The Design Dialogues Podcast is your go to interior design podcast. Through our conversations we will be inspired and educated so that you can build a succesful...
In this episode of Design Dialogues, I sit down with two experienced interior designers - Daryl Wark from Interiors by Daryl Wark and Sarah James from Greenwoods Home. This candid conversation reveals the realities of running a successful interior design studio and offers invaluable insights for both new and established designers.I hope you enjoy the episodeBeth xxEpisode Highlights:Career Transitions: Both guests share their journeys to interior design as second and third careers, bringing valuable skills from previous industriesThe Business Reality: Why design is only 20% of running a successful studio, and what makes up the other 80%Setting Boundaries: How to manage client relationships, protect your time, and avoid burnout as an introverted designerThe Retail Dream vs. Reality: Hard-earned lessons from both designers' experiences with brick-and-mortar and online retail venturesClient Management: Practical advice on documentation, communication, and trusting your instincts about potential clientsAI in Design: How both designers are incorporating AI tools into their workflows to save time and enhance their servicesIndustry Evolution: Exciting developments in the Brisbane design scene and how technology is creating new opportunitiesKey Quotes:"I think a true really good designer... there is a role for everyone in design. So whether you think 'I'm not good enough because I can't draw' or 'I'm not good enough because I'm not good with color'... there is a role for you somewhere in this industry." - Daryl Wark"You're better off to have mints on toast for a week than have to deal with the pain of a bad client." - Daryl Wark"Design school kind of only really gets you to the front door. And then that on-the-job training is when you really learn how the house is put together." - Beth BieskeConnect with our guests:Daryl Wark: Interiors by Daryl WarkSarah James: Greenwoods HomeWhether you're just starting your design career or looking to refine your established business, this episode offers honest, practical advice from designers who have navigated the challenges of building successful studios.        Â
Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.
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51:43
092 Client Communication Hacks: What Top Designers Do Differently
Most client frustrations don't come from bad design - they come from unclear communication. In this episode I provide actionable communication strategies to prevent problems before they start.I hope you enjoy the episodeBeth xxThree Key Communication Strategies:• Proactive updates that prevent client anxiety • Clear boundaries that protect your time • Transparent pricing that builds trustProactive Communication:• Send weekly or bi-weekly progress updates at appropriate times • Tell clients what's happening before they have to ask • Set expectations about communication frequency upfront • Reassure clients that things are moving forwardSetting Communication Boundaries:• Include a "How We Work" section in your onboarding pack • Specify preferred communication channels • Set clear response times (e.g., within 48 hours, Monday-Friday) • Educate clients who don't follow your guidelinesTransparent Pricing:• Frame pricing as a flexible investment from the start • Break down costs clearly in proposals • Provide specific line items rather than package totals • Update clients on pricing changes as the project evolvesScripts for Tough Conversations:• When clients want extra work: "I'd love to explore that for you. Some additional layouts take extra design time. I can put together a quick estimate so you can decide if you'd like to move forward with it." • When clients question pricing: "I totally understand. Quality cabinetry is a big investment and we've sourced a supplier known for craftsmanship and durability. If we need to adjust the budget, we can look at alternative materials or finishes to bring the cost down. Just let me know what works for you."Remember These Three Things:• Preempt problems before they start • Set boundaries from day one • Be clear, calm, and proactive in every conversation    Â
Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.
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10:16
091 Understanding Client Indecision
Every interior designer will face indecisive clients at some point. This episode provides a structured approach to managing client indecision without endless back-and-forths or project delays.I hope you enjoy the episodeBeth xxDownload your free Client Decision Guide hereWhy Clients Struggle with Decisions:• Decision fatigue from too many choices • Fear of making the wrong choice • Emotional attachment to the project • Influence from family and friendsPractical Strategies to Prevent Indecision:• Include decision deadlines in your contract • Use 48-72 hour decision windows • Explain the consequences of delays • Create visual timelines for decision points • Limit options to prevent overwhelm • Present cohesive schemes rather than isolated choicesScripts That Work:• "Based on your style and budget, here is the scheme I've put together. Each piece has been carefully selected to align with your design vision." • "I totally understand you want to explore all possibilities, but adding more options at this stage can slow down our progress." • "If we change the sofa now, there's a restocking fee of $500 plus a six-week delay. Would you like to proceed?"Managing Changes After Approval:• Implement a change order process • Include additional fees for revisions • Emphasize financial and timeline impacts • Create a final approval meeting • Develop clear policies around revisions    Â
Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.
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11:55
090 How to Handle Scope Creep Without Burning Bridges
In this episode, we tackle scope creep - that slow, sneaky project killer that eats away at your profit, burns you out, and leaves you resenting even your best clients. Learn practical scripts and strategies to maintain clear boundaries while preserving great client relationships.I hope you enhoy the episodeBeth xxEpisode Highlights:• Why scope creep happens (hint: it's rarely because clients are trying to take advantage) • Three steps to prevent and manage scope creep effectively • Real-life scripts for common client scenarios • How to say "yes" while still protecting your time and profit • Alternative service options for clients who need extra workKey Takeaways:✨ Set clear expectations from day one ✨ Respond confidently in the moment with prepared scripts ✨ Offer paid solutions for additional requests ✨ Frame boundaries as part of your professional process ✨ Always provide a path forwardReal-Life Scripts for:• The "quick favor" request • Mid-project change requests • Last-minute design changes • Timeline adjustments • Additional design optionsPerfect For:• Designers struggling with scope creep • Business owners setting boundaries • Anyone who finds it hard to say no • Designers who undercharge for extra work • Studio owners refining their processes
Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.
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7:15
089 A Dialogue with Bea Lambos
Building a Successful Interior Styling Career | A Conversation with Bea LambosThis week I am joined by Bea Lambos from Bea & Co. as she shares her journey from kitchen design to becoming a sought-after interior stylist. With refreshing honesty, Bea reveals how networking, relationship building, and embracing the practical side of design shaped her career.I hope you enjoy the episode.Beth xxEpisode Highlights:• The transition from kitchen design to interior styling • How to build valuable industry relationships • Why networking in showrooms matters • Managing different types of styling work • Building authentic connections in the industry • The reality of photo shoot stylingKey Takeaways:✨ Start by putting yourself out there ✨ Build relationships before you need them ✨ Learn through hands-on experience ✨ Find your unique style and approach ✨ Trust your creative instinctsPractical Insights:• How to approach showroom visits • Building photographer relationships • Managing client expectations • Creating portfolio-worthy work • Balancing different types of projectsPerfect For:• Aspiring interior stylists • Designers interested in styling • Anyone building industry relationships • Creatives changing careers • Those starting their own businessQuote from Episode:"My interior design skills far surpass my invoicing and business skills" - a refreshingly honest take on the reality of creative business.Connect with our guest:Bea Lambos - Bea & Co @beaandcostyle
Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business. 1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox 2. Start a HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.I only have 8 spots available every month. 3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio. 4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio 5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.
The Design Dialogues Podcast is your go to interior design podcast. Through our conversations we will be inspired and educated so that you can build a succesful interior design studio.
New Zealand