Building a Future-Proof Interior Design Business: Transcript

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:00:01]:

Hey everyone. And welcome back to success by design. I'm your host, Katie Decker-Erickson. And if you're new here, this show is dedicated to empowering interior designers and creative entrepreneurs with the strategies, insights, and motivation to grow a thriving interior design business. Today's episode is called building a future proof interior design empire. Yeah, that's a little intimidating, right? Don't worry. We're going to crack it all apart. We're gonna show you how to go deep, both creatively and strategically while thinking about the big picture of expansion and your longevity.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:00:36]:

So if you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, or maybe you're at a point where growth feels uncertain yeah. Thanks, tariffs. Stay tuned. We're gonna dive into recent trends. We're gonna share some eye opening research and, of course, outline actionable steps you can start implementing right away to ensure that your business is built for the long haul. Alright. Let's take a look at the state of the interior design industry and what's going on in the news that makes this future building so important. Because before we dive into the deep creative or deep strategic parts, we're gonna set the stage.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:01:11]:

According to a recent article in architectural digest, there has been a surge in demand for biophilic design, right? You know what this is, where nature inspired elements, such as natural light and organic materials are heavily featured. This isn't just a passing trend. I don't think anyway, because buyers and homeowners are increasingly prioritizing wellness and sustainability in their spaces. Also interesting to note, Forbes reported that high end clients are looking for design professionals who offer more than just aesthetic improvements. They want designers who understand space organization, technology integration, and even cultural storytelling through the interior. Other research that's relevant to this about our industry and its growth comes from the American society of interior designers. In fact, they released their 2025 outlook stating the consumer focus on health, wellness and eco consciousness is going to continue to grow. What does this mean for us as design professionals? It means multidisciplinary collaborations.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:02:14]:

So think architects, wellness experts, and even tech consultants, all becoming more common place. And markets and markets projects that the global interior design services market is set to grow at a CAGR. Okay. I need to look up what a CAGR is. I'm sorry. You're gonna have to edit this out. Okay. Thank you.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:02:40]:

And finally, markets and markets project projects. That's the problem. And finally, markets and markets projects that the global interior design services market is set to grow at a compound compound keyword annual growth rate of around 5% in the next few years. That's indicating stable, but competitive growth opportunities for you. So what's the takeaway here? The industry is steadily expanding with a noticeable shift toward integrated and holistic solutions. So as we discuss building a future proof empire, keep in mind that alignment with these trends like sustainability, holistic well-being, and strategic tech integration are going to be crucial. Now let's talk about creative depth. Too often designers focus on surface level aesthetics, missing out on the deeper storytelling potential or the unique signature that sets them apart in the market.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:03:34]:

If you're going, I don't know what my unique signature is. We should talk about that in a discovery call. Find your signature style. First of all, conduct a self audit. Reflect on your past projects and identify the common threads. Are you drawn to certain color palettes, textures, or even spatial layouts? Recognizing these patterns helps define your style voice. And tip two here, keep evolving. Even if you have a signature look, stay adaptable.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:04:04]:

Keep an inspiration folder or mood board updated with key influences. Maybe it's around sustainability or global cultures, emerging artists, or even technology driven materials. Also incorporate storytelling into design. You need to craft a narrative for each project. Why is this important? We're going to talk about that in one second, but I want to give you an example. First, if your client has a rich cultural heritage, how can you weave that into the design? Or if the space is meant to encourage certain behaviors, like maybe productivity or relaxation, How do you translate that into the design elements? You have to engage the client in this deeper conversation. And so using in-depth questionnaires or mood boards to uncover emotional anchors, such as colors or objects can often evoke certain memories and give you great details you need to make these spaces feel truly special. And then leveraging technology.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:05:02]:

