Product Description
An active real estate market has turned interior design into a boom industry in recent years. Interior designers owning their own firms have a median income of $75,000. Tens of thousands of homes are for sale in the United States today, and many need the help of an interior designer to be sold. Interior designers create the spaces where we work, play, and live every day. Whether it is a private residence, corporate office, retail store, or a zany restaurant, interio… More >>
How To Open & Operate A Financially Successful Interior Design Business
This book is pleasingly packaged and includes several pieces that are integral to any publication that references a design theme. First, full size photographs provide pleasing reference points, and the addition of a CDROM with a customizable business plan and an appendix full of case studies both give additional value to those just starting out in the business.
The text itself is approachable and easy to read, always highlighting and explaining industry-specific vocabulary, and always providing examples of design “dos” and “don’t dos.”
At times the arrangement seems a bit out of order, for example some income and earning points are covered before the real essentials of the career are established, but the coverage in total is truly exhaustive. The author covers the history and main players of the design market (past and present), and also delves deeply into current trends such as eco design and designing for baby boomers.
However, the most valuable piece of this specific publication is its focus on the entrepreneurism and business of design, which is covered not only through how-to and text, but also with reams of worksheets that any new or intermediate designer will find useful.
Overall, this book is an excellent choice for the design student, or those who are new to the business, and is highly recommended.
Rating: 4 / 5
I really expected a lame start when I saw this book started with history. How could the “history” of interior design be important? I had initially planned to just skip the history chapter because I thought the information was unnecessary. Now I realize that it helps ground the designer to the deep roots of the career field. It shows that interior design is not a trend simply made popular by TV do-it-yourself shows.
I love the business plan that is outlined in this book. If you are thinking about starting a business – ANY business – get this book for the business plan guideline! Banks and the Small Business Development Centers talk about a business plan like it’s a horrific undertaking. Leone has simplified it to exactly what a good plan should be. It’s easy to understand, easy to follow and easy to alter as your business grows.
The toughest aspect for an interior designer is knowing how to set fees. Leone tells you how to do it – just not in the first few pages. Chapter 10 is full of advice for mark ups, retainer fees, and pricing and estimating projects. Leone also includes useful ideas on how to collect an ideas file, a design portfolio, and how to get that first client.
Rating: 5 / 5
Many people wish they could own their own business in the career of their choice, but pursuing dreams are impossible without the means to achieve them. Diane Leone’s “How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Interior Design Business” is a book designed to give aspiring entrepreneurs the tools to transform their dreams into reality.
The author provides an excellent overview of the industry, a bit of its history, and an examination of current trends such as green design. She also includes some very useful items within the main text such as the Skill Assessment Inventory and the step-by-step guides related to various design tasks. However, although the focus of the book is on building an interior design business, the lessons Leone offers can be easily applied to many other types of small businesses, as well. Her love of education and her past experience as owner of a marketing firm come shining through as she teaches her readers how to create a business from the ground up.
Filled with invaluable tips, a large collection of useful forms in the appendices, and essential information for almost any small business owner, this book is a tremendous resource for anyone contemplating making the leap from working for others to working for themselves.
Rating: 5 stars
Rating: 5 / 5
I found this particular book to be extremely concise and useful. From the very beginning, I was drawn into the author’s simple yet engaging writing style. Leone utilizes a logical flow in the book’s sections and ensures that the reader has a clear understanding of her ultimate purpose.
Leone not only offers sage advice on how to open and run an interior design business, but she also emphasizes the personality traits needed to become a successful entrepreneur. The book’s content goes above and beyond redecorating tips and various types of interior design. Someone with absolutely no background in interior design would learn a great deal from this book on everything from marketing to exit plans.
Leone’s “A Day in the Life of a Designer” section offers an in-depth, realistic portrayal of an interior designer’s workday. Additionally, information on already established interior designers offers inspiration to readers. Overall, Leone’s book is an extremely helpful and valuable resource to anyone interested in opening and operating his own interior design business.
Rating: 5 / 5
This book is packed with everything you could ever want to know about
breaking into the interior design business. And Leone let’s you know,
it IS a business, with the goal being to make money, not necessarily
to just throw on a coat of paint or knock out a wall on a whim. Leone
contrasts these realities with what we see on channels like HGTV, in
which she calls “the fun stuff”, the end product.
In this book you’ll discover your creative and mathematical
strengths (if they do indeed exist), learn about building a business
plan, and learn key tips for marketing your business should you make
it that far; Leone actually devotes a good deal of the book to this
alone, as the lack marketing is one of the biggest reasons new
businesses fail. Also includes some design forms for practice.
Rating: 4 / 5