Elite Design Assistants: Did You Know We Offer THESE Services?

/

ELITE DESIGN ASSISTANTS

DID YOU KNOW WE OFFER THESE SERVICES?

Kitchen & Bath Design Assistant Services

Everyone knows that Kitchen & Bath design is a specialty service that not all designers OR design assistants love to offer. While kitchen and bath seems obvious to those who offer whole home renovations, remodels and new builds, there are other interiors designers whose niche is something entirely different. For those in Kitchen and Bath, it’s helpful to work with a virtual design assistant who has an interior design degree, extensive knowledge of residential building and construction including trim carpentry as well as the talent to not only create a beautiful space but one that is functional. If you are in need of a virtual design assistant with specific kitchen and bath experience, please let us know and we’ll connect you with someone soon!

3D Models

Are you an interior designer that orders a lot of custom furniture? If so, we have 3D Model experts on our team to create the 3D models of custom furniture pieces to put in renders. This is a great way for your clients to see what the custom furniture pieces will look like in their space.

Short Term Rentals

Investing in real estate has become a popular way to increase income and make a better return on your investment than having your hard-earned money sitting in a saving account. All of those investors are seeking out the expertise of interior designers to add value to their short-term rentals. If you are an interior designer that has a niche in this space and you need help, we’ve got VDAs with experience in this nice as well! Whether it’s Airbnb’s, hotels or other short-term rentals we can help you out. Plus, if you are interested in investing in the real estate industry, we have a Brand NEW service coming … we are going to teach you how to make money by investing in real state while not having to do any of the work. If you are interested, please email me at danae@elitedesignassitants.com and watch for our new posts on Passive Investing in real estate syndications and a bit more info below.

Vacation Homes

Vacation homes are an excellent niche especially if you live in an area where everyone is vacationing. People tend to design their vacation homes a bit differently than their permanent residence and we’ve got VDAs that love this space, too.

Outdoor Spaces

If there has ever been a time in our lives where people are bringing the outdoors in and the indoors out it would be now. With outdoor living spaces, outdoor kitchens, pools and more, if you need help from a design assistant trained in this space let us know.

Kid-friendly Designs

If you are used to decorating kid-friendly spaces, it’s always great to work with a design assistant with experience in that area.

AND … Coming soon - Passive Investing in Real Estate Syndications.

Watch for an email and blog post related to this NEW service. As savvy interior designers are looking for more ways to create passive income and make their money work harder for them, we will be offering courses, an investors club and investment opportunities in real estate. As real estate and interior design goes hand-in-hand this just makes sense. Some interior designers are already designing investment properties such as short term rentals and others are offering value add services to real estate investment trusts so you may know a bit about real estate investing. However, we are going to reach true passive investing which means your money works hard for you while you don’t lift a finger!

Please reach out via email to Elite Design Assistants to inquire more information on any of these services we offer!

danae@elitedesignassitants.com

xx, Danae

Brand New Template Bundles on Our Website!

/

We are always trying to offer our clients what they want and things that are super helpful to their businesses and lives. We now have a CAD Template Bundle and a Project Management Bundle.

The CAD Template Bundle includes everything you need to create professional CAD drawings and documents for your interior design project. It includes:

  • Design Set Template

  • XREF Titleblock Template

  • Plot Styles

  • Design Layers and Lineweights

  • Paper Space Blocks and Symbols

  • Furniture Plan Title Blocks

  • Model Space Paper Size Outlines

For more information, please check out our site at www.elitedesignassistants/shop#tools-and-templates

BUY THIS BUNDLE

The Project Management Bundle will take your interior business to the next level. It includes:

  • Budget Spreadsheet Template

  • Cost Spreadsheet Template

  • Installation Schedule Template

  • Project Management Template

  • Material and Finish Schedule Template

  • Project List Template

  • Room Product Checklist

In this bundle, you can either purchase things separately OR save money by purchasing the bundle. For more information, please check out our site at www.elitedesignassistants/shop#tools-and-templates

BUY THIS BUNDLE

Of course, if you need CAD or project management services, please feel free to reach out! We are working hard to make your life easier so you can continue to grow and create the business of your dreams!

xx, Danae

Latest Trends in Summer Fashion

/

The long-awaited summer season is upon us and that means the rise of new (and nostalgic) summer 2022 trends that were already previewed on the runways and are now starting to be spotted everywhere, from fashion Instagram accounts to city sidewalks and your favorite stores.

