The Interior Collective

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Working with Builders with Brad Leavitt May 24, 2024

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Brad, the founder of AFT Construction, shares his journey in the construction industry and the importance of collaboration between designers and builders. He emphasizes the need for effective communication and alignment of vision between the two parties. Brad also discusses the role of a superintendent in ensuring the success of a project and the importance of proper supervision. He highlights the value of pre-construction meetings and page turns to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Brad also addresses the issue of budgeting and the division of responsibilities between designers and builders when it comes to purchasing materials and furnishings. In this conversation, Brad Leavitt, owner of AFT Construction, discusses the importance of technology in the construction industry and how it can improve communication and transparency between contractors, designers, and clients. He emphasizes the use of tools like Buildertrend and Bluebeam to streamline project management and collaboration. Brad also shares insights on maintaining budget discipline, providing accurate bids, and value engineering. He highlights the significance of strong leadership and company culture in maintaining high morale and expectations within the team. Lastly, he discusses the value of social media in marketing and building a brand.
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The Transformative Power of Pivoting with Tiffany Leigh May 17, 2024

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Tiffany Piotrowski, owner of Tiffany Leigh Design, discusses the power of pivoting in business and the decisions that inform those pivots. She shares her journey as a business owner, including starting her own design blog, working for a well-known interior design firm, and eventually starting her own business. Tiffany talks about a pivotal moment when she realized she needed to shift her focus back to design and let go of her online shop. She emphasizes the importance of listening to your gut and being flexible in business. Tiffany also discusses how she communicates changes to her team and clients and the balance between growth and financial stability.

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Strategic Brand Development with Lindye Galloway May 10, 2024

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Access all bonus material now on Patreon at patreon.com/TheInteriorCollective incuding this week's New Project Marketing Plan download.

This week on the Interior Collective Podcast, we sat down with Lindye Galloway, an Orange Country, California, designer and shop owner to talk about her strategies for setting her firm apart and developing a distinct point of view in an area that is super saturated with designers. Lindye walks us through her transition from wedding designer to interior designer as she and her husband embark on a renovation just weeks after the birth of their son, Theo, and how it works now that he has joined the business. She candidly shares how she pieced her business together, always keeping her vision in mind and maintaining a stylistic thread while designing homes around the country, and how innovation and competition can propel you forward.

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Pricing Your Services with Hema Persad May 03, 2024

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Download our guide to pricing your services as an interior designer now on Patreon at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective.

Hema Persad, founder of Sagrada Studio, discusses her approach to billing as an interior designer. She explains the onboarding and design discovery phase, as well as the billing structure at each phase of her process. Hema emphasizes the importance of being clear about the fee structure and having expectations outlined in the contract. She also talks about the significance of tracking hours and project profitability. Hema believes in open discussions about money in the industry to set realistic and fair industry standards. In this conversation, Anastasia discusses various aspects of billing and client management in interior design, while Hema expands her approach to collecting funds for accessories and artwork, as well as how she handles retainer fees and invoices. Hema also shares her thoughts on hourly rates for install and project management, as well as the challenges of hiring and managing a team. She emphasizes the importance of tracking time and managing finances, and discusses the benefits of remote work. Additionally, she talks about the impact of visibility and recognition on billing and client acquisition, and shares her excitement about upcoming projects and collaborations.

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Want to hear more from Hema Persad, listen to her episode on Design Perspectives with Gail M. Davis

Creating a Lighting Plan with Brian Paquette Apr 26, 2024

Show notes

Today, interior designer and 2 time author Brian Paquette is serving a masterclass in lighting design. Brian’s breaking down the concept of lighting plans, how to create one, and budget allocations. I find it particularly fascinating because of the importance of harnessing light in the Pacific Northwest where Brian’s based.

Our conversation really emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' needs and preferences during initial conversations and tailoring the lighting plan accordingly, while balancing aesthetic and function when selecting light fixtures.

Brian is also offering a peek into his latest book ‘Outside In’, which finds a deeper meaning in design. Find sample lighting plans from some of Brian Paquette’s portfolio of work in the bonus materials section of Patreon. Access them now at Patreon.com/TheInteriorCollective or book an Expert call with Brian directly.

