Synopses & Reviews
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 businessfrom 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.
Synopsis
Discover how you can run the practical side of your practice more profitably. This comprehensive guide to managing an interior design business gives you an arsenal of proven procedures and practical tools and techniques perfected over the course of some thirty years. New to this edition are sections on establishing an electronic office, the pros and cons of working alone and creating partnerships, hiring and working with off-site employees, and more. It also includes more than fifty sample forms and letters, such as an existing conditions survey and a letter of transmittal, that can easily be adapted to your own uses.
Synopsis
Newly updated and revised, this essential guide to the interior design business helps designers in firms small and large streamline their work, learn business basics, and achieve profitability. It offers a complete roadmap to all aspects of starting and running a business, from hiring staff and contract negotiation to marketing and client relations. The new edition describes how the changing economy affects design practices, covers new health and environmental issues, and explores a range of current topics, including social networking, internet marketing, building a brand, and implementing computer technology.
About the Author
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.
Table of Contents
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