Only Girl On The Jobsite (Renee Biery)

Many designers have been asking me what types of materials they need to supply to the contractor for the projects they’re working on. 

Today I break down terms between a specification book and a project binder and when and how you should be using them, and also the level of detail you should be including so that you are not over-delivering when you’re not being paid to do that service. 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/project-specifications 

Today we’re going to talk about something that quietly chips away at your profits, your confidence, and your sanity on construction projects, and that is your unclear role, which affects your bottom line. 

Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/doing-it-all-getting-paid-for-half   

In any given week, I speak with countless designs across the country and even the world. And recently, the topics seem to be coming back to marketing - which makes sense. It’s a critical part of our business. But what I’m starting to realize is that the questions aren’t revolving around marketing but an underlying anxiety and stress about the current state of their business. 

While I’ll never claim to be an expert in anxiety, I was forced into a crash course on how to manage it. And so today, I want to share with you the three steps I use to confront anxiety, what to do when you’re feeling like an imposter, how to handle the inferiority complex we experience while scrolling social media, and more!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/confronting-anxiety 

Today I wanted to share with you an experience I recently had. I was invited to talk at my daughter's school for career day. In the past, I hadn’t felt there was any real value given to the students or myself, so was a little hesitant, but this time was different. 

Today, I want to share with you how I used this as an opportunity not only to practice speaking about my career but also to educate those listening about interior designers who manage renovation projects. I also had such an unexpected validating moment for where my career is going from this point forward. I hope you enjoy this episode!

I am excited to announce I am once again offering free twenty-minute 1:1 calls with me for rating and reviewing this podcast! Take a screenshot of your rating and review and email it to me at renee@devignierdesign.com, and I will send you my calendar link to book your free call!

If you’re not sure how to leave a review, you can watch this quick tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53JdV8sC2g

As an interior designer, have you ever had someone ask you for a favor? Like, helping with their project with the expectation that it will be free? Maybe you think doing favors could help you - especially new designers that don’t have a full portfolio. So, in today’s episode, find out if you should be doing favors for people and if they pay off for a designer!

Find the full shown notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/doing-favors-for-people 

Today I wanted to cover a topic that has been coming up more and more.

With this housing boom, people are taking on what I am calling, “the big three.” 

New homeowners are contemplating taking on three types of projects, and today, I want to break these projects down and discuss why they should be taken on before moving in.

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/renovations-prior-to-moving-in 

So you’ve secured your next job, and you’re really excited to get started! But you also know you’re going to be working with an entirely new crew of construction workers. And that’s when you get a pit in your stomach as the anxiety builds. 

Today, we’re talking about why that happens in the first place, how to see it coming, and, better still, how to put those fears of working with a new team of contractors to rest.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/thriving-in-new-construction-teams 

Vetting potential calls, explaining yourself and the work we do, and the value we bring to each project over and over can lead to overwhelm and be exhausting!

I want you to know that I get it and have heard from a lot of designers lately about how to prove themselves and their value to various industry partners and various clients or potential clients.

It is normal to experience overwhelm, stress, and anxiety when we are being questioned about our value and our services. But I don’t want you to shy away from it or ignore it.

You will learn in today's episode how you can stand firm, lean into your strengths, and explain your services and your value, and why their project would be better served and elevated to a custom level they are seeking by having you be a part of the project.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/proving-our-worth

Value is such an important topic and I want to talk about how much value an interior designer can bring to your home renovation projects! 

For homeowners I think it’s gotten very hard to understand the value of my industry, the value of an interior designer. In today’s episode, I will be sharing some examples of how my clients benefited from hiring an interior designer, and how I encourage other interior designers to share their value as well!

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/the-value-interior-designers-bring

Today’s episode is a bit of an addendum to a previous episode published around this time last year, Episode 15 - Why Women are Perfect for Managing a Renovation Project.

After reviewing the number of downloads this particular episode received, I realized it was an important topic that needed to be revisited. Even a year later, I still firmly believe that women possess an innate skill important for managing construction projects. Join me as I dive deeper into this unique skill that most women already possess.

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/women-managing-renovation-projects-2

Today’s topic is all about logistics and how to manage a project successfully from beginning to end. 

I know your designs are important, and if you are focused on them, then you maybe think that some bumps in the renovation side will go unnoticed. But why should you bank on that when if you manage a project through the logistics that every project has, you can actually win on both ends? Both the amazing designs that you have created, as well as the contractor's and the client's experience of having worked with you.  Remember, the experience is what will be remembered. 

I am excited to announce I am once again offering free twenty-minute 1:1 calls with me for rating and reviewing this podcast! Take a screenshot of your rating and review and email it to me at renee@devignierdesign.com, and I will send you my calendar link to book your free call!

If you’re not sure how to leave a review, you can watch this quick tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53JdV8sC2g

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/manage-logistics 

Today I want to talk to you about managing your project, and what your role is.

What is your role? Do you have to manage even on small projects? The answer to that is yes!

I'll be giving you examples of what you can expect to manage, what kind of decisions you need to make, and how to prepare for your project before it even starts.

The key to the success of your project is YOU.

Your management skills, your ability to select all of the items in the room that you are working on in advance of when they need it. Meeting deadlines, getting ahead of deadlines, is up to you - no matter the size of the team you hire. 

Learn more at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/managing-renovation-project-what-is-my-role

We all make mistakes; I make plenty of them! The entire purpose of this podcast is for designers to learn from the mistakes of others. My guest today is Virginia DesRoches who is here today to talk about some of the rookie mistakes she has made and the lessons she learned from them.

Virginia DesRoches and John Foran are the dynamic couple and trailblazing visionaries behind Ironwood Studio, an all-encompassing firm that seamlessly merges construction and interior design along the South Coast of MA. Rooted in strong family values, they have earned a robust reputation for their work in designing, building, and renovating family homes from floor plans to furnishings of extraordinary quality and character. 

Drawing inspiration from the beauty of nature, their designs always blend modern and rustic elements, creating a luxurious and welcoming atmosphere ideal for family living. Their dedication to their craft has been recognized in publications such as The Boston Globe, DIY Network, and The Nest.

When Virginia and I first met in my course, Interior Designers Guide to Construction Management, she shared a large new build she was working on, and couple of weeks ago she emailed me to tell me the job was finished and that while it ended well, she encountered a lot of what she called, rookie mistakes along the way. She thought other designers could also learn from them and wanted to share the high’s and low’s of this project. 

The value in what Virginia shares is extensive, and so today is Part 1, where we cover cover setting fee structures, the details in making selections, permitting, and factoring in things often forgotten about, such as weather and then how to best work with new trades on a project. 

 Virginia has free resource for you here:  https://www.ironwoodstudio.co/free-resources  called "The Ironwood Dream Home Guide Book." It includes everything you need to know when preparing for your New Build. 

