that can help verbalize our visions that sometimes we struggle to put words to - or we do put words to, and the homeowner doesn’t get it. I think this is something to really look into, and I hope you enjoy this conversation!
Find out more about Ellie and grab her VR Guide here: https://elliereddersinteriors.com/virtual-reality#/
Follow Ellie on Instagram @ELLIEREDDERSINTERIORSSTL
Follow Ellie on Facebook @ELLIE REDDERS INTERIOR
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/ellie-redder-virtual-reality
Let’s talk work/life balance.
I have been feeling a little overwhelmed with the holidays right around the corner and several projects finishing up all at the same time, and I noticed my work/life balance was even more out of wack than it normally is.
And so I wanted to acknowledge that. And let others know that work/life balance, at least for me, has been very challenging, and I was flooded with designers responding to the newsletter I put out about this topic.
I heard countless stories from other designers and what they are going through, and it pained me to read them because, frankly, I have gone through all of the phases that they were describing.
I want you to know you are not alone and you are not doing anything wrong. So today, we are digging into this topic of the always challenging work/life balance and if it really is achievable.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/work-life-balance
I hear a lot of designers struggling with how to price their services for construction management as well as decorating for potential clients. What I want to talk about today is not the actual dollars and cents but how pricing with confidence starts with knowing the value you bring to each and every project.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/knowing-your-value
No two projects are alike. I know that can unnerve some of you, but I want you to think about it as a positive thing as it allows you to evaluate each project. Today, I want to talk about how to evaluate each project by the value it will bring to you and your business!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/determine-projects-value
Today, I have my friend Lesley Myrick joining me in today’s episode. Lesley is a recognized design media personality and the CEO of Lesley Myrick Interior Design, a full-service boutique interior design firm based in Macon, GA.
Having lived and worked internationally, Lesley specializes in designing personality-driven, playful, and function-forward “forever homes” for professional families.
Media outlets including Architectural Digest, People, Forbes Home, Insider, and InStyle magazine have celebrated Lesley for her signature aesthetic of bold, colorful, and collected interiors that offer a fresh take on Southern design.
Today, Lesley and I are breaking down a topic I am often asked about, and that is the best practices of pricing a project and what it actually looks like to be profitable through margins, hourly, or flat fee rates.
Lesley shares her experience of participating in a panel at HighPoint, where experts discussed the challenging aspects of pricing interior design and construction management projects. Lesley emphasizes the absence of a one-size-fits-all pricing formula and the importance of finding your perfect approach. She highlights the significance of not only establishing upfront pricing but also analyzing the numbers on the back end to ensure profitability.
Lesley shares essential insights on pricing strategies, including the benefits of educating clients about project duration, the transition from hourly rates to flat fees, and the art of confidently stating your price. She dispels the fear of profit and the reluctance to walk away from unfit clients, stressing the importance of leading the design process and choosing the right projects.
You’ll definitely want to grab a pen and paper and get ready to take notes! Enjoy!
Find out more about Lesley, as well as resources mentioned in today’s episode, here:
https://nancyganzekaufer.com/free-resources-for-interior-designers &
https://www.instagram.com/lesleymyrick
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/lesley-myrick-pricing-a-project
Have you ever had an overly enthusiastic client take over your project? You may think that clients being involved is not what you want, but the truth is their involvement is often essential to creating a space that truly reflects them. In today's episode, I share strategies for managing overly involved clients on construction projects and how to navigate this dynamic of challenges and opportunities effectively.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/managing-over-involved-clients
It is critical to build confidence for your success on construction sites. But after reading a book recently, I realized I am skipping a step, and that is that courage is the precursor to confidence.
Join me in today's episode to explore how courage can be the transformative force in your career. Let's redefine our approach, embrace courage, and let confidence naturally follow suit.
Mel Robbin’s book mentioned in today’s episode: https://www.melrobbins.com/5secondrule
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/role-of-courage
There are many unique challenges interior designers face when managing construction projects during the 4th quarter, particularly around the holiday season!
Today, I want to share how we need to start talking about the holiday season NOW with our clients! And this goes beyond Thanksgiving and Christmas meals….There will be parties being thrown, new projects being proposed, deadlines needing to be met, vacations being taken, and more! Proactively planning and communicating effectively NOW will ensure a smooth and much more enjoyable experience for both designers and clients during the holiday season.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/holidays-4th-quarter-deadlines
It’s hard being the only girl on the job site. I know. I’ve been there. It can rock your confidence whether you’re new or seasoned.
But there is always someone rooting for you on a project site.
On every project you are going to come into contact with the contractor, the glass shower door installer, the tile installer, the plumber, the electricians, and the flooring guy - there are a lot of guys you’ll come into contact with, and at least one of them will be rooting for you.
How does this happen? It starts with building rapport with your team members.
Whether that’s through shared interest or discussions on our ever-evolving industry, building relationships with team members will not only brighten your day, but enhance your skills and confidence as well.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/allies-start-with-rapport
I’ve been talking about interior designers’ superpowers on job sites, and today, I want to talk about a really practical one and why it is critical for you to be involved in your projects very early on, long before you’re specifying the decorative items. Today, we’re going to dive into the topic of lighting. Find out how to elevate the lighting in your clients’ homes to transform their space and quality of life.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/elevating-lighting-superpower
Vetting potential calls, explaining yourself and the work we do, and the value we bring to each project over and over can lead to overwhelm and be exhausting!
I want you to know that I get it and have heard from a lot of designers lately about how to prove themselves and their value to various industry partners and various clients or potential clients.
It is normal to experience overwhelm, stress, and anxiety when we are being questioned about our value and our services. But I don’t want you to shy away from it or ignore it.
You will learn in today's episode how you can stand firm, lean into your strengths, and explain your services and your value, and why their project would be better served and elevated to a custom level they are seeking by having you be a part of the project.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/proving-our-worth
Today, we’re talking confidence.
There is no good that comes out of panic, wondering if you messed up, and anxiety. All it does is make you fearful of your own decision-making powers. And that is something I want you all to avoid at all costs.
Confidence is a topic that every designer, regardless of their experience level, grapples with at some point in their career. In a profession where decision-making powers are paramount, self-assurance becomes your best ally. Today, you will learn how to build your baseline confidence you will need to take on any challenge that comes up on a construction project, how this kind of confidence arises from an appreciation of your own abilities and qualities, and how to tackle common confidence crushers like imposter syndrome and overwhelm.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/developing-confidence
In the world of interior design, there's a superpower that often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in creating functional and comfortable living spaces. It's the ability to understand how people live in homes. In today’s episode, I talk about why this superpower is essential, how it can be honed, and why it should be marketed not only to clients but also to industry partners. We'll delve into real-life examples that highlight the significance of this superpower and how it can make a difference in the design of spaces where people live and elevate custom projects.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/designers-superpower-elevate-projects
Today, I want to talk about some of the frustrations I hear about from other designers, such as if you're on construction sites right now and you aren't confident in your skills, the stages and steps to take, or you're unable to take a pretty significant pay cut from your current position and go back and work for an interior designer, or if you went to school and you weren't taught the basics of running a project.
In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to resole these frustrations so that you can move forward in your business successfully!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/knowledge-and-skills-for-construction-management
Understanding the contract is one of the most critical steps in any construction project.
As designers, we have a superpower that makes us the most important person for your client to review the contracts and understand the numbers that are being included.
So today I want to cover why you need to see the contract as soon as you are brought onto a team that has already been formed, how early contract involvement leads to project success as well as exercises you can do (whether you are new or seasoned) to help you better understand budgeting for contracts.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/designers-superpower-contracts-budgets
Many designers have been asking me what types of materials they need to supply to the contractor for the projects they’re working on.
Today I break down terms between a specification book and a project binder and when and how you should be using them, and also the level of detail you should be including so that you are not over-delivering when you’re not being paid to do that service.
Find the full shownotes at:https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/project-specifications
If you missed Episode 134, be sure to go back and listen to that episode BEFORE listening to today’s episode. Last week I talked about practicing what I preach and why I said “no” to two recent projects that were offered my way. In today’s episode, I want to go over what happened afterward, how I would have reacted a couple of years ago, why I am doing this to keep myself laser-focused, and what I am doing behind the scenes to move in the direction of my goals.
Today’s episode is to really get you to look at your own businesses. And I wanted you to hear that I am doing this as well. I wanted you to see that if I am peeling back the onion layers in the business and taking a look inside, and deciding what to keep and what not to keep, you will also go and do this in your own business and see the changes that can be put in place to change the trajectory of your next year.
If you’re unsure about what projects you should be taking on, then today’s episode is for you!
I am a big proponent of ONLY taking on projects that are a good fit for you and your firm at the time that a potential client reaches out to you, but how do you determine that?
I always want to practice what I preach, so today, I am sharing with you two recent examples of this that I recently went through.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/turned-down-jobs
Here we are mid-summer - if any of you are like me, you’re finally starting to relax and take a moment for yourself. What that also means is you may be putting things off.
So today, I am so excited to welcome my friend Desi Creswell back to the podcast. This is her third time sharing her expertise with fellow interior designers, and it is because of an ah-ha moment I had while listening to Desi’s podcast The Interior Design CEO, that inspired me to invite her back on. She did an entire episode called The Later Habit which you can find here: https://www.desicreswell.com/podcast/the-later-habit I knew everyone else would relate to this Later Habit that we all tend to slide into, especially when it’s summer months, and schedules are wonky, and we are out of sorts.
