Collaborate on Construction Projects without Overstepping or Undercharging
Master the interior designer's role during construction so you can communicate with confidence, protect your profitability, and collaborate effectively with contractors from permits to punchlists.
Whether you're taking on your first renovation or you've been managing construction projects for years, this training will help you understand what belongs on your plate, what belongs on the contractor's, and how to advocate for your clients and your designs every step of the way.
As an interior designer, projects with construction components can feel like a maze of technical jargon, confusing regulations, and complex roles.
You want the design to come to life on-site, but how can you do that when you're not even sure how much say you DO have?
How do you collaborate with contractors and trades, provide valuable design input and problem-solving, stay in your zone of genius as a designer, AAAAAAAAND protect your profitability when every GC runs their projects differently?
IT IS POSSIBLE!
If you’re like most designers we work with, you may fall into one of these categories:
1️⃣ You decline projects that involve heavy construction because you don't feel ready.
Then you worry you're leaving money on the table, along with the opportunity to design a space from the ground up.
2️⃣ You do say yes to construction projects, but every project feels different.
You're involved in every.single.thing, answering questions, solving problems, making site visits, and constantly putting out fires, only to realize you didn't price construction administration properly and have essentially been working for free for... checks calendar... the last six months.
3️⃣ You already do construction projects, but you’re ready to operate at a higher level.
You want to proactively guide your clients, stay one step ahead instead of constantly reacting, collaborate seamlessly with contractors, and create a construction experience that's seamless for everyone involved.
If you see yourself in any one of these, you're in the right place.
Every general contractor has a different way of running a project. Your role as the interior designer shouldn't change.
Without your own process, it's easy to get pulled into responsibilities that belong to someone else, leaving you the go-to for every decision, delay, and problem.
From Permits to Punchlists gives you a proven process that works no matter who you're working with, so you can:
Guide your clients to the best decisions while minimizing their stress.
Collaborate effectively with contractors and become the go-to designer they want to work with again.
Advocate for your design while respecting the contractor's role.
Be profitable and continue offering these premium, end-to-end services.
PAST STUDENT FEEDBACK
“ We were able to take away several valuable pieces from this that we will implement in our processes even after 24 years of experience.
Katie’s client base is a wide range of designers who are willing to participate and bring their experience to the table through the Q+A. You can never stop learning in this field and we appreciate Katie's dedication to the industry and her fast paced authentic style of teaching!”
INTERIOR DESIGNER, 24 YEARS IN BUSINESS
“As an officer manager of a build and design firm, this training makes me feel more comfortable and confident knowing what takes place on the construction side. It helps me understand timelines more effectively to integrate with the design team. It will help me communicate more clearly and understand more fully which phase each project is in.”
OFFICE MANAGER of DESIGN BUILD FIRM
You’ve probably found yourself on a job site or reading an email (or text...) from a client or contractor, wondering:
Is this decision mine, or should it go to the contractor?
Are there things I'm supposed to be doing that I don't know about?
How do I communicate design intent clearly to the contractor or trades?
What happens if materials are delayed? How does that affect the project?
How do I address an issue with a contractor without damaging the relationship?
An installer misinterpreted my design direction. Now what?
Add client expectations, construction delays, budget pressure, unclear timelines, and shifting responsibilities...
... and it's easy to get pulled into construction chaos and jump into ‘reaction mode’.
HERE’S THE GOOD NEWS:
You can confidently navigate construction projects without overstepping your role or undercharging for your time.
With the right knowledge and a proven process, you can:
Price construction administration profitably and protect yourself when projects are delayed.
Stay one step ahead of deadlines instead of relying on the contractor's schedule (or lack thereof).
Communicate proactively with contractors.
Know exactly what you're responsible for and when to direct questions and decisions to the contractor.
INTRODUCING
FROM PERMITS
to PUNCHLISTS
From Permits to Punchlists was created for interior designers who want to confidently navigate construction projects without overstepping, undercharging, or wondering whether they're doing the right thing.
This training was specifically designed to address the questions, challenges, and situations we've seen designers struggle with, from their first renovation to their 100th.
It's taught by Katie McFarlan, business operations consultant, and Dr. Gloria Stafford, our tenured interior design professor and certified interior designer, combining real-world consulting experience with technical design education and industry best practices.
PART 01
✔ Set the Project Up for Success
Before construction begins, you'll learn how to define your role, price your construction administration services, vet and onboard contractors, set client expectations, map the design timeline, and prepare your drawings and specifications so the project starts with clarity.
PART 02
✔ Lead the Project with Confidence
During construction, you'll learn how to communicate proactively, advocate for your design, navigate site visits, solve problems with confidence, and confidently direct construction questions and decisions to the contractor when appropriate.
PART 03
✔ Close Out the Project
After construction, you'll learn how to confidently manage punch lists, close out projects professionally, offboard clients and contractors with a repeatable process, and end every project on a strong note that leaves clients & contractors eager to recommend you.
Inside this training, you’ll learn how to:
Vet contractors with a buttoned-up process so you can compare bids apples to apples and help clients choose with confidence.
