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!
Connect With Darla & Wingnut SocialSubscribe to The Wingnut Social Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, or TuneIn
Audio Production and Show notes by
PODCAST FAST TRACK
https://www.podcastfasttrack.com
The PR Strategy to Embrace In Times of Crisis with Andrew Joseph
Here’s How to Give Your Boosted Posts a Leg Up
THE Marketing Approach Designers Should Embrace with Kelly Campbell
Breaking News: Facebook Launches Small Business Grant Program
How Taylor Spellman is Switching Gears with her Design Firm During the Pandemic
6 Tips to Stay Productive [and SANE] Working From Home
How the CARES Act Could Help YOUR Small Business with Aaron Smyle
Is the Brick-And-Mortar Furniture Industry in a Tailspin? with Warren Shoulberg
Why You Should Create an Instagram AR Filter
How to Launch a Design Career at ANY Age with Lauren Brown
Should You Turn Your Blog Into a Blogcast? with Jeri Cerutti
A Candid Conversation About the Coronavirus with Jane Dagmi
Learn Savvy Strategies for Building a Design Firm with Julia Miller
Contemplating a Free Consultation? Here’s How it Impacted Our Bottom-Line
Alignable: Should Interior Designers Use This Networking Site? with CEO Eric Groves
Is Email Marketing Dying? Our Top 5 Tips to Keep Yours Alive for Your Design Business.
The Hidden ROI of Starting a Podcast with Katie Freeman
The NEW LinkedIn ‘Featured’ Section: Showcase Your Accomplishments
What is Design Harmony and Why Should Designers Care? with Michelle Castagna and Mike Peterson
Abandoning Perfection—The Trending Instagram Aesthetic
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Dear Alice | Interior Design
99% Invisible
The John Clay Wolfe Show
Pollyanna
Gulliver’s Travels
The Creative Boom Podcast
Design Better