Interior Design Business

Terri Taylor
  • 4.7 (3)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Are you an interior design professional who wants to create time-accurate, money-generous, and fee-based job offers that clients jump to say "yes" to? Terri Taylor, President and Creative Director of the Interior Design Business Academy and the host of the Interior Design Business Podcast, is here to help interior design professionals who want to create lifestyle design businesses that pay them what they are worth.Each week, Terri is bringing her clear, proven, and repeatable step-by-step "recipes" for attracting ideal luxury clients along with her overreaching attitude of gratitude, abundance, beauty, and joy for creating long-lasting and meaningful success.Terri knows that what you believe to be true and how you feel about wealth and money have a direct connection to the level of clients, budgets, and jobs you attract, so tune in each week to discover the strategies and support mechanics you need to achieve your goals as an interior design professional.

  1. 13 hrs ago

    What's Your Story

    Are the stories you're telling yourself holding your interior design business back? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m joined by IDBA’s Head Mindset Coach, Valerie Priester, to explore how the stories we create in our minds shape our decisions, confidence, and business success. Many designers hesitate to pursue bigger opportunities, raise their fees, or change the way they do business, not because they lack the skills, but because they're operating from stories based on fear, doubt, or past experiences. These stories often feel true, even when they aren't. Together, we discuss where these stories come from, why our brains hold onto them, and how they influence everything from client conversations to pricing decisions. We also share practical ways to recognize limiting beliefs, stop preparing for imaginary problems, and take action with confidence. If you've ever found yourself thinking, "What if they say no?" or "That won't work for my clients," this episode will help you replace fear-driven stories with empowering beliefs that support your business growth. In this episode, we cover: What your "story" really isHow fear-based thinking affects business decisionsWhy your brain mistakes repeated thoughts for truthRecognizing the "what if" mindsetWhy action builds confidenceHow stories create procrastinationCommon limiting beliefs designers experienceThe importance of staying present with clientsReplacing fear with a winning mindsetBuilding awareness to overcome self-sabotageShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    21 min

  2. Jul 4

    Being Paid What You Are Worth is Not About Design Fees or Hourly Billing

    Is the real reason you're underpaid your pricing model, or something much deeper? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I wrap up our series on hourly billing versus design fees by exploring the real issue behind getting paid what you're worth: your relationship with money. Many designers believe switching from hourly billing to design fees will solve their profitability problems. But the truth is, neither pricing model works if you don't have healthy boundaries and the confidence to charge appropriately for your expertise. In this episode, I discuss how limiting money beliefs affect pricing decisions, why designers often discount their services without realizing it, and how childhood money stories continue to influence business decisions years later. We also talk about the importance of maintaining boundaries, receiving payment with confidence, creating a healthy exchange of value with clients, and replacing outdated beliefs that keep you underpaid. If you've been struggling to charge what you're worth, this episode will help you shift your mindset so you can confidently build a profitable design business. In this episode, we cover: Why pricing models alone won't solve underchargingHow money stories affect your business decisionsThe importance of strong client boundariesWhy designers discount themselves unnecessarilyChanging the language you use around moneyReceiving payment with confidenceCreating a healthy exchange of valueRecognizing and overcoming scarcity thinkingRewriting limiting beliefs from childhoodBuilding a mindset that supports being paid what you're worthShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    12 min

  3. Jun 27

    Getting Out of Your Own Way

    Are you the biggest obstacle standing between your business and the success you want? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I explore one of the most important, and often overlooked, factors in building a successful design business: mindset. Many designers work harder, put in longer hours, and constantly search for new strategies, yet still struggle with inconsistent cash flow, difficult clients, and stalled growth. Often, the problem isn't a lack of talent or opportunity. It's the beliefs, fears, and habits that are keeping them stuck. In this episode, I break down some of the most common ways designers get in their own way, including feeling "not good enough," letting fear dictate decisions, playing small when opportunities arise, and surrounding themselves with people who reinforce limiting beliefs. We also discuss how mindset impacts financial success, why your internal dialogue matters, and how changing your expectations can transform the clients, projects, and opportunities you attract. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated by the pace of your business growth, this episode will help you identify the invisible barriers holding you back, and show you how to move beyond them. In this episode, we cover: Why mindset impacts business successHow excuses keep designers stuckOvercoming the "I'm not good enough" beliefUnderstanding fear versus realityWhy playing small limits your growthLearning to say yes to bigger opportunitiesThe connection between beliefs and financial successHow your environment influences your resultsThe power of taking responsibility for your futureCreating a mindset that attracts better clientsShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    25 min

  4. Jun 20

    Why Design Fees Work Best… and Why They Don't

    Are design fees really the best way for interior designers to get paid? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I continue the conversation around pricing and billing by exploring the advantages and disadvantages of fee-based design. Many designers assume design fees automatically solve the problems created by hourly billing. But the truth is that design fees only work when they are supported by a clear scope of work, defined deliverables, strong boundaries, and a well-written letter of agreement. In this episode, I explain why fee-based design can dramatically improve profitability, cash flow, client confidence, and project management. We also discuss the mistakes designers make when creating flat fees, how to handle client requests outside the original scope, and why talking about money remains one of the most important skills a designer can develop. If you've ever wondered whether design fees are right for your business, this episode will help you understand when they work best, and when they can become a costly mistake. In this episode, we cover: Why design fees fail without clear boundariesThe importance of scope, deliverables, and planningHow design fees improve client confidenceWhy fee-based design improves cash flowCreating profitable letters of agreementManaging client requests outside the scope of workWhy designers need to talk about moneyUnderstanding value versus timeHow experience increases profitabilityWhen fee-based design works bestShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    14 min

