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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Why Interior Designers Need Systems and Processes - Episode 281
Goal-Setting Strategies for Interior Designers - Episode 280
How to Apply the Profit First Mindset with Mike Michalowicz - Episode 279
Business Tips for New Interior Designers - Episode 278
The Interior Designer’s Guide to the Remote Hiring Process - Episode 277
How Maria Killam Grew to 100k+ Instagram Followers - Episode 276
How Lisa Gilmore Built a Multi-Million-Dollar Interior Design Firm - Episode 275
Why Interior Designers Need Ongoing SEO to Remain Competitive - Episode 274
Perfecting Your Interior Design Niche - Episode 273
The Secret to Getting Your Interior Design Work Published - Episode 272
How to Start an Online Coaching Business - Episode 271
Sell the Way You Buy with David Priemer - Episode 270
Interior Design as a Second Career - Episode 269
Break Out of Your Comfort Zone for Success - Episode 268
How to Drive the RIGHT Traffic to Your Interior Design Website - 267
Building Your Interior Design Team with Shelli Warren
Profit First for Interior Designers - Episode 265
5 Signs It’s Time to Revamp Your Interior Design Website - Episode 264
How to ’Shock and Awe’ Potential Interior Design Clients - Episode 263
How to Leverage Amazon to Grow Your Interior Design Business - Episode 262
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