Find out more about Virginia and follow her on social media here:

INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/ironwoodstudio.co/ 

LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-desroches-17192313/

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/rookie-mistakes-part-1 

Today’s episode is going to be a continuation of the last two because there has been such a massive conversation that got started on this topic! In Episode 92, I talked about when to bring on new clients. (And spoiler alert - it is NOT now, in the fourth quarter.) And in Episode 93, I really broke down how to best vet a new client to make sure they are actually a good fit for you at this time. Then today, we’re taking it to the next level, and I am going to be talking about the hero complex. What is the hero complex? If you don’t know what that is, tune in to hear what it is, why designers have it, and how we can avoid it!

If you’d like to book a FREE 20-minute consultation with me, don’t forget to leave a rating and review, screenshot it and email me at renee@devignierdesign.com

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/hero-complex 

Curious about my course, Only Girl On The Jobsite?

Today I will be sharing with you all of the details about my course: what you can expect to learn about in my course, how many lessons there are, the community that comes along with it, and how this course will save you time, money, and your sanity!

Find the full show notes at:

 https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/course-explained

Ok, designers, let’s talk imposter syndrome!

We all can suffer from imposter syndrome throughout each stage of our careers. Today, I want to share with you how I have managed it from the very beginning of my career and still do to this day. I’m sharing with you some of the positive affirmations I use and how I break things down into bite-sized chunks.

Imposter syndrome is real. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. And it’s totally manageable. 

I am excited to announce I am once again offering free twenty-minute 1:1 calls with me for rating and reviewing this podcast! Take a screenshot of your rating and review and email it to me at renee@devignierdesign.com, and I will send you my calendar link to book your free call!

If you’re not sure how to leave a review, you can watch this quick tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53JdV8sC2g

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/how-ive-managed-imposter-syndrome 

Today, I have my friend Lesley Myrick joining me in today’s episode. Lesley is a recognized design media personality and the CEO of Lesley Myrick Interior Design, a full-service boutique interior design firm based in Macon, GA.

Having lived and worked internationally, Lesley specializes in designing personality-driven, playful, and function-forward “forever homes” for professional families.

Media outlets including Architectural Digest, People, Forbes Home, Insider, and InStyle magazine have celebrated Lesley for her signature aesthetic of bold, colorful, and collected interiors that offer a fresh take on Southern design.

Today, Lesley and I are breaking down a topic I am often asked about, and that is the best practices of pricing a project and what it actually looks like to be profitable through margins, hourly, or flat fee rates. 

Lesley shares her experience of participating in a panel at HighPoint, where experts discussed the challenging aspects of pricing interior design and construction management projects. Lesley emphasizes the absence of a one-size-fits-all pricing formula and the importance of finding your perfect approach. She highlights the significance of not only establishing upfront pricing but also analyzing the numbers on the back end to ensure profitability.

Lesley shares essential insights on pricing strategies, including the benefits of educating clients about project duration, the transition from hourly rates to flat fees, and the art of confidently stating your price. She dispels the fear of profit and the reluctance to walk away from unfit clients, stressing the importance of leading the design process and choosing the right projects.

You’ll definitely want to grab a pen and paper and get ready to take notes! Enjoy!

Find out more about Lesley, as well as resources mentioned in today’s episode, here:

https://nancyganzekaufer.com/free-resources-for-interior-designers &

https://www.instagram.com/lesleymyrick

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/lesley-myrick-pricing-a-project 

Today’s episode is a really special one. I am joined by Mercedes G Quintanilla, a designer who completed every single lesson inside my course, The Interior Designer's Guide to Construction Management. 

I actually offered an incentive for the first time for members inside the course, who completed it in its entirety, and Mercedes dove in headfirst. She not only went through the whole curriculum from start to finish, but she’s now going back through it, to catch all of the, what she calls, nuggets. And here’s why that’s so powerful: it’s easy to cherry-pick content to solve an immediate problem on your plate, and sometimes that is exactly what you need. But when it comes to construction management, understanding how a project unfolds, phase by phase, and your role in each phase, that’s what’s going to help you avoid the headaches before they hit. The flow does matter. The foundation matters. And Mercedes does get that. 

Mercedes G Quintanilla is an accomplished Designer originally from El Salvador, who has cultivated a rich career blending interior design and architecture. She holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and a master’s degree in architecture from Boston Architectural College. 

In 2013, after navigating the challenges of the economic downturn, she ventured into real estate investment, got her license, and founded Atlanta Investing Properties LLC, specializing in flipping residential properties that required significant transformation. This hands-on experience in project management has equipped her with invaluable skills for overseeing complex design projects and renovations, as well as managing intricate real estate transaction paperwork.

After a rewarding journey in real estate, Mercedes returned to her true passion—design—in 2016, while continuing to manage real estate renovations on the side. As her real estate, remodeling, and design work deepened, particularly in residential and workspace design, Atlanta Investing Properties LLC naturally evolved into a design studio. Today, she blends her expertise with her design skills to craft unique spaces that nourish the soul and elevate well-being

Even with her background as a trained architect, her experience she recognized that there were gaps in how she approached her projects, in particular residential projects. 

In today's episode, you'll hear about the areas of my course, The Interior Designers Guide to Construction Management, that surprised her, ones that challenged her, and ones that gave her the structure that she needed to take her business to the next level.

You can find out more about Mercedes and follow her on Instagram here:

https://mercedesquintanilla.com 

https://www.instagram.com/_mercedes.quintanilla

Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/what-you-still-need  

Spring is a busy time of year! Today, I want to talk about how to manage these really busy months but also how to prepare for the summer months ahead by leaning in on your systems, getting schedules sorted out, now for all involved in a project, how to communicate this clearly with your clients and potential clients, and making sure to schedule in some down time for yourself and your family.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/summer-guide 

A new year, a new paint color. Do you follow the trends when it comes to choosing paint colors? Honestly, I don’t know any project you may take on that doesn’t include painting.

I felt it was important to dig into this topic and how to handle all of the information coming at you, how to sample and view colors properly, and how to find the right colors for your home, no matter what project you are working on.

Listen in for my advice on how to handle color trends and if you should use them or not. Thanks to one of my listeners for sending in the suggestion for today’s topic. Let’s dig in!

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/paint-color-trends

In this episode, I wanted to talk about something I feel is crucial to the success of managing any renovation project, and that is confidence.

Why does being confident on a renovation project matter? It establishes that you are there for a reason, receiving and sharing information as an equal team member, which is critical on any project.

Whether you are an interior designer or a homeowner working on your first project, this episode will teach you a few easy ways to start feeling and exuding the confidence you need before even stepping foot onto a jobsite.

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/build-confidence-to-manage-renovation-project

Disruptions on a job site can and will happen. And while that isn't a great experience, there will be things out of your control. Whether they are minor or major difficulties, I am sharing a few types of disruptions you may encounter while on a jobsite and how to handle them.

It could be different workers coming and going, contractors going on vacation, or even leaving mid-project. But a designer's role is critical in keeping things moving forward as calmly as possible so that the project stays on track and finishes strong.

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/disruptions-on-a-job-site

What should you expect as a woman, either as the homeowner or as an interior designer, on a construction project?

Whether your role is a homeowner, requiring you to become a team member or an interior designer you are a girl in a male-dominated workplace. In today's episode, I’m sharing with you the how-to guide for women on construction sites.

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/how-to-guide-for-women

This topic has come up a lot recently and seems to be a trend that people are interested in learning more about. Many people have asked my opinion on working with design-build firms. These are one-stop shops, usually with multiple in-house experts such as an architectural team, a design team, and a construction team. While this could be valuable for some projects, others may not be that simple.

In this episode, I share the pros and cons of working with design-build teams, both as a homeowner and an interior designer. Which I truly believe depends on what you're trying to achieve.

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/working-with-a-design-build-team

When you think of crediting your work, you may be thinking solely about how this impacts you. But we also play a role in that issue. So today I want to share a story that has just hit mainstream media in our industry, and how critical it is to give as well as receive proper credit for our work.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/giving-receiving-proper-credit 

Over the past few weeks, while promoting the Only Girl On The Jobsite Designer Edition, this has provided me the opportunity to talk with so many different designers and hear their experiences, hopes, and dreams to add construction management to their services or improve their services. 

So, today I wanted to go over two areas that I think are difficult to being an interior designer offering construction management services, and how I overcome them and put things strategically in place to avoid them. 

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/pros-cons-of-designers

Recently, I’ve been hearing rumors about supply chain issues rearing their ugly heads again, and I was too busy to focus on them at the time and certainly didn’t feel it in my day-to-day world. But I came across an article and took the time to do some research on this topic and I want to share the information I found with you and why it is so important for you to continue to lean into your construction management services.

If you’re interested in joining my course, you can use my code ‘Masterclass’ to receive $150 off the price. That special discount will expire on July 18th at midnight EST. 

If you have questions, feel free to schedule a course discovery call with me by scrolling down to the bottom of the page here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/renovation-management-interior-designers 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/supply-chain-issues 

Emergencies happen, and you can’t plan for them. But holidays and vacations should be planned and prepared for.

I’ll be walking you through how to handle holidays, vacations, and best practices for tipping, and how small gestures of kindness can go a long way. 

Show notes: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/tipping-time-off

Whether you are a new designer or seasoned, there is something to learn from today's conversation with my guest, Rebecca West!

Today, we are going to dig into the marketing messages that we are projecting not only to our clients but to our industry partners. And yes, there are lots of side conversations that are really valuable for you to hear in this episode as well!

Two decades as CEO of Seriously Happy Homes turned Rebecca West into the go-to business coach for residential interior designers who create happy homes for regular people (rather than the wealthy 1%). In 2023 she closed her business and moved to Paris, France. Now she’s here to help you master your marketing message and establish professional practices that’ll keep your clients - and your accountant - Seriously Happy. 

You may know Rebecca from the many webinars she’s done with the NKBA and IDS. She’s also been a regular TV guest on New Day Northwest, served as a judge for Best in Show at KBIS, and is on the board of Heritage Design School. 

In addition to 1-1 business coaching, Rebecca offers a signature course called “Nail Your Niche” that lays the foundation for becoming the only designer your clients will call. She’s also working on her next book about the “DECIDE” method, a process that helps clients make quick, confident design decisions and keeps our projects on track.

But Rebecca’s not all business—she can’t resist a costume party or a cat video, loves sipping whisky and eating stinky French cheese, and dances tango with her hubby. 

Grab Rebecca’s free Nail Your Niche starter kit PLUS direct feedback from me on their niche at https://seriouslyhappy.ck.page/aec00a8bb8 

Find out more about Rebecca and follow her Parisian adventures on Instagram at @beseriouslyhappy

Check out her podcast, "Stuff Interior Designers Need to Know.”

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/rebecca-west 

I want to take a chance to re-introduce myself to those of you who are just joining!

There are so many new listeners, that I truly am humbled. And I would quite frankly love to hear how you came across this podcast! 

In today’s episode, I am taking you back to how I became The Only Girl On The Jobsite, where went to school, the women I worked with and my inspiration for starting this podcast as well as both of my courses, Only Girl On The Jobsite Course & Only Girl On The Jobsite Designer Edition

Find the full show notes as well as all the links mentioned in this episode at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/the-road-to-only-girl-on-the-jobsite

Have you ever had an overly enthusiastic client take over your project? You may think that clients being involved is not what you want, but the truth is their involvement is often essential to creating a space that truly reflects them. In today's episode, I share strategies for managing overly involved clients on construction projects and how to navigate this dynamic of challenges and opportunities effectively.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/managing-over-involved-clients 

I am so excited to share the conversation I had with my friend Michelle Lynne! 

Michelle Lynne began her interior design career after spending more than two decades working in Corporate America. She began in the home staging arena and has since built a successful, award winning, full-service interior design firm, ML Interiors Group, employing talented designers and serving clients across the country.

In the summer of 2018, Michelle began focusing on a big gap she saw missing in the interior design industry: teaching interior designers how to run the business of an interior design business. She now leads The Interior Design Business Bakery, an in-depth, 12-month group coaching program that focuses on teaching designers profitable processes, systems, strategies, and mindset needed to run a streamlined, profitable interior design firm.

She also founded and leads Studio Works, a co-working studio for the interior design industry, where her design firm operates from. And is the co-founder of Sidemark, a sales & marketing software designed specifically for the interior design industry. 

Her motto is simple: we rise by lifting others.

It is such a pleasure to have Michelle come on and talk with me in detail about profitability in our business, pay structure, sales and marketing, boundaries, the value of coaches, and so much more! Enjoy!

Grab Michelle’s Interior Design Business Review Planning Guide here:

https://designedforthecreativemind.myshopify.com/products/the-interior-design-business-review-planning-guide 

 Connect with Michelle here: 

@MLInteriorsGroup 

@DesignedForTheCreativeMind

@MySidemark 

@StudioWorks.space

Join us at the Interior Design Business Success Summit! Use the code OGOTJS for $97 off https://www.designedforthecreativemind.com/summit

Join me for my Pricing Webinar March 7th, 12:30pm EST / 9:30am PST here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/pricing-webinar 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/

I know you’ve all heard the saying, “You are the company that you keep.” And I want to talk today about how it’s not just about when you’re growing up. It still applies to my life today, and I want to explain how so that you can see signs of it in your own life because this can be key to your business success.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/successful-as-the-company-you-keep 

Today we are getting into what are the first steps to starting any renovation project. And that is choosing which project to take on right now.

As homeowners we all have laundry lists of projects we want to take on. It might seem simple, just picking any project on your list. But there is an importance to this that I'm going to be sharing with you today.

A lot of time I see people get frustrated and end up not accomplishing anything in their homes that they have planned to do.

In today's episode, I'll be helping you take on your home project wishlist's in a easy, stress-free way!

