It’s been a minute since we ran in-person sessions and personally I’M PUMPED!!
There is something magic about being in a room together with other designers that ‘get it’.
I’m delivering an intense training on how to arrange your fees, an in turn the design process.
Let’s be frank. I’m talking numbers, procurement, when to send an invoice and how to talk to your clients about your contract.
Also, we’re doing this training in the comfort of my mid-century home.
Did someone say coffee AND wine?!?
IS IT TIME YOU TRANSFORMED YOUR BUSINESS?
Let’s unpack fees and markups* procurement by implementing the 8 step design process.
I have worked on projects that went around in circles, revision after revision, swimming in a sea of indecisiveness (it sucks) and I wondered if it was even worth it. Maybe I’m not cut out for this, any positions going at the local ice-cream shop, that looks more fun!
How do others make this look so easy? What am I doing wrong here?
*also, please don’t use the term ‘markups’ as clients think we are getting money without doing the work. And we KNOW how much hard work this really takes!
Can’t find time to actually design?
Fee proposals, process, not to mention branding, instagram - it’s a LOT!
You’re sweating because you’re meeting with a potential new client with an amazing property tomorrow and you don’t have the SLIGHTEST idea how to talk to them, what to charge and how this is all going to work! Plus, you have no one to turn to.
Ever sat alone at your desk, down to the last Tim-Tam at 1am preparing yet another round of selections for the client that just can’t decide?
You have your qualification, you have a bit of experience under your belt but you are so confused; hourly or fixed rate? Pass on trade prices or add a fee, and how much? What if your fee ‘scares’ the client off, or what if it’s too low and you end up doing a lot of work free? Send HELP!
You thought that running your own business would give you more time and flexibility – ha! If only. You’ve taken on waaaay to many projects and charged waaaay to little, you can see that now. You’re exhausted and under-appreciated.
Don’t you just wish that you could focus on what you love to do more than anything; DESIGN. Why is all this other business stuff just so hard?
“It's honest and ever so relevant support and learning.”
Lauren has a wonderful, warm way of teaching and guiding us through the challenges of running our own business. Her creative content and guest visitors have been fabulous. If you're looking to grow and improve in a fun, supportive group, I highly recommend you jump on board!
- Carlie Fraser of Hygge Design -
“I’m feeling more confident to charge my clients for the value I add to the projects, instead of charging hourly rates.”
Lauren's insight and mentorship, the contacts and speaker series...it has been incredible. I now have a better understanding of methods to implement in my design process. Thank you Lauren.
- Ruth of Kaamer Design -
“The Design Society provides helpful and actionable guidance.”
Even as someone who has been in the interior industry for many years, there are always things you can improve in your business from process to strategy. The Design Society provides helpful and actionable guidance to do just this with the support of other designers with their own wealth of knowledge and expertise to offer.
- Bree Leech -
When your projects run in a clear, sequential order, you know when to send an invoice.
Everything becomes a lot clearer.
And with clarity, you feel more confident.
No more endless meetings, going round in circles, random shopping days.
No more getting ‘paid on completion’ when nothing seems actually ‘complete’.
I’m handing over my 8 step process that I use in my business.
Why not enjoy coffee, croissants, lunch and a glass of wine whilst we learn!
WHERE: My mid-century home in Ivanhoe East, Melbourne
WHEN: Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th February 2024
WHO: You may have been running your business for 1 year or 20.
We are life-long learners here and we are never done!
WHAT: We start with coffee, of course. Then after introductions we are getting straight to work.
We are following a workbook that you take away with you. We’re seeing examples of the work during the whole design process.
We’re discussing, asking questions and learning from our experiences.
We stop for a casual delicious lunch before diving into the rest of the days content.
COST: $780 inc GST
Module 1: Client Onboarding
It sets the tone for the project, so we want to get off on the right foot, don’t we! How to structure the fees and if a consultation is paid or not. It’s all about confidence, baby so we have tips to help with that.
Module 2: Schematic Design
How to develop and present a concept that really connects with the client on a deeper level than ‘I like it’. When they are invested, they’re on board and let me tell you, when it comes to invoicing things are a heck of a lot easier!
Module 3: Trade Day
You walk out of that meeting and you want to high-five yourself. I guide you on how to do it, step-by-step.
Module 4: Design Development
The design progresses into something that our trades can quote from. I show you examples of various project types.
Module 5: Construction Documentation
Let’s explore all that is included in a drawing package.
Module 6: Design Management
Communication is key, but how to keep on track with so many balls in the air?
Module 7: Installation
It’s not like a ‘big reveal’ on tv, so let’s manage the clients expectations around this
Module 8: Project Completion and Photoshoot
Hang on, is a photoshoot is part of the design process? Yep, sure is. We loan all sorts of props, whatever it takes to pull it off.
Lauren Li, Founder of Sisällä Interior Design, The Design Society & The Apartment
I’m an interior designer that loves to talk about interior design. I write about design, speak about it and basically live and breathe design.
Want to know what lights me up? Helping other women live a creative life, win great projects, get published and charge more for sharing their design talents with their clients.
So I created The Design Society so that we can pass on knowledge.
Sisalla isn’t a hobby, it’s our family business. My husband works as the CEO, CFO and procurement manager (we wear many hats). And yes, we are one of those weird couples that actually LOVES working together. We can’t believe how lucky we are to work on gorgeous projects for great clients in between school drop-offs and holding the baby.
I founded interior design studio, Sisällä in 2012 when I had my first baby (thought I’d have some free time - ha!) We’re based in Melbourne, Australia.
I have more than 20 years of experience across the residential, retail, and commercial sectors, and holds a Bachelor of Design, Interior Design (Honours) from Swinburne, and a Diploma of Arts, Interior Design & Decoration from RMIT.
Sisällä’s projects have been recognised by several awards programs, including the Australian Interior Design Awards, and as a five-time finalist of House & Garden's Top 50 Rooms.
Always one to share my passions in the hope that we can elevate the interior design industry and go GREAT work for our clients.
If you’re read this far, then THANK YOU!
Lauren
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