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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   

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   

If you’ve been curious, skeptical, or maybe avoiding AI altogether, today’s episode is for you! In this ever-changing world in which we live, it is quite understandable and normal to be fearful of technological advances such as AI (Artificial intelligence) and to worry about how it will impact our industry and how it will affect your day-to-day business. And so today, I want to talk about what industry experts are saying about it, how to position yourself to avoid any pitfalls and harness its power to put you on a greater, stronger footing than you are today! Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/ai-future-interior-design   

Even seasoned designers have stories of having to build and rebuild their confidence in this industry, and today, I want to share with you my story. All the things we discussed in last week’s Episode 121: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/pricing-projects-rebecca-hay  came down to confidence, whether that’s pricing your projects that shows your worth, whether that’s taking on new projects that you think might be a stretch or hiring people. All of it boils down to having the confidence to know it will work. You may not know how it will work, but it will work.  I mentioned how my confidence was severely broken midway through my career and I thought it was valuable to share with all of you listening because so often we see seasoned designers like Rebecca and I as always having had confidence. And that couldn’t be further from the truth!  Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/how-i-rebuilt-confidence   

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 

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 

Renovation or construction management is a niche inside the interior design industry. Inside that niche, there are specialties. In particular, kitchens and baths. Today, I want to take a deeper dive into how to create a custom bath for your clients.  If this is something you already specialize in and want to elevate this skill or would like niche down into kitchen and bathroom renovations, this episode is for you! Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/elevate-clients-bathroom-design 

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   

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 

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       

Today is a special episode and one I’ve been waiting to share with you for the past few weeks! Today I want to share with you the trajectory of where this podcast came from, where it is now, and an exciting new offer I have for course members that will take their knowledge, skills, and experience to a whole other level! To find out more about this exciting new offer, go to >>https://devignierdesign.com/<< Want to know what a group coaching experience would feel like? Get on my email list for all the info at https://devignierdesign.com/  Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/new-course-vip-program   

Are you chomping at the bit, ready to do some better marketing for yourself? Today we’re talking about the nuances we need to incorporate into our marketing pitches depending on who we are talking to.  Sending the same marketing pitch to every industry partner isn’t going to cut it. Find out in today’s episode how you need to be thoughtful and strategic about each category that you’re marketing yourself to.  Be sure to listen to the end because I have something exciting coming in the next few weeks, and I don’t want you to miss out! Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/your-marketing-shouldnt-be-generic 

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   

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   

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’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 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

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 

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 

Today I want to talk to the designers who are feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, and anxious, all of those horrible words that none of us want to feel. I find that this overwhelm and stress comes from three different possibilities. In today’s episode, I want to share with you what these feelings typically are caused by and how we can manage them through the different actions and decisions we make and by changing our mindset! Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/how-to-manage-overwhelm