Learn more at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/the-problem-with-renovation-wishlists

Today’s episode is based on all of the feedback I received from designers after listening to Episode 86: How to Build Experience in Renovation Management

Designers shared with me their experiences of bumps, trials, and tribulations that they have gone through while building their experience in renovation management. Today I want to break out some of the common themes I heard from so many of the designers so that you can hopefully learn from their mistakes just as you learn from mine! 

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/negative-experiences-designers-went-through 

I am so excited for you to hear this conversation with fellow designer Rebecca Hay, CEO of Rebecca Hay Designs, host of the Resilient by Design podcast, international speaker and business coach. She’s the creator of the revolutionary online course, Power of Process, helping time-strapped and frustrated Interior Designers eliminate the chaos of running a business so they can achieve focus and clarity. She helps designers build confidence and streamline their business, taking them from chaos to coordinated. Her methods and experience prove that anyone can up-level their business & make more money without working around the clock. Rebecca believes in collaboration over competition and given the right tools, anyone can be successful.

In today’s episode, we cover it all! From interior design to pricing, to confidence building, and even AI. You will no doubt learn something from today’s episode. It’s like listening to two seasoned designers chatting about the industry that we love!

You can find out more about Rebecca, her offer mentioned in the show as well as her podcast at:

rebeccahay.com/podcast/ 

rebeccahay.com/revenue/ 

 https://rebeccahay.com/pricing/

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/rebecca-hay 

Happy 2022!

I hope everyone was able to take a little break to enjoy the holidays and maybe entertain some friends and family. But as we start the new year, those projects we put on hold are gearing back up again.

Although I’m not one for making New Year’s resolutions in my personal life, I feel like now is the perfect time to talk about the kind of resolutions that could apply to the things discussed in this podcast, which is managing construction projects.

In this episode, I am sharing some goals you can set for the new year whether you are currently in construction or planning a new project in 2022. I can't wait to dig into this more with you. Enjoy the episode!

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/new-year-construction-resolutions 

Today’s episode is coming from designers listening, and a frequent question I’ve been receiving is, “What is the difference between a GC (General Contractor) and a Project Manager?” They may seem like the same thing, but there are important differences you need to know!

Today I am going to answer your question so you can understand the difference between these two roles!

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/gc-vs-project-manager 

Here we are mid-summer - if any of you are like me, you’re finally starting to relax and take a moment for yourself. What that also means is you may be putting things off.

So today, I am so excited to welcome my friend Desi Creswell back to the podcast. This is her third time sharing her expertise with fellow interior designers, and it is because of an ah-ha moment I had while listening to Desi’s podcast The Interior Design CEO, that inspired me to invite her back on. She did an entire episode called The Later Habit which you can find here: https://www.desicreswell.com/podcast/the-later-habit I knew everyone else would relate to this Later Habit that we all tend to slide into, especially when it’s summer months, and schedules are wonky, and we are out of sorts. 

Desi is a master certified Life and Business Coach who helps Interior Designers build thriving businesses without the stress adn overwhelm. She uses a blend of mindset, actionable strategies, and industry specific expertise. Desi supports clients with topics such as time management, leadership, delegation, systems, and goal setting. And the best part about it is she is one of us. She is a trained interior designer who left practicing in order to dive in and support designers even more!

In today's episode, we talk about what the later habit is, and how we can avoid it, the importance of time management, where to start, how things like getting over perfectionism and building confidence as a CEO can help you take back your time!

You can find out more about Desi by visiting her Website at: www.desicreswell.com

Grab her Interior Designers Get it Done Daily Planner at:

www.desicreswell.com/planner

Listen to her new Podcast: The Interior Design Business CEO at:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-interior-design-business-ceo/id1652747762

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/time-management-desi-creswell 

If you ever feel a lack of confidence about skills that you definitely have, then today’s episode is for you!!

Last week’s episode (Ep184) was a really important conversation around struggles I know so many designers have about setting boundaries and how they present themselves to contractors, clients, and anyone else in our industry.

A lot of this stems from a lack of confidence and feeling insecure about skills that you definitely have. 

This topic definitely hit a nerve with a lot of designers listening to last week’s episode about things you took away from the episode and things you want to work on. In fact, it even came up inside my course's live masterclass on building the best team. So today I want to continue on with this topic on gaining confidence in our skills, setting those important boundaries, and elevating our design expertise!

As always if this episode leaves you with more questions than answers please feel free to reach out to me at renee@devignierdesign.com or shoot me a dm on social media!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/elevate-your-expertise 

We all love HGTV. We love to see the beautiful homes, amazing results, and ease of home renovation projects. But....is it really like that in reality?

Today I am going to be talking to you about my opinion of the HGTV channel, and other home renovation TV shows. I will be going over what the reality of doing these projects really is, and how these shows do not give you the full view of what really goes on in home renovation projects.

But don't worry, it's not all bad! I do tell you what I appreciate about these shows as well!

You can find the full show notes here: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/this-interior-designers-opinion-on-hgtv

Most designers I speak with are already doing construction work. Maybe it’s on their own home, a bath or two, or a kitchen refresh. Meaning they don’t actively market for it. It happens organically. These designers may be listening to this podcast for tips and ideas. But how would renovation work improve and add value to your business? And I mean beyond financial value. 

This we’ve got to discuss! 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/value-beyond-income 

It’s early November, and that means the holidays are upon us! But - there are proactive steps you can be taking right now to set up you and your project for success during these crazy busy times!

In today’s episode, you’ll hear the steps that I have taken during these times that really do set me up for success and allow me to carve out time to actually enjoy the holidays.

I’m also going to be talking about gift giving and what that means for myself and my firm and how you can apply it to you and yours.

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/manage-holidays-gift-giving-tips 

Do you remember the moment you knew it? You knew on a job site that you got this? That your experience and knowledge were going to lead to a successful completion of the project?

I remember mine! And in today’s episode, I am sharing a personal triumph story - a blast from my past, but has a very cool lesson which I hope will inspire you, to become confident in yourself, your knowledge, and your experience and that you can handle whatever comes next. 

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/i-got-this 

For the second half of this two-part series, I continue digging into the drama regarding these popular home renovation reality television shows and the lessons that can be learned from an interior designer’s point of view.

In this episode, I share why working on your own renovation projects is totally different from working with clients, how to get more experience if you’re still new to the industry, and the importance of not cutting corners in construction.

Be sure to listen all the way to the end of this episode, as I recorded another brief update after my initial recording. Parts of this story are still moving very quickly, and I wanted to make you aware of the latest happenings as I get them.

If you haven’t already done so, be sure to go back and listen to part one of this series, where I discuss the red flags homeowners need to look out for to avoid the disasters that others have experienced. You don’t want to miss either of these episodes. 

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/magnolia-network-drama-part2

It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this time of year. We’ve got the holidays, year-end, projects in the works, and marketing for new projects. There are all sorts of things coming this time of year, and it’s really hard to take a step back and realize that you are not serving yourself, your clients, or your projects by getting caught up in that chaos. 

