Get Your Travel On With These Top 5 Ideas Fro Your Next Vacation

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We are so proud here at Elite Design Assistants to continue partnering with Travelgistix to bring you fun and exciting travel ideas and destinations!

Whether you'd like to escape to a family paradise with a touch of Disney magic in Hawaii or embark on a breathtaking train journey through Switzerland, the world is full of wildly different paths for you to explore. With help from Travelgistix, you'll discover fascinating hidden gems and unique experiences in any way you choose to travel. So, don’t hesitate to contact Staci at Travelgistix today to start planning - she’s here to help with whatever's next on your bucket list.

Logistics professional Staci Spittler started Travelgistix as a way to share her passion for travel. She believes there is some place for everyone and it’s her mission to help clients realize their travel dreams.

Travelgistix specializes in Active & Adventure Travel, All-Inclusive Resorts, Beach/Sun, Family, Food & Wine, Group Travel, Villas, and Yacht Charters.

Staci put together these great ideas and I couldn't be more excited to share them with you.

1. Spring Into Magic: Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

Don't miss out! Plan a spectacular springtime escape with this special offer at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai`i. Save up to 20% on select rooms for a 5+ night stay or 15% on a 4-night stay from 4/16/22 to 6/5/22. Check out the full details of this destination here.

2. Go Beyond the Flight: Delta Vacations

Step off your flight to expert-vetted resorts and experiences with up to $350 off per booking — a deal exclusively for SkyMiles Members. Learn more about this great offer here.

3. Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas: Journese

Surrounded by the bluest ocean and five miles of private white-sand beaches, Atlantis Paradise Island, The Bahamas, invites you to experience a world of unforgettable adventures. Stay 4 nights or more and enjoy a $200 resort credit. Check out the full details of this destination here.

4. Caribbean Escapes: Travel Impressions

Escape to a time and place a world away, with colonial architecture on romantic estates or resorts that provide modern luxury at its finest. Enjoy exclusive perks, up to $600 in Resort Credit, plus kids and teens stay FREE! Check out our website here to learn more.

5. Switzerland by Train: Railbookers

There's no other country that does stunning scenery quite like Switzerland, and it's all accessible by train. Save $250 per couple on Switzerland vacations inclusive of 7 nights or more. Check out our website here to learn more.

If one of these ideas or destinations sparks something in you, reach out to Staci and let her know that Danae from Elite Design Assistants sent you.

Happy Traveling!

https://www.travelgistix.com/

staci@travelgistix.com

303-910-4468

Best Project Management Software for Interior Designers

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I work with a lot of interior designers and they use a variety of project management software including Studio Designer, Ivy/Houzz Pro, Design Manager, Mydoma, self-hosted and more. Which one is best for you? Hopefully, the information below will help you to decide.

Studio Designer

Studio Designer claims to be the leading application for interior design professionals. It provides project management and accounting systems for its users, and it includes a client portal to facilitate collaboration and item approval.

It is a very robust and extensive program for every operation a design firm could face. This is a one-stop shop for all your interior designer application needs. Because of this, Studio Designer can feel overwhelming for a novice designer. It is an accounting program and project management program wrapped up in one. You can manage your entire business from this program. Accounting, Expediting, Ordering, Timelines, Reminders, Logistics, Inventory and so much more.

This program is very technical, and you may need an accountant who specializes in the program.

Pricing:

  • Basic $48/month

  • Professional $64/month

Try it: Studio Designer does not offer a free trial, but you can sign up for a live online demo of the platform. www.studiodesigner.com/

Design Manager

Design Manager is an all-in-one software for project management, purchase order tracking, accounting, reports, inventory. Since Design Manager isn’t super user-friendly, it is often used by established design firms. Their website claims 70% of interior designers prefer Design Manager over QuickBooks.

Design Manager is the leading project management and accounting software for interior designers. Created in 1984 to respond to the requests of local interior design firms, it expanded into a nationwide software company and became one of the first providers of cloud-based design software.

“Because design firms have specific needs that cannot be answered by conventional software, it is our mission to provide a product that is dedicated to serving the design community. We deliver software that saves time, money, and frustration while eliminating countless hours of paperwork.”