Desi is a master certified Life and Business Coach who helps Interior Designers build thriving businesses without the stress adn overwhelm. She uses a blend of mindset, actionable strategies, and industry specific expertise. Desi supports clients with topics such as time management, leadership, delegation, systems, and goal setting. And the best part about it is she is one of us. She is a trained interior designer who left practicing in order to dive in and support designers even more!
In today's episode, we talk about what the later habit is, and how we can avoid it, the importance of time management, where to start, how things like getting over perfectionism and building confidence as a CEO can help you take back your time!
You can find out more about Desi by visiting her Website at: www.desicreswell.com
Grab her Interior Designers Get it Done Daily Planner at:
www.desicreswell.com/planner
Listen to her new Podcast: The Interior Design Business CEO at:
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-interior-design-business-ceo/id1652747762
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/time-management-desi-creswell
It’s officially mid-summer! How are you feeling about your pipeline of projects starting in the fall? If you’re starting to panic, this episode is for you!
We all think we will have extra time on our hands during the summer, with the best of intentions, so we will do XYZ. And for small business owners, summer is really the time we need to expand certain projects, like marketing. So that’s what I want to talk about today!
Find out more about my course, The Interior Designer's Guide to Construction Management here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/renovation-management-interior-designers
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/strategic-marketing-during-slow-months
Do you know what the number 1 question I get is? How to price construction projects and how to best go about it. I understand why this is a scary step! You are projecting costs that may run weeks, months, or years, and you want to make sure your bottom line is covered. So today, I’m going to break this down so that your pricing can be strong and reflective of the work you’re going to produce!
Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/pricing-construction-projects
I want to wish everyone a very happy 4th of July!
Today is a time to unplug from work and relax. And that is an important ingredient to inspire creativity.
When we are stressed out, running ragged, freaking out, frazzled, and everything in between, it is neary impossible to tap into our creative side.
In today’s episode, I am sharing about how independence plays out in our businesses and the perks we need to focus on!
Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/independence-self-employed-designers
There will always be issues and surprises that come up on job sites. I find that just knowing to expect it makes things easier to get through.
Anticipating and knowing the parameters of the issues that can happen make them so much less scary when they do happen and allows you to be prepared ahead of time and have confidence in taking the next steps.
So today I want to break down different construction challenges I commonly see happen and how to navigate them successfully.
Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/navigating-construction-challenges
I know professional development isn’t anything new, yet for some reason, I feel like it’s lacking in the world of creatives.
So today I want to talk all about professional development and why it isn’t a term often used with creatives like us, yet is really the key to success.
Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/success-in-professional-development
Today I am so excited to share with you the conversation I had with Tobi Fairley.
Tobi is an award-winning interior designer and business consultant with over two decades of experience helping high-achieving, creative professionals take their companies and lives to the next level. When she’s not running her luxury interior design firm and her consulting practice for artistic business owners, she leads an online membership community for ambitious professionals, hosts the Design You podcast, and is launching her new Home Decor and Apparel eCommerce venture, Fairley Fancy, in June 2023, a collaboration with her daughter. Fairley has been featured on television and in top-shelf publications including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, Real Simple, Better Homes and Gardens, The Huffington Post, Southern Living, and on the covers of House Beautiful and Traditional Home.
Tobi has not only been a mentor and coach to me, but she has also become a dear friend that I continue to learn on for advice and encouragement. So it is truly an honor to have her on this podcast, which she inspired me to create and to share her wealth of knowledge with all the designers listening today.
In today’s episode, Tobi shares how she accidentally built her 15-year consulting business, created new businesses, the knowledge, wisdom, and confidence she has gained along the way, and how she has helped so many other people do the same.
Find out more about Tobi by visiting her websites at: https://tobifairley.com, https://fairleyfancy.com & https://tobifairley.com/designyou2022
Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/tobi-fairley
When people hear that I manage construction, they automatically think of the basics - floor plans, finishes, and actual building materials. But what they aren’t thinking about, and what is really the key to my success, is building the relationships on those job sites that bring the success we are all searching for.
So today, I want to talk about the 3 key relationships that are necessary in order to have the success we are all searching for.
Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/3-relationships-to-build
If you’ve been listening to me for any amount of time, then you know I believe construction management is a niche inside the interior design industry, and today I want to talk about how you can niche down even further inside of construction management.
Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/expert-specialty-niche
Today’s episode is a treat where you can listen to the conversation I had with Catherine Marrano. Catherine and I first met when she joined my first course, The Interior Designer’s Guide to Construction Management. Once we got to know each other, we realized we were both seasoned designers who loved to run construction projects for our clients. Catherine has over 20 years of experience but started her career as an event planner creating experiences and spaces - the likes of Planet Hollywood. But when she worked for an interior designer, her life was changed forever. She worked full-time at a design firm during the day while continuing her education in interior design at night. And in 2003, she founded her own firm Catherine Marrano Interiors.
These experiences and education, along with international travel and studies abroad, have helped her to understand different client perspectives and develop a creative eye for design. Over the years, Catherine has developed a specialty niche in kitchens and baths and offers a bespoke private labeled cabinet line that she created.
It’s a really exciting time to hear the designers in our course share how their experience is coming through in so many different ways. Today’s conversation is no exception. You will hear us talk about how her career evolved, how she started private labeling a cabinet line, and so much more! I’m excited for you to learn through our conversation today!
You can find out more about Catherine by visiting her website at: https://catherinemarrano.com
Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/
If you’ve been curious, skeptical, or maybe avoiding AI altogether, today’s episode is for you!
In this ever-changing world in which we live, it is quite understandable and normal to be fearful of technological advances such as AI (Artificial intelligence) and to worry about how it will impact our industry and how it will affect your day-to-day business. And so today, I want to talk about what industry experts are saying about it, how to position yourself to avoid any pitfalls and harness its power to put you on a greater, stronger footing than you are today!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/ai-future-interior-design
Even seasoned designers have stories of having to build and rebuild their confidence in this industry, and today, I want to share with you my story. All the things we discussed in last week’s Episode 121: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/pricing-projects-rebecca-hay came down to confidence, whether that’s pricing your projects that shows your worth, whether that’s taking on new projects that you think might be a stretch or hiring people. All of it boils down to having the confidence to know it will work. You may not know how it will work, but it will work.
I mentioned how my confidence was severely broken midway through my career and I thought it was valuable to share with all of you listening because so often we see seasoned designers like Rebecca and I as always having had confidence. And that couldn’t be further from the truth!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/how-i-rebuilt-confidence
I am so excited for you to hear this conversation with fellow designer Rebecca Hay, CEO of Rebecca Hay Designs, host of the Resilient by Design podcast, international speaker and business coach. She’s the creator of the revolutionary online course, Power of Process, helping time-strapped and frustrated Interior Designers eliminate the chaos of running a business so they can achieve focus and clarity. She helps designers build confidence and streamline their business, taking them from chaos to coordinated. Her methods and experience prove that anyone can up-level their business & make more money without working around the clock. Rebecca believes in collaboration over competition and given the right tools, anyone can be successful.
In today’s episode, we cover it all! From interior design to pricing, to confidence building, and even AI. You will no doubt learn something from today’s episode. It’s like listening to two seasoned designers chatting about the industry that we love!
You can find out more about Rebecca, her offer mentioned in the show as well as her podcast at:
rebeccahay.com/podcast/
rebeccahay.com/revenue/
rebeccahay.com/podcast
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/rebecca-hay
We are a few weeks into the Group Coaching VIP Calls for my course, Renovation Management for Interior Designers, and I’ve had a question come up more than once, so I wanted to share it with all of you today.
A designer shared with me that she was working on a project and she had written the contract in two phases. One was the design and development phase, and the other was the renovation management phase.
And her client chose only to hire her for the design and development phase. And while she went to great lengths explaining the value an interior designer can bring to managing these projects, her client felt they could manage their project on their own.
I’m sure this has happened to you as well! Find out how to avoid this in today’s episode, other critical jobsite questions that were asked, and how these Group VIP calls benefit not JUST the designers asking the questions!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/designers-questions-answered
Renovation or construction management is a niche inside the interior design industry. Inside that niche, there are specialties. In particular, kitchens and baths. Today, I want to take a deeper dive into how to create a custom bath for your clients.
If this is something you already specialize in and want to elevate this skill or would like niche down into kitchen and bathroom renovations, this episode is for you!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/elevate-clients-bathroom-design
Most designers I speak with are already doing construction work. Maybe it’s on their own home, a bath or two, or a kitchen refresh. Meaning they don’t actively market for it. It happens organically. These designers may be listening to this podcast for tips and ideas. But how would renovation work improve and add value to your business? And I mean beyond financial value.
This we’ve got to discuss!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/value-beyond-income
I am so excited to once again have my friend Linda Holt with me today!
If you haven’t heard her first episode, you definitely want to go check that out at https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/photography-using-your-iphone-linda-holt
Today I wanted to take a deep dive into professional portfolio-level photos. That is something all designers really struggle with, myself included!
Linda shares so many actionable tips on photography. When I saw her latest IG story about how she is adding more content to her course about taking portfolio photos for yourself and breaking down all the scary components that can hold you back, I knew I had to have her on!