Taking note of what we have been seeing emerging from fashion references over the last weeks, we know that many of the spring trends will carry over into the summer season, such as bright colors (especially pink, orange and green), bold prints (psychedelic or zebra) or a throwback to the "Y2K aesthetic".

HOOKED ON CROCHET

In the same vein, boho styles are back at the forefront, including loose crochet garments like tanks and bell bottoms, which can be paired with a bikini set underneath for a beach or festival look. If the knit pattern is too wide for the occasion, you can also try a light slip dress under a crochet dress.

GO TO GREAT LENGTHS WITH SHORTS

It's no wonder that one of the stars of the season is shorts in their many forms. This summer, we're ditching the micro hot pants in favor of comfortable, adventure-friendly Bermuda shorts. “Paper bag" shorts are sticking around this year, and the catwalks (Michael Kors, Chanel) have dared to bring back the capri pants, another tribute to the turn of the millennium.

SUIT YOURSELF

To the relief of office-goers everywhere, you can now find a wider selection of lighter weight suit sets with short-sleeved or sleeveless tops and short bottoms. Double-down on trends by choosing a brightly colored or color-blocked suit ensemble. More good news? This is a versatile look that is easy to dress up or down.

CUT OUT FOR IT

One-shoulder tops and asymmetrical cuts and hemlines are taking over and adding interest to the 2022 summer wardrobe. Cheeky cut-outs in dresses and jumpsuits are also here to lighten the mood.

STEP BY STEP

Lowering our gaze to the footwear of the season, strappy sandals (with or without heels) are coming in strong. They can be found in the same trendy bright colors we’re seeing in clothing, or in the gladiator-style model that has graced us since ancient Greece. Meanwhile, we’re experiencing the resurgence of a footwear style with roots in Ancient Rome: mules. Throwback much? But in 2022, we have mules with heels of all heights, pointed or round toe, and covered or open toe. And very fitting to their name, the debut of a hybrid: the sneaker-mule.

BEYOND APPEARANCES

Fashion goes much deeper than clothes, and these messages make a difference. In recent months, Rihanna has blown us away with her maternity looks by highlighting the changes that her body has been undergoing instead of hiding them. She is one shining example of the greater body-positive movement that, hopefully, is here to stay.

Will you try any of these latest summer trends?

xx, Danae

CLICK HERE TO SHOP THE LATEST SUMMER LOOKS!

Is it Time for a Rebrand?

/

Rebranding is a marketing strategy that involves partially or totally modifying the set of elements that identify a business or brand, in order to improve or expand its positioning in the market. This could include anything from your logo to the fonts and color palette you use, and much more. Just as interior designers get to know their clients and gather information about their values and tastes in order to reflect who they are in their designs, your brand should reflect the spirit of your company, and your clients should see themselves reflected in it as well.

It’s a process that the biggest names have gone through, and many times over. Household names like Google, Nike, Apple and a host of others have rebranded over the years, but they have managed to retain certain elements to remain familiar and trustworthy to consumers, while communicating an expansion or new values.

So, is it time to rebrand your interior design firm? Think about what has changed in your company, whether your niche or target customer has shifted, and what you’ve done so far to illustrate those changes to the public. Here are some reasons to consider rebranding.

The industry is evolving - One of the most common reasons for rebranding is simply to keep with the times. Interior design is an industry in which it is particularly important to demonstrate up-to-date design knowledge and an awareness of new client needs. However, don’t just jump on a trend bandwagon and blend in with the rest. Standing out is one of the goals!