Pricing:

  • DM Cloud $65/month

  • Save 10% by paying annually

Try it: They offer a free 30-day trial at www.designmanager.com

Gather

Gather is a cloud-based platform trusted by some of the industry’s top professionals. From the get go, this platform has designers in mind, as it is one of the most visually appealing options. Its organization, data entry and catalog system are intuitive and makes it all easily accessible. With it, you can produce reports and design deliverables while staying on top of important dates. Gather also facilitates communication by incorporating a real-time chat and allowing comments on products, as well as item approval from clients. Quickbooks integrates with Gather.

Unlike many other platforms, the pricing structure starts from a small team package, rather than individual rates, while the larger packages offer some additional features.

Pricing:

  • Studio (up to 5 users) $199/month or $1980 annually

  • Firm (up to 10 users) $349/month or $3480 annually

  • Enterprise (more than 10 users) contact for custom pricing

Try it: Gather offers a free 14-day trial. www.gatherit.co

Mydoma

Mydoma is a great organizational tool for your interior design projects. Many designers love the systems and processes and creating automation so that your business runs more smoothly, and Mydoma helps with this. The Mydoma platform helps with the onboarding process, a place to keep project info (e.g. space info, before images, measurements, inspiration images), and a place to collaborate with your clients. By using Mydoma, you are creating an online design studio/project binder to collaborate with your clients. You can have new clients sign contracts, fill out an onboarding questionnaire, and send initial payment all within the program. It’s a great option if you do e-design or offer smaller design packages.

This software is limited if you run a full-service interior design firm. For accounting, you can integrate Mydoma with QuickBooks, among other tools, but that means a double entry for products and adding QuickBooks monthly fees to your total cost.

Pricing:

  • Solo $59/month or $599 annually

  • Team $79/month or $799 annually

  • Agency $129/month $1299 annually

Try it: Free 15-day trial. www.mydomastudio.com

Want to learn more?

Experience Seamless Project Management. Let our team of expert VDAs guide you toward the optimal project management tools. Click the button below to explore how our VDA team can empower your business growth

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Ivy/Houzz Pro

Acquired by Houzz in 2018, Ivy was absorbed by the Houzz Pro management tool. This acquisition has been met with certain hesitation and questions about the changes in its features and the possible implications that their privacy policy could have on designers’ work.

Nonetheless, Houzz Pro is a user-friendly option, designed to expedite the process of proposal creation, sourcing, invoicing, purchasing, and tracking. It also lets you build plans in 2D and tour clients in 3D. Houzz Pro makes it easy to create your own catalog of products and design mood boards within the same platform. You can choose between different plans depending on the features you need.

Pricing:

  • Starter $65/month

  • Essential $99/month

  • Ultimate $399/month

Try it: You can try the Starter or Essential plans for free for 30 days. www.houzz.com/pro

DesignDocs

DesignDocs is a total project management and online accounting solution for the interior design industry. Founded by a husband and wife team (a Chartered Accountant and a Designer), DesignDocs provides a full suite of business management tools for interior designers. Additionally, the system gives access to valuable financial reports so designers can gain a strong understanding of their profit margins and identify areas in their business where they can increase revenue.

The software is ideal for full-service design firms who are looking to increase profits, improve their operational processes, and/or scale their businesses.

Pricing:

  • Solo $69/month or $708 annually

  • Professional $98/p month or $1056 annually (minimum of 2 users)

Try it: Free 14-day trial. www.designdocs.com

Binary Management

BM consolidates 4 fundamental components: planning, costing, tracking, and reporting. Its design templates make it easy to get started, while its planning tool allows you to break your project down into stages or deliverables. The costing tool produces a full project program and payment schedule with all invoice payments highlighted. Each design team member can monitor their delivery and deadlines through their personal calendar and instantly notify their team leaders when a specific task has been completed. BM’s tracking and reporting features offer clear pictures of each stage of the design process and highlight areas that can be optimized for greater profitability.

Pricing:

  • $10/month or $93.60 annually

  • $20/month or $187.20 annually

  • Custom pricing options available for large enterprises

Try it: Free 14-day trial. www.binarymanagement.com

Indema

Indema states that they are the only tool your interior design firm needs. This cloud-based platform offers task management, time trackers, and project reports to stay on top of your business performance. On the other hand, Indema covers your needs for contact management and contracts. Use the project or task templates and create vision boards with their clipper tool, keeping products organized and easily shareable with clients and vendors. Not only can you automate emails and billing for greater efficiency, but also social media posts, which is a feature that many other platforms do not include. However, similar to some others, Indema is designed to sync with QuickBooks for your accounting needs.