Linda Holt is a former professional photographer. She is no stranger to merging her creative eye with her esthetic appeal. She has worked with more than five thousand celebrities, actors and models as one of Boston’s top commercial head shot photographers. That was her former life! Today, she uses her skilled photographic eye to help homeowners create a stylish, fresh and relaxed home that is reflected of their unique personality and lifestyle. She has put away her heavy DLSR cameras and now shoots exclusively with her iPhone and Samsung phones. She has become an expert in both iPhone photography and smartphone photo editing. After successfully teaching smartphone photography workshops in and around Boston, she created an online photography class solely for interior designers, stagers, and creatives called Smart Phone Photography for Interior Designers.
Linda not only knows her stuff behind the camera but also in the design field!
In today’s episode, we talk about the pros and cons of the iPhone 14, leaving lamp lights, floor lights, and ceiling lights on or off during your photo shoot, what to know about hiring a professional photographer, and more!
This is such an important conversation to have and one that you’re going to want to take notes on so that you can be more confident in taking your own photos that are portfolio worthy.
Find out more about Linda as well as the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/portfolio-photos-linda-holt
Curious to hear what a 1:1 call with a designer is like? Today's episode is for you!
Last week I introduced an exciting new offer for a live group coaching program in the VIP option inside my signature course, Renovation Management for Interior Designers! Today, I’m giving you a sneak peek into what these coaching calls can look like and the value they can bring you and your business!
To find out more about this exciting new offer, go to https://devignierdesign.com/
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/call-with-designer
Today is a special episode and one I’ve been waiting to share with you for the past few weeks!
Today I want to share with you the trajectory of where this podcast came from, where it is now, and an exciting new offer I have for course members that will take their knowledge, skills, and experience to a whole other level!
To find out more about this exciting new offer, go to >>https://devignierdesign.com/
Are you chomping at the bit, ready to do some better marketing for yourself?
Today we’re talking about the nuances we need to incorporate into our marketing pitches depending on who we are talking to.
Sending the same marketing pitch to every industry partner isn’t going to cut it. Find out in today’s episode how you need to be thoughtful and strategic about each category that you’re marketing yourself to.
Be sure to listen to the end because I have something exciting coming in the next few weeks, and I don’t want you to miss out!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/your-marketing-shouldnt-be-generic
Offering renovation management services to your clients is so valuable. I’ve mentioned in the past I was hearing chatter about 2023, the slowdown in the volume of work, and the possibility of a recession. If you have been feeling anxious about 2023 and not getting many phone calls, this episode is for you! You can get through this year and whatever the economy brings by leaning into your renovation management skills when decorating projects diminish.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/lean-into-renovation-management
Do you ever feel unsure about what exactly your responsibilities are on the job? Or worry that there are overlapping responsibilities? Today I want to talk about how you can define your role on various size projects that you will be a part of, and how best to handle each situation so that you have a clear path and your client has a clear understanding of whose doing what.
I am excited to announce I am once again offering free twenty-minute 1:1 calls with me for rating and reviewing this podcast! Take a screenshot of your rating and review and email it to me at renee@devignierdesign.com, and I will send you my calendar link to book your free call!
If you’re not sure how to leave a review, you can watch this quick tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53JdV8sC2g
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/establish-your-role
Ok, designers, let’s talk imposter syndrome!
We all can suffer from imposter syndrome throughout each stage of our careers. Today, I want to share with you how I have managed it from the very beginning of my career and still do to this day. I’m sharing with you some of the positive affirmations I use and how I break things down into bite-sized chunks.
Imposter syndrome is real. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. And it’s totally manageable.
I am excited to announce I am once again offering free twenty-minute 1:1 calls with me for rating and reviewing this podcast! Take a screenshot of your rating and review and email it to me at renee@devignierdesign.com, and I will send you my calendar link to book your free call!
If you’re not sure how to leave a review, you can watch this quick tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53JdV8sC2g
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/how-ive-managed-imposter-syndrome
Today’s topic is all about logistics and how to manage a project successfully from beginning to end.
I know your designs are important, and if you are focused on them, then you maybe think that some bumps in the renovation side will go unnoticed. But why should you bank on that when if you manage a project through the logistics that every project has, you can actually win on both ends? Both the amazing designs that you have created, as well as the contractor's and the client's experience of having worked with you. Remember, the experience is what will be remembered.
I am excited to announce I am once again offering free twenty-minute 1:1 calls with me for rating and reviewing this podcast! Take a screenshot of your rating and review and email it to me at renee@devignierdesign.com, and I will send you my calendar link to book your free call!
If you’re not sure how to leave a review, you can watch this quick tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53JdV8sC2g
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/manage-logistics
Today I wanted to share with you an experience I recently had. I was invited to talk at my daughter's school for career day. In the past, I hadn’t felt there was any real value given to the students or myself, so was a little hesitant, but this time was different.
Today, I want to share with you how I used this as an opportunity not only to practice speaking about my career but also to educate those listening about interior designers who manage renovation projects. I also had such an unexpected validating moment for where my career is going from this point forward. I hope you enjoy this episode!
I am excited to announce I am once again offering free twenty-minute 1:1 calls with me for rating and reviewing this podcast! Take a screenshot of your rating and review and email it to me at renee@devignierdesign.com, and I will send you my calendar link to book your free call!
If you’re not sure how to leave a review, you can watch this quick tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53JdV8sC2g
Are you a designer looking for more renovation management work? Is it something you really enjoy and starting to excel at but just struggling to get more projects lined up? Then today’s episode is for you!
In today’s episode, I am talking marketing 101 and how to fill your pipeline with renovation management projects.
I am excited to announce I am once again offering free twenty minute 1:1 calls with me for rating and reviewing this podcast! Take a screenshot of your rating and review and email it to me at renee@devignierdesign.com and I will send you my calendar link to book your free call!
If you’re not sure how to leave a review, you can watch this quick tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53JdV8sC2g
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/marketing-renovation-projects
Last week’s episode, 106:Overwhelmed? 3 Scenarios That Create Overwhelm and How to Manage Them, clearly struck a nerve because I heard from even more of you about what things you were going through, feeling lost, hopeless, and overwhelmed. So I shared with you how I implement and schedule things inside of my own business so that the overwhelm is at least manageable.
If you haven’t listened to last week’s episode, I recommend going back and listening to that one first and then listening to today’s episode. Today, I am going to talk with you about saving your sanity by estimating your time in advance and allowing yourself time to work ON your business, not just IN your business - which gives you the bandwidth to allow the creativity, imagination, and space you need as a designer to come to every project with your A game!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/working-on-your-business
Today I want to talk to the designers who are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and anxious, all of those horrible words that none of us want to feel. I find that this overwhelm and stress comes from three different possibilities. In today’s episode, I want to share with you what these feelings typically are caused by and how we can manage them through the different actions and decisions we make and by changing our mindset!
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/how-to-manage-overwhelm
You have a project coming up, and it’s time for you to take the lead…..
But where do you even start? How do you define your role on projects? In today’s episode, I cover how to take the lead on any project, whether you have experience managing or not, how to define your role, and how to bring immense value to every project you are on!
Get ready to take some notes, and transform your projects. I promise, if you master these skills, you will come back and tell me how much more you enjoy doing what you do!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/take-the-lead
Today I want to break down frequently asked questions, get us on the right path and take this year by storm! I often get questions such as:
- What is the difference between renovation management and construction?
- What is the difference between builder specs and managing a project?
Then I also share how so many designers don’t post their renovation management services on their websites. They aren’t confident in selling this service, and I want to change that! That is the point of this podcast and my course - helping designers become an expert in renovation management and to have the support they need.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/frequent-questions-podcast-purpose
Today, I want to talk about goal setting for 2023. But I want you to take a different approach than you’re probably used to. In today’s episode, I’m sharing with you an exercise you can do before 2023 that is informative, something that you and your business will grow from, and create goals that are actually attainable and will truly get you where you want to go! Let’s get started!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/goal-setting-2023
Today, I am letting you listen in to a conversation I had with one of my course members. I want to give you a feeling of what my 1:1 calls look like, sound like, and how much the designers are getting out of them!
We are in the middle of a promotion for my course, Renovation Management for Interior designers. This course was built to support Interior Designers who want to add or grow their renovation management skills for their clients. My course promotion is on until midnight EST, Dec 14th. Join the course before then, and you’ll have instant access to the course, and the community inside the course, as well as a free 45-minute call with me, where truly, nothing is off the table! Join here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/renovation-management-interior-designers
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/call-with-course-member
Do you remember the moment you knew it? You knew on a job site that you got this? That your experience and knowledge were going to lead to a successful completion of the project?
I remember mine! And in today’s episode, I am sharing a personal triumph story - a blast from my past, but has a very cool lesson which I hope will inspire you, to become confident in yourself, your knowledge, and your experience and that you can handle whatever comes next.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/i-got-this
Are you an interior designer that feels like you're living in an oversaturated market? You’re bidding on projects, yet getting outbid, not being selected and chosen, and feeling exhausted??
Then this episode is for you!!
I am so honored to celebrate my 100th episode by having my guest, Rachael Bozsik, here with me today!
