EP 305 | Confidence for Interior Designers with Eric McClelland

January 3, 2023

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Do you second-guess your decisions—or stand firmly behind them with confidence?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Eric McClelland to explore how confidence impacts every aspect of your interior design business—from client communication to project execution and profitability.

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s a skill you develop. Learn how to stay decisive, manage client expectations, and lead projects without backpedalling or losing control.

If you’ve ever struggled to hold your ground with clients, this episode will help you strengthen your confidence and authority.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why confidence is essential to success in interior design
• How to keep projects on track when clients request changes
• Why a clear, concise concept reduces client-driven distractions
• How standing by your decisions builds trust and authority
• The importance of saying no early in the project
• How to use budget as a framework for design decisions
• Why pricing multiple options should come with additional fees

About Eric McClelland

Eric McClelland, a University of Manitoba graduate, moved to Toronto in 1986. After positions with Ove Design, Manufacturers Life and Volgeysi & Propst Architects, he met Peter Lunney at a small firm called Citiworks Design – where the two completed designs and working drawings for over 40 Skydome skyboxes. A private residence designed in conjunction with acclaimed architect Gordon Ridgely brought Peter and Eric together, started their partnership and culminated in an ARIDO Silver Award of Excellence for Residential Interiors. Fleur-de-lis Interior Design was founded in 1989 with a continuous mandate to create innovative and design forward interiors. The firm has established a strong presence in the residential market by presenting modern design, using simple playful forms and selecting a well-balanced mix of materials.

Fleur-de-lis provides a clean and controlled design product, yet integrates client personality with decorating wit. Projects of all scales exemplify Fleur-de-lis’ attention to detail, custom crafted millwork, award-winning lighting design and creative use of materials. The firm’s notoriety has been built on a succession of residential and commercial projects in the Toronto area, including private residences in prestigious Rosedale and Forest Hill, commercial projects in downtown Toronto, Port Credit, and outlying areas as well as Winnipeg, Vancouver, New York City, Boston, New England, Florida and Nassau.

www.fleurdelis.ca

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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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