Don't be afraid to do it for creative innovation. Virtual reality is here and augmented reality isn't going anywhere. In fact, they can be game changers, especially for remote clients or for giving a truly immersive design presentation. According to a survey by Interior Design Magazine, firms that incorporate virtual reality or augmented reality see a 25% increase in client satisfaction because customers can visualize concepts before committing to them. I know I'm guilty if they keep my clients can see what's in my head, but they can't. They don't live in our world every day. And that is why they hired us. When you develop a robust creative process, you're not just delivering pretty rooms.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:05:48]:

You're delivering transformative experiences. This is what sets you apart. It allows you to attract those premium clients and keeps them coming back house after house, room after room. And remember, a future proof interior design empire starts with a distinct creative identity that resonates with the evolving demands of the market. Know what anchors you, but don't be afraid to play with new ideas as well. Now let's shift gears for a minute to the strategic aspect because having a deep creative process is fantastic, but it has to be supported by sound business strategies, which is what I love coaching to, to truly stand the test of time. You've got to build a resilient business model. Oh my gosh.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:06:34]:

If the last five years have taught us anything, it is that you have to build a resilient business model. Like I just said, This means diversifying revenue streams. Don't rely on one type of client or one project category. For instance, some designers are branching into product lines, ecourses, or even digital design consultation. This can be controversial. In fact, if you wanna hear the controversy around this idea, I'm gonna put a link in the show notes to the conversation Rebecca Hay and I had about how you should diversify because it's more than just launching a candle line. In fact, a Harvard business review study shows companies with multiple revenue streams are more likely to weather economic downturns. As you probably heard your mom say, when you grew, when you were growing up, don't put your eggs in just one basket.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:07:25]:

Also, we talked about it last week, but you've gotta systemize operations. Whether it's onboarding project management or billing, create documented systems. We talked about tools and software like Asana, Fivery, so many of them that can reduce the chance of errors or even miscommunication with clients, which can be really tough to undo. Also think about that scalable team structure. We talked about hiring strategically, but you outsource strategically as well on the things that you don't enjoy. And that I would also add our time sucks, so you get back to what you love. Once you have those people on your team, take time to nurture them, offer professional offer, professional development opportunities, or offer to pay or half pay if they're contractors for them to go to things that are going to improve their life, their work, and consequently directly affect your clients. Let's also talk about brand positioning and marketing for a minute.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:08:39]:

Consistent branding across platforms is crucial. Whether it's your website, your social media, or your printed materials, your core message and visual identity need to remain cohesive. If they feel confusing to you, guess what? They're going to be confusing to a potential client as well. And clients do not want confusion. They want clarity and ease, especially those high end clients. You can build your authority by blogging, speaking at conferences, guesting on podcasts. In fact, a recent HubSpot report found that companies with authoritative thought leadership see higher client conversion rates. When you position yourself as a subject matter expert, guess what your clients see you as one.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:09:27]:

And if future proof empire, isn't just about creative flare. It's about having the infrastructure and strategy to support consistent growth and adaptability. When you combine your creative brilliance, your genius with robust business planning, You're in a position where you can pivot and thrive, even when the market is shifting, which is so important, especially now. Next let's address how to expand your design empire in a forward thinking manner. So think about how you can future proof your enterprise by anticipating trends, embracing innovation, which is sometimes hard to do when we're at max capacity. We're gonna talk about that. And potentially venturing into even global markets. We're gonna think really big with remote work and virtual design consultations on the rise.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:10:16]:

You can tap into international client pools. I want you to think about collaborating even with international suppliers or artisans to introduce unique textures and materials. I realize this can be hard in tariffs, and I would challenge you to start even in your own backyard as well and see what's around you. You might be utterly amazed at the artisans you have. Once you start looking for them that are in your own backyard. We've talked about keeping an eye on those global trade policies and shipping logistics and tariffs, and it does sound tedious. Right. But it is crucial for smooth operations.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:10:51]:

Because if you're importing custom furnishings or specialty items, you need to know where they're coming from and what's shifting, which is why we want to look at this right now, but we also really wanna know what's going on in our own backyard and how we can use the people around us. Let's also talk about tech driven advantages because smart home integration is booming. I just had to replace my double wall oven. Do you know what got me to buy the oven that I did buy? The fact that it had a Wi Fi connection, I could pick up my kids from school and still in the school parking lot, turn on my oven so that when I got home, it was preheated for a frozen pizza. Partnering with tech experts offers a seamless future ready experience that appeals to clients looking to automate their spaces. There are so many apps from garage doors to ovens to lights that are be automated. Make sure you're driving that conversation with your clients to give them even more functionality out of their home. Also, don't be afraid to implement advanced design software into what you're doing.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:11:58]:

And I wouldn't even say this is advanced so much anymore as it's becoming mandatory. Clients are beginning to expect those three d rendering tools. And also look at AI driven planning solutions. It's amazing how quickly AI is changing our industry. And if you haven't jumped into that deep end yet, come book a discovery call with me and we'll start down the road because it can be a game changer and freeing up time. And not only that it elevates your client experience and that's what they're looking for. Right? Finally, let's talk about sustainability and ethics because long term success hinges on responsibility. So sourcing those eco friendly materials, incorporating energy efficient designs, and even offering a green audit can set you apart as a forward thinking leader.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:12:47]:

If you don't know what a green audit is, reach out to me, aligning with ethical practices as well, like fair labor, sourcing and community give backs can also strengthen your brand image. And by adopting a future oriented mindset, you make your business less vulnerable to sudden changes in the market. Profitable enterprise today, but a legacy business that's gonna stand strong for tomorrow that you can either leave to those that you wanna leave it to or sell one day. So let's get right down to brass tacks. Let's talk about those actionable steps that you can start today. Step one, I want you to evaluate your client base. Determine if you're too reliant on a single type of client and make a plan to diversify into at least one new market segment within the next year. Don't feel like this has to be an entirely new market segment.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:13:45]:

Maybe it's just focusing on those vacation homes that your existing clients have. Step two, refine your creative process. I want you to schedule if possible, a brainstorming session with your team for half a day to identify the key storytelling elements you wanna incorporate into upcoming projects. And if you don't have a team, take yourself down to the coffee shop and sit there and think about what messaging you are putting around your storytelling. Step three, systemize one operational workflow. I challenged you last week to do this. I'm gonna challenge you again this week. Pick one process like your client onboarding or your billing and get a project management tool to document and automate it as much as possible.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:14:34]:

Try a new tech piece for step four. Think about those three d renderings. And if you're doing three d renderings, can they be outsourced in a meaningful way that frees up your time and is more cost effective for you? Maybe you sign up for a free trial and experiment with something that you've been debating about. And then create a longevity or expansion roadmap is your last actionable step, and it's a big one. But it is extremely important. What does that look like? You're gonna write down your three year vision for the company. That's a lot. I get it.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:15:10]:

And this can be as simple or as robust as you want it. We're talking about outlining specific steps for exploring either new markets right in your backyard or bigger, introducing new services, and this doesn't have to be entirely new. This might just be an add on to what you're already doing or even scaling to additional locations. For instance, is there a gorgeous vacation spot an hour away from you and you can tap into that market? Alright. There you have it. Today's episode on building a future proof interior design empire. We covered why going deep, both creatively and strategically, is crucial. We looked at forward thinking expansion and longevity and how that can transform your business.

Katie Decker-Erickson [00:15:53]:

And then I have given you marching orders when it comes to those clear, actionable steps. But before we wrap up, I wanna remind you, your business should be working for you, not you working for it. If you wanna dive deeper into any of these topics or you need personalized guidance, I am here to help. This is the exact reason why I offer one on one coaching, where we tailor a growth strategy that fits your unique vision and goals. To learn more, head on over to successbydesign.coach or reach out to me directly on social media, and let's schedule that free discovery call. Thank you again for joining me today on Success by Design. And until next time, we'll talk soon.