Rachael Bozsik is an International Keynote Speaker and the in-demand Elite Personal Branding Coach behind some of the nation's most talented interior designers from LuAnn Niagara, Sandra Funk, and Kathy Kuo. From Harvard Business School to Forbes, Rachel has been recognized as a “go-to” Elite personal branding coach for luxury interior designers. With an extensive background in monetizing personal brands, women seek their strategic expertise when ready to land consistent luxury clients, exclusive press, and 7-figure partnerships. Think - being positioned as the “go-to” for luxury new builds, press in Elle Decor, paid speaking in High Point Market, and partnership with luxury architects who fill the pipeline for you. With a truly innate ability to build lucrative brands, over 40 press outlets and 30+ Universities have requested Rachel as a speaker to share her distinguished craft.
Rachel shares how interior designers can stand out and the importance of declaring your specialty! This episode is full of value, so grab your paper and pen and be ready to take notes! Enjoy!
Find out more about Rachel by visiting her website at: https://www.rachaelbozsik.com/
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/stand-out-with-rachael-bozsik
Today is my 99th episode, and so today, I want to share with you my why for doing this podcast every week.
I get asked a lot why I do this podcast and why I am ‘giving it all away.’ The irony is, it doesn’t feel like I’m giving away anything. To me, what this podcast represents, is my ability to pay it forward. This podcast allows me to pay forward the knowledge that I was fortunate enough to learn along the way.
So in today’s episode, I am going to tell you about three women I worked for and what I learned from them, and how I implemented those items into every single job from the moment I learned them until today.
Be sure to listen to the end of the episode because I am offering an incredible opportunity for one designer, and this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/knowledge-other-women-taught-me
Today's episode marks an incredible milestone for me! This is the second anniversary of Only Girl on The Jobsite podcast.
So in honor of my second anniversary, I wanted to share with you why I started my podcast, the inspiration and ‘ah ha’ moments I had that I knew it was meant to be, how I came up with the name, Only Girl On The Jobsite, how we have evolved over the past 2 years and where the podcast is going now.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/2nd-anniversary
It’s early November, and that means the holidays are upon us! But - there are proactive steps you can be taking right now to set up you and your project for success during these crazy busy times!
In today’s episode, you’ll hear the steps that I have taken during these times that really do set me up for success and allow me to carve out time to actually enjoy the holidays.
I’m also going to be talking about gift giving and what that means for myself and my firm and how you can apply it to you and yours.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/manage-holidays-gift-giving-tips
It is almost the beginning of November, and time to be looking forward to 2023!
So today, I want to talk about goal setting to get your business on track for a hugely successful new year!
Part of goal setting and growing our business includes marketing. As designers, we tend to narrow our focus on how to market ourselves and our services, and it can be broadened once you establish who your ideal client is and that can become more clear for you as you start to write down what the unique components and characteristics of your ideal client.
Really knowing your ideal client avatar also helps clarify your goals and direct your initiatives in marketing, which helps bring in the clients and the projects that you are hoping for in 2023!
So today, I am sharing with you why setting 2023 goals starts with identifying your Ideal Client Avatar, how to discover your ideal client avatar, and how to better market your business based on your ideal client avatar.
If you’d like to book a FREE 20-minute consultation with me, don’t forget to leave a rating and review, screenshot it and email me at renee@devignierdesign.com
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/goals-start-with-ica
Building a team is NOT something to be taken lightly!
So in today’s episode, I want to break down and explain all the different variables of how to build your team for your next project. There is never one way to do any of this, but this will give you an idea of what to expect and what to anticipate, and then build the dream team for your project.
If you’d like to book a FREE 20-minute consultation with me, don’t forget to leave a rating and review, screenshot it and email me at renee@devignierdesign.com
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/build-your-dream-team
Today’s episode is going to be a continuation of the last two because there has been such a massive conversation that got started on this topic! In Episode 92, I talked about when to bring on new clients. (And spoiler alert - it is NOT now, in the fourth quarter.) And in Episode 93, I really broke down how to best vet a new client to make sure they are actually a good fit for you at this time. Then today, we’re taking it to the next level, and I am going to be talking about the hero complex. What is the hero complex? If you don’t know what that is, tune in to hear what it is, why designers have it, and how we can avoid it!
If you’d like to book a FREE 20-minute consultation with me, don’t forget to leave a rating and review, screenshot it and email me at renee@devignierdesign.com
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/hero-complex
Today’s episode is based on some feedback I received from last week, Episode 92, where I talked briefly about the vetting process that needs to take place for new client inquiries.
In today’s episode, I am discussing how you can figure out if a client and their project are the right fit for you or not. Let’s break this process down so that you figure out what projects you should be putting on your list for the coming year!
If you’d like to book a FREE 20-minute consultation with me, don’t forget to leave a rating and review, screenshot it and email me at renee@devignierdesign.com
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/not-all-jobs-are-good-fit
Today we are keeping with the topic of overwhelm since we are about to go into the holiday season. We have big topics to discuss on how to finish strong in this calendar year. Designers AND homeowners, if you are listening to this on the day of it’s release, October 4th 2022, today is the day you will not take on any new projects until 2023. Ok, I’m sure you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about.
This means that I want you to give yourself permission to have a productive end of year without the mayhem and chaos of taking on new projects.
I will be sharing why this is so important, how your year ends successfully by being planned out, and how your future clients will understand you not taking them on until 2023 when you explain your why.
If you’d like to book a FREE 20-minute consultation with me, don’t forget to leave a rating and review, screenshot it and email me at renee@devignierdesign.com
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/saying-no-to-new-client-inquires
Designers, if you are ready to tackle the last quarter of the year without overcommitting and feeling overwhelmed, make decisions that support your business AND the lifestyle you want to live, and finally step into the CEO role in your business, then this episode is for you!!
Desi Creswell is a Certified Life and Business Coach who helps interior designers stop feeling overwhelmed so they can intentionally build profitable, fulfilling businesses that enrich and support their lives as a whole.
An award-winning interior designer, Desi worked for world-renowned design and architecture firms prior to establishing her own design practice. After experiencing burnout from an endless to-do list and the competing interests of work and home, she was disheartened by the feeling that she wasn’t showing up as her best in any area of life. Desi sought to find solutions within the industry for time-management, work-life balance, and creating success that is truly self-defined.
In her quest to find a better way and get her big questions about work and life answered, Desi became committed to personal development and growth. This led Desi to blend mindset with strategy to transform her own experience and thus realize that there was a need for this type of support within the design community. Her training as a life coach, paired with her industry-specific expertise, helps her to empower clients to thrive both personally and professionally.
Find out more about Desi and the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/end-overwhelm-desi-creswell
Email me a screenshot of your rating and review to renee@devignierdesign.com to receive a FREE 20-minute consultation with me!
Today’s episode is coming from designers listening, and a frequent question I’ve been receiving is, “What is the difference between a GC (General Contractor) and a Project Manager?” They may seem like the same thing, but there are important differences you need to know!
Today I am going to answer your question so you can understand the difference between these two roles!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/gc-vs-project-manager
What do I really do for a living? Most people assume I play with fabric and paint swatches all day and that it must be really fun. Today I want to talk to designers who struggle to define what they do for a living beyond what seems obvious to the average consumer. In today’s episode, I’m sharing some examples where I have been able to help impact the quality of my client's lives and help you understand the value of the work that interior designers do!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/designers-improve-quality-of-clients-lives
Today’s episode stemmed from Episode 82, where I discussed the three ways I utilized photography on all of my projects. That episode got a lot of interest and many questions! So I reached out to my friend Linda Holt and asked her to come on to share her wealth of knowledge of the photography world so that each of us can learn how to improve our skills and how to take the best photos on our own.
Linda Holt is a former professional photographer specializing in headshots for celebrities, actors, and models in the Bostom area. She pivoted her career into the interior design field and took her skills and implemented them into our field. Over the past few years, she has put aside her heavy cameras and now shoots exclusively with her iPhones and her Samsung phones. She has become an expert in Smart Phone Photography and photo editing.
You will love our conversation today! You will walk away with so much value! Enjoy!
Find out more about Linda, and the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/photography-using-your-iphone-linda-holt
Today’s episode is based on all of the feedback I received from designers after listening to Episode 86: How to Build Experience in Renovation Management
Designers shared with me their experiences of bumps, trials, and tribulations that they have gone through while building their experience in renovation management. Today I want to break out some of the common themes I heard from so many of the designers so that you can hopefully learn from their mistakes just as you learn from mine!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/negative-experiences-designers-went-through
How can you add renovation management services to your firm? This is an exciting opportunity to broaden your scope for your clients, become a one-stop shop, and in my opinion, add a really fun element to our business! Whether you are new to the industry itself, whether you are trying to build a second career in life, or are a seasoned designer that has just customarily been doing decorating work - there are ways that each of you can be implementing steps to build the knowledge and confidence that you will need to add this service! My hope for designers listening is that they won’t fear the unknowns on a job site. There are opportunities discussed in this episode for you to build that knowledge, as well as my course, Renovation Management for Interior Designers, that takes you from start to finish by utilizing actionable steps and following the roadmap that I use on every project that I manage. Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/build-experience-in-renovation-management
One important element of any home renovation project is the emotional journey traveled from start to finish of the project. And one that I have watched over and over again and to the point where I can discern four different stages of this emotional journey. Today, I want to go over each of these stages and break it down so that you can appreciate and understand what emotions will be coming up throughout a project, how to foresee them in advance, how to manage them when they are there and how to avoid some at all costs.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/four-emotional-stages-renovation-project
How do you define a smooth and successful project? Most people think of the team or items they are selecting as how they define a smooth and successful project. And yes! Those are large pieces of the puzzle that every renovation project is. But the overarching component that really does drive that end goal is the budget.