Pricing:

  • Single $35/month or $385 annually

  • Group $55/month or $550 annually

  • Hub $75/month or $674 annually

Try it: Free 15-day trial. www.indema.co

Self-hosted

I know more and more interior designers who are going to a self-hosted type of program. They use landing pages on their websites, Pinterest, spreadsheets, and processes to stay organized and on top of their businesses. This isn’t for everyone, but if you are looking for a cost-effective way, you may be interested in checking out a self-hosted system.

If you are between a few options, take advantage of the free trials to see what works best for you and your team. Don’t be afraid of transitioning to a new platform, because the right solution will revolutionize the success of your business. As always, feel free to reach out if you have questions!

Connect with a Project Management expert!

xx, Danae

Marketing Tips and Tricks for Designers

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The idea of marketing and advertising goes centuries back, but it’s more crucial than ever to succeed in the increasingly competitive interior design industry. More than ever, you have to demonstrate what sets you apart from other designers to create a name for yourself. Larger design firms often have an in-house marketing team dedicated solely to developing and enhancing their corporate or brand identity and attracting ideal clients. Here are some key strategies you can apply to up your marketing game.

Show who you are

First and foremost, you should have a clear concept of the image you wish to project. You can more easily carve out a niche for yourself in the market if you offer unique services and have a signature design style. Perhaps your studio prioritizes sustainable materials or specializes in unconventional shapes and designs. Whatever your distinction may be, you should fully express it across every platform you use. Let potential clients get to know you by sharing behind-the-scenes content, and your company will feel real and approachable.

Connect with your target client

Once you know what your message is, consider who your target customer is most likely to be. Do you lean toward a traditional or classic style? You can find your audience by setting up ads on Facebook. Do you specialize in newer styles, such as industrial or bohemian? Instagram is the most popular platform among younger consumers. Looking for opportunities to design or collaborate with other businesses? Spruce up your profile and stay active on LinkedIn. By expanding your online presence, potential clients will begin to recognize and trust your company.

Inform, Inspire, Interact

The content you share should inform your audience about who you are and what it is that you offer. Highlight positive reviews that endorse the experience of working with you. Make them dream of the home or spaces they themselves could enjoy by posting stunning photos of your projects. Interact with your audience and encourage interaction through actions such as creating polls or responding to comments whenever possible. Not only will this boost your content’s position on social media, but it will strengthen your connection with these leads.

Give before you receive

Gain more engaged followers who are more likely to turn into clients by offering them something of value even before they reach out. Some designers host weekly or sporadic live sessions online in which they answer viewers’ burning design questions. Others create free newsletters or mini webinars, which is valuable content that builds their confidence in your expertise. And if they decide to hire a professional designer, you will be their first choice.

Marketing is truly a world unto itself, and you may want to delegate certain tasks, such as website building, social media, and ad campaign management, to an expert in the field. However, wherever you are in the process of growing your company, there are always steps like those above that you can take to launch your design studio in the right direction.

xx, Danae

6 Simple Hobbies You Can Start Today!

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The past few years have shown us that having hobbies and activities in our lives that are exciting and inspiring is a must! When we don’t have a hobby to look forward to, we tend to fall back on the same mundane things, like binge-watching shows over and over. Instead of wasting our time with the mundane, it’s time to find a new hobby!

The best part about hobbies is that you decide how you want to do them. There are no rules! 

I have compiled a list of 6 simple hobbies you can start right now that don’t require a lot of money or equipment upfront. They also can fit into busy lifestyles and aren’t complicated to the point that you’ll never end up doing them. Maybe you already enjoy some of these, tried others, but I urge you to try implementing something out of your normal routine or current list of hobbies to see if you like it. Who knows, it could just be your new favorite thing to do!

  1. Learn Calligraphy and Hand-Lettering: Most of us have seen those videos on Facebook and Instagram of artists drawing beautiful calligraphy. It’s mesmerizing to watch. But even the most skilled calligraphy artists had to start somewhere. There are multiple ways to try your hand at this hobby, you can search for video tutorials, purchase a calligraphy guide that gives you drawn-out steps, or even pull up some of those videos you were entranced by and try to mimic what they are doing. Remember, you don’t need any fancy drawing tools or guides to start trying out this hobby.