As a whole, designers tend to be people pleasers, and while that serves us in so many ways, it can also hold us back. It can absolutely take time away from our lives, drain our energy, and it can definitely cost us money. Those are all things that we need to avoid to run healthy, profitable businesses that we love. So today, we are diving into how interior designers can thrive through the holidays!

Find out more about my course, The Interior Designer's Guide to Construction Management at: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/renovation-management-interior-designers 

Find the full shownotes at:  https://devignierdesign.com/how-interior-designers-thrive-through-the-holidays 

It is my honor to have Desi Creswell join me today! 

Desi Creswell is a Certified Life and Business Coach who helps interior designers stop feeling overwhelmed so they can intentionally build profitable, fulfilling businesses that enrich and support their lives as a whole.

Today, we are diving into the pain points interior designers face when doing home renovation projects. From designers who are new and want to offer this service to their clients, to designers who have done a few home renovation projects and aren’t feeling the confidence that they need to do more of this work, as well as seasoned designers like me, who really miss the community of designers, plus so much more! Enjoy!

Find out more about Desi at: https://www.desicreswell.com/

You can find Desi's Interior Designer's Get It Done Daily Planner at: https://www.desicreswell.com/dailyplanner

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/supporting-designers-with-desi-creswell

Today I want to talk about living in your house, or moving out and renting a place during a remodel. It can be hard. And you're not sure how to handle it. I want to give you some ideas and options I've seen my clients do. Some that worked, and some that didn't!

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/how-to-cope-during-remodel

What happens when you rush a project, whether you're a homeowner running a project or a designer running it? 

So often I see decisions being rushed on a construction project that can cause issues.

Today I want to talk about the three common mistakes I’ve seen lately when someone rushes a project and how to avoid them!

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/why-rushing-projects-causes-issues 

After last week’s episode, I heard from many listeners about their home offices or thoughts on a need for a home office. So I want to dive a little deeper into things to consider before starting your home office.

I will be going over a few examples that I've done for my own clients, as well as what to do if you're uncertain about the future. I will also be talking about things to consider and start doing right now if you are looking to start your construction project creating a permanent office in your home.

Learn more at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/create-the-home-office-you-need

After talking to and hearing from many designers and hearing all of their questions, I started noticing this underlying theme in most of the questions the designers were asking.

I thought it couldn’t all boil down to this one similarity, but it did—and that was pain points. Almost every question I read involved a lack of fully understanding the pain point of whoever they were working with.  

So, in today’s episode, I’m diving into the importance of identifying and addressing the specific challenges and issues not only your clients face but your industry partners and yourself as well. Missing the mark on understanding pain points can hinder successful project outcomes! I share how you can avoid this by investing time into truly listening to your clients, and industry partners and taking time to evaluate what is going on in your own business that may be presenting itself as a pain point.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/understanding-pain-points 

I’ve talked before about my ‘A team,’ which I refer to as ‘my Todd.’ I’ve also mentioned that he always threatens to retire, to which I always respond, “Well, you can’t retire until I retire!” Unfortunately, that likely isn’t going to happen as Todd is preparing for retirement. While I am disappointed we won’t be working together for much longer, I am looking at this as an exciting opportunity. Today, I want to dive into what that looks like and how you, too, can embrace change even when you don’t really want to. 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/finding-new-a-team 

Today I have the special pleasure of introducing a friend of mine, Jill Kalman. Jill is an interior designer helping people move from cities to the suburbs and all of the transitions and issues that come up along the way.

Today we dive into how to get your home ready for the holidays which are upon as we speak and then additionally working through living with a construction site over the holidays.  

Jill shares some amazing tips on decorating your mantle, your table, your front porch, and more! These are new, fresh ideas that will get you out of the traditional box and get your creative juices flowing! 

You can find Jill’s Free Guide Room Planner here >> https://jillkalmaninteriors.com/home-planner-sign-up/ <<

You can sign up for Jill’s Styling Course >> https://jillkalmaninteriors.com/stylingcourse/ <<

Find out more about Jill at >> https://jillkalmaninteriors.com <<

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/prepping-for-the-hoidays-jill-kalman

Are you a designer looking for more renovation management work? Is it something you really enjoy and starting to excel at but just struggling to get more projects lined up? Then today’s episode is for you! 

In today’s episode, I am talking marketing 101 and how to fill your pipeline with renovation management projects.

I am excited to announce I am once again offering free twenty minute 1:1 calls with me for rating and reviewing this podcast! Take a screenshot of your rating and review and email it to me at renee@devignierdesign.com  and I will send you my calendar link to book your free call!

If you’re not sure how to leave a review, you can watch this quick tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53JdV8sC2g

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/marketing-renovation-projects 

An often overlooked component is referral marketing—and I don’t mean just with your current or past clients. You need to start looking beyond them and building specific relationships that will drive construction projects to you and fill your pipeline. So today, we’re going to break down why that’s so important and how to best go about it!

As always, if this episode leaves you with more questions than answers, please feel free to reach out to me at hello@devignierdesign.com or shoot me a dm on social media!

Find the full shownotes at:  https://devignierdesign.com/master-referral-marketing  

Last week, I hosted a webinar titled Respected & Profitable, which has sparked such incredible conversations about how being respectful and respected on a project greatly impacts your profitability that I wanted to share with each of you! I also share how to approach negative comments you may hear with curiosity instead of judgment and how the client, contractor, and you, the designer, work together as equals.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/curiosity-over-judgment 

Today’s topic is one I touch on quite regularly because I want to keep reminding everyone how important it is and how you can get it right. And that is -  the personality of your home, how you stamp you into a space.

This could be a brand new home that you're building from the ground up, or it could be an addition you’re adding to your home. 

I'm telling you what NOT to do, and giving you permission to fully embrace what you like, where you are at in your life, and living in the moment! Enjoy

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/incorporate-your-personality-into-a-space

Offering renovation management services to your clients is so valuable.  I’ve mentioned in the past I was hearing chatter about 2023, the slowdown in the volume of work, and the possibility of a recession. If you have been feeling anxious about 2023 and not getting many phone calls, this episode is for you! You can get through this year and whatever the economy brings by leaning into your renovation management skills when decorating projects diminish. 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/lean-into-renovation-management 

We are a few weeks into the Group Coaching VIP Calls for my course, Renovation Management for Interior Designers, and I’ve had a question come up more than once, so I wanted to share it with all of you today.

A designer shared with me that she was working on a project and she had written the contract in two phases. One was the design and development phase, and the other was the renovation management phase. 

And her client chose only to hire her for the design and development phase. And while she went to great lengths explaining the value an interior designer can bring to managing these projects, her client felt they could manage their project on their own. 