Today I want to talk about how important creating a budget with real numbers is going to ensure a smooth and successful project for you, how an interior designer can help you with that, and also what to do if you are already mid-project and finding you are already over-budget.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/budget-ensures-successful-project
Why should someone hire an interior designer? What is the value and what is the skillset designers bring to projects? Today we are getting into the facts of WHY someone should hire an interior designer for their projects, and after listening to today’s episode, I am confident that you will be seeking out an interior designer for your next renovation project!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/value-interior-designer-brings
I doubt anyone of you will be shocked when I say that interior design is a visual-based industry!
Today I want to talk about the three types of photographs designers take on projects and if they aren’t, they should be taking on projects, why homeowners should care about this, and most importantly, why designers really need to put an emphasis on this aspect of our business!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/photographs-on-renovation-projects
As an interior designer, have you ever had someone ask you for a favor? Like, helping with their project with the expectation that it will be free? Maybe you think doing favors could help you - especially new designers that don’t have a full portfolio. So, in today’s episode, find out if you should be doing favors for people and if they pay off for a designer!
Find the full shown notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/doing-favors-for-people
Today I wanted to cover a topic that has been coming up more and more.
With this housing boom, people are taking on what I am calling, “the big three.”
New homeowners are contemplating taking on three types of projects, and today, I want to break these projects down and discuss why they should be taken on before moving in.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/renovations-prior-to-moving-in
The world is insane right now. We are going through so much with supply chain issues, problems created due to the pandemic, summer months, and now we’re hearing murmurs of a possible recession. In today’s I want to talk to the designers about my personal experiences and how I have weathered downturns in the economy in the past, what this can mean for you as a designer, and what you can start doing to be prepared for whatever is to come, and also what this could mean for homeowners and their intended renovation projects!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/renovation-management-through-slow-times
More than two years since the beginning of the pandemic, and we are still struggling with lead-time issues and labor shortages. But the world and these projects must go on.
Today I want to talk about a common renovation - gutting your kitchen, and how that can be handled during these times including, what you CAN do, what you SHOULDN’T do, and why you SHOULD continue taking on your renovation projects!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/kitchen-renovations-during-pandemic-delays
What happens when you rush a project, whether you're a homeowner running a project or a designer running it?
So often I see decisions being rushed on a construction project that can cause issues.
Today I want to talk about the three common mistakes I’ve seen lately when someone rushes a project and how to avoid them!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/why-rushing-projects-causes-issues
Have you ever thought about adding Renovation Management to your business? Maybe you’re wondering, how do I get clients? Or, as an interior designer, my clients don't ask me to do that. Well, I'll let you in on a secret. They're not asking you to do it because you haven't told them you CAN do it.
In this episode, I talk about this topic and more. I am also excited to tell you about my new Renovation Management for Interior Designers - Expanding your business with a lucrative service course. To learn more, go to www.devignierdesign.com and click the Designers tab at the top of the page.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/renovation-management-for-interior-designers
There are multiple ways we are now able to communicate with each other. Whether you use text, email, video, or audio, no technology can ever replace a good old face-to-face conversation. In this episode, I speak about the importance of clear communication between everyone working on a construction project.
Join me for my FREE masterclass on Wednesday, May 25th, on How To Provide Successful Renovation Services As A Designer - Setting yourself and your client up for success. During this webinar, I will show you how these both people skills and management skills directly apply to renovation management! And if you can't make it live, register anyway, and we will send you the replay. Head over to https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/designer-masterclass to enroll.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/the-problems-with-communication-today
For all working mothers out there, this episode is for you. Today, I am talking about common challenges most working mothers face and the highs and lows that go along with it. I also share the best piece of advice I received as a new working mom and how it benefited me and my family today.
The relaunch of the Only Girl on the Jobsite Designer Edition course is coming soon! You don’t want to miss out on it. Head over to www.devignierdesign.com and get on the list to be notified of the exciting updates before we launch!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/juggling-motherhood-on-the-jobsite
When speaking to clients, I often hear, “This will be my forever home.”
But before taking that at face value, I dig a little deeper and ask a few more questions. Knowing how long your client plans on living in their home will help them decide how to invest well in their project. In this episode, I share the questions I ask my clients that will allow them to get all of the enjoyment out of their homes for as long as possible.
If you haven’t already heard, we are in the process of revamping the Only Girl On The Jobsite Designer Edition course. We are adding more topics and lessons based on the questions current students have brought up. We are relaunching this course soon, so if you want to hear about it first, you need to get on the waitlist. You can find that on my website, under the Designers tab at the top of the page.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/planning-today-for-your-clients-future
In this episode, I share what I’ve experienced in my almost 30 years in the interior design industry and how both the decorating and renovation sides have evolved and changed over time. There are lessons to be learned from this that could possibly explain the direction we will be going in from this point forward.
My goal in sharing my knowledge of where the industry has come from and where I personally think the industry is going so you can have all of the tools at your disposal to make the right choices for you and your firm to stay strong and healthy as we move through this next decade.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/future-of-the-interior-design-industry
Disruptions on a job site can and will happen. And while that isn't a great experience, there will be things out of your control. Whether they are minor or major difficulties, I am sharing a few types of disruptions you may encounter while on a jobsite and how to handle them.
It could be different workers coming and going, contractors going on vacation, or even leaving mid-project. But a designer's role is critical in keeping things moving forward as calmly as possible so that the project stays on track and finishes strong.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/disruptions-on-a-job-site
In today's episode, I am tackling the topic of saying no, and how it can move a project, as well as the trajectory of your business forward. I also share a few examples of how best to say no confidently and professionally.
The art of saying no is not a negative. It is a way of protecting what your values and goals are for your project, your team, and your firm.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/why-you-need-to-say-no-more
In this episode, I want to share the importance of project management for interior designers. Especially now, with all of the supply chain delays, setting and maintaining expectations with everyone involved will be crucial to your success.
While I don't want to add to your chaos, I do want to help simplify some of your current processes. Proactively having a plan in place for future projects will only benefit your business in the long run.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/project-management-successful-for-interior-designer
Today I’m going back to the basics and the very essence of what this podcast is about. What it’s really like being the only girl on the jobsite. My goal is not to make these challenges go away but to lessen them for all women in this industry.
In this episode, I share some strategies that you can take with you the next time you are on a project and put in a difficult or uncomfortable situation. I want you to feel empowered to speak up but remain professional when dealing with these challenges.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/being-only-girl-on-jobsite-isn't-easy
This topic has come up a lot recently and seems to be a trend that people are interested in learning more about. Many people have asked my opinion on working with design-build firms. These are one-stop shops, usually with multiple in-house experts such as an architectural team, a design team, and a construction team. While this could be valuable for some projects, others may not be that simple.
In this episode, I share the pros and cons of working with design-build teams, both as a homeowner and an interior designer. Which I truly believe depends on what you're trying to achieve.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/working-with-a-design-build-team
Contracts. Love them or hate them, they are a part of any construction project. Whether you're working on a minor renovation or building a home from the ground up, you should always have a contract. And know how to read them.
In this episode, I dive deeper into understanding contracts and how to handle allowances. The bottom line to ensuring a successful renovation is to be crystal clear on all of the details of a contract before you sign it and give a deposit. This will hopefully avoid any unwanted surprises in the end.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/importance-of-contracts-how-to-read-them
Everyone involved in a renovation project wants it to be successful. Whether you are a homeowner or an interior designer, there is one critical meeting that needs to be held before the construction starts.
In this episode, I explain what this meeting should cover, who needs to attend, and when it should take place. I firmly believe you cannot get too much information, in advance, on a construction project.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/critical-meeting-to-ensure-successful-renovation
I’m going to take a brief step away from the construction side of my world to focus on a very ‘of the moment’ topic, which is the continued supply chain issues that we are seeing more on the decorating side of the business.
With the current supply chain issues still in full effect, if you’re working on a construction project, you’ll most likely need furniture, fabrics, rugs, and other items to finish the project. In this episode, I’m offering some alternatives I’m using and suggesting to my clients for working around the delays and sourcing these hard-to-get items.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/working-around-supply-chain-delays
Every renovation project is stressful. There’s no getting around that. But it’s important to know how to manage the stress and fatigue that you will most likely experience during a project.
Although it could feel never-ending, all projects eventually come to an end. And when they do, I want you to be able to enjoy the final product.
Tune in to this episode to learn a few of my tips and tricks to help you stay on course and get through the stress and overwhelm with your sanity intact.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/managing-fatigue-and-staying-focused
What are the first steps I need to be taking on my home renovation project? This is a question I get asked often by both interior designers and homeowners.
Before hiring a contractor, sourcing your subcontractors, or searching out the selections you are going to be making, we need to take a step back. No matter if it’s a new construction, a renovation, or an addition, you must start by asking yourself a few important questions first.
In this episode, I am detailing exactly what steps you need to take before your project gets off the ground. You might be surprised with the direction I go in.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/three-questions-to-ask-before-starting-renovation
Today’s episode is a bit of an addendum to a previous episode published around this time last year, Episode 15 - Why Women are Perfect for Managing a Renovation Project.