Your company is evolving - Perhaps you have decided to cater to a new or different customer and want to attract that profile with a relevant corporate image. When announcing news about your company, such as the launch of a new service, it’s time to review if your corporate image still represents the essence of your company or if it requires some adaptations to reflect the changes you are implementing.

A lack of clarity or consistency - Your logo, mission statement and overall style need to be congruent and harmonious. Aspects of the graphic design should also be versatile enough to be functional across platforms. You should work with a brand book with specific fonts, logo formats and colors as a reference to project a unified image. If you aren’t yet, you may be able to pare down and consolidate the styles and elements you’re already working with and see if that’s enough of an improvement.

As we’ve seen so far, rebranding may include a makeover of your corporate logo or colors. In some cases, it can mean changing the very name of your company. But it’s important not to neglect other elements you communicate, such as how you describe the company and present your team on your website. You may even need to reevaluate your usual processes, such as your intake questionnaire and briefing format, to make it all fit together and work. In short, rebranding is like renovating a house. We can simply redesign the logo or change the visual, emotional and functional aspects of the brand at a much deeper level.

However, rebranding is not always the solution. It’s a significant investment that can’t be taken lightly. In addition to brand consultancy services, you will need to update your website, stationery, business cards, or even company vehicles if you have them. Everywhere your brand appears. This transition can be done somewhat gradually if necessary, but it’s best to keep this period as short as possible. If you have a well-established brand, it’s a good idea to do thorough audience research before discarding the current one. Sometimes a few simple changes with a bit of guidance or “restyling” are enough to get your current brand aligned.

If you think that your interior design business could benefit from a rebrand, set up a meeting with a branding expert. Create a moodboard together that expresses the feel of your design firm. They should help you by studying your case and carrying out a market study to make the change meaningful and strategic, not just a makeover for the sake of it. You can even consider asking your followers on social media to vote on their favorite new logo options by creating a poll on your Instagram stories, for example. It’s a way to get real feedback before taking the leap, as well as boost customer engagement.

Once you do define your new corporate image, take the opportunity to announce it loud and proud to your audience with a marketing campaign, sharing and celebrating this new chapter in the story of your business and a new appeal to your clients.

xx, Danae

Do You Need a Bookkeeper or CFO?

/

We get several bookkeeping requests from clients and it’s important to know whether or not you need a bookkeeper or a CFO (Chief Financial Officer) or both.

A Bookkeeper will typically do the following:

  • Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Services

  • Payroll

  • Monthly income and expense tracking

  • Categorizing all transactions appropriately and consistently​

  • Monthly Reconciliations

  • Monthly Financial Statements

​There are helping you with your day-to-day finances for your business.

A CFO on the other hand is helping you with business assessment, profit & cash flow targets, help you create action plans, and help you outline a long-term plan that will be beneficial to the continued success of your business.

We offer both services and if you are interested, they are detailed below.

What We Do As CFO

We have a 5-step process to provide a clear roadmap to improve YOUR profitability and cash flow. The steps are as follows:

  1. Business assessment: We will analyze your business and financials and show you exactly what’s holding you back from making more profit and cash flow. We will provide you with instructions regarding the information that we may require to complete the work of this engagement.

  2. Profit & cash flow target: We’ll get to work getting to know you and the goals you have for your business. We'll then set ‘profit and cash flow goals and put together a plan designed to improve the profitability and cash flow of your business.

  3. Create a scoreboard: Each month we’ll give you a simple one-page “scoreboard” report that will clearly show you what’s going right and what’s going wrong.

  4. Help you determine an action plan: You and your CFO will get on a video call each month and we’ll provide you with a shortlist of the MOST important “next steps” that need to happen within the next 30-days.

  5. Help you outline a long-term plan: At the same time, we’ll work to help you increase the long-term value of your business so that you have a well-oiled machine that can run without you by your leadership team.