  2. Journaling: With all the thoughts and ideas floating around in our heads, journaling can be a great way to organize and process everything we are contemplating. Taking a few minutes every day to jot down what you’re thinking, feeling, or even what you’re wanting to do can actually be therapeutic and improve your mood. If you suffer from writer’s block or “blank page syndrome,” try a journaling prompt book for inspiration.

  3. Take a Daily Walk: Taking a walk outside each day is a perfect hobby if you’re wanting to spend more time in nature. It’s a great way to get some fresh air, witness new sights and sounds, and nothing clears the mind better. The best part, it’s FREE. You can also add in longer hikes if you’re up for it. It’s a great way to see some beautiful sites, and if you have a dog, bring your furry friend along, you know they’ll enjoy it. 

  4. Follow Along to an Online Video Workout: Going to the gym can be a chore, pair that with running aimlessly on a treadmill, and you’ve got a problem. Try mixing it up by following along to an online video workout. There are so many different types that you’re bound to find one you like: yoga, cardio dance, balance training, just to name a few. Having someone on screen can help you stay motivated too.

  5. Indoor Gardening: Don’t have time for an oversized garden plot outside? And the even bigger question, how are you supposed to garden during the winter? Well, the answer is simple - Indoor Gardening. Many of us have limited space, and really can’t give the kind of commitment that a large garden would require. That’s why having a small kitchen herb garden or even having several house plants can bring this hobby to the forefront of our lives.

  6. Cooking: Most of us are not professionally trained as chefs, and when faced with having to cook for the family every day, it quickly becomes a chore rather than a fun hobby. But surprisingly, cooking can be meditative and relaxing, especially when you try a new recipe and take your time at it. Ask a friend or family member for their favorite recipe. Try cooking a healthy meal, or a recipe from a different culture. The possibilities for cooking are endless. 

Having an exciting and inspiring hobby brings you so many benefits, from igniting your creativity to having intentional “me” time. By finding the hobby that sparks that fire within you, you will find your sense of purpose, and ultimately feel more fulfilled. 

xx, Danae

LAST CHANCE and FINAL DAY to Enroll in The Interior Design Standard!

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As you know, I’m here to share with you the helpful tips, tricks and information I learn in the interior design industry that will help you succeed in running the most fulfilling and profitable business possible. Once again, I want to share with you a business program I came across that’s goal is to improve the interior design industry one design firm at a time.

The Interior Design Standard, created by East Coast interior designer Sandra Funk (House of Funk), is making a huge impact on a number of interior designers’ businesses across the country.

Why is this program making such an impact? Because the Interior Design Standard is House of Funk’s business structure. That’s right! The program includes a variety of modules with templates, processes, tools and tech for designers to implement the structure into their own businesses. Within each module are videos explaining the ‘why’ behind Funk’s processes, with her personal experiences and lessons learned weaved in.  

The program is delivered in a friendly digital format. Designers receive lifetime access, live virtual community events and access to the ultimate design community: the Standard Inner Circle. “Our mantra is ‘Rise, Designers, Rise’. By helping one designer at a time, we hope to see the entire design industry improve,” says Funk.

I want to tell you a little bit more about the designers that the Standard will benefit the most.

  • They've been in business for at least two years

  • They have at least 2 team members

  • Interior design is their calling - they've got the design stuff locked down

  • They're ready to level up and break into the luxury design market

  • They desire to have more confidence, joy, creativity, freedom... and profit

Of course, the Standard is not exclusive to designers that check every box, but their data and testimonials have shown that this is who has fantastic results with the Standard. 

This program is perfect for any designer who needs organized processes, wants to learn more about how a thriving and successful design practice does it and wants to bring the joy and passion back into their business.

They give you digestible video explanations accompanied by Sandra’s process, broken down into step-by-step tasks for you to download and customize for your business. Here are a few of the highlights:

  • Interior Design Services Agreement

  • 20+ Client email templates

  • Trade Agreement

  • HR Docs galore (job listings, roles and responsibilities, employee agreements with office policies, onboarding processes and more) 

  • Full Service Asana template (100+ tasks of our detailed full service and build/renovate process)

  • Potential Client Asana template (detailed tasks outlining and digging into this process from initial outreach to onboarding)

  • And tons of bonuses that will knock your socks off!

Plus, anyone who signs up using my link below will get our Passive & Multiple Income Streams for Interior Designers e-Book for FREE along with a FREE t-shirt from Elite Design Gifts*!