After reviewing the number of downloads this particular episode received, I realized it was an important topic that needed to be revisited. Even a year later, I still firmly believe that women possess an innate skill important for managing construction projects. Join me as I dive deeper into this unique skill that most women already possess.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/women-managing-renovation-projects-2
In this episode, I wanted to talk about something I feel is crucial to the success of managing any renovation project, and that is confidence.
Why does being confident on a renovation project matter? It establishes that you are there for a reason, receiving and sharing information as an equal team member, which is critical on any project.
Whether you are an interior designer or a homeowner working on your first project, this episode will teach you a few easy ways to start feeling and exuding the confidence you need before even stepping foot onto a jobsite.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/build-confidence-to-manage-renovation-project
In this episode, I am doing a bit of a recap and follow-up on the past two episodes surrounding the Magnolia Channel drama. I received quite a few comments and questions regarding this topic, and today I want to talk about choosing the right team members for your project and what you can (and should) expect from them.
If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to go back and listen to the last two episodes, where I go into more details about the bizarre set of circumstances surrounding the home renovation show slated for the new Magnolia Channel.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/choosing-the-right-team-members
For the second half of this two-part series, I continue digging into the drama regarding these popular home renovation reality television shows and the lessons that can be learned from an interior designer’s point of view.
In this episode, I share why working on your own renovation projects is totally different from working with clients, how to get more experience if you’re still new to the industry, and the importance of not cutting corners in construction.
Be sure to listen all the way to the end of this episode, as I recorded another brief update after my initial recording. Parts of this story are still moving very quickly, and I wanted to make you aware of the latest happenings as I get them.
If you haven’t already done so, be sure to go back and listen to part one of this series, where I discuss the red flags homeowners need to look out for to avoid the disasters that others have experienced. You don’t want to miss either of these episodes.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/magnolia-network-drama-part2
A topic has come up in the home renovation space recently that I felt was important to dive into on the podcast. It is something that I have been concerned about for a long time which is these popular home renovation reality television shows. Because there is just so much to unpack on this subject, I am breaking it up into two separate episodes.
In part one of this two-part series, I am sharing some of the details of these stories and the red flags that these homeowners did not pay enough attention to early enough in their projects. I want to show homeowners how to protect themselves in situations like these.
Be sure to listen all the way to the end of this episode, as I recorded a brief update. Things seem to be moving very quickly, and I wanted to make you aware of the latest happenings surrounding this story.
Don’t forget to tune in to part two of this series, where I go over things from the interior designer's point of view. You don’t want to miss either of these episodes.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/magnolia-network-drama-part1
A new year, a new paint color. Do you follow the trends when it comes to choosing paint colors? Honestly, I don’t know any project you may take on that doesn’t include painting.
I felt it was important to dig into this topic and how to handle all of the information coming at you, how to sample and view colors properly, and how to find the right colors for your home, no matter what project you are working on.
Listen in for my advice on how to handle color trends and if you should use them or not. Thanks to one of my listeners for sending in the suggestion for today’s topic. Let’s dig in!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/paint-color-trends
Happy 2022!
I hope everyone was able to take a little break to enjoy the holidays and maybe entertain some friends and family. But as we start the new year, those projects we put on hold are gearing back up again.
Although I’m not one for making New Year’s resolutions in my personal life, I feel like now is the perfect time to talk about the kind of resolutions that could apply to the things discussed in this podcast, which is managing construction projects.
In this episode, I am sharing some goals you can set for the new year whether you are currently in construction or planning a new project in 2022. I can't wait to dig into this more with you. Enjoy the episode!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/new-year-construction-resolutions
Wow! It has been a whole year of me recording these podcasts episodes!
I know some of you have experienced great loss, some of you have experienced great highs in your work, and some of you awful delays on your projects and everything in between. I wanted to take this time to do a year-end recap because what a crazy year this has been!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/highs-and-lows-of-2021
Let’s talk relationships!
No, I don’t mean romantic relationships - husband/ wife, boyfriend/girlfriend…..I mean relationships on a construction project.
I know I have lots of homeowners listening as well as designers listening so I want to talk about ALL these different types of relationships because they really are critical to build and maintain throughout a project.
I hope this episode helps you understand WHY these relationships are so important and how to go about them in a successful manner!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/relationships-on-construction-site
Are you feeling overwhelmed knowing you have a construction project going on, and the Holiday is approaching?
First of all - it’s normal! It does happen, and really no matter when your project is going on, overwhelm is a normal emotion to feel!
However, I want to share with you ways to handle the stress and overwhelm you are feeling as a homeowner as well as designers in order to be able to enjoy your Holiday more.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/holiday-overwhelm-construction-project
Today’s topic is about the supply chain issues we are facing now and how they are massively prolonging home construction projects - even furniture, furnishing, window treatments, and more. This goes for overseas products as well as those products made here in the U.S.
So, what should you do? Should you move forward with your project? Wait this out? Should you start planning now? Find out in today’s episode!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/should-you-start-a-project-now
What should you expect as a woman, either as the homeowner or as an interior designer, on a construction project?
Whether your role is a homeowner, requiring you to become a team member or an interior designer you are a girl in a male-dominated workplace. In today's episode, I’m sharing with you the how-to guide for women on construction sites.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/how-to-guide-for-women
This episode marks one year of recording this podcast! Let’s be honest, I didn’t know if I’d make one year, I didn’t know if I’d make one month! This has been such an amazing journey that I didn’t even know I’d be taking!
In today’s episode, I want to share what I have learned along the way, the surprises that have come up, and again, what my ultimate goal is in having this podcast. Be sure to listen to the end because as a thank you, I have a special offer for you!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/celebrating-1-year
Do have your home renovation projects planned for 2022? If not, now is the time to start! We want your project to be an exciting time! But this will also be a challenging time. We have been slugging through the past year and a half due to supply chains, shortages, delays, and that is not going to end anytime soon.
So what does this mean for you?
In today’s episode, I talk about what you can expect going into 2022, and how my course, Only Girl On The Jobsite could benefit you and your project!
Find all of the details for Only Girl On The Jobsite Course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/only-girl-on-the-jobsite
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/renovation-2022
Are you a homeowner who is gearing up for your projects to start in the new year?
It can be so overwhelming to take on your own home renovation project!
Wherever stage you’re at, the research stage, about to kick off the hiring process of the team, the beginning stages of the projects, no matter where you’re at, the overwhelm can start to kick in.
So if you are taking a project on and whatever phase you might be in, I have some tips for you in today’s episode and I will also be sharing the area I see people misunderstanding the most until frankly, it can be too late!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/steps-to-take-before-renovation
Find Only Girl On The Jobsite Course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/only-girl-on-the-jobsite
Today I have the special pleasure of introducing a friend of mine, Jill Kalman. Jill is an interior designer helping people move from cities to the suburbs and all of the transitions and issues that come up along the way.
Today we dive into how to get your home ready for the holidays which are upon as we speak and then additionally working through living with a construction site over the holidays.
Jill shares some amazing tips on decorating your mantle, your table, your front porch, and more! These are new, fresh ideas that will get you out of the traditional box and get your creative juices flowing!
You can find Jill’s Free Guide Room Planner here >> https://jillkalmaninteriors.com/home-planner-sign-up/ <<
You can sign up for Jill’s Styling Course >> https://jillkalmaninteriors.com/stylingcourse/ <<
Find out more about Jill at >> https://jillkalmaninteriors.com <<
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/prepping-for-the-hoidays-jill-kalman
I want to take a chance to re-introduce myself to those of you who are just joining!
There are so many new listeners, that I truly am humbled. And I would quite frankly love to hear how you came across this podcast!
In today’s episode, I am taking you back to how I became The Only Girl On The Jobsite, where went to school, the women I worked with and my inspiration for starting this podcast as well as both of my courses, Only Girl On The Jobsite Course & Only Girl On The Jobsite Designer Edition
Find the full show notes as well as all the links mentioned in this episode at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/the-road-to-only-girl-on-the-jobsite
Have you ever experienced a project where it felt like it would just never end? It drags on and on?
Ongoing projects do happen but we are in unprecedented times with a pandemic on our hands, which is dramatically impacting construction projects.
In today’s episode, you can find out what all this means for you, the homeowner who is diligently trying to manage a project and project supplies pivot from 4 weeks to 18 weeks, to possibly an unknown period.
Listen to The Designed For the Creative Mind podcast Episode 32: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/designed-for-the-creative-mind/id1530106919?i=1000537435244
Episode 42: Why Construction Completion Clauses Shouldn’t Be Added to Your Contract: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/construction-completion-clauses
Episode 43: Buying a House ‘As Is’ - What Does That Mean and How Do You Protect Yourself: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/buying-a-house-as-is
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/project-off-track-pandemic
A topic that just keeps coming up is the housing boom that's going on right now. And what that means, is you have an unusual pressure to look at a house as soon as possible, put in a bid that night, and BOOM! You’ve bought a house!
Which means you’ve bought a house that you might have seen once.
So I'm going to share some things that you can be aware of while looking at a house, and some situations that may come up for you!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/buying-a-house-as-is
We have sent out so many Construction Management Workbooks that are available on my website, that we wanted to get feedback on what we could add to it, or what else might be needed.