What We Won’t Do

For your success, it is important that you understand the scope and limitations of our services. It is also important that we do not overstep into areas that are appropriately your domain, responsibility, and authority. We do not provide legal, accounting, bookkeeping (unless you purchase this as an add-on service through Elite), auditing, data verification, management, facilitation, fraud detection, HR, insurance, or other such services. We do not publish or announce your plans to your team. We do not execute your action plans.

What We Need From You


You will designate an individual who possesses suitable skill, knowledge, or experience to oversee your bookkeeping activities and coordinate with the services we provide. In addition, you will evaluate the adequacy and results of the services performed by that designated individual and accept responsibility for such services. You will provide relevant information about your business on a timely and periodic basis. You will take our advice and make your own decisions about what to do with that advice.

What we do as a Full-Service Bookkeeper
(this is available as an add on to our CFO Service)

In order to provide accurate CFO services, you will need to have full-service bookkeeping done. May require additional software subscriptions. Services included are as follows:

  • Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable Services

  • Payroll

  • Monthly income and expense tracking

  • Categorizing all transactions appropriately and consistently​

  • Monthly Reconciliations

  • Monthly Financial Statements

  • ​Unlimited email and text support​

If you are interested in either or both services, please feel free to reply to this email to learn more!

xx, Danae

New Graphic T-Shirts Available & In Stock on our Website!

/

Check out the newest additions to our online shop!

See something you like?

BROWSE OUR SHOP

Business Coach… or Business Consult (An Elite Level Up Business Consult)?

/

As you are aware, interior designers are in many different stages of their businesses. Some of you are brand new to the industry, while others are seasoned professionals. Some of you are solo-prenuers, while others run a larger firm with staff. There are multiple things to consider when deciding whether you need a business coach or a business consult.

In terms of business coaches, there are amazing options for interior designers out there! Working with a business coach is an investment in both you and your business. It is a way to take your business to the next level. Typically, a business coach will collaborate with you to design a concise, long-term plan for your continued business growth and success. Every coaching program is different, but a common theme is to have regularly scheduled meetings for 6 weeks up to 6 or 12 months. Business coaches guide the change and expect timely results.  

Many business coaches have criteria that you must fit in order to work with them. They don’t just work with everyone and for good reason: they want to ensure their collaboration with you is successful. Interior designers seeking a business coach can expect a financial investment, and an investment of time. When you schedule time for coaching calls, implementations, etc., it’s possible your current client projects will need to be deferred to another designer on your team, or design assistant to ensure you have the free time needed to complete coaching initiatives.

You want to make sure the business coach you chose will work with interior designers in your current situation and that you qualify to work with that particular coach. For example, I know some business coaches will NOT work with anyone brand new in the industry, anyone who is just working interior design as a hobby/side hustle or anyone who doesn’t meet a certain annual revenue threshold. Again, you want your business coach to be someone who is coaching interior designers in your similar situation whether you are brand new, a seasoned designer, or somewhere in between.

However, maybe a coach isn’t for you and what you really need is a business consult. As we have all seen at some point, some of our interior design clients really just need a quick consultation. If you offer consultations with DIY clients, you know what I mean.

So, who needs a simple yet highly effective business consultation such as an Elite Level Up Business Consult? Perhaps you! Maybe you are not in a position to afford a business coach, OR you have almost everything figured out but you just need to pick someone’s brain regarding an aspect of your business, OR you are just researching getting into the interior design industry… the list goes on and on.

Here is an example of a designer we recently worked with during a Level Up Business Consult: They had their ideas, knew what their goals were, but didn't know the steps to get there. In came Elite with the assist! This client knew their current pricing system wasn't going to work for a new project they just took on. Their current pricing system needed an update, but they didn’t know how to update it. We’ve all been there, there is so much to consider such as interior vs exterior materials selections, sq. ft. pricing vs hourly pricing, do we raise rates for a long-time client or not. We discussed at length the pros and cons of each scenario, becoming a sounding board of knowledge. The consultation, which lasted about 90 minutes, ended only when we had worked out a firm way for this designer to move their business forward. We know firsthand that the business of interior design is only part creativity. For that simple reason, we took notes during the consultation and recapped the discussion via email, listing in black and white the numbers needed to make the business successful for this new project, and for the ones that follow.

