If you’ve ever felt like construction and renovation projects are spinning out of control—delays, unclear responsibilities, contractors ghosting, and clients suddenly treating you like the problem—this post is for you.

Project management during construction is where many designers lose money, time, and patience. But with the right systems and boundaries, you can stay in control, keep your clients happy, and protect your profitability.

In this post, I’m sharing:

• The #1 contract mistake designers make when managing construction projects (and how to fix it).

• How to avoid working with difficult builders—and what to ask before taking on a project.

• Why setting clear pricing and scope for project management can make or break your profit margins.

• The key conversations to have with your GC before construction even begins (miss this, and it’ll cost you).

If construction projects have been a source of stress, it’s time to take back control. The DTS Files gives you access to this full post, plus expert insights to help you structure your services, set better boundaries, and confidently manage every stage of the design process.

Join The DTS Files to read the full post now.

Dear Dakota,

How To Identify Red Flag Clients (vs. clients you just don’t want to work with)?

Join The DTS Files for my advice and insights. There IS a big difference between the two.

As business owners, we spend so much time figuring out what to do that we rarely stop to think about what we should stop doing. Over the years, I’ve refined my process, grown my team, and built a successful business that serves both my clients and my life. And a huge part of that? Letting go of things that don’t serve me, my business, or my time.

In this post, I’m sharing the 12 things I don’t do in my business—things that have helped me scale efficiently, maintain strong boundaries, and create a client experience that’s both profitable and sustainable.

• Why I never let a prospect book a call before screening them (and why you shouldn’t either).

• The one thing I do not subscribe to, follow, or consume—and how it’s helped me grow faster.

• How I structure my availability to avoid burnout and keep my brain fresh for deep, strategic work.

If you’re feeling stretched too thin, overcommitted, or like your business is running you instead of the other way around, this post will show you the small (but powerful) shifts you can make to take back control.

Join The DTS Files to read the full article now.

The market is shifting, and client budgets are tightening. What worked last year—rolling with unexpected costs, clients saying "yes" to everything—isn’t working now. If you’re seeing more hesitation, scope changes, or pricing pushback, it’s time to recession-proof your business before the slowdown hits hard.

In this members-only post, I’m sharing the seven essential strategies interior designers need to implement now to stay profitable, keep projects moving forward, and protect their bottom line—regardless of what the economy does next.

Inside, we’ll cover:

• Why relying on product markups alone is risky—and how to structure your fees for financial stability.

• The biggest mistake designers make when discussing budgets (and how to set clear financial expectations from day one).

• How to audit your expenses, assess your marketing, and refine your processes to build a lean, resilient business.

• What to do if a client suddenly changes their budget—and how to handle the conversation with confidence.

If you want to ensure your interior design business thrives no matter the economy, this post is a must-read.

Upgrade to The DTS Files membership now to access the full post.

If client revisions are eating into your profits and dragging out timelines, you’re not alone. Many interior designers struggle with clients who second-guess their selections, request endless changes, and hesitate to approve final designs. The good news?

This isn’t a “bad client” problem—it’s a process problem.

In this members-only post, I’m sharing exactly how to structure your design process to reduce revisions, set clear expectations, and ensure clients confidently approve your designs the first time.

Inside, I’ll share:

• The one fix that will instantly cut down on unnecessary revisions (it happens before the presentation).

• How to guide clients toward the best design decisions—without making them feel pressured.

• The critical mistake designers make when presenting options (and why it leads to more second-guessing).

• How to create a revision policy that protects your time, your profitability, and your sanity.

If you’re tired of endless reselecting, stretched-out timelines, and feeling like you’re losing control of your projects, this post will give you the exact framework to streamline your process and keep projects moving forward.

Upgrade to The DTS Files membership now to unlock my advice!

Disney World isn’t just an amusement park—it’s a masterclass in client experience. Every detail, from the first inquiry to the final farewell, is designed to create a seamless, high-touch, and wildly profitable customer journey.

Inside The DTS Files, we’re breaking down:

• How Disney eliminates transactional friction to create a premium experience (and how you can, too)

• The small onboarding tweak that builds excitement and reduces overwhelm for clients

• Why Disney’s efficiency model is key to running a smoother, more profitable design process

• How to extend the client experience beyond project completion for long-term loyalty

If you want to elevate your client experience and attract high-end clients who trust your process, upgrade to The DTS Files for full access.

If you want to attract dream clients with big budgets who trust your expertise, you need to do this one thing—it’s the common thread among every multi-million dollar design firm I’ve worked with. And no, it’s not about networking harder, lowering your prices, or running paid ads.

Ew.

Inside The DTS Files, I’m breaking down:

• The key investment that instantly elevates your credibility and makes clients eager to book

• The biggest mistake designers make when showcasing their work online (and how to fix it)

• The exact steps to ensure your portfolio attracts more of your best projects

• How to track where your ideal clients are finding you—and use that data to land better leads

Want to transform your pipeline and start booking high-end projects consistently? Upgrade to The DTS Files for full access!

If you’re an interior designer looking for a simple way to cut down on endless back-and-forth emails, impress your clients, and streamline your entire design process, you need to incorporate video messaging into your workflow.

I use this one tool to personalize my own inquiry process, present deliverables, and provide high-touch client communication—without adding more to my plate. Inside The DTS Files, I share exactly how you can use video messaging to:

• Deliver polished and professional proposals that help you book clients faster

• Reduce client confusion and eliminate extra revisions

• Train your team and document key processes for seamless operations

• Onboard clients

• Present your work

Want to see how top designers are using video to create a luxury experience (and how you can, too)? Upgrade to The DTS Files to unlock the full post.