logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
20m 46s

118\\ Expert Advice on Building & Scalin...

Rebecca Ward, CID | Interior Designer, Interior Design Mentor, Designers Coach
About this episode

"Do I need a formal degree in interior design to succeed? What steps should I follow in the design process? Should I add new services like construction management or staging? How do I diversify my offerings while staying true to my brand?"

These questions reflect a critical milestone in a designer’s career journey, helping them go from establishing their practice to running a thriving business.

In this episode, you will find answers from Michelle Norgren, the founder of Harmony Homes, a successful luxury interior design and construction firm. She shares her inspiring story highlighting how she built her business during the uncertainties of the pandemic and the systems she developed to ensure her team runs like clockwork.

She also reveals practical strategies for growing your design business, from using tools like Motion AI to streamline tasks, to hiring the right people to cover your weaknesses.

Whether you're just starting or looking to scale up, Michelle’s insights will help you create clear processes, improve client relationships, and achieve your goals.

If you’ve been searching for ways to grow your interior design career with confidence and clarity, this episode is for you! Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical, battle-tested advice from an interior design entrepreneur who's been in your shoes. Tune in now!

Featured Guest:

⁠Michelle Norgren⁠ is the owner and founder of ⁠Harmony Homes⁠, a luxury interior design and construction firm.

With a background in architecture and a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces, Michelle launched Harmony Homes to help clients bring their dream homes to life.

Under her leadership, the company has become known for its seamless design-build approach, ensuring every project reflects the firm's ethos, where beauty, space, and functionality harmonize. Michelle's expertise in both design and construction allows her to offer clients a comprehensive, personalized experience from concept to completion.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

    • Discover how to build an efficient, collaborative team and implement streamlined processes to manage projects effectively
    • Learn expert advice on scaling whether it’s expanding into construction, collaborating with architects, or preparing for new build projects
    • Gain inspiration to turn your creative passion into a thriving, sustainable enterprise
  • Check out the show notes >>> Expert Advice on Building & Scaling Your Interior Design Firm With Confidence

    NEXT STEPS:

    Grab your freebies:

  • Take a Quiz!

  • Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

    Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics

    DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

    Leave me a rating and review! Click here

    Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

    Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

    Up next
    Nov 17
    165 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #4: Key Systems Every Interior Designer Needs to Run a Professional Business
    <p>Starting your interior design business can feel like pure chaos. You’re excited to finally design for real clients, but behind the scenes, you’re juggling endless tasks: client emails, project notes, contracts, invoices, and oh—remembering who said what about that sofa fabric. ... Show More
    21m 39s
    Nov 10
    164 | Turning Remodel Problems Into Design Opportunities With Julie Stevens
    We’ve all been there — you start a remodel excited and full of vision, and then reality hits. A wall isn’t where you thought it was, a material is delayed, or something totally unexpected pops up once construction begins. Suddenly, your dream design feels like it’s slipping away. ... Show More
    22m 52s
    Nov 3
    163 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #3: Essential Steps to Set Up Your Design Business Legally
    Does the business side of design intimidate you? Many creatives dream of launching their own interior design business but freeze when it comes to legal paperwork, contracts, licenses, or financial planning. It feels complicated—almost like a foreign language that wasn’t covered i ... Show More
    25m 43s
    Recommended Episodes
    Mar 2024
    97 Building Your Design Agency Dream Team
    <p>In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, we talk about expanding your design business and building your dream team. From feeling swamped with administrative tasks to struggling to attract top-notch clients, we&#39;ve all been there. If you&#39;ve heard my ot ... Show More
    32m 37s
    Sep 2024
    🎙️Episode 10 - Interior Design Meets Architecture.🎙️
    🎙️Episode 10 - Interior Design Meets Architecture🎙️In this lively episode, Hayley and Cheryl are joined by architect Pippa Jacobs to explore the intersection of architecture and interior design. Cheryl, with her background as a Part 1 architect turned interior designer, bridges ... Show More
    1h 37m
    Mar 2024
    100 Strategies to Grow Your Design Business with Chris Do
    <p>It&#39;s a milestone worth celebrating! The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast is proud to announce its 100th episode! </p> <p>Over the past 100 episodes, we&#39;ve had the privilege of hosting some of the sharpest minds in the creative industry. Our guests have shared their ... Show More
    1h 5m
    Sep 1
    134- Part 4: Let's Talk Profit Strategies, Follow the Profits, Not all Projects are Sexy
    <p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2132732/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p><b>Welcome to the grand finale of our four-part Profitable Design Series with Laura Thornton!</b></p><p>In this essential episode, Laura helps you shift from jus ... Show More
    13m 1s
    Oct 6
    139 - Let's Talk About, Stop Undervaluing Our Industry: Building Wealth and Changing the Standards of Interior Design
    <p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2132732/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p>Too often, interior designers fall into the trap of undervaluing themselves and, by extension, our entire industry. In today’s episode of <em>The Business of Bea ... Show More
    14m 51s
    Sep 30
    The Courage to Create with Jeremy Slagle | EP 180
    What does it really take to show up confidently as a designer?In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I’m talking with Jeremy Slagle, the founder of Slagle Design. With decades of experience, Jeremy shares what it means to have the courage to create, how he bu ... Show More
    50m 51s
    Jan 2025
    145 Psychological Tricks to Sell Design Services
    <p>Selling doesn’t have to feel pushy or uncomfortable. In this episode of The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast, I’m breaking down the psychological tricks that make selling design services feel natural. From building trust to framing your services as solutions, these strategi ... Show More
    27m 15s
    Dec 2024
    Chapter VIII: Interior Design (with Aerin Lauder and Alfredo Paredes)
    “It’s so important to dream. And people always say, your life starts when your comfort level ends.” - Aerin Lauder In this chapter of Assouline’s Culture Lounge, we’re learning about interior design with the founder and creative director of global luxury lifestyle brand AERIN, Ae ... Show More
    21m 39s
    Sep 29
    How Zaha Hadid Architects Built a Global, Scalable Practice Without Compromising Design Integrity | EP654
    End chaos in your firm—300+ peers use this framework. Free video here: https://www.businessofarchitecture.com/framework What if the very systems meant to support architects are actually holding them back? In this powerful episode, Rion Willard sits down with Patrik Schumacher, Pr ... Show More
    1h 11m
    Aug 5
    172 From Freelancer to Agency Owner - What I Wish I Knew
    You don’t become an agency owner by accident. It takes intention, structure, and a shift in how you think about money, clients, and your own value. I spent years making mistakes that kept me stuck in the freelance cycle. From undercharging and customizing every project to thinkin ... Show More
    36m 56s