Run a feasibility study before you commit to a scope you can't yet price
Prepare a scope of work that sets clear boundaries around your time, so scope creep doesn't turn into unpaid work
Price your construction administration services profitably and communicate the value of your role during the build
Onboard contractors and clients with a repeatable process, and set clear expectations when delays, scope creep, or budget issues arise
Identify common budget pitfalls like unrealistic allowances and change orders to help your clients avoid costly surprises
Create spec books and drawings that clearly communicate your design intent.
Use QR codes so everyone is working from the current version instead of outdated printouts.
Clarify project responsibilities, like who owns purchasing, scheduling, and construction-related tasks
Confidently direct construction questions and decisions to the contractor while continuing to lead the design process
“27 years in the business, and hundreds of projects completed, and yet I learned so much!
The art of the business of design is often an elusive topic to find solid guidance and coaching on…..and I finally found it here! It’s like finally finding the light switch after nearly 3 decades of stumbling around in the dark.”
—PERMITS TO PUNCHLISTS ATTENDEE
Meet Your Instructors
Learn from two experts who bring different perspectives to construction projects.
For nearly a decade, Katie has worked behind the scenes in more than 100 interior design firms, helping designers build more profitable businesses through better pricing, processes, and client experience.
Dr. Gloria has spent decades practicing interior design and educating the next generation of designers as a certified interior designer and tenured professor.
Together, you'll learn how to confidently navigate construction projects from both the business operations and technical design perspectives.
Meet Katie McFarlan
CEO & OPERATIONS CONSULTANT
My all-female team and I have helped hundreds of interior designers streamline and price their services, create elevated client experiences, and refine and implement processes their teams and clients appreciate.
We are committed to providing the industry with comprehensive and high-quality resources, articles, and educational content so interior designers can confidently run profitable and sustainable businesses.
It is our MISSION to level up the entire design industry.
Meet Gloria Stafford, PhD
CERTIFIED INTERIOR DESIGNER & TENURED PROFESSOR
Gloria is a long-time practicing certified interior designer, SCAD grad, and tenured professor. Following a 20-year career practicing both commercial and residential design, she went back to graduate school to earn a Master’s and PhD.
For the last 14 years, she has taught at two different Midwest universities. She found great satisfaction in educating the next generation of designers and just recently retired as a tenured professor.
Gloria always says, “Design is my passion, but education is my calling.”
TRAINING DETAILS
✔ Format: Self-paced, on-demand video lessons
✔ Taught by: Katie McFarlan, operations consultant for interior designers, & Dr. Gloria Stafford, PhD, certified interior designer and tenured professor
✔ Access: Instant, for the lifetime of the product
✔ Investment: $400
✔ Who: For interior designers, new and established
✔ Support: Four weeks of Friday Field Notes, a private weekly email where you can submit your questions and receive answers from Katie and Dr. Gloria as you implement what you've learned.
🧰 You’ll Also Unlock These Bonuses:
Construction Timeline with Key Milestones
So you can guide every project confidently from kickoff to closeout. Includes typical construction timeline, key inspection points, and critical milestones for designer site visits, giving you a clear roadmap for your projects.Contractor Vetting Process Checklist
If you vet contractors for clients or want to vet them to add them to your list of preferred partners, this checklist will ensure you never miss a detail when vetting contractors. This is an internal document, not a client facing document.Construction Allowance Report
Evaluate GC bids more effectively and avoid underbid line items that lead to costly surprises. This resource outlines specific ranges for key construction line item allowances.Onboarding Checklist for Construction Projects
Use this to ensure you gather all the right information from contractors and clients when starting a new construction project. This is an internal document, not a client facing document.
QR Code Spec Book Mini Training
Deliver specs digitally using QR codes to streamline communication with contractors and their subs.30% Savings in The Design Library
Save 30% on our Construction Design Client and Contractor Experience System with Spec Book + our Residential Codes Handbook.
PAST STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“I love how detailed your trainings are. Your trainings give specific tasks and items to implement right away into your business.”
INTERIOR DESIGNER, CONSTRUCTION TRAINING ATTENDEE
“I recently had the pleasure of attending the From Permits to Punchlists training, and I can already see the tremendous impact it will have on our business, our time, and—most importantly—our clients.
This training provided us with a clear and efficient roadmap for managing site visits and handling construction phases, ensuring that we stay focused on our role as interior designers rather than getting tangled in the responsibilities of a general contractor. We will be able to streamline our process, making it much easier to manage projects during the construction phase without any unnecessary confusion or overlap. This training will definitely elevate the way we work and allow us to deliver even more exceptional results.
Thank you, Gloria and Katie, for your incredible support and expertise!”
INTERIOR DESIGNER, CONSTRUCTION TRAINING ATTENDEE
“I have been working with area builders for the past two years and had many processes in place. However, seeing all of your processes in place helped me simplify. It also helped me become more confident in how to market to area builders and homeowners. This training was invaluable.”
