EP 070 | Mistakes Interior Designers Make—and How to Avoid Them with Kirsten McCoy

July 23, 2018

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Every interior designer makes mistakes. The key is learning from them before they become expensive lessons.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Business of Design™ member Kirsten McCoy about challenges she encountered in her design business and the lessons that emerged from those experiences. Through honest reflection and practical solutions, Kirsten shares how stronger systems, clearer communication, and consistent processes can help designers avoid common pitfalls.

For interior designers looking to improve project management and client relationships, this episode offers valuable insights on protecting both profitability and professionalism.

In this episode, we learn:
• Why identifying a single decision-maker is critical to project success
• How following proven systems, including STEP 5, helps prevent costly mistakes
• Why policies for custom items should always be clearly outlined in your contract
• How maintaining professional boundaries protects client relationships
• Why consistency in your processes builds trust and reduces confusion
• How mistakes can become valuable learning opportunities when addressed thoughtfully

 

Take Aways

Kirsten recommends business advice by Napoleon Hill.

 

Design Intervention

Kirsten McCoy says, “Raise your rates”. Share your fees with others in your community so you create a standard that benefits everyone.

 

Award winning designers Laura Buchner and Kirsten McCoy are the principal partners of Meadowbank Designs. The firm was founded in 1982 by Penny Steele and was named for her former estate on the celebrated Main Line of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Laura and Kirsten met at Drexel University where they both completed their Masters’ degrees in Interior Architecture and Interior Design. Upon graduation, they worked under Penny’s esteemed tutelage for many years, and then purchased the company in 2005.

They are known for redefining traditional residential interiors utilizing their extensive knowledge of historic architecture and construction systems to craft personal, colorfully layered, high-tech solutions for each client. They strive to create “modern traditional” interiors while still respecting the company’s history and provide the highest quality of design excellence and personal service.

With an added background in psychology and business, Laura and Kirsten are able to provide intuitive design counsel to clients to help them achieve the most personal version of their dream home, while providing transparent professional administration of their investment.

Located in Wayne, Pennsylvania on Philadelphia’s Main Line suburbs, Meadowbank Designs is currently busy working on projects in and around Philadelphia, the Pocono Mountains region and the New Jersey Shore area, and have recently completed projects in New England, Florida, Wyoming and California.

Kirsten F. McCoy, Allied ASID

Meadowbank Designs
www.meadowbankdesigns.com

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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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