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Outside In: Interiors Born from Nature
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Scaling a Studio with Low Overhead with Alyssa Kapito Apr 19, 2024

Show notes

Download this week's bonus content including an itemized overhead budget download and join the private community on Patreon at Patreon.com/theinteriorcollective.

In this episode, Alyssa Kapito delves into managing overhead costs in interior design. Transitioning from art history to this field, she shares insights on scaling a business while controlling expenses. Alyssa discusses strategies for handling multiple projects and highlights the benefits of a home office for cost efficiency. Drawing from her internship experiences, she emphasizes the importance of networking. Additionally, Alyssa's ventures in writing a book and launching Gallery Alyssa Kapito underscore her entrepreneurial approach. Through her experiences, listeners gain valuable insights into maintaining financial health and work-life balance in interior design.

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Influencing Design Through Social Media with Drew Michael Scott Apr 12, 2024

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Download this week's exclusive content now on Patreon: Interactive Editorial Calendar and Monthly Content Planner

Get Our Editorial Strategy Workbook Here

In this week’s episode of The Interior Collective podcast, Anastasia welcomes Drew Michael Scott, design influencer and founder of Lone Fox. Drew's career was born on YouTube and has thrived across various design channels as he has built his brand and honed his aesthetic. Through years of consistency and resourcefulness, he has earned an audience that includes millions of online followers—in addition to the trust and collaboration of dozens of top-tier brands. Drew is an incredible representation of a new kind of designer—an industry tastemaker who inspires and educates without taking on clients of his own. Even for designers taking a more traditional route, Drew offers valuable insight into building and monetizing an online brand.

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Construction Documentation with Tess Twiehaus Apr 05, 2024

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Get sample constrution documents, FF&E Schedules, and construction drawing disclaimers now on Patreon.

Tess Twiehouse, founder of Tess Interiors, discusses the importance of comprehensive construction documentation in interior design projects. She shares insights into managing construction documents and communication with contractors. Tess explains the process of creating bid sets and construction documents, including file storage and regular communication with contractors and trades. She also discusses the team structure at Tess Interiors and the number of projects they handle simultaneously. The conversation highlights the significance of revisions during the construction phase and the documentation and communication process followed by Tess's team. In this conversation, Tess dissects the process of creating construction documents and the importance of clear communication with contractors and trades. She explains how the furniture budget is determined and how materials, finishes, and cabinet details are applied to the construction documents. Tess emphasizes the need for detailed schedules, including materials, appliances, plumbing, and lighting. She also discusses the use of concept decks and the importance of revisions and communication throughout the project. Anastasia shares insights into the software and tools she uses to keep organized, including Google Drive and Dropbox. She concludes with expanding on meeting note documentation to maximize searchability and minimize any miscommunication.
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Mandy Cheng: Install Logistics Mar 29, 2024

Show notes

Get full access to bonus material, downloadable worksheets, and in-depth analysis now on Patreon.

In this episode of The Interior Collective, delve into the intricacies of interior design logistics with Mandy Cheng as she reflects on the transformative impact of earning a spot on the AD100 list, three years running. Tune in as Mandy dissects the nuts and bolts of her design process, drawing from her background in set design and seamlessly transitioning into interiors. Discover Mandy's fluid approach to installation, always putting her client’s comfort first. Gain insights into managing logistics with a small team and the crucial role photography plays in showcasing her work. Join us for a conversation packed with thought provoking sound bites and practical advice for interior designers, covering everything from smooth installations to the art of booking photographers and exciting updates on future projects.

Zoë Feldman: A 6 Step Design Process Mar 22, 2024

Show notes

Full Analysis, Transcript and Bonus Download Worksheets Now Available on Patreon.

This week, coveted Washington DC designer Zoe Feldman breaks down her well-established six-part design process as she shares her journey into interior design and the importance of scaling her business. The conversation covers the six phases of her design process, including programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, construction administration, and installation and styling. Zoë also discusses her Expert sessions and the different tiers of design services she offers. She shares her experience of investing in process improvement and the challenges and benefits of offering full service design and design anywhere services. In this conversation, Zoë discusses her approach to budget-friendly design with Design Anywhere. She breaks down the six-phase process of interior design, including programming, schematic design, design development, and installation. Anastasia also shares upcoming projects and collaborations, including a lighting collection with Mitzi that just launched and a kitchen design for fashion designer Jessie Randall.

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