Enrollment only happens twice per year and the next enrollment period is in March 23-30, 2022. If you are interested, you can sign reserve a spot now by clicking this link https://interiordesignstandard.com/danae.

*The free e-Book will be sent via email 60 days after payment in full for The Interior Design Standard is paid. The free t-shirt will be mailed 60 days after payment in full to The Interior Design Standard is paid.

As always, please feel free to reach out if you have questions!

I hope you have a wonderful day!

xx, Danae

Passive Income for Interior Designers

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Between meetings with clients, laying out floor plans, to just finding time to be creative, interior designers are busy, to say the least. That’s why thinking about and implementing a passive income stream is the right move for you. NOW!

But what is passive income?

Passive income is a way you can earn money for your business that requires little to no hands-on involvement or effort after initial setup.

Wait… What? Yes, you heard me correctly. You can earn money for your business without always having to trade your time for it. 

By setting up various passive income streams, you can do double duty on earning money. Not only will you be able to spend your actual time working with clients, designing, etc, to earn money… but your passive income stream can be pulling in money as well at the same time. 

Before you start, here’s what you need to know

Passive income is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time, strategy, and effort upfront. Also, just because you create something doesn’t mean it will sell. You will need to market this passive income stream for it to be successful, which will require some time and dedication each week. 

Some ideas of passive income you can implement right now

  • Digital Downloads - Create templates, ebooks, floor plans, design boards, even answer common design questions for your clients to download for a price. 

  • Courses - Create a course for purchase for either your prospective clients or for other interior designers. 

  • Online Shop - Set up an online shop selling some of your favorite pieces of decor and even your other forms of passive income such as ebooks, templates, and courses.

Things to consider 

There are a ton of passive income streams to help you earn extra money. Some are easier than others, while some require you to have a substantial existing online presence. 

  • Capitalize on Your Expertise and Knowledge - Figure out what you’re good at and what you know and use it. 

  • Experiment - Try testing out one form of passive income, if it’s not working or you don’t like it, try another. 

  • Monitor Performance - One of the keys to being successful with passive income is keeping tabs on how many times it was purchased or clicked on. If it’s not doing well, you need to change up how you’re marketing it or try something different entirely. 

Remember, having a passive income stream isn’t for everyone. It does take time upfront for set up and requires a continued time investment and strategic marketing plan for it to be successful.  But when executed properly, it can be a lucrative and viable solution to adding revenue to your business. 

For a more in-depth look at passive income, for more ideas on how to earn money, and for Q&A’s with highly sought-after industry professionals, check out our Creating Passive & Multiple Income Streams For Interior Designers eBook   

xx, Danae

Don't Miss Open Enrollment for The Interior Design Standard!

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Open enrollment is coming up for the program that can help you break into the luxury market of interior design; it’s called The Interior Design Standard!

As you know, I’m here to share with you the helpful tips, tricks and information I learn in the interior design industry that will help you succeed in running the most fulfilling and profitable business possible. Once again, I want to share with you a business program I came across that’s goal is to improve the interior design industry one design firm at a time.

The Interior Design Standard, created by East Coast interior designer Sandra Funk (House of Funk), is making a huge impact on a number of interior designers’ businesses across the country.

Why is this program making such an impact? Because the Interior Design Standard is House of Funk’s business structure. That’s right! The program includes a variety of modules with templates, processes, tools and tech for designers to implement the structure into their own businesses. Within each module are videos explaining the ‘why’ behind Funk’s processes, with her personal experiences and lessons learned weaved in.  

The program is delivered in a friendly digital format. Designers receive lifetime access, live virtual community events and access to the ultimate design community: the Standard Inner Circle. “Our mantra is ‘Rise, Designers, Rise’. By helping one designer at a time, we hope to see the entire design industry improve,” says Funk.

I want to tell you a little bit more about the designers that the Standard will benefit the most.

  • They've been in business for at least two years

  • They have at least 2 team members

  • Interior design is their calling - they've got the design stuff locked down

  • They're ready to level up and break into the luxury design market

  • They desire to have more confidence, joy, creativity, freedom... and profit

Of course, the Standard is not exclusive to designers that check every box, but their data and testimonials have shown that this is who has fantastic results with the Standard. 

This program is perfect for any designer who needs organized processes, wants to learn more about how a thriving and successful design practice does it and wants to bring the joy and passion back into their business.

