ABOUT DAKOTA DESIGN CO.

I’m on a mission to help interior designers build sustainable, profitable businesses, earn life-changing money, and lead with confidence.

At Dakota Design, my team and I are all-in, heart and soul, day in and day out, invested in making interior designers successful. 

We believe success should be defined by you. Not your partner, your parents, or anyone else.

If you could see your true potential the way we do (and if you knew the path to get there the way we do), you’d have all the confidence you need to go for your biggest, most audacious goals and dreams. 

After working with hundreds of designers, I know it’s not a lack of talent, hard work, creativity, or intelligence that holds them back. It’s the misconception that letting their clients run the show and reacting to their every need is the best way to give their clients a luxury experience and grow their business. 

But real luxury? It starts with leadership.

We help our clients build businesses that allow them to lead their clients through a thoughtful, elevated process. One that protects their time, increases their profits, and lets them focus on what they do best.

With Katie and her team guiding them, Dakota Design Company’s clients learn how to successfully and confidently fine-tune their processes, set boundaries, structure and price their offers, and design an elevated, streamlined experience for their clients.

And the best part is that it finally gives them clarity about what they really want and the confidence to go after it.

It really is possible. We want it for you, too, and we’re here to help you get there.

Meet Katie: Business & Client Experience Expert, Writer, Girl Mom (x3), Avid Reader, Sister, and Proud Midwesterner

Katie McFarlan is the founder of Dakota Design Company and a leading expert in interior design operations and client experience. With a background in luxury event planning and operations, and deep 1:1 consulting work inside over 100 interior design businesses, she brings a one-of-a-kind perspective to everything she creates.

Katie grew up in her dad’s catering business, where she learned the grit and grace of entrepreneurship firsthand. At 17, she stepped in to run the business while her dad battled a terminal illness, gaining a deep appreciation for systems, service, and strong foundations.

She later built and scaled her own event planning business entirely through word of mouth, then pivoted into operations consulting after having her second daughter. Read more about Katie’s journey here.

Why Interior Designers Trust Dakota Design Company

After launching Dakota Design Co., Katie worked 1:1 inside over 100 interior design businesses, rolling up her sleeves and taking their processes and client experiences from inefficient and haphazard to buttoned-up, repeatable, and polished.

While those years of intense, comprehensive work brought her to the brink of burnout, they also equipped Katie with a wealth of knowledge, insights, and data that no other coach, consultant, or expert has about what design firms do, what works, and what doesn’t.

It’s from this one-of-a-kind, priceless perspective that Katie creates the tools and programs Dakota Design Company now offers to designers all over the world. Based on the data and insights she continues to collect from her clients, Katie and her all-female team empower interior designers to build and grow the efficient, sustainable, profitable businesses of their dreams.

This isn’t theory. It’s not fluff. It’s not opinion. It’s proven, field-tested strategy backed by real data from real businesses just like yours.

100+

1:1 CLIENTS SERVED

Through 1:1 consulting and done-for-you implementation services, we have helped over 100 interior designers and their teams to work more efficiently & profitably.

2,290+

CUSTOMERS SERVED

Our educational workshops and client process templates in The Design Library and The Workroom have allowed us to help designers across the globe.

39k+

RESOURCES DELIVERED

Our complimentary resources have helped over 39,000 interior designers deliver an elevated client experience and streamline their behind-the-scenes.

350+

STUDENTS SERVED

We’ve supported over 350 interior designers in our online programs, Design Business Foundations, and our signature program, The Designed to Scale® Method.

Here’s What My Clients Are Saying

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“I've been able to really fine tune my design process and feel confident with my process and service. I feel much less stressed since doing the course because of the boundaries I've learned to set.”

— INTERIOR DESIGNER, DTS METHOD

“It’s such a relief to be shown how to implement repeatable processes and stop trying to reinvent the wheel every day. Thank you so much for your amazing program.”

— INTERIOR DESIGNER, DTS METHOD

“After finishing the program, I secured two of my largest contracts to date and felt so confident throughout the proposal process, knowing my worth and what types of clients I want to work with.”

— INTERIOR DESIGNER, DTS METHOD

“I loved the Heartbeat community and small group cohorts. I enjoyed the video lessons. I found the content relevant and Katie's presentation technique engaging. I also loved the Happy Hour sessions.”

— INTERIOR DESIGNER, DTS METHOD

“I was pleasantly surprised with how comprehensive it was an how in depth each lesson was. I also really loved getting to ask questions each week in Happy Hour.”

— INTERIOR DESIGNER, DTS METHOD

“This program saves TIME and time is Money & Peace. Setting up SOPs would have taken me much longer than 9 weeks and a lot of trial & error.”

— INTERIOR DESIGNER, DTS METHOD

“The program is so efficient and if integrated into your business well, it can take your firm to the next level. I now feel confident in my pricing, my proposals and contracts because of Katie.”

— INTERIOR DESIGNER, DTS METHOD

“The [DTS Method] challenged me to take a hard look at every aspect of my business and evaluate what was working and what could be improved. It felt like a veil had been lifted from over my eyes!”

— INTERIOR DESIGNER, DTS METHOD

“The program offered incredible value in its resources, with real-life stories and situations shared. It has undoubtedly been the best investment I've made for my business growth.”

