Stop Managing Renovations

You can absolutely run a profitable, in-demand interior design business without ever managing a renovation project, while still working with great clients and connecting with builders for regular referrals.

I know this to be true, because I’ve done it. (Even when others told me it would not be possible).

Why I Stopped Project Managing

With the start-up of my interior design business, I thought that I had no choice BUT to manage renovations. 

I’m talking about projects such as whole home redesigns, main floors, kitchens, bathrooms, etc.

Managing renovation projects left me anxious, exhausted, and spending most of my time putting out fires instead of actually designing. 

I realized I had a choice to make. I could either:

1. Be miserable managing the trades, take on a ton of liability to oversee every detail, deal with damaged materials, etc.
2. Redesign my business to focus on the aspects of the role that I truly love that include designing, specifying fabrics & furnishings, and consulting.​

When I gave myself permission to step away from project management of renovation projects, it was so empowering! Everything changed: my happiness, my schedule, and my profitability.​

The Power of Design-Only Services

It all started when a local builder approached me looking for a designer to create concepts for their clients, without needing me to manage the entire renovation. 

The project management was their responsibility, as was the purchasing of all the materials such as flooring, tiles, countertops, plumbing fixtures, and paint. 

That partnership became the catalyst for a business model that lets me stay in my zone of genius while builders handle the day-to-day construction chaos.​

From there, I built out three core services that clients and contractors love:

• Concept-Only Design
• Designer for a Day
• Designer By Your Side​

Concept-Only Design

Concept Only Design is where we develop the overall vision and layout, without getting into selections of finishes or furnishings. (that comes later with the other interior design services we offer)

As an example, when you have a client who wants to take down a wall between the kitchen and living room, but then they need to know options for a new kitchen design, how big a new custom island can be, and how to plan the living room layout so the space flows beautifully.​

For this service, we create 3D drawings so clients can clearly visualize the new space before demolition starts, which builders also love because it reduces confusion and second-guessing on site once the renovation project is underway.​

Designer for a Day

Designer for a Day is typically a six-hour session where we help clients select the key finishes for a renovation project. That can include hardwood, countertops, backsplash, cabinetry colour, grout, wall colour, and more.

It is a one-and-done service: no purchasing, no ongoing management, just a powerful working session that leaves clients thrilled and builders relieved to have clear, cohesive specifications.​

Read this blog post with video if you are curious to see exactly how we set up Designer for a Day services.​

If you want a clear, professional done-for-you contract to protect you when offering this service, grab my Designer For a Day contract template here.

Designer By Your Side

Designer By Your Side is an hourly service with a 20-hour minimum, ideal for clients who want ongoing guidance without full-service project management. 

Here we can attend site visits, help with decisions throughout the renovation, and even purchase furnishings and window treatments, but we do not manage trades like the plumber, electrician, or GC.​ 

We do what we love most and let the GC deal with any deficiencies that arise.

Without overcomplicating it, this is simply an hourly design service that you may be currently billing as a flat fee. 

But, speaking from my own experience, and countless conversations with designers over the years either through my 1-on-1 coaching or in my private FB group, 90% of interior design professionals who bill a flat fee, LOSE MONEY. 

Designers almost never bill for ALL their hours. 

Designers underestimate how long tasks will take. 

It’s likely you don’t take into account all the phone calls, numerous emails, preparations of concept-boards, procurement, multiple site visits, etc.

If this sounds familiar, you will want to invest in my Stress-Free Invoicing Guide that will save you from missing out on mountains of money for design services that you are not billing for accurately.

Read this blog post with video where I share specific details of how we offer Designer By Your Side services.  

Use my Designer By Your Side contract template to set clear expectations and protect your boundaries.​

Yes, You Can Make Great Money

You do not have to manage every aspect of a renovation to be profitable. With the right structure and clear boundaries, design-only and consulting-based services can generate excellent revenue while protecting your sanity and work-life balance.​

On a recent renovation project, our client hired us for our Designer By Your Side, and we billed 140 hours at $250 an hour. That works out to $35,000 in service fees alone, plus we made additional revenue on product sales, all without the stress and liability of overseeing every delivery and trades on site.​

Bonus: All of these types of services can result in full projects that still give you beautiful portfolio images and strong social media content, which helps attract more of your ideal clients and builders!​

Build the Business That Fits You

There is more than one path to the top of the mountain, and you get to decide which route works for you. 

You can pivot, refine, and reshape your services over time to ensure you are doing work you love,because at the end of the day, you are the BOSS.​

For a trusted reference on what to charge for various interior design services, go grab my FREE Services & Rates Guide, where I share how we structure and charge for our award-winning interior design services.

Just starting your interior design business? You can pick up my Business Starter Checklist here.

Do you manage renovations? Comment below and let us know!