They give you digestible video explanations accompanied by Sandra’s process, broken down into step-by-step tasks for you to download and customize for your business. Here are a few of the highlights:

  • Interior Design Services Agreement

  • 20+ Client email templates

  • Trade Agreement

  • HR Docs galore (job listings, roles and responsibilities, employee agreements with office policies, onboarding processes and more) 

  • Full Service Asana template (100+ tasks of our detailed full service and build/renovate process)

  • Potential Client Asana template (detailed tasks outlining and digging into this process from initial outreach to onboarding)

  • And tons of bonuses that will knock your socks off!

Plus, anyone who signs up using my link below will get our Passive & Multiple Income Streams for Interior Designers e-Book for FREE along with a FREE t-shirt from Elite Design Gifts*!

Enrollment only happens twice per year and the next enrollment period is in March 23-30, 2022. If you are interested, you can sign reserve a spot now by clicking this link https://interiordesignstandard.com/danae.

*The free e-Book will be sent via email 60 days after payment in full for The Interior Design Standard is paid. The free t-shirt will be mailed 60 days after payment in full to The Interior Design Standard is paid.

As always, please feel free to reach out if you have questions!

I hope you have a wonderful day! xx, Danae

What You Should Know about Working with Photographers as an Interior Designer

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As an interior designer, the project is not complete after styling the last shelf. A quality visual portfolio of the space is invaluable in showcasing your work and attracting the kind of new clients you're looking for. Having a good relationship with the right photographer can make all the difference in the result, and that begins with coming to a clear agreement on expectations and photo usage terms. Let’s look at some points to consider when working with a photographer.

Who owns the licensing of the photos?

If a photographer shoots the photos, by default he or she owns the copyright to those images, and many will further specify this in the contract. On the other hand, if an employee of the design firm shoots the images, it is the employer who owns the copyright. However, every contract is different and all of the terms must be clearly stated so there is no room for doubt about the rights of each party. Even if the photographer claims copyright, they will usually be cooperative when it comes to the designer’s needs. That is, after all, the whole point of hiring a photographer! At the same time, as it has only gotten easier to share photos across the internet with a click of a button, if you are the copyright holder, you will have much more leverage to claim credit or even get photos taken down if necessary.

What use rights does the designer have for the photos?

Design firms generally want to be able to have free reign when it comes to posting the photos on social media and on their website, as well as for marketing and PR purposes. You also want to be able to freely offer images to magazines for exposure. The story of your project will be more appealing to top magazines if it has not yet been widely shared. If you are gracious to your photographer by negotiating for them to receive credit, it is good marketing for them as well, and it sets the tone for reciprocity.

Are you allowed to give permission to other businesses such as vendors to use those photos?

It is not as common for a design firm to license the images to vendors as it is for the photographers to do so. They may have opportunities with the suppliers of materials, fixtures or furniture that appear in the photos. However, you may be able to negotiate with your photographer to share a percentage, perhaps 10% to 20%, of those earnings. This is a point to discuss with the photographer as part of the big picture.

What should the contract include?

The contract must be comprehensive and fair. It should specify information including the legal names of both parties, start and end dates, cancellation or delay policies, copyright and usage rights, scope of photo editing work, confidentiality, liability and payment terms. Nothing should remain a verbal agreement, even if you have a good relationship with the photographer. Before signing the contract with the photographer, you must also receive permission in your contract with the client to photograph the space and use the photos publicly for marketing purposes.

How do you choose the right interior design photographer?

Look for a photographer who specializes in interiors and knows how to tell a story through their images. They should be able to take the viewer on a tour of the space in a thoughtful way so they can understand and imagine being there. A savvy photographer will ask you questions about the space, as well as your vision for the project, in order to be fully prepared for a successful shoot. If you find a photographer with compatible needs, it may open the door to establishing a mutually beneficial long-term partnership that works from a good understanding of your company's aesthetic, preferences and needs.

xx, Danae

Work With a Virtual Design Assistant (VDA) on Your Commercial Projects

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We have become known for our virtual design assistant services within the residential interior design niche so many designers may not be aware that we also have very seasoned and experienced design assistants with commercial backgrounds as well.

We offer services such as:

  • Research, space plan for large- and small-scale projects.

  • Develop block plans or test fits in CAD & CET for both systems and ancillary products.