While this consult was regarding pricing schedules, we are happy to discuss building a team, managing orders, establishing trade accounts, marketing and so much more. Our business consultation service is for interior designers or decorators, who have systems in place for existing clients, a relatively steady stream of projects, and is a solo-prenuer or manages a small, local studio. Typically, this designer knows the tools needed to run a successful business, but maybe doesn’t have the revenue stream or time to invest in a coach.  

Let’s break it down for you:

Novice Designers (0-5 yrs in business)  <---  A business consult can be the best way to start getting some of your questions answered. We will always refer you to a business coach if we find your situation is more suited for that path.

  • fresh out of college or is a decorator

  • doesn't yet know their worth (charges $50/hr)

  • may be exploring which design career is right for them

  • clients/projects are obtained by advertising and are not steady yet

Career Designers (5-15 yrs in business)  <---  A business consult is definitely a great option for you. We can guide you in the proper direction in a manner, which is both affordable and respects your time. We will always refer you to a business coach if we find your situation is more suited for that path.

  • you are licensed & insured (if required in your state)

  • have trade accounts/ reps/ sub-contractors at the ready

  • is a designer by trade and made a career of it

  • known in community; steady stream of projects

Seasoned Designers (15+ yrs in business) <---  This is, more than likely, a designer who could utilize a business coach. However, if you would like to take advantage of our team’s expertise, we are happy to offer you an hourly consultation rate.

  • have a team of employees or contractors

  • has an income stream of revenue which is profit

  • possibly has clients on a wait list

  • has systems in place but needs to hone in on processes, increase profit, or update business practices

When you decide that an Elite Level Up Business Consult is just what you need, we offer help answering questions which need explanation in a step-by-step format, advice for those who know what they need, but not how to get there and a way for you to gain feedback, knowledge, and advice from colleagues in the industry.

Interested in our Elite Level Up Business Consultation service? Reply to this email to start a conversation regarding pricing and scheduling. We look forward to being a silent partner in helping you create the business of your dreams!

xx, Danae

3D Printing in Interior Design

/

Technology is crazy and always evolving. 3D printing has been around for a long time but as it grows in popularity it’s worth knowing about how interior designers are leveraging 3D printers.

Just in case you don’t know what 3D printing is, it’s where a printer creates three-dimensional objects layer-by-layer using a computer created design. They are used to create things like tools, jewelry, phone cases, figurines, toys, home décor and so much more.

You can create a design and have it printed which gives so much creative control over the object. There are several companies out there creating 3D printed objects for interior design.

Imagine if you worked on historical homes or buildings with intricate architectural elements that needed to be repaired or replaced. A design of something such as detailed molding or façade can be created and then printed using 3D printing saving time and money.

Unique décor pieces such as pendants, sculptural tables, and detailed wall panels can be created using 3D printers. Other popular 3D printed objects are planters, bookshelves, room dividers, tiles, wooden blocks, bowls, trays, and baskets. There are endless possibilities at this point.

There are several home décor 3D printer companies in the US such as Casa Z out of Texas, EDG in New York, Forust in California, and Emerging Objects also in California.

Each of these companies offers unique 3D objects in terms of finishes, home décor, and design. You can find a few smaller businesses on Etsy as well as purchase 3D printer plans for your own 3D printer.

3D printing offers so many creative and unique options for interior designers, furniture designers, architects, builders, and others in the real estate and design industry.