  5. Jun 13

    Why Hourly Billing Works and Doesn't Work

    Should interior designers charge hourly, or is there a better way? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the longest-running debates in the design industry: hourly billing versus fee-based design. While hourly billing can work in certain situations, it also creates significant challenges for both designers and clients when it's not managed properly. From inaccurate time tracking and delayed cash flow to client anxiety around costs and scope creep, hourly billing often creates more problems than designers realize. In this episode, I explain when hourly billing works, how to make it more effective, and the hidden pitfalls that can hurt profitability. We also discuss retainers, scope management, client communication, time tracking, and why experience should increase your value, not reduce it. If you've ever wondered whether hourly billing is helping or hurting your business, this episode will help you understand the advantages, disadvantages, and what to watch out for as your business grows. In this episode, we cover: Why hourly billing creates challenges for many designersThe importance of accurate time trackingHow delayed billing impacts cash flowWhy designers often underbill clientsUsing retainers to improve hourly billingManaging scope creep and additional requestsWhy client communication around money mattersThe hidden costs of hourly billingUnderstanding the difference between time and valueWhy experience should increase your earningsShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    15 min

  6. Jun 6

    Why Templates Don't Work

    Are templates helping your interior design business… or hurting it? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I explain why templates often create more problems than they solve for interior designers. Many designers rely on template contracts, letters of agreement, proposals, and deliverables because they want a faster, easier way to start projects. But the reality is that every project is different, every client is different, and every successful design business requires thoughtful planning and customization. In this episode, I break down why one-size-fits-all templates fail, what deliverables actually are, how boundaries protect both you and your clients, and why a properly crafted letter of agreement is one of the most important business tools you have. We also discuss project planning, payment structures, client expectations, legal protections, and how organizational systems create more profitable projects and a better client experience. If you've ever searched for the perfect template to solve your business challenges, this episode will show you why the real solution is developing the skills and systems behind the document. In this episode, we cover: Why templates create problems for designersThe purpose of a strong letter of agreementWhat deliverables actually meanWhy every project requires customizationCreating boundaries that protect profitabilityStructuring payments and cash flow correctlyPlanning projects before design work beginsProtecting yourself with legal languageWhy organization improves client experienceThe connection between systems and profitabilityShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    19 min

  7. May 30

    Do You Have the Right Insurance?

    Do you actually have the right insurance coverage for your interior design business? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I’m talking about one of the most overlooked but critical parts of running a successful design business: professional liability protection. Many designers assume their homeowner’s insurance covers their business, or they believe they’re “too small” to need errors and omissions insurance. But the reality is that every project carries liability, and even happy clients can suddenly become difficult when problems arise. In this episode, I share real stories from my own business experience, including client disputes, product failures, remodel complaints, and unexpected accidents that could have turned into major legal and financial problems. We also discuss why documentation matters, how to protect yourself legally, what errors and omissions insurance actually covers, and why separating your personal and business protections is essential. If you’re running an interior design business without understanding your liability exposure, this episode is a must-listen. In this episode, we cover: Why homeowner’s insurance does not cover your design businessWhat errors and omissions insurance actually protectsWhy no design business is “too small” for liability coverageReal examples of design-related lawsuits and disputesHow clients can suddenly become difficult after projects finishWhy documentation and signed approvals matterProtecting furniture, inventory, and stored productsUnderstanding liability around specifications and selectionsWhy legal defense costs can become overwhelmingSteps every designer should take to protect their businessShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    19 min

  8. May 23

    Is My Design Fee Enough?

    Are you constantly wondering if your design fee is really enough? In this episode of the Interior Design Business Podcast, I break down one of the biggest mindset and business challenges interior designers face: pricing their services confidently and profitably. Many designers struggle because they blur the line between design services and product purchasing. They rely on future furniture sales to make the project profitable, overdeliver without boundaries, and end up exhausted, underpaid, and frustrated. In this episode, I explain why separating design fees from purchasing changes everything. When your design fee fully pays you for your expertise, your time, and your process, you create a healthier business, stronger client relationships, and far more profitability. I also walk through how to structure boundaries inside your agreements, why deliverables need to be crystal clear, how budgets support fee conversations, and why clients are actually more comfortable saying yes when they understand the full financial picture. If you’ve ever questioned your pricing, struggled to hold boundaries, or felt like you were giving away too much unpaid time, this episode will completely change how you think about design fees. In this episode, we cover: Why design fees and purchasing should stay separateThe mindset shift from designer to consultantHow unclear boundaries create unpaid workWhy overdelivering hurts your businessSetting limits on meetings, selections, and revisionsThe relationship between project budgets and feesWhy clients say yes more easily when budgets are clearCreating stronger letters of agreementDefining clear deliverables in your contractsStructuring a profitable purchasing processShow notes are available at interiordesignbusinessacademy.com Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/InteriorDesignBusinessAcademy Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/interiordesignbusinessacademy

    20 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Are you an interior design professional who wants to create time-accurate, money-generous, and fee-based job offers that clients jump to say "yes" to? Terri Taylor, President and Creative Director of the Interior Design Business Academy and the host of the Interior Design Business Podcast, is here to help interior design professionals who want to create lifestyle design businesses that pay them what they are worth.Each week, Terri is bringing her clear, proven, and repeatable step-by-step "recipes" for attracting ideal luxury clients along with her overreaching attitude of gratitude, abundance, beauty, and joy for creating long-lasting and meaningful success.Terri knows that what you believe to be true and how you feel about wealth and money have a direct connection to the level of clients, budgets, and jobs you attract, so tune in each week to discover the strategies and support mechanics you need to achieve your goals as an interior design professional.

Information

  • Creator
    Terri Taylor
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    206
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 © 2022 Copyright Interior Design Business 2022
  • Show Website
    Interior Design Business

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