  • Respond and design per BID guidelines for RFP’s.

  • Create look books/moodboards or concept presentation layouts

  • Create drawings, layouts and renderings to communicate a design solution effectively through CET software

  • Generate detailed furniture specifications, pricing and discount for both systems and ancillary products using CAP or ProjectSpec

  • Create ancillary/systems look books or product alternates

  • Create typicals or “collaboration” areas using either systems or ancillary or both.

  • Send out quotes to ensure accuracy of pricing and manufacturer discounts.

  • Revise drawings, typicals or presentations per client/designer feedback

  • Create electrical or install documents per project needs in CET

  • Create graphic presentation, templates or any other marketing material per client standards

We are happy to discuss any other services, not mentioned above for any project.

Our commercial VDAs have worked for large scale firms, specializing in Steelcase, Herman Miller and AllSteel furniture. A few projects that are a part of their portfolios include, SailPoint, Big Commerce, Velocity Credit Union, HomeAway, Tito’s Vodka, Kaiser Permanante, UFCU, Oracle, Facebook, Adobe, SAP and Invisalign.

If you need help on your next commercial or hospitality project, please feel free to reach out!

xx, Danae

How To Balance Your Family Life And Your Business

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Life can be hectic. Caring for your family and household can be a full-time job, and when you add running a business into the mix, it seems downright impossible! 

Balancing all aspects of life is an everyday struggle that all entrepreneurs face. Each demand of life requires a lot of attention, and there never seems to be enough time in the day to get to or finish all tasks. It can seem overwhelming, but by implementing small habits into practice, having dedication, and a little patience, it's possible to maintain your sanity when trying to balance your family life and your business. 

Here are a few tips, tricks, and strategies that can help you in conquering this seemingly impossible balancing act. 

Be Fully Present 

Even though multi-tasking sounds like it was MADE for entrepreneurs balancing their family life and business, it is proven that disastrous things can happen when your attention is stretched thin on too many things at once.

When it comes to juggling multiple responsibilities, entrepreneurs need to give their full attention to the task at hand, whether it’s something for work or something for your family. Being fully present can save you time. 

Create a Routine

With so many tasks to do each day for each aspect of life, creating a routine is essential for balancing your home life and business. Without a routine, you will find yourself losing track of tasks, wasting time, and ultimately feeling more stressed. Routines keep you organized and productive, and establishing set time frames for each task allows you to stay on top of things and be more efficient. That said, embrace flexibility, because we all know that things won’t always go as planned. 

Some helpful routines you can start today are: 

  • Prep a to-do list each night for the following day. 

  • Start meal prepping. 

  • Check and respond to emails at certain times of the day. 

Day-to-Day Goals

It’s a good thing to have a clear vision for your company’s long-term goals. It’s also great to have dreams and aspirations for you and your family. But have you ever paired them together? And the bigger question is how do you achieve that combined professional/personal future? 

Make it a point to have a clear and realistic objective for both your business and family every day. Ask yourself how your vision for your business helps your family and vice versa. By doing this, you will have an overall dream you can now break apart into smaller, day-to-day goals. Next, if you set aside time every morning to work on these day-to-day goals, soon, your larger dream can be achieved. 

Make Family Meals a Priority 

The idyllic idea of a family meal at the dinner table where everyone is sitting down together probably falls to the wayside when you feel you need to get back to work. But setting time aside solely dedicated to your family needs to be a priority, and mealtimes are a great way to do this. 

Mealtimes are the most sacred time for a family. It’s during these precious pockets of time that you get to bond, catch up, and cultivate that togetherness. It is proven that families that dine together are both healthier and happier.

Self Care

In this balancing act, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. Neglecting your mental health and physical well-being by trying to get more done at home or the office will hurt you in the long run. It’s important to find time and things throughout your busy week to recharge yourself and fulfill your own needs. By sleeping a little longer, exercising, or by unplugging mentally for even 30 minutes, you can become more effective in everything you do. Remember, building harmony between home and business starts by finding balance in yourself.

Balancing your family life and your business does seem like a daunting task. It requires not only sacrifice but effort. Ultimately, certain activities will have to be given up because they aren’t as important as others, and balancing these roles won’t happen successfully overnight. It takes you working at it to make it successful. 

By implementing some of the strategies mentioned above or some of your own, balancing your family life and your business may not seem so impossible.

xx Danae