I’m sure this has happened to you as well! Find out how to avoid this in today’s episode, other critical jobsite questions that were asked, and how these Group VIP calls benefit not JUST the designers asking the questions!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/designers-questions-answered 

Planning your year is more than just filling your calendar—it’s about aligning projects with your business goals, avoiding burnout, and staying intentional. In today's episode, I also share with you how to recognize subtle "pink flags" in projects before they turn into major red flags, and why trusting your instincts can save you time, money, and stress. Plus, learn how to set boundaries, create flexibility in your schedule, and build a strategy that works for you in 2025 and beyond.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/planning-your-projects 

I hear a lot of designers struggling with how to price their services for construction management as well as decorating for potential clients. What I want to talk about today is not the actual dollars and cents but how pricing with confidence starts with knowing the value you bring to each and every project.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/knowing-your-value 

Today, we are tackling a topic that is so incredibly critical to the success of your project and, frankly, the success of your future projects, and that is the hidden costs of poor communication. 

I think designers overlook this because they think they’re already great at communicating. This is what we do. We talk with our clients. We share our design. We explain our visions. Yes, yes and yes. But what I want to drive home is the power communication has on a project, both for good and for bad. 

This is where I see a lot of projects fall apart because someone missed a detail, didn’t follow up, or assumed everyone was on the same page. 

Miscommunication can be extremely subtle and often not intentional. But it can have an impact on everything.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/costs-of-poor-communication 

Find out more about my course The Interior Designer's Guide to Construction Management at: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/renovation-management-interior-designers 

Ellie Redder is here with me today to help all designers explore the possibilities of how to present and communicate their designs using Virtual Reality.

When you think of St. Louis luxury design and construction, you think of Ellie Redders. Ellie is the seasoned and endearing design leader behind her full-service firm, Ellie Redders Interiors. For over a decade, Ellie has earned a widespread reputation for her cutting-edge professional process, integrity in her partnerships, and her innate ability to design elevated yet comfortable family spaces. As a local household name, her work has graced the pages of House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and St. Louis Homes Magazine.

Clients ranging from surgeons to attorneys, professional athletes and entrepreneurial families have relied on Ellie Redders Interiors to successfully navigate the ins and outs of the luxury new build and massive large scale home renovation process. As a seasoned entrepreneur and designer, Ellie has developed a highly organized process paired with the use of cutting edge technology to support clients in visualizing and help them with their exact specific selections and furnishings before making costly decisions and mistakes. 

Virtual Reality is an amazing tool that can help verbalize our visions that sometimes we struggle to put words to - or we do put words to, and the homeowner doesn’t get it. I think this is something to really look into, and I hope you enjoy this conversation!

Find out more about Ellie and grab her VR Guide here: https://elliereddersinteriors.com/virtual-reality#/ 

Follow Ellie on Instagram  @ELLIEREDDERSINTERIORSSTL

Follow Ellie on Facebook @ELLIE REDDERS INTERIOR

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/ellie-redder-virtual-reality 

The world is insane right now. We are going through so much with supply chain issues, problems created due to the pandemic, summer months, and now we’re hearing murmurs of a possible recession. In today’s I want to talk to the designers about my personal experiences and how I have weathered downturns in the economy in the past, what this can mean for you as a designer, and what you can start doing to be prepared for whatever is to come, and also what this could mean for homeowners and their intended renovation projects!

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/renovation-management-through-slow-times 

Renovation disasters - how can they be avoided? This is the most common question I hear during my course, webinars, lives, everywhere I go, this is what people want to know! 

In today’s episode, I break down the best way to do this - and the answer may surprise you, but it comes down to organization, staying in control of your project, and being a team player. 

Find My Renovation Template Bundle & Organizational Tools - (which is the best parts of Only Girl On The Jobsite), for a LIMITED TIME ONLY at: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/Renovation-Template-Bundle

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/taking-control-of-your-renovation-project

If you’ve been listening to me for any amount of time, then you know I believe construction management is a niche inside the interior design industry, and today I want to talk about how you can niche down even further inside of construction management. 

Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/expert-specialty-niche 

In today’s episode, I peeled back the curtain and looked at the crucial role we, as interior designers, play in construction projects, moving beyond esthetic contributions and into a vital function in managerial roles. 

Our expertise not only enhances the beauty of a space but also its usability, efficiency, and often it’s cost effectiveness. The collaboration we can foster between contractors, architects, and ourselves brings together a spectrum of expertise that’s essential to the success of any construction project.

Today, we are going to talk about the indispensable role we, as interior designers, play in construction projects and how you can educate your clients as well as industry partners.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/crucial-role-interior-designers 

Last week’s episode, 106:Overwhelmed? 3 Scenarios That Create Overwhelm and How to Manage Them, clearly struck a nerve because I heard from even more of you about what things you were going through, feeling lost, hopeless, and overwhelmed. So I shared with you how I implement and schedule things inside of my own business so that the overwhelm is at least manageable. 

If you haven’t listened to last week’s episode, I recommend going back and listening to that one first and then listening to today’s episode. Today, I am going to talk with you about saving your sanity by estimating your time in advance and allowing yourself time to work ON your business, not just IN your business - which gives you the bandwidth to allow the creativity, imagination, and space you need as a designer to come to every project with your A game!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/working-on-your-business 

One way to manage overwhelm is by hiring help and support within your firm. Today, I want to share how to be strategic and thoughtful when hiring, especially in the world of construction management. 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/thoughtful-hiring 

Today, I’m excited to share my conversation with Meredith Huck. Meredith is the owner and principal designer of House of Huck and a member of my course, Interior Designer’s Guide to Construction Management. House of Huck is a full-service Interior Design firm located in Coastal Connecticut. Their homes are the essence of coastal casual—textured accents, inviting spaces, high-end finishes and timeless furnishings. Their goal is to curate a tranquil and welcoming environment into their client's homes while not sacrificing the beauty within, just as the coast does for us.

I often talk about the members of my course and how valuable our conversations are. So, I wanted to share that type of conversation with each of you.

Meredith and I cover so many different topics in today’s episode, including profitability and how we gauge our profitability. Spoiler alert: it’s not always in dollars and cents! She’s also passionate about running an efficient and organized design business. Bringing her previous career in business forward into her design practice using repeatable processes that benefit not only her but also every project she’s working on. 

You can find out more about Meredith and follow her here:

www.instagram.com/houseofhuck 

https://www.youtube.com/@houseofhuck/videos 

https://www.pinterest.com/houseofhuck/ 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/design-processes-personal-freedom 

Today’s episode is a treat where you can listen to the conversation I had with Catherine Marrano. Catherine and I first met when she joined my first course, The Interior Designer’s Guide to Construction Management. Once we got to know each other, we realized we were both seasoned designers who loved to run construction projects for our clients. Catherine has over 20 years of experience but started her career as an event planner creating experiences and spaces - the likes of Planet Hollywood. But when she worked for an interior designer, her life was changed forever. She worked full-time at a design firm during the day while continuing her education in interior design at night. And in 2003, she founded her own firm Catherine Marrano Interiors. 

These experiences and education, along with international travel and studies abroad, have helped her to understand different client perspectives and develop a creative eye for design. Over the years, Catherine has developed a specialty niche in kitchens and baths and offers a bespoke private labeled cabinet line that she created. 

