EP 287 | Raising Your Interior Design Fees with Helen Austen

August 23, 2022

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Are you hesitating to make the changes your business needs to grow?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Helen Austen to discuss how decisive action, stronger boundaries, and better systems can transform your interior design business.

After beginning her career as a professional organizer, Helen successfully transitioned into running a thriving design firm by making bold decisions quickly and confidently. From pricing and contracts to client management, this conversation is filled with practical insights for designers ready to level up.

If you know your business needs to change—but you’ve been afraid to make the leap—this episode will inspire you to move forward.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why organizing clients’ homes creates a unique level of trust and intimacy
• How your contract acts as a business partner and protects your profitability
• Why your current systems may be unintentionally training your clients poorly
• How raising your fees can elevate both your business and client experience
• The importance of making fast, confident decisions in business growth
• How community and mentorship accelerate transformation for design professionals

 

DESIGN INTERVENTION

Be an entrepreneur first and then an incredible designer second. You can’t be great at your craft and charge for it if you’re not a skilled business owner. This is why Business of Design® is a gift from the design gods!

 

TAKE AWAYS

Sign up for the retreat! >> BOD™ Elite Retreat | Charleston & Savannah 2023

 

🎵 Song Drop it Like it’s Hot 🎶

Artist: Snoop Dogg
Featured artist: Pharrell Williams
Album: R&G (Rhythm & Gangsta): The Masterpiece
Released: 2004

About Helen Austen

Helen Austen has combined her background as a counselor and her decade of experience as a professional organizer with her passion for interior design to create beautiful spaces with high function. With an added focus on her client’s wellbeing, she aims to improve the impact that spaces have on everyday living.

www.helenausten.com

Instagram | @helenandcointeriors

Thank you to our Sponsor!

Daniel House Club

Created by designers for designers, Daniel House Club maximizes your potential for profits and creative satisfaction by providing everything you need to source the products you want and manage your design business.

Visit danielhouse.club/bod to save 50% off your first year of Pro or Pro+ membership.

 

What DHC members are saying:

“Daniel House Club has been a game changer for me. It’s so quick and easy with a lot of brands that we’ve wanted to use but didn’t have accounts with. Their customer service is top notch whenever I have questions. It also keeps my clients happy because I can manage their expectations on shipping with the Daniel House Club 10% flat rate.”  ~ Pro+ Member, Trish Bonney

“I have come to totally rely on Daniel House Club for my business. They are my first stop to source a variety of items for each project. I know their customer service team will help me with any obscure questions and even go the extra mile to ensure items arrive at the right time.”  ~ Pro+ Member, Rose-Marie William

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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.

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