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.

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 you’re thinking about hiring but don’t know where to start (or you’ve made a bad hire before and want to avoid repeating the mistake), this post is for you. Growing a team is one of the fastest ways to scale your business—when done right. But hiring the wrong person? That’s expensive, stressful, and a total drain on your time.

Inside The DTS Files, I’m breaking down:

• The #1 hiring mistake that slows down your business growth

• Why searching for “another you” is hurting your hiring process

• The biggest red flags to watch out for when interviewing candidates

• The simple method to determine exactly who you should hire first

If you want to grow your team without the overwhelm, 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.

In order to successfully run a streamlined interior design business, it’s essential to have your client-facing processes nailed down. The corporate world often refers to processes as SOPS (Standard Operating Procedures), but most of my interior designers don’t–so I'll call them processes to keep it simple. 

In this article, I share the top client facing processes you need to map out in your business, how to create standard operating procedures, and where I would start with your business if you hired me 1:1.

Join The DTS Files for my advice and insights.