Today’s topic is one element on the feedback form that we received. That topic is about completion date clauses.
In today’s episode, I want to discuss why I don't believe they work and shouldn't be added to your contract, and what I suggest you do instead.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/construction-completion-clauses
You can get your Construction Management Workbook at: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/renovation-workbook
Read the article in Washington Post I was interviewed for here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2021/09/24/hiring-general-contractor-considerations/
I can’t stress enough the importance of hiring the right contractor for your project. There are many different sized contractors you can choose from, so it’s important to get the right fit for your project. And I’m not talking about just the physical fit, I mean the right fit for you - the homeowner, the client, the one that will be managing the project day after day.
So if you are looking for a contractor, and don’t know who to start calling, or what to do don’t worry! That is to be expected, and in today’s episode, I will share with you all the details of how to find the right contractor that is the perfect fit for you.
Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/hire-the-team-for-your-project
Value is such an important topic and I want to talk about how much value an interior designer can bring to your home renovation projects!
For homeowners I think it’s gotten very hard to understand the value of my industry, the value of an interior designer. In today’s episode, I will be sharing some examples of how my clients benefited from hiring an interior designer, and how I encourage other interior designers to share their value as well!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/the-value-interior-designers-bring
Today I want to talk about setting expectations both as a designer, how to set expectations with their client, as well as a homeowner, how to set their expectations with a contractor or a designer.
I will be sharing the steps that are the kind of things a homeowner should be doing so that their expectations are appropriate. They know what they’re getting into, they know they can afford this, they know who the players are and how they’re going to get the work done.
And for the designers, you will go through similar steps with your clients when you’re working on the projects.
There are so many different areas that give both the homeowner and the designer control, in the beginning, to set up the process, to set up the expectation, for a very detail-oriented project to run as smoothly as humanly possible.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/how-to-set-expectations-in-the-beginning
Over the past few weeks, while promoting the Only Girl On The Jobsite Designer Edition, this has provided me the opportunity to talk with so many different designers and hear their experiences, hopes, and dreams to add construction management to their services or improve their services.
So, today I wanted to go over two areas that I think are difficult to being an interior designer offering construction management services, and how I overcome them and put things strategically in place to avoid them.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/pros-cons-of-designers
Today I want to talk about the very essence of being the only girl on the jobsite.
I thought it might be valuable to share some of my experiences over the years. Because what you’re seeing now, my confidence on jobsites, the joy that I have going on jobsites was not always there. It comes over time, with experience it comes with confidence, looking back, seeing a situation, and growing and changing from it.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/designers-realities-only-girl-on-the-jobsite
In today's episode, I'm sharing how interior designers can uplevel their skills, find a community to be a part of and how I am doing everything I can to elevate the interior design business as a profession!
Check out the Only Girl On Jobsite Interior Edition at: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/only-girl-on-the-jobsite-designer-edition
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/calling-all-designers-uplevel-services
It is my honor to have Desi Creswell join me today!
Desi Creswell is a Certified Life and Business Coach who helps interior designers stop feeling overwhelmed so they can intentionally build profitable, fulfilling businesses that enrich and support their lives as a whole.
Today, we are diving into the pain points interior designers face when doing home renovation projects. From designers who are new and want to offer this service to their clients, to designers who have done a few home renovation projects and aren’t feeling the confidence that they need to do more of this work, as well as seasoned designers like me, who really miss the community of designers, plus so much more! Enjoy!
Find out more about Desi at: https://www.desicreswell.com/
You can find Desi's Interior Designer's Get It Done Daily Planner at: https://www.desicreswell.com/dailyplanner
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/supporting-designers-with-desi-creswell
Renovation disasters - how can they be avoided? This is the most common question I hear during my course, webinars, lives, everywhere I go, this is what people want to know!
In today’s episode, I break down the best way to do this - and the answer may surprise you, but it comes down to organization, staying in control of your project, and being a team player.
Find My Renovation Template Bundle & Organizational Tools - (which is the best parts of Only Girl On The Jobsite), for a LIMITED TIME ONLY at: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/Renovation-Template-Bundle
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/taking-control-of-your-renovation-project
Curious about my course, Only Girl On The Jobsite?
Today I will be sharing with you all of the details about my course: what you can expect to learn about in my course, how many lessons there are, the community that comes along with it, and how this course will save you time, money, and your sanity!
Find the full show notes at:
https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/course-explained
This week, I hosted a live 3 Day series on renovation projects, focusing on the planning and executing of them. And in case you missed the live session, I wanted to go over those details with you today!
These are so much fun, and a great way for me to share incredible detail about important topics that everyone comes across in renovation projects.
What I do in these series is I break it up into days. The first day will be about budgets, the second day surprises, and then the third day all about deadlines.
If you haven’t joined one of these series, I highly recommend them. They are chock-full of information that we don’t offer throughout the year. So join the email list HERE (scroll down to the bottom of the page!) and you won’t miss a thing going forward!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/control-budget-surprises-deadlines
There is no construction project you can take on that doesn’t include contracts.
With all of the construction projects being scheduled and researched, this has become a really hot topic!
This all started inside my course, Only Girl On The Jobsite.
In today’s episode, I am sharing about a member who is currently bidding out a project. And three key points that I didn't want her - or you, to miss in your contracts!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/contract-review-sneak-peek-into-my-group
I am amazed and so filled with gratitude to be recording Episode #30 of Only Girl On The Jobsite!
In today’s episode, I will be sharing my journey in how I got into the construction side of interior design. From the first interior design job I took on, to what led me to where I am today. I also want to share why I am so passionate to essentially thank the women who trained me and gave me the confidence that I needed to run construction projects.
I was privileged enough to learn from experienced women who wanted to share their knowledge with me and I feel this obligation to them to share that knowledge and experience with others.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/paying-it-forward
Today I want to talk about the act of planning out any home renovation.
More often than not when I have my first meeting with clients, there are very few details in the planning department and just a lot of pictures of pretty things, hopes and dreams, and a wish list.
In today’s episode I’m giving you some examples of things that are not regularly thought out by a homeowner. Things you need to know about your home before starting your renovation project. Things like what's below you, above you and in the walls beside you.
Enjoy!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/what-youre-not-thinking-of
I've been getting a lot of inquiries about decorating. And in fact, I do a lot of decorating and really enjoy that aspect of my work!
Today I want to talk about decorating. There are typically 3 areas that I see when walking into a home that could use some improvement. These tricks will add warmth to your home, and bring in some dynamics that give the eyes something interesting to look at and your brain to chew on!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/decorating-improvements-that-designers-see
Today’s topic is one I touch on quite regularly because I want to keep reminding everyone how important it is and how you can get it right. And that is - the personality of your home, how you stamp you into a space.
This could be a brand new home that you're building from the ground up, or it could be an addition you’re adding to your home.
I'm telling you what NOT to do, and giving you permission to fully embrace what you like, where you are at in your life, and living in the moment! Enjoy
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/incorporate-your-personality-into-a-space
How do you hire the right person for you and your home renovation project? You might have gotten three or four referrals, so how do you know which one is best for you and the results you are looking to achieve?
Today I want to talk about following your gut when hiring. When building a team, meshing personalities is so important. That feeling in your gut is there for a reason. In today's episode, I want to talk to you about why you should act on it![
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/trust-your-gut-when-hiring
You just finished your renovation project, created a new space, or maybe have an entirely new home. Now, what do you do with it? How do you decorate it, and how do you make it feel like YOUR house and not like you walked into a furniture showroom?
Most of the episodes I record, revolve around the management and the planning of home renovation projects because that’s really the most important piece to the puzzle in my estimation. But in reality, I also do a lot of decorating and am often asked questions along the line of “Well, how do I make my house a home?”
So that is exactly what I want to share with you today!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/turn-your-house-into-a-home
How can you figure out your budget for your particular project?
In today’s episode, I want to really dive into how you create your budget for any sized project, how you maintain the budget within reason, and how to not completely blow your budget and get in over your head.
I'll be giving you examples I've seen of my clients, and stories I hear from friends and colleagues, and the best ways you can avoid going over budget that works best for you!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/avoid-blowing-your-budget
Today I want to talk about living in your house, or moving out and renting a place during a remodel. It can be hard. And you're not sure how to handle it. I want to give you some ideas and options I've seen my clients do. Some that worked, and some that didn't!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/how-to-cope-during-remodel
Today, I wanted to talk to you about the largest issue my industry is having right now, and therefore if you’re a consumer, you by default are dealing with it right now, too. And that is the extraordinary lead times that furniture, furnishings, lighting, everything to do with what my industry is now dealing with.
This issue hasn't just started happening over the past year...we've been having issues for a long time now, and it continues to build up. And I'm not sharing this with you to be negative, but to be informative. Because having that knowledge of what is happening around the world, helps with understanding the why, and set peoples expectations accordingly.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/furniture-delays
In today’s episode, I thought I’d explain how I came to focus on construction within my industry.
I want to share with you why I am where I am today. Why I chose construction, and how I discovered my natural abilities for building, and awareness, and being able to see projects in 3D.
I’m giving you a glimpse of my past, and sharing about my family, and their past experience and abilities with construction, and architecture.
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/discovering-my-past
Today I want to talk to you about managing your project, and what your role is.
What is your role? Do you have to manage even on small projects? The answer to that is yes!