3D printing will continue to change the interior design industry especially now companies such as ICON are building homes using 3D printing. If you are looking for a new niche in the industry 3D printing may just be something that interests you. Whether you already practice sustainable design, are interested in sustainable design, or just want to get into interior design for 3D printed homes, it’s worth looking into now while the industry is young and gaining traction.

xx, Danae

Spring Cleaning Tips

/

There are few springtime traditions more satisfying than the annual deep cleaning, which signifies a fresh start, practically and even psychologically. However, for many people, bliss only comes once the job is done. Cleaning the house from top to bottom is never easy, but the project can be much more manageable with this checklist that gives you an overview of everything you need to know.

Plan and Prepare

The first step is to check your calendar and schedule spring cleaning tasks. Hoping to get it all done within a couple of days won’t do you any good. Divide the tasks into realistic time slots over several weeks, and you’ll get through it stress-free. And before you get started, take inventory of your cleaning supplies, such as brushes, cloths, and sprays. Pick up any additional cleaning products or tools that will help you work more efficiently, and why not consider using some natural products such as lemon juice to degrease or vinegar to remove limescale buildup.

Kitchen and Bath

It’s a good idea to start with the rooms that require the most effort. In areas that have countless nooks and crannies and are constantly exposed to moisture, it’s important to dedicate extra attention to detail. In the kitchen, start with the walls, the outside of the cabinets, and the countertop, then empty each cabinet to clean it and before replacing everything. In the bathroom, start with the tiles, remove all traces of limescale and continue with the bathroom fixtures. Whenever you clean storage furniture, take the opportunity to throw away any old products or cosmetics that have expired or that you no longer use.

Room by Room

To break the job into manageable chunks, continue taking it room by room. Start by dusting ceilings, corners, and hard-to-reach surfaces. A mop with a damp cloth may do the trick. On surfaces with delicate paints or finishes, be sure not to use chemicals not intended for them, and don't scrub too hard. Again, take advantage of this project to clean interiors or storage furniture. Consider which items no longer serve you, Marie Kondo style, and donate or throw them away.

Winter Wardrobe and Bedding

As temperatures begin to rise, you may want to replace your bedding with lighter-weight linens, as well as your day-to-day wardrobe. For fabrics that tolerate high temperatures well, run a hot water cycle to kill bacteria before letting these garments dry completely and storing them until next fall or winter. Make it easy on your future self by organizing everything in labeled containers, ready for the next change of season.

Textiles

A chore that many people don’t get around to regularly is cleaning the textiles of the home. This includes curtains, sofa and cushion covers, throw blankets, and rugs. Check washing instructions for each item, but much of this can be washed in your washing machine at home and hung damp to dry in order to avoid wrinkling. Rugs may need to be taken to a pro if the tag states “dry clean only.” Spring is also the perfect time to change out some of your textiles for lighter materials and brighter colors, so seasonal decor can form part of your spring cleaning ritual.

Garage and Outdoor Areas

As an often neglected space, your garage might need a little TLC, and if you're lucky enough to have an outdoor space, such as a porch or yard, it's the ideal time to make the most of it. If you have a garden, go the extra mile. Make sure your organization systems are up to date with your belongings so that these areas are not simply written off as overflow dumps. Store winter sports equipment. Get rid of items you've been hanging onto forever because they "might come in handy someday." You might even find that you end up with enough space to add a new or improved chill-out nook in time for the good weather!

Windows and Floors

It’s time to get the windows looking crystal clear. And don't stop at the glass. Get into the cracks of the window frames. Aluminum or PVC ones will be as good as new just by scrubbing them with a cloth and soapy water. For the glass itself, it’s best to choose a specific product and a lint-free cloth. As you reach the end of your spring cleaning journey, it’s a good time to finally tackle the floors, where any residual dust from the process will have settled. Then all you have left is to clean the floors and you will have passed the test. Vacuum, as usual, paying special attention to baseboards and difficult corners, and then scrub the floor properly with a specific product for its material (wood, ceramic, vinyl, etc.).

