The Interior Design Business Handbook: A Complete Guide to Profitability

Thousands of interior design professionals have come to rely on The Interior Design Business Handbook for comprehensive, accessible coverage of the essential procedures, tools, and techniques necessary to manage a successful interior design business. The Fifth Edition of this essential resource has been revised to address the latest trends and changes in the field, with new and updated material on business size and structure, building a brand, client development, social networking and Internet marketing, finances, purchasing, technology and software programs, and other key areas. Complete with more than 75 sample forms and letters, this Fifth Edition is a one-stop resource for all aspects of establishing and running an interior design business—from choosing a location and managing day-to-day operations to growing a business and putting it up for sale. All of the techniques and procedures in the book are rooted in real-world experience and are used daily in successful design firms throughout the United States. Filled with valuable information for solo practices and small firms as well as larger businesses, this book is an indispensable resource for seasoned professionals as well as interior designers who are at the start of their career.

Preface vii Acknowledgments ix Chapter 1 Finding Your Place in Interior Design 1 Chapter 2 Starting or Changing Your Business Type or Structure 31 Chapter 3 Planning for Profit and Growth 56 Chapter 4 Setting Up a Design Studio 70 Chapter 5 The Design Team 87 Chapter 6 Business Development 135 Chapter 7 Charging for Your Services 174 Chapter 8 Succeeding in Project Management 252 Chapter 9 Working with Sources and Contractors 281 Chapter 10 Managing Your Office 312 Chapter 11 Managing and Securing Your Financial Position 355 Chapter 12 Growing Your Firm and Your Professional Skills 435 Epilogue 445 Appendices: AIA Document B171 ID 447 Professional Associations 465 CIDA 469 Glossary 498 Recommended Reading 533 Designer’s Business Forum 538 Index 539

MARY V. KNACKSTEDT, FASID, FIIDA, is founder and President of Knackstedt, Inc., of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and New York City. She is an interior designer, furniture designer, consultant, and speaker. She has taught continuing education and business courses for professional organizations and universities, including Harvard University's Graduate School of Design. As a consultant, Knackstedt has helped develop many new businesses and restore many failing businesses. She continues to advise designers throughout the United States.

"Newly updated and revised, this essential guide to the interior design business helps designers streamline their work, learn business basics and achieve profitability. This revised edition also describes how the changing economy affects design practices and explores a range of current topics, including social networking, building a brand and implementing technology." ( ASID Icon , Fall 2012)