EP 343 | Should You Hire an Office Manager for Your Interior Design Business? with Hilaire Martin

September 26, 2023

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Thinking about hiring an office manager—but unsure if your firm is ready?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Hilaire Martin to explore the role of an office manager in an interior design business. From responsibilities and compensation to timing and structure, this conversation breaks down what you need to know before making the hire.

Because the right operational support can streamline your business—but only if your systems are ready for it.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • The difference between a COO and an office manager
  • What size design firm benefits most from this role
  • How to assess whether your current processes are working
  • Why mapping internal and client-facing systems is critical
  • The right (and wrong) reasons to hire an office manager
  • How to start small and improve one area at a time
  • Why celebrating wins builds momentum in your business

 

DESIGN INTERVENTION

You have a voice and a story to tell. Never underestimate what you offer to the world. You are a true gift.

 

About Hilaire Martin

Hilaire is a southern girl at heart. She’s filled with compassion, has a little bit of sass but mostly grit and a whole lot of heart. She grew up in the design industry and has been around designers her whole life. She joined her mother’s interior design firm in 2008 and never looked back. She is currently the COO at Design Lines Signature and as of this July 2023, she is launching her own company called “Four E & Company.”

www.designlinessignature.com

Four E & Company www.foureandcompany.com

Facebook | Design Lines Signature and Four E & Company

Instagram | @designlinessignature and @foureandcompany

 

Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Daniel House Club!

Founded in 2015 by brothers Alexander and Peter Spalding, Daniel House Club is a transformative, to-the-trade and consumer marketplace that simplifies the business of interior design. The e-commerce platform streamlines the product sourcing process and enables interior designers to experience greater creative freedom and financial success by shopping over 150 brands at up to 50% off for Pro+ trade members, all in one place.

Join as a Pro+ member today and get 50% off your membership. JOIN TODAY >>

BOD™ COMMUNITY BONUS! Top BOD™ customers on DHC currently have over $100,000.00 of furniture on each of their boards. Whether you’ve been on DHC for years or you’re signing up today, go add $10,000 worth of goods to your board, and you’ll be emailed a $100 gift card to use on a future order. Head to danielhouse.club now.

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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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