When Renée Biery entered the interior design industry, she thought everyone did renovations. It wasn’t until she moved back home to Delaware that she realized she—especially as a woman—was the anomaly. She had to work hard to show how much value she could add to a renovation project for both the client and the contractors. She believes that Interior designers CAN and should do more. In this episode of Wingnut Social, she shares how you can learn to master those tricky renovation projects (and the clients that come with them).
What You’ll Hear On This Episode of Wingnut SocialAs the owner of deVignier design, Renée has almost 30 years of experience in the industry. She’s formally trained in practical interior architecture with advanced technical and rendering proficiency. She sought to be a one-stop-shop that offers everything from project management and design to decorating. She loves being part of the design and build. It also sets her apart from other women in the industry.
Despite her formal education, Renée believes that it isn’t necessary nor should it be a barrier to entry. She learned more from the women she’s worked with over the years. You simply learn as you go. You can find contractors, architects, etc. who will work with you to get a permit or draw a design.
Renée believes that offering renovation projects will sustain the industry. Why? Because procurement is becoming a problem. Many firms are giving up that revenue stream. But what does that leave them? There are only so many billable hours in design. If you’re trying to salvage your billable hours, managing renovation projects is a great way to get started.
Why don’t more designers take on renovations?Renée believes that many designers lack confidence in their skills. Plus, it can be intimidating. Everyone watches HGTV and every episode of any show features some great challenge to overcome. Those challenges get expensive. That’s why Renée encourages people to gain experience in numerous ways. She started “The Only Girl on the Jobsite” because as the only woman among 20 guys on a worksite, you feel like the odd man out. So you have to build skills to level the playing field.
Where do you get your feet wet? Do you intern under someone with the experience necessary? Some people have renovated their own spaces and feel comfortable learning as they go. Plus, if you have some experience, you can build on it. Price yourself at an obtainable level until you’ve built a portfolio. There will be clients that are excited about getting a great price and don’t mind that you’re learning. But above all, do not fake it til you make it or you’ll end up making expensive mistakes.
Taking on renovation projects sets you apart and gives you a leg up. What else can you do to break the mold? If you decide to add renovations and project management to your portfolio, how do you market yourself? Renée shares a plethora of advice in episode #251—don’t miss it!
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PODCAST FAST TRACK
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How to Reach Your Goals by Braving the River of Misery
Stay True to Who You Are by Niching Down Your Design Services
High End Design for Sensual Spaces
How to Find Hotel-Quality Bedding for Your Design Clients
Should I Buy or Rent a Commercial Space for My Design Business?
Franchising Your Design Business (with Guest Host Rebecca Hay)
Tips for Designers to Procure Furniture Profitably (with Guest Host Liz Potarazu)
How Your Sleep Habits Directly Impact Your Business (with Guest Host Rebecca Hay)
How Interior Designers Can Start Their Own Furniture Collection (with Guest Host Nicole Heymer)
Tax Tips for Designers to Keep More Money in Your Pocket (with Guest Host Liz Potarazu)
Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Couch in 2024 (with Guest Host Liz Potarazu)
Why Every Interior Designer Needs a Podcast
Flat Fee vs. Hourly: How to Price Your Interior Design Services
How to Design Vacation Homes and the Joy in Niching Down Your Business
REPLAY: How to Make Luxury Design Accessible
Increase Your Visibility With a PR Agency
How to Maintain Your Own Company as a Sole Entrepreneur
What is Boutique Hospitality Design?
What They Don’t Teach You in Interior Design School
Tips to Master Your Finances and Plan the Future of Your Business
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