— INTERIOR DESIGNER, DTS METHOD

“The Design to Scale® program was the best investment I have made to date on my company. They offered tools to make sure all my pricing and processes were buttoned up and as efficient as possible.”

— INTERIOR DESIGNER, DTS METHOD

“This program is a fantastic safe place for designers who want to up the business side of their game. The depth of information is valuable and Katie is wonderful.”

— COURTNEY, INTERIOR DESIGNER, DTS METHOD

“You have made a huge impact on my business and set me up for success that would have taken years of mistakes and learning pains to be where I am now so thank y'all from the bottom of my heart!”

— SUZANNE, DESIGNED TO SCALE METHOD

“I cannot thank you enough for all of your incredibly specific guidance and recommendations on the call today. Talk about discovering the missing puzzle piece I need!!!”

— ALE, INTERIOR DESIGNER, POWER HOUR CALL

“I knew we needed an onboarding process, but I just now have the bandwidth to starting creating one and Katie’s templates are almost exactly what I’d design if I was starting from scratch. Thank you!”
“I wanted to say how valuable the process sheets, calculators, and spelled out examples have been. It’s a great affirmation of what I’ve been doing right, and what I haven’t or didn’t think to do.”
“I have purchased every single one of your templates and they have helped me better understand my own processes, elevated my client experience, and the ability to confidently articulate my processes.”

-INTERIOR DESIGNER, DESIGN LIBRARY CUSTOMER

“Katie’s attention to detail [on my content & processes] exceeded my expectations & 3 days of [google doc] support felt like a 1-on-1 experience. Could not recommend DDC more!!!”

-JESSICA, INTERIOR DESIGNER, CLIENT EXPERIENCE AUDIT

“Working with Katie and her team was such a remarkable experience! I was guided every step of the way and had support for questions when needed.”

-PEACOCK & DAHLIA, CLIENT EXPERIENCE INTENSIVE

“Katie is a MAGICIAN! I have newfound clarity in my processes and even better...confidence in myself. Hands down, working with Katie and team is the best investment I've made in my business!”

-HILARY, CLIENT EXPERIENCE REFRESH

“I purchased your complete client experience templates and I wanted to say THANK YOU! I was debating if I should spend this much on templates that I technically can do myself, but OH MY GOD!!!”

-VALERIE, DESIGN LIBRARY CUSTOMER

“I cannot thank you enough. Your templates are a literal godsend. My business would be a dumpster fire without you.”

-WHITNEY, DESIGN LIBRARY CUSTOMER

“Katie and her team are amazing! The detailed questions she asked helped me to better define our process and mission. It was the best money spent and I know the ROI will be felt for years to come!”

-DARCI, CLIENT EXPERIENCE INTENSIVE

“[My potential client meeting] WAS PERFECT! Literally, she goes 'I was hoping for something like this. I met with another designer and she didn't have any of these questions or guides.'.”

-RITA, DESIGN LIBRARY CUSTOMER

“Your tools have set me running this year, and I am overjoyed! I’ve got efficiency, joy, and the freedom of my headspace to focus on my creative side. THANK YOU.”

-CATHERINE, DESIGN LIBRARY CUSTOMER

“I can’t tell you enough how much your posts, products, info…everything has helped me!!”

-TAMECA, DESIGN LIBRARY CUSTOMER

“We used our first official document for 2 installations just yesterday, and I have to say it was AMAZING! The client was well informed on what to expect. Plus we looked so professional!”

-MARIA, CLIENT EXPERIENCE INTENSIVE

“Investing in Katie was a no brainer. I am now able to send proposals and stand behind my processes with absolute confidence. Dakota Design is a game changer!”

-HAYLEY, CLIENT EXPERIENCE INTENSIVE

YOU MAY HAVE HEARD ME ON:

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A NOTE FROM KATIE

I can’t wait to see what’s possible for you.

You don’t have to struggle with the business side of interior design. If you are used to doing everything yourself, second guessing every decision, recreating the wheel with every client, or perpetually postponing big vision projects to improve your business, it can feel strange to have that weight lifted off your shoulders once you start seeing the domino effect of streamlining your operations and improving your efficiency.

But I promise it’s so worth it! I’ve helped hundreds of interior designers transform their businesses, and I can help you too. This isn’t fluff, theory, or opinion. It isn’t a hack or a quick fix. It’s proven, industry-specific knowledge and tools that align with how real interior design businesses work and serve their clients.

It’s worth it because it works.

I always say, 

“Invest the time and money once, and reap the benefits forever.”

By applying my proven framework to their businesses, thousands of interior designers have been able to:

  • Work fewer hours

  • Increase their rates and stand firm in their pricing

  • Establish minimums to attract bigger, better projects

  • Show up with confidence, knowing exactly what to do

  • Improve their brand

  • Hire help and delegate with confidence

  • Deliver a consistent product and service, and

  • Focus on the work that drives the most profitable growth in their business

I’d love to work with you to take your business to the next level.

Learn more about our signature coaching program, The Designed to Scale® Method, by adding your name to the waitlist. We enroll a new cohort of designers once a year.