FOR INTERIOR DESIGNERS

Essential Construction Training and

Management Tips for Interior Designers

Are you an interior designer who is ready to collaborate confidently on construction projects without overstepping your role,
losing money, or getting steamrolled?

ACCESS THE TRAINING TODAY

As an interior designer, stepping into the world of projects with construction components can feel like walking into 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 lane as a designer, AAAAAAAAND protect your profitability?

IT’S NOT IMPOSSIBLE!

If you’re like most designers we work with, you may fall into one of these categories:

1️⃣ You decline any projects that involve construction because you just don’t feel ready, but then you worry you’re leaving money on the table (as well as your chance to create something fantastic from the ground up).

2️⃣ You DO say yes to these projects, but then experience whiplash the entire time from being overly involved in every.single.thing, only to realize you didn’t price your scope properly and have been working for free for … checks calendar … the last six months of construction.

3️⃣ You say yes to these projects and then have to contend with egos so big THEY could house your client and their entire family. Meanwhile, your site visits and input feel wasted and ignored, yet somehow, you’re left holding the bag. 🤔

Can I get a “Yeah, no”?

If you’re the kind, compassionate, and caring business owner I know you are, I would guess your biggest priorities when it comes to saying YES to a construction project are to:

Guide your client to make the best decisions, ALL while minimizing their stress as much as possible;
Collaborate with reputable builders and show your chops (making THEIR job easier) in the hopes of getting more projects where you’re involved from the beginning;
Be profitable so your company CAN offer these premium services to clients.

Picture of woman sitting on floor looking at printed out pictures and notes

You’ve probably found yourself on a job site or reading an email (or text...) from a client or contractor, wondering:

… Is this decision on me? Or should it go to the contractor?

… Are there things I’m supposed to be doing that I don’t know about? I don’t want to be bothersome or cost my client too much in fees.

… What if there are delays on materials I specified? How will that affect the project schedule?

… What’s the best way to handle an issue with the contractor without stepping on toes?

… How can I clearly communicate to a tradesperson exactly what is needed on this design?

… An installer misinterpreted my design direction. What do I do now?

The problem is, without understanding construction processes and oversight, even the most beautifully crafted design plan can result in a nightmare situation when timelines are missed, budgets balloon out of control, and communication with contractors breaks down.

As an interior designer, you're often caught between the client’s expectations and the contractor's realities.

INDIVIDUALLY, both of these can be hard to put boundaries around. But put them together and throw in a costly construction project, clients' eagerness to get into their homes, and lack of firm timelines from the contractor?

Houston, we’ve got a problem.

🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️

One single miscommunication can cause a domino effect of costly mistakes, leaving your reputation in question and pulling you deep into the construction chaos.

And let’s be real—construction mishaps can cost you more than just your reputation.

They can cost you:

→ Time (and lots of it) sorting out avoidable issues.

→ Client trust, especially when projects don't meet the timeline or budget (even when it has nothing to do with you).

→ Stress, from being in the middle of contractor-client conflicts and feeling responsible for so.many.details.

Each time a contractor misinterprets (or ignores, iykyk) your design direction or specifications, or a client feels left in the dark about delays, you risk your professional reputation.

And then there’s the liability—overstepping your role in managing construction tasks can have serious legal consequences.

BUT HERE’S THE GOOD NEWS:

You CAN successfully (and confidently) collaborate on construction projects—and be profitable.

While working on design projects that involve construction may seem overwhelming, it's not impossible to grasp. In fact, with the proper knowledge, you can confidently navigate construction sites, communicate effectively with contractors, and ensure your designs come to life exactly as envisioned—without overstepping.

SOME QUICK STATS FOR YOU:

30% of construction projects experience cost overruns due to poor communication between the designer and contractor.

And that’s not all—studies show that effective collaboration between designers and contractors can reduce project delays by up to 25%, saving both you and your clients time and money.

<<< Imagine doing that for your clients!

You’d be the designer who contractors respect, and clients trust.

You’d be the designer who knows the rules of the game, has all the right answers, delivers flawless results, and saves everyone time and money.

UMMMMMM, HIIIIIIIIIIIII. YES PLEASE! 👏

THAT’S WHY WE’RE EXCITED TO INTRODUCE…

Essential Construction Training &

Management Tips for Interior Designers

This training was specifically designed to address questions, challenges, and situations we’ve seen designers struggle with. And, it’s being taught by our in-house interior design professor and certified interior designer, Dr. Gloria, so you know it’s backed by industry standards and 20+ years of field experience.

PART 01

✔ Deep Dive into the Construction Process with Gloria

PART 02

✔ Explore Pricing and Communication with Katie

PART 03

✔ Hear Our Answers to Common Designer Questions

Our mission is to arm you with the knowledge you need to confidently & profitably navigate construction projects—without overstepping your boundaries.

This training will be your complete guide to the construction process, giving you the tools to:

Communicate and collaborate effectively with contractors, architects, and tradespeople.
Understand the key phases of construction—from permits to punch lists—so you can advise your client and are never caught off guard.
Learn how general contractors estimate costs so you can anticipate changes and avoid budget blowouts.
Master the art of creating and using spec books that contractors understand and execute perfectly. #goals
Know the rules (building codes, zoning, safety standards) and where your authority as a designer begins and ends.
Confidently navigate the ordering process, knowing what YOU should handle and what the contractor should
Accurately prepare a scope of work that protects your time, energy, and bottom line
Effectively onboard contractors and clients, setting each project up for success
Manage client expectations realistically when delays and cost overruns happen—because they will.
Price your services during construction administration and communicate your role effectively.

By the end of this training, you’ll not only understand the ins and outs of construction, but you’ll understand how your design impacts project timelines and cost estimates. You’ll also be empowered to advocate for your client’s design and ensure your projects run smoothly from start to finish.

✔️ Price to Protect Your Bottom Line—learn how to price your services for construction administration to add revenue for your business.

✔️ Feel Confident On-Site—know exactly what to expect at each phase of construction.

✔️ Prevent Costly Mistakes—avoid misunderstandings by knowing your role and exactly what info contractors need.

✔️ Stay In Your Lane, But Own It—understand exactly where your expertise fits in the construction process and how to avoid liability issues.

✔️ Master Client & Contractor Communication—learn what to collect at onboarding so you can set expectations clearly and lay a foundation for success.

You’ll gain a clear understanding of construction processes, regulations, and roles to ensure your designs are executed perfectly and you feel confident saying YES to projects that involve construction.

>>> GRAB THE TRAINING HERE

Meet Your Hosts

Meet Katie McFarlan

CEO & OPERATIONS CONSULTANT

Through private business consulting, done-for-you systems setup, and educational programs, 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 & 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 13 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

From Permits to Punchlists

Essential Construction Training and
Management Tips for Interior Designers

DETAILS

On-demand Two Hour Training
PLUS, Pre-Recorded Q+A Session
BONUS #1: Save 10% on our Construction Design Client Experience Templates & Contractor Kit
BONUS #2: Get our Construction Schedule & Essential Site Visit Guide
BONUS #3: Get our Construction Allowance Report
BONUS #4: Access our QR Code Mini Training

ACCESS THE TRAINING TODAY