As you go through the spring-cleaning process, you may find that there are some of these tasks that you want to start doing several times throughout the year to lighten the workload each time. Cross these tasks off as you complete them, and you'll be well on your way to refreshing your home and making it a healthier and more comfortable haven.

xx, Danae

Collaboration Over Competition in Interior Design

/

While interior design is a highly competitive business, the secret to success doesn’t necessarily lie in cut-throat competition. Pouring all your energy into doing more and better than the rest is a rough and lonely road. The good news is that the new marketing climate lends itself very well to optimizing efforts through collaboration. So let’s talk about how to find others to journey through it with you.

Why collaborate?

When you join forces with another professional in an ongoing collaboration, it allows you to expand the range of services that you can offer. There is an increasing demand for end-to-end solutions, and when you’re not able or interested in providing certain complementary services, you can outsource them while still assuring your client that you’ve got them covered.

In addition to bringing together different services, collaborations often promote innovation and learning. Having a pair of fresh eyes on your initiatives or meeting somewhere halfway can yield surprising and interesting results. Collaboration is a strength. Whether it’s a short-term pact or a long-term alliance, there are many great opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships.

And certainly one of the main benefits of collaboration is that it is a means to share audiences online, expand your reach in your marketing efforts, and build up each other's authority and reputation in the industry.

Collaboration Opportunities for Interior Designers

Some of the most successful collaborations are with companies or brands that are not direct competitors, but at the same time, their target audience is the same. Ideally, your existing audiences do not overlap much. This way, everyone wins, and that’s exactly how you should begin the conversation when approaching a potential collaboration partner.

Suppliers - Chances are, you already have a few leads. Interior design firms sometimes partner with product or material vendors by featuring each other in blog or social media posts. By comparing the reach of your respective audiences, you can come to a fair compensation arrangement.

Furniture design - From furniture to fabric, brands are partnering with interior designers to create signature collections that reflect their shared vision. These deals mean increased exposure for both parties, as well as an attractive portfolio and commission for you.

Contractors - Similarly, external companies such as builders, painters, or movers could be promising prospects. Putting the spotlight on positive experiences with each other is a powerful marketing message and builds trust in your company. You might also consider meeting with other related specialists such as photographers, landscapers, florists, or furniture restoration companies.

Real Estate Agencies - Here’s an example of a line of business whose interests may be aligned with your own. You both want to bring out the best in a home. Some real estate agencies already have their in-house interior design department, but there is still plenty of room to make your pitch as a home stager or have them refer clients to you in exchange for a commission.

Content Creators - They are experts at getting the word out and attracting new clients. Team up with a fashion influencer, gourmet chef, or any personality with an audience akin to your target customer. One possibility is to offer them a free room decorating service. Then, they take their viewers on a tour of the space showcasing your work. Instagram stories, TikTok videos, and blog posts are just some of the ways that you can recruit content creators to promote your interior design business.

Other Interior Designers – There are many interior designers out there that collaborate with each other because they complement each other. Maybe you focus on residential but you have been asked to do commercial projects, or perhaps your wheelhouse is a modern coastal aesthetic but clients have been asking for eclectic. Or maybe you collaborate with another designer based on location, connections, etc. There are many reasons you may want to consider collaborating with another interior designer.

Tips for Interior Design Collaborations

As you can see, collaborations can take many different forms, but smart professionals always start with a clear objective and strategy to achieve it. Regardless of how friendly the relationship may become, cover your bases by putting a non-disclosure agreement in place if the nature of the collaboration calls for it. Outline each commitment in detail and track progress by checking results such as customer engagement statistics and referral rates. Getting started and staying on top of it is a time investment with a great return.

When is it better to compete than collaborate?

Well before considering a collaboration, it’s fundamental to have defined your business’s competitive edge and better yet, your niche in the industry. You want to stand out from competitors for your particular expertise. That’s where you want to hold your ground and grow. Only then can you market yourself with a clear message to both potential collaborators and clients.

xx, Danae