I have connected with a lot of builders recently and they all say that their clients don’t come to them with a designer and the homeowner makes all the selections, even for custom homes. I want to reach out to the homeowners directly to talk about the services I offer and how it helps but has anyone actually asked builders to share their customers with them? Or how do you go about this so it’s not sketchy? Is it acceptable to ask for the homeowner name and phone number so I can connect with them?

Does anyone have insight on the difference in a designers title (for website, business cards, printed materials, etc.)? I have seen designers call themselves "CEO," "Designer," "Lead Designer," "Principle Designer," etc. I don't have a design degree and am the sole owner, do you have suggestions of a professional title? Edit Delete

For those of you that were part of our Facebook Group what do you think the pros vs cons are for this skool group?

Hi dear interior designers, I have a question for you! This is my first project where I’m handling furniture delivery to a luxury building apartment, and they have specific rules requiring exact time frames for deliveries. The client is reluctant to pay for white glove delivery, but I wonder if it might be the best option in this case. Have any of you managed to coordinate deliveries yourself under similar conditions? Should I strongly recommend white glove delivery to ensure smoother handling within their requirements? Here’s the feedback from the building management: She just got back to me: Do they need a certificate of insurance? --If there will be a delivery service, yes, we will need a COI and vendor Indemnity Waiver. This is required for any vendor and Contractor that conducts any type of work on-site, including deliveries to the apartments. If the delivery will be handled by the Concierge and held at the desk until the resident signs for it, these documents are not needed. ---Should there ever be an instance where you are handling large deliveries yourself, please note an Owner Indemnity Waiver would need to be signed. Please see this document attached for reference. Can it be delivered on a Saturday? --Deliveries can take place Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm and Saturdays 10am-4:30pm. No Sunday deliveries or Contractor work. Do we to reserve an elevator? --Yes, you can either do so via BuildingLink or you can shoot me an email to coordinate. I’d appreciate any advice on how you typically manage these logistics, especially if white glove service isn’t preferred. Thanks!

I recently finished a consultation for a client who can't decide whether to spend between $100k-$150k ( a gustimate budget based on the scope) on a home reno or do minimal updates to list the home. The main projects would be the kitchen and primary bathroom remodel, both rooms a full gut job, new flooring (home is 2,300sq/ft), interior paint, laundry room cabinets, closet expansion, and a guest bathroom and half bath refresh. There are things that they don't love about the home that can't be changed like a busy road and drive to work/school, and it is a weird layout/built like they were making it up as they went along (never seen anything like it) so structurally there aren't a lot of options to remain in that budget.. But their home is paid off, and their concern is that they wouldn't find another home within their budget that they could make what they want style-wise since they've been in their home for 11 years. The kitchen would require knocking out a wall and adding space for a dining area. They would like me to share the scope of work along with a layout mockup, not design, just to see if their kitchen could accomodate what they're looking for. They seem to be great clients and very open to suggestions and I'd be happy working with them, but I'd like thoughts on a few things: 1) Thoughts on pros vs cons of staying at their current home or finding another where they could do a smaller/less costly reno? I know I can't make that decision for them. 2) Does the budget seem doable and how much would you charge for design services? My concern is that different trades charge so differently depending on who you use. 3)They also would like a guestimate on adding a sunroom onto the back of the house.. has anyone done this or have a price idea? 4) I don't have a contractor that I feel confident could tackle this size of a project, and they would like someone who can manage all the trades which is not something I can take on at this time. Would you send them a few people that were recommended to myself and tell them they can vet them themselves, but also for them to keep in mind I've never worked directly with them? Other ideas?