It’s a really exciting time to hear the designers in our course share how their experience is coming through in so many different ways. Today’s conversation is no exception. You will hear us talk about how her career evolved, how she started private labeling a cabinet line, and so much more! I’m excited for you to learn through our conversation today! 

You can find out more about Catherine by visiting her website at: https://catherinemarrano.com

Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/catherine-marrano 

There are many unique challenges interior designers face when managing construction projects during the 4th quarter, particularly around the holiday season!

Today, I want to share how we need to start talking about the holiday season NOW with our clients! And this goes beyond Thanksgiving and Christmas meals….There will be parties being thrown, new projects being proposed, deadlines needing to be met, vacations being taken, and more! Proactively planning and communicating effectively NOW will ensure a smooth and much more enjoyable experience for both designers and clients during the holiday season.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/holidays-4th-quarter-deadlines 

In this episode, I share what I’ve experienced in my almost 30 years in the interior design industry and how both the decorating and renovation sides have evolved and changed over time. There are lessons to be learned from this that could possibly explain the direction we will be going in from this point forward.

My goal in sharing my knowledge of where the industry has come from and where I personally think the industry is going so you can have all of the tools at your disposal to make the right choices for you and your firm to stay strong and healthy as we move through this next decade.

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/future-of-the-interior-design-industry

There is nothing I love more than hanging out with fellow designers and my recent webinar gave me that opportunity.

What I love about it is realizing the commonalities that we all face - the good and the bad. 

One of the things that came up was expanding your decorating business to include construction management. Why that’s important and how to take the first steps. So today, we’re going to break that down! 

As always, if this episode leaves you with more questions than answers, please feel free to reach out to me at renee@devignierdesign.com or shoot me a dm on social media!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/expanding-your-services 

I know professional development isn’t anything new, yet for some reason, I feel like it’s lacking in the world of creatives.

So today I want to talk all about professional development and why it isn’t a term often used with creatives like us, yet is really the key to success.

Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/success-in-professional-development 

This year of 2024 is one we really should be looking forward to!

I have been hearing so many positive stories, studies, and forecasts that will set us up for a successful year in regard to construction management. 

Some of you may be questioning this because your phone isn’t ringing, you’re not getting work, or you’re feeling overwhelmed and like you can’t possibly take on more.

This is why I wanted to take the time today and break down what they’re saying, how this impacts our specific niche inside our industry, and how to take full advantage of it in the first quarter to set you up for the rest of the year.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/construction-management-2024 

By now, you have no doubt been inundated by emails, social clips, and webinars about doing a year-end review. But if you’re a small business, you may not understand the value of doing one. I came across an article where they interviewed a bunch of interior designers. They had great insight as to the questions they asked themselves, and I wanted to share them with you all today.

Get ready for a journey of introspection and transformation in today’s episode. Whether you're a seasoned designer or contemplating your first year-end review, these shared experiences will encourage you to ponder the right questions, navigate challenges, and approach 2024 with newfound confidence. After all, success isn't about avoiding mistakes but learning from them to make fewer, wiser choices in the future.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/lessons-year-end-reviews 

For all working mothers out there, this episode is for you. Today, I am talking about common challenges most working mothers face and the highs and lows that go along with it. I also share the best piece of advice I received as a new working mom and how it benefited me and my family today.

The relaunch of the Only Girl on the Jobsite Designer Edition course is coming soon! You don’t want to miss out on it. Head over to www.devignierdesign.com and get on the list to be notified of the exciting updates before we launch!

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/juggling-motherhood-on-the-jobsite

Today’s episode is based on some feedback I received from last week, Episode 92, where I talked briefly about the vetting process that needs to take place for new client inquiries. 

In today’s episode, I am discussing how you can figure out if a client and their project are the right fit for you or not. Let’s break this process down so that you figure out what projects you should be putting on your list for the coming year!

If you’d like to book a FREE 20-minute consultation with me, don’t forget to leave a rating and review, screenshot it and email me at renee@devignierdesign.com

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/not-all-jobs-are-good-fit 

It’s officially mid-summer! How are you feeling about your pipeline of projects starting in the fall? If you’re starting to panic, this episode is for you!

We all think we will have extra time on our hands during the summer, with the best of intentions, so we will do XYZ. And for small business owners, summer is really the time we need to expand certain projects, like marketing. So that’s what I want to talk about today!

Find out more about my course, The Interior Designer's Guide to Construction Management here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/renovation-management-interior-designers 

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/strategic-marketing-during-slow-months 

Curious to hear what a 1:1 call with a designer is like? Today's episode is for you! 

Last week I introduced an exciting new offer for a live group coaching program in the VIP option inside my signature course, Renovation Management for Interior Designers! Today, I’m giving you a sneak peek into what these coaching calls can look like and the value they can bring you and your business!

To find out more about this exciting new offer, go to  https://devignierdesign.com/ 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/call-with-designer 

There will always be issues and surprises that come up on job sites. I find that just knowing to expect it makes things easier to get through. 

Anticipating and knowing the parameters of the issues that can happen make them so much less scary when they do happen and allows you to be prepared ahead of time and have confidence in taking the next steps.

So today I want to break down different construction challenges I commonly see happen and how to navigate them successfully.

Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/navigating-construction-challenges 

A topic has come up in the home renovation space recently that I felt was important to dive into on the podcast. It is something that I have been concerned about for a long time which is these popular home renovation reality television shows. Because there is just so much to unpack on this subject, I am breaking it up into two separate episodes.

In part one of this two-part series, I am sharing some of the details of these stories and the red flags that these homeowners did not pay enough attention to early enough in their projects. I want to show homeowners how to protect themselves in situations like these.

Be sure to listen all the way to the end of this episode, as I recorded a brief update. Things seem to be moving very quickly, and I wanted to make you aware of the latest happenings surrounding this story.

Don’t forget to tune in to part two of this series, where I go over things from the interior designer's point of view. You don’t want to miss either of these episodes.

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/magnolia-network-drama-part1

Today's episode marks an incredible milestone for me! This is the second anniversary of Only Girl on The Jobsite podcast. 

So in honor of my second anniversary, I wanted to share with you why I started my podcast, the inspiration and ‘ah ha’ moments I had that I knew it was meant to be, how I came up with the name, Only Girl On The Jobsite, how we have evolved over the past 2 years and where the podcast is going now. 

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/2nd-anniversary 

Everyone involved in a renovation project wants it to be successful. Whether you are a homeowner or an interior designer, there is one critical meeting that needs to be held before the construction starts.

In this episode, I explain what this meeting should cover, who needs to attend, and when it should take place. I firmly believe you cannot get too much information, in advance, on a construction project.

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/critical-meeting-to-ensure-successful-renovation

I am a luxury interior designer, construction expert, and industry educator.

That’s my sound bite.

What is your soundbite?

Today, I want to talk about how to develop your own soundbite and why it’s so critical to do so.