I'll be giving you examples of what you can expect to manage, what kind of decisions you need to make, and how to prepare for your project before it even starts.
The key to the success of your project is YOU.
Your management skills, your ability to select all of the items in the room that you are working on in advance of when they need it. Meeting deadlines, getting ahead of deadlines, is up to you - no matter the size of the team you hire.
Learn more at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/managing-renovation-project-what-is-my-role
Today I want to talk to you about the most frequently asked question I hear for every construction meeting I go to.
At the end of every meeting, the question is always, “Renee, how much is this gonna cost?” Or, “What do you think my budget should be on this?”
I know they want me to tell them some magical number. Myself and everyone in my industry wishes we could do that. It would save so much time, heartache, aggravation, annoyance, you name it. But mostly - time.
But the honest answer is, I don’t know, and I have been doing this work for 27 years.
So today, I want to share with you some examples of clients who ended up going way over budget, why that happened, and how that can all be avoided!
Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/construction-budgets-avoid-common-pitfalls
Find the Only Girl On The Jobsite Course at: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/only-girl-on-the-jobsite
I've told you before but I can't say it enough. Research and preparation are key before starting home projects. Today I want to talk about an important topic.
You may think you know what you are getting yourself into. You've had friends do similar projects, you are familiar with some of the terms on a jobsite. But things come up that are never planned for. And instead of acting like you know what's going on - don't. It's ok to ask questions. It's ok to not know everything. With research and preparation for your project, it will help create less stress and confusion, and leave you with better end results!
Learn more at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/confidence-vs-cockiness
We all love HGTV. We love to see the beautiful homes, amazing results, and ease of home renovation projects. But....is it really like that in reality?
Today I am going to be talking to you about my opinion of the HGTV channel, and other home renovation TV shows. I will be going over what the reality of doing these projects really is, and how these shows do not give you the full view of what really goes on in home renovation projects.
But don't worry, it's not all bad! I do tell you what I appreciate about these shows as well!
You can find the full show notes here: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/this-interior-designers-opinion-on-hgtv
Over the last 27 years, I have witnessed good, better, and best projects and I know how to get the best practices applied to your project. I have seen clients become so overwhelmed and frustrated, not only to the amount of work being done in their homes but also to their budget. There are many unknowns and variables that come along with the project that you just aren’t anticipating. I am excited to announce my brand new course, Only Girl On The Jobsite.
In today’s episode, I will be walking you through what my new course is all about!
By removing as many of the unknown variables as possible, learning to work well with contractors, and planning for contingencies you can reduce the stress of a home renovation project and just focus on making your dream space. The key is to know the steps, the potential pitfalls, and most importantly how to avoid them!
Don’t lose the momentum we’ve built together, through this podcast, through the webinars through the 5 day challenge…..Renovate with confidence with the Only Girl on the Jobsite course.
Learn more at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/course-is-open
Enroll in the course: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/only-girl-on-the-jobsite
Knowledge is power, and when women have the knowledge they need, they are really very well suited to manage their home renovation projects!
I get asked all the time why I do this podcast, and the answer is because I like to help people, particularly women.
My goal with this podcast is to give you that knowledge that you need so you can take on your home projects feeling prepared to and confident to manage your home project.
It’s not too late to join our 5 Day Challenge February 15-19: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/challenge
Learn more at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/women-managing-renovation-project
Want the inside scoop on working with contractors? We are getting into all of the do's and don'ts in todays episode.
Matt DiBara is here with me today, sharing about his experience as a contractor and his new project - Undercover Contractor, and how he now helps homeowners by giving them the tools and knowledge they need to find, vet, hire and manage contractors.
Matt DiBara, comes from a long line of construction. His family has a total of 102 years of contracting experience. Matt grew up going to job sites with his dad, and was taught to love what he does, and build relationships with clients, and treat every project and client with the same respect.
Matt has a new E-Book coming out soon, How To Not Get Fked By Contractors, as well as a podcast, The Undercover Contractor. You can find out more about him at: https://www.theundercovercontractor.com/
For the full show notes visit: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/inside-scoop-on-working-with-contractors
Today we are getting into what are the first steps to starting any renovation project. And that is choosing which project to take on right now.
As homeowners we all have laundry lists of projects we want to take on. It might seem simple, just picking any project on your list. But there is an importance to this that I'm going to be sharing with you today.
A lot of time I see people get frustrated and end up not accomplishing anything in their homes that they have planned to do.
In today's episode, I'll be helping you take on your home project wishlist's in a easy, stress-free way!
Learn more at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/the-problem-with-renovation-wishlists
Today, I want to go over some red flags that you can look for and rules of thumb to follow in your home renovation project. Every situation is different, so today I wanted to give you actual examples of how one of my friends’ projects went wrong even thought the homeowner had taken all the proper steps.
Looking back, she sees where she didn’t pick up on things, was what she called ‘‘little ladied’, and she didn’t listen to her gut. She wants her experience to help other women who might find themselves in similar situations.
These things don’t happen often, but they do happen.
Which is why my friend wanted me to share her story with you. And this is the VERY reason I started my podcast. So that women would be empowered to hold their ground on job sites.
Learn more at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/red-flags-and-rules-of-thumb
In today's episode I will be talking about a room that got a lot of scrutiny in the stay-at-home months - the kitchen. Cooking 3 meals a day, with everybody home, is something not many of us have never done before last year. That being said everyone wants a kitchen that really works for them.
I have been hearing about people experiencing with classes, and new recipes. We have all spent more time in our kitchens this past year, and I have had some clients that have come to enjoy cooking, and now want to their kitchen to be able to better support their new hobby.
I will be going over the ultimate question checklist that will prepare you to create a kitchen renovation that functions for your unique needs.
Learn more at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/kitchen-renovation-question-checklist
After last week’s episode, I heard from many listeners about their home offices or thoughts on a need for a home office. So I want to dive a little deeper into things to consider before starting your home office.
I will be going over a few examples that I've done for my own clients, as well as what to do if you're uncertain about the future. I will also be talking about things to consider and start doing right now if you are looking to start your construction project creating a permanent office in your home.
Learn more at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/create-the-home-office-you-need
I want to talk to you about some trends for 2021 that I believe will stay around for a while.
If you’ve decided it’s a good time to start a project, we will talk about what project you are going to be taking on next in regards to trends.
A lot has changed in the past year, and we have stretched our homes to the limit, and I want to talk to you about utilizing your space efficiently, and how you can explore options to create a sanctuary in your own home, and allow for more self-care, create a working space that suites all of your needs, and create spaces for your children to enjoy even after they go back to a brick and mortar school.
Learn more at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/home-trends-lessons-from-pandemic
Do you have multiple projects but not sure which one to take on?
I'll be walking you through the 3 main categories you can put your projects in, and give you things to consider so you know what project would be best for you to start now, and what project you should start planning for later in the year!
Show notes: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/which-project-to-take-on
Emergencies happen, and you can’t plan for them. But holidays and vacations should be planned and prepared for.
I’ll be walking you through how to handle holidays, vacations, and best practices for tipping, and how small gestures of kindness can go a long way.
Show notes: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/tipping-time-off
Emergencies happen, and you can’t plan for them. But holidays and vacations should be planned and prepared for.
I’ll be walking you through how to handle holidays, vacations, and best practices for tipping, and how small gestures of kindness can go a long way.
Show notes: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/tipping-time-off
This episode is going to be dove-tailing off of Episode #5. I will be sharing with you 4 emotional stages that I see so many people experience during their home project.
I hope that by preparing for this ahead of time, your project ends successfully, and with a more positive environment for everyone involved.
Learn more at https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/four-emotional-stages
Have you ever thought of how you should approach your project emotionally?
Today I am going to give you simple mindset switches that will turn your project into a success!
Researching your project and knowing what to prepare for will be key in getting your mindset right. Doing this will affect not only you but your contractor and the atmosphere around your entire project as well. Doing renovations is an exciting thing! But there are also parts of projects I want you to be prepared for that might not be as fun as you were hoping. So, by preparing for these times, and getting your mindset right, it will help you get through your project with as much ease and success as possible.
Shownotes: devignierdesign.com/podcast/simple-mindset-switches-renovation-success
In this episode I'm going to be talking about the importance of staying organized while managing your home projects. No matter the size, this is critical for keeping your projects running smoothly and in a timely manner.
I'll be sharing with you ways I stay organized, what to use to stay organized, and what kind of information is critical to keep and have on hand for your home projects.
Shownotes: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/organization-home-project
In this episode, I'll be going over the 5 biggest mistakes I see over and over during home renovations. They aren't in any particular order, but they are all critical to keep in mind before starting your home project.
Shownotes: devignierdesign.com/podcast/5-mistakes-renovation
In this episode, I want to talk to you about the basics to getting started on your home projects, what questions you should ask, and things you need to look out for.
I'll walk you through the first steps you need to take, things to look out for and questions you need to ask!
Shownotes: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast
Hello! Welcome to Episode #1 of Only Girl On The Jobsite Podcast!
In this episode, I’m going to be sharing with you my story about how I became the only girl on the jobsite, what I learned from all my years of experience, and why I love the work that I do.
I'm excited to share with you all of my advice so that you feel ready to take on your own projects and they can turn out as smooth and successful as possible!
Shownotes: devignierdesign.com