Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay

Construction projects shouldn't be your biggest stressor — or your biggest money leak. In this episode, Rebecca sits down with construction management expert Renee Biery to talk about: Flat fees vs hourly billing Charging in advance Procurement on renovation projects Allowances and contractor negotiations Liability myths designers believe How construction stabilizes your income If you've ever felt burnt out on renovations or unsure how to price them profitably, this conversation will shift how you think about construction entirely.   Episode Resources: To learn more about Renee Biery visit her website, follow her on instagram and listen to her podcast, The Only Girl on the Jobsite. Episode 158: Managing a Construction Job Site with Renee Biery Episode 256: Live At High Point Market | Money Matters: Expert tips from a profitable business with Renée Biery, Dina Holland & Jamie Merida

One month your design business feels calm and steady. The next, it feels chaotic and uncertