logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
23m 40s

127 | How to Handle Unexpected Problems ...

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

What happens when things don’t go as planned in your design projects?

A contractor gets sick, a supplier raises prices, or a hidden problem adds unexpected costs—these surprises can cause major stress and financial loss.

Uncertainty is inevitable, but with the right preparation, you can stay in control and keep your business running smoothly.

As an interior designer, you need to be ready for the unexpected.

In this episode, I share real-life stories of unexpected challenges and how to handle them like a pro. Learn the proactive strategies I use to manage these situations, including building a solid contract, establishing a retainer policy, leveraging your professional network, maintaining financial buffers, and keeping your business profitable - even when the unexpected happens.

With these strategies, you’ll feel more confident and prepared for anything that comes your way.

Don't let the unexpected catch you off guard. Tune in to discover the best ways to safeguard your interior design business and keep your projects on track. Plus, check outMy Design Mentor for expert guidance as you build a thriving design career.

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

  • Discover real-life stories of delays, cancellations, and hidden costs, and how to manage them
  • Evaluate existing contracts for provisions for cancellations, pauses, and unforeseen events
  • Identify strategies to establish a financial safety net to avoid debt and burnout

Check out the show notes >>>How to Handle Unexpected Problems in Interior Design Without Losing Money or Feeling Stressed

NEXT STEPS:


  • Grab your freebies:

    Connect With Me:

    Timestamps:

    (0:00) Introduction

    (02:00) Uncertainty in Design Projects

    (04:08) Real-life Challenges & Unexpected Situations

    (08:28) Contracts as Protection

    (12:13) Managing Client Expectations

    (13:32) Financial Strategies for Stability

    (14:40) Proactive Strategies for Managing Unexpected Situations

    (15:45) Knowing When to Enforce vs. Bend Contract Terms

    (19:26) Building a Support System

    (21:04) Final Thoughts and Conclusion

    Up next
    Oct 6
    159 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #1: How to Identify Your Design Niche
    Wondering why your message isn’t reaching anyone? It is because you’re trying to appeal to everyone. Many interior designers run into this problem when they haven’t defined their niche.With so many designers out there, those who specialize tend to stand out, get more referrals, a ... Show More
    15m 55s
    Sep 29
    158 | The Smart Way to Transition From Residential to Commercial Design With Marcy Sagel
    “Residential was never my preference. I landed here because I graduated right as the pandemic hit, and the entire industry stalled—except residential.”Or maybe you’ve caught yourself saying, “I’m bored with residential and want to switch to commercial projects.”Many interior desi ... Show More
    33m 27s
    Sep 22
    157 | Sneak Peek Inside Sacramento Thrive Retreat for Interior Designers
    Do you ever feel like you’re running your design business on autopilot—too busy with client deadlines to pause and ask yourself if this is really the life and business you want? Many interior designers fall into the trap of working nonstop but never taking the time to reflect, re ... Show More
    33m 26s
    Recommended Episodes
    Apr 2025
    How to Bulletproof Your Graphic Design Career Before Disaster Strikes & It’s Too Late
    What happens to your creative career when life hits hard? Graphic designers are taught how to build brands, craft visuals, and make things look amazing. But no one teaches us how to survive when life punches us in the face.Whether it’s grief, family emergencies, burnout, or just ... Show More
    34m 34s
    Jan 2025
    145 Psychological Tricks to Sell Design Services
    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 strategies ... Show More
    27m 15s
    Mar 2024
    100 Strategies to Grow Your Design Business with Chris Do
    It's a milestone worth celebrating! The Profitable Graphic Designer Podcast is proud to announce its 100th episode! Over the past 100 episodes, we've had the privilege of hosting some of the sharpest minds in the creative industry. Our guests have shared their experiences ... Show More
    1h 5m
    Sep 1
    134- Part 4: Let's Talk Profit Strategies, Follow the Profits, Not all Projects are Sexy
    Send us a textWelcome to the grand finale of our four-part Profitable Design Series with Laura Thornton!In this essential episode, Laura helps you shift from just designing beautiful spaces to designing a truly profitable business. Learn why reviewing your numbers regularly is mo ... Show More
    13m 1s
    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
    35m 6s
    Mar 2024
    97 Building Your Design Agency Dream Team
    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've all been there. If you've heard my other ... Show More
    32m 37s
    Feb 2025
    Why Adaptable Business Systems Beat Uncertainty
    Send us a textDiscover proven strategies to keep your business moving forward amid unpredictability and overwhelm. After 18 years navigating economic ups and downs, I share my framework for creating resilient business plans that don't require perfect circumstances to succeed. Lea ... Show More
    32m 2s
    Sep 18
    E108 - Disappear (This Winter) If You Want To Improve Your Life | Dan Koe | Dan Koe
    » Produced by Hack You Media: pioneering a new category of content at the intersection of health performance, entrepreneurship & cognitive optimisation.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hackyoumedia/Website: https://hackyou.media/Dan Koe has built a reputation around deep thin ... Show More
    1h 12m
    Apr 2025
    157 What Separates $3K Designers from $10K+ Designers
    Most designers stay stuck at $3K projects because they’re pricing wrong, targeting the wrong clients, and positioning themselves as just another freelancer. The difference between a $3K designer and a $10K designer isn’t design skills. It’s how they run their business. In this ep ... Show More
    22m 17s
    Sep 17
    Advancery: Your Ideal Business School Planner
    Application and test prep season can feel overwhelming with deadlines, essays, recommendations, and GMAT prep all colliding at once. In this episode of Inside the GMAT, GMAC Zach sits down with Alexis Meares, Manager of New Product Development at GMAC, to unpack what a realistic ... Show More
    18m 46s