After listening to today's episode, I would love to hear your soundbites! Send me an email at renee@devignierdesign.com or shoot me a dm on social media! We are much stronger together, and this is a way we can connect even further!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/your-soundbite 

I am so excited to once again have my friend Linda Holt with me today! 

If you haven’t heard her first episode, you definitely want to go check that out at https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/photography-using-your-iphone-linda-holt 

Today I wanted to take a deep dive into professional portfolio-level photos. That is something all designers really struggle with, myself included! 

Linda shares so many actionable tips on photography. When I saw her latest IG story about how she is adding more content to her course about taking portfolio photos for yourself and breaking down all the scary components that can hold you back, I knew I had to have her on!

Linda Holt is a former professional photographer. She is no stranger to merging her creative eye with her esthetic appeal. She has worked with more than five thousand celebrities, actors and models as one of Boston’s top commercial head shot photographers. That was her former life! Today, she uses her skilled photographic eye to help homeowners create a stylish, fresh and relaxed home that is reflected of their unique personality and lifestyle. She has put away her heavy DLSR cameras and now shoots exclusively with her iPhone and Samsung phones. She has become an expert in both iPhone photography and smartphone photo editing. After successfully teaching smartphone photography workshops in and around Boston, she created an online photography class solely for interior designers, stagers, and creatives called Smart Phone Photography for Interior Designers. 

Linda not only knows her stuff behind the camera but also in the design field!

In today’s episode, we talk about the pros and cons of the iPhone 14, leaving lamp lights, floor lights, and ceiling lights on or off during your photo shoot, what to know about hiring a professional photographer, and more!

This is such an important conversation to have and one that you’re going to want to take notes on so that you can be more confident in taking your own photos that are portfolio worthy.

Find out more about Linda as well as the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/portfolio-photos-linda-holt 

In this episode, I want to talk to you about the basics to getting started on your home projects, what questions you should ask, and things you need to look out for.

I'll walk you through the first steps you need to take, things to look out for and questions you need to ask!

Shownotes: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast

There is no construction project you can take on that doesn’t include contracts. 

With all of the construction projects being scheduled and researched, this has become a really hot topic!

This all started inside my course, Only Girl On The Jobsite.

In today’s episode, I am sharing about a member who is currently bidding out a project. And three key points that I didn't want her - or you, to miss in your contracts!

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/contract-review-sneak-peek-into-my-group

Do you ever feel unsure about what exactly your responsibilities are on the job? Or worry that there are overlapping responsibilities? Today I want to talk about how you can define your role on various size projects that you will be a part of, and how best to handle each situation so that you have a clear path and your client has a clear understanding of whose doing what.

I am excited to announce I am once again offering free twenty-minute 1:1 calls with me for rating and reviewing this podcast! Take a screenshot of your rating and review and email it to me at renee@devignierdesign.com, and I will send you my calendar link to book your free call!

If you’re not sure how to leave a review, you can watch this quick tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k53JdV8sC2g

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/establish-your-role 

More than two years since the beginning of the pandemic, and we are still struggling with lead-time issues and labor shortages. But the world and these projects must go on.

Today I want to talk about a common renovation - gutting your kitchen, and how that can be handled during these times including, what you CAN do, what you SHOULDN’T do, and why you SHOULD continue taking on your renovation projects!

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/kitchen-renovations-during-pandemic-delays 

I’ve been talking about interior designers’ superpowers on job sites, and today, I want to talk about a really practical one and why it is critical for you to be involved in your projects very early on, long before you’re specifying the decorative items. Today, we’re going to dive into the topic of lighting. Find out how to elevate the lighting in your clients’ homes to transform their space and quality of life.

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/elevating-lighting-superpower 

I’m going to take a brief step away from the construction side of my world to focus on a very ‘of the moment’ topic, which is the continued supply chain issues that we are seeing more on the decorating side of the business.

With the current supply chain issues still in full effect, if you’re working on a construction project, you’ll most likely need furniture, fabrics, rugs, and other items to finish the project. In this episode, I’m offering some alternatives I’m using and suggesting to my clients for working around the delays and sourcing these hard-to-get items.

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/working-around-supply-chain-delays

Today I want to talk about the act of planning out any home renovation.

More often than not when I have my first meeting with clients, there are very few details in the planning department and just a lot of pictures of pretty things, hopes and dreams, and a wish list. 

In today’s episode I’m giving you some examples of things that are not regularly thought out by a homeowner. Things you need to know about your home before starting your renovation project. Things like what's below you, above you and in the walls beside you.

Enjoy!

Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/what-youre-not-thinking-of

I often hear from designers asking for advice on how to price their fees. This isn’t because they’ve never priced out a construction project before for clients. It’s more often than not because they aren’t getting their numbers right, and they’re losing money on projects. So today, I want to talk about how to get your pricing covered to cover your actual price spent on projects - and spoiler alert, the key to your success comes before you start estimating. 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/stop-losing-money 

Do you have multiple projects but not sure which one to take on? 

I'll be walking you through the 3 main categories you can put your projects in, and give you things to consider so you know what project would be best for you to start now, and what project you should start planning for later in the year!

Show notes: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/which-project-to-take-on

It is critical to build confidence for your success on construction sites. But after reading a book recently, I realized I am skipping a step, and that is that courage is the precursor to confidence. 

Join me in today's episode to explore how courage can be the transformative force in your career. Let's redefine our approach, embrace courage, and let confidence naturally follow suit.

Mel Robbin’s book mentioned in today’s episode: https://www.melrobbins.com/5secondrule 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/role-of-courage 

If you think back to last year’s worst project I know in a nanosecond you’d be able to tell me all about it, detail what went wrong, how much sleep you lost, the increased stress you went through, and likely profitability. I do understand that, and looking back on those projects are important, but today I want to talk about something we don’t analyze from previous years, and that is our wins. Focusing on our wins is so much more important than only looking at the projects that went wrong, and today I want to explain why this change in focus can propel your success for 2025.

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/grow-your-business-in-2025 

Today, I want to talk about construction projects from a holistic birds-eye view because the reality is that construction projects are hard, and I don’t think I talk enough about the fact that they are challenging and sometimes can come with a steep learning curve. 

I know there are more designers than not on construction projects, and I see designers every day diving in, determined to figure it out as they go. That’s who we are - we make things work. And while I know that resourcefulness is incredible and gets us so far in our business, it does have limitations and so today, I want to break this down in order to lift up our industry and set ourselves apart while we’re managing construction projects

Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers 

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/missing-support-for-designers-managing-construction 

It’s early December, and the holiday season is looming and, frankly, has already been kicked into high gear! Now is the time to get a handle on how you are going to approach the rest of the month to position yourself for success after the new year.

In today’s episode, I cover everything from preparing for your holiday vacation and your colleagues, to the importance of communication, tips on gift-giving, marketing, and a year-end review. Let’s Master December and navigate the End-of-Year Rush with confidence!

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/mastering-december