INTERIOR DESIGNER, CONSTRUCTION TRAINING ATTENDEE
“The training I received surrounding how to effectively & efficiently work with contractors on renovation & construction projects will forever change the way I approach these projects. I have clarity surrounding delineating scope of work, expectations for communication and roles we play to help homeowners get their project completed well. I have so many ideas to implement back into my business workflows for current & future projects. Thank you. ”
INTERIOR DESIGNER, CONSTRUCTION TRAINING ATTENDEE
“It was all incredibly helpful and I'm glad I made the investment on the training. My confidence around construction projects has skyrocketed.”
INTERIOR DESIGNER, CONSTRUCTION TRAINING ATTENDEE
“Education is the foundation of everything we do. I now feel more confident talking to my clients about the construction process. We will be implementing all of our learnings from this training, thank you!”
INTERIOR DESIGNER, CONSTRUCTION TRAINING ATTENDEE
“This training was very comprehensive and informative. I took 10 pages of notes!!! One of my favorite things as a new designer is walking through what should happen and when it should happen. We often get thrown into projects and brought in late and because I am newer I haven't had the confidence to push back always on owners or builders and contractors. Now I may even decide not to take a project knowing the proper timing and how late they are trying to bring me in.
This course also provided me with several bonus resources that were extremely helpful tools in how I organize my process moving forward. Highly recommend!”
INTERIOR DESIGNER, CONSTRUCTION TRAINING ATTENDEE
"Katie and her team are always one step ahead of knowing exactly what I need in my business before I even know I need it! My process around construction was lacking and this training gave me so much clarity as to how to revise it and set me up for success moving forward. Permits to Punchlists was put together and amazing per usual.
Biggest takeaways: The construction administration fees and scopes. Need to implement these asap!"
INTERIOR DESIGNER, CONSTRUCTION TRAINING ATTENDEE
“Every time I experience one of these trainings, it is a huge confidence builder. Skipping the self doubt about the way we are running our projects and jumping right into proven methods has been invaluable!”
INTERIOR DESIGNER, CONSTRUCTION TRAINING ATTENDEE
“As always, the information [in The Permits to Punchlist Training] was correct per industry standards (there is a lot of garbage being peddled by people who don’t know what they are talking about particularly in this area). This is a particularly litigious area of our practice and I find many/most residential designers are not equipped to competently practice. [This training is] a must particularly if you lack formal training in CA.”
INTERIOR DESIGNER, TRAINING ATTENDEE
“This training gave me the confidence and clarity I needed around designer versus contractor responsibilities. The line between our roles felt frustratingly hazy, but now I have a clear framework for what falls under my purview as the design expert versus what the GC should handle.
The biggest impact for improvement will be client communication—I can now clearly explain what's covered under our scope versus theirs. I feel much more confident owning my role rather than second-guessing boundaries.
I'd definitely recommend this to other interior designers. If you've ever felt uncertain about your responsibilities versus the contractor's, this will give you the clarity to confidently serve your clients.”
INTERIOR DESIGNER, CONSTRUCTION TRAINING ATTENDEE
Why This Training
is a No-Brainer:
If you're ready to stop guessing your way through construction projects, define your role with confidence, and build a process that protects your time, your profitability, and your professional reputation, this training was built for you.
Whether you're taking on your first renovation or you've been working with contractors for 25+ years, From Permits to Punchlists will help you collaborate more effectively, advocate for your clients and your designs, and confidently navigate construction projects without overstepping or undercharging. We’d love to have you join us.
FAQs
-
The training is about 2.5 hours of video lessons. Most students complete it in a single day.
-
Yes. We'll cover how to protect yourself and price the construction administration phase of your projects. We’ll share ways you can write this service into the scope of work.
-
We love that you’re investing in your own development, but these trainings are specifically created for practicing interior designers, not for business coaches, consultants, or educators serving the same audience.
We kindly ask that you respect the integrity of the space and the privacy of our community by learning this information elsewhere.
We've had past experiences where our IP and content was stolen and repurposed w/o permission or where our audience was approached in a spammy way. For that reason, we reserve the right to revoke access to anyone we believe is not attending in good faith.
-
We do not offer refunds for our online trainings and products. Please read our terms and conditions here.
-
You'll have access to this training for the lifetime of the product.
-
You'll submit your questions via an anonymous form, and each Friday, we'll send out an email, Friday Field Notes, with Katie and Gloria answering all the questions we received that week.
The included 4 weeks of Q+A email support is for questions directly related to the From Permits to Punchlists training. We’ll clarify concepts, help apply a lesson to your situation, or explain a bonus resource and how to implement it.
It's not a substitute for 1:1 consulting, contract review, or project-specific troubleshooting. If you need hands-on support structuring your services long-term, check out our signature program, The Designed to Scale® Method. Details here.
-
You'll still have full access to the training itself. If you have additional questions after your 4-week window, email us at support@dakotadesigncompany.com so we can direct you to the right resource.
If you're looking for hands-on, ongoing support as you structure your construction services, we help with that inside our signature program, The Designed to Scale® Method. Details here.
-
We want to make sure you get exactly what you need for your business.
If you have questions about the training, whether it’s the right fit for you, or anything else, email us at support@dakotadesigncompany.com. Maria from our team personally responds to every email.
© 2017-2026 DAKOTA DESIGN COMPANY, LLC | TERMS OF USE