Only Girl On The Jobsite

Today's episode is based on all of the feedback I received from designers after listening to Episode 86: How to Build Experience in Renovation Management Designers shared with me their experiences of bumps, trials, and tribulations that they have gone through while building their experience in renovation management. Today I want to break out some of the common themes I heard from so many of the de...

How can you add renovation management services to your firm? This is an exciting opportunity to broaden your scope for your clients, become a one-stop shop, and in my opinion, add a really fun element to our business! Whether you are new to the industry itself, whether you are trying to build a second career in life, or are a seasoned designer that has just customarily been doing decorating work -...

One important element of any home renovation project is the emotional journey traveled from start to finish of the project. And one that I have watched over and over again and to the point where I can discern four different stages of this emotional journey. Today, I want to go over each of these stages and break it down so that you can appreciate and understand what emotions will be coming up thro...

How do you define a smooth and successful project? Most people think of the team or items they are selecting as how they define a smooth and successful project. And yes! Those are large pieces of the puzzle that every renovation project is. But the overarching component that really does drive that end goal is the budget.   Today I want to talk about how important creating a budget with real number...

Why should someone hire an interior designer? What is the value and what is the skillset designers bring to projects? Today we are getting into the facts of WHY someone should hire an interior designer for their projects, and after listening to today's episode, I am confident that you will be seeking out an interior designer for your next renovation project! Find the full show notes at: https://de...

I doubt anyone of you will be shocked when I say that interior design is a visual-based industry!  Today I want to talk about the three types of photographs designers take on projects and if they aren't, they should be taking on projects, why homeowners should care about this, and most importantly, why designers really need to put an emphasis on this aspect of our business! Find the full show note...

As an interior designer, have you ever had someone ask you for a favor? Like, helping with their project with the expectation that it will be free? Maybe you think doing favors could help you - especially new designers that don't have a full portfolio. So, in today's episode, find out if you should be doing favors for people and if they pay off for a designer! Find the full shown notes at: https:/...

Today I wanted to cover a topic that has been coming up more and more. With this housing boom, people are taking on what I am calling, "the big three."  New homeowners are contemplating taking on three types of projects, and today, I want to break these projects down and discuss why they should be taken on before moving in. Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/renovatio...

The world is insane right now. We are going through so much with supply chain issues, problems created due to the pandemic, summer months, and now we're hearing murmurs of a possible recession. In today's I want to talk to the designers about my personal experiences and how I have weathered downturns in the economy in the past, what this can mean for you as a designer, and what you can start doing...

More than two years since the beginning of the pandemic, and we are still struggling with lead-time issues and labor shortages. But the world and these projects must go on. Today I want to talk about a common renovation - gutting your kitchen , and how that can be handled during these times including, w hat you CAN do, w hat you SHOULDN'T do, a nd why you SHOULD continue taking on your renovation...

What happens when you rush a project, whether you're a homeowner running a project or a designer running it?  So often I see decisions being rushed on a construction project that can cause issues. Today I want to talk about the three common mistakes I've seen lately when someone rushes a project and how to avoid them! Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/why-rushing-pro...

Have you ever thought about adding Renovation Management to your business? Maybe you're wondering, how do I get clients? Or, as an interior designer, my clients don't ask me to do that. Well, I'll let you in on a secret. They're not asking you to do it because you haven't told them you CAN do it.   In this episode, I talk about this topic and more. I am also excited to tell you about my new Renova...

There are multiple ways we are now able to communicate with each other. Whether you use text, email, video, or audio, no technology can ever replace a good old face-to-face conversation. In this episode, I speak about the importance of clear communication between everyone working on a construction project.   Join me for my FREE masterclass on Wednesday, May 25th, on How To Provide Successful Renov...

For all working mothers out there, this episode is for you. Today, I am talking about common challenges most working mothers face and the highs and lows that go along with it. I also share the best piece of advice I received as a new working mom and how it benefited me and my family today.   The relaunch of the Only Girl on the Jobsite Designer Edition course is coming soon! You don't want to miss...

When speaking to clients, I often hear, "This will be my forever home."   But before taking that at face value, I dig a little deeper and ask a few more questions. Knowing how long your client plans on living in their home will help them decide how to invest well in their project. In this episode, I share the questions I ask my clients that will allow them to get all of the enjoyment out of their...

In this episode, I share what I've experienced in my almost 30 years in the interior design industry and how both the decorating and renovation sides have evolved and changed over time. There are lessons to be learned from this that could possibly explain the direction we will be going in from this point forward.   My goal in sharing my knowledge of where the industry has come from and where I per...

Disruptions on a job site can and will happen. And while that isn't a great experience, there will be things out of your control. Whether they are minor or major difficulties, I am sharing a few types of disruptions you may encounter while on a jobsite and how to handle them.   It could be different workers coming and going, contractors going on vacation, or even leaving mid-project. But a designe...

In today's episode, I am tackling the topic of saying no, and how it can move a project, as well as the trajectory of your business forward. I also share a few examples of how best to say no confidently and professionally.   The art of saying no is not a negative. It is a way of protecting what your values and goals are for your project, your team, and your firm. Find the full show notes at: https...

In this episode, I want to share the importance of project management for interior designers. Especially now, with all of the supply chain delays, setting and maintaining expectations with everyone involved will be crucial to your success.   While I don't want to add to your chaos, I do want to help simplify some of your current processes. Proactively having a plan in place for future projects wil...

Today I'm going back to the basics and the very essence of what this podcast is about. What it's really like being the only girl on the jobsite. My goal is not to make these challenges go away but to lessen them for all women in this industry.   In this episode, I share some strategies that you can take with you the next time you are on a project and put in a difficult or uncomfortable situation....

This topic has come up a lot recently and seems to be a trend that people are interested in learning more about. Many people have asked my opinion on working with design-build firms. These are one-stop shops, usually with multiple in-house experts such as an architectural team, a design team, and a construction team. While this could be valuable for some projects, others may not be that simple.  ...

Contracts. Love them or hate them, they are a part of any construction project. Whether you're working on a minor renovation or building a home from the ground up, you should always have a contract. And know how to read them.   In this episode, I dive deeper into understanding contracts and how to handle allowances. The bottom line to ensuring a successful renovation is to be crystal clear on all...

Everyone involved in a renovation project wants it to be successful. Whether you are a homeowner or an interior designer, there is one critical meeting that needs to be held before the construction starts.   In this episode, I explain what this meeting should cover, who needs to attend, and when it should take place. I firmly believe you cannot get too much information, in advance, on a constructi...

I'm going to take a brief step away from the construction side of my world to focus on a very 'of the moment' topic, which is the continued supply chain issues that we are seeing more on the decorating side of the business.   With the current supply chain issues still in full effect, if you're working on a construction project, you'll most likely need furniture, fabrics, rugs, and other items to f...

Every renovation project is stressful. There's no getting around that. But it's important to know how to manage the stress and fatigue that you will most likely experience during a project.   Although it could feel never-ending, all projects eventually come to an end. And when they do, I want you to be able to enjoy the final product.   Tune in to this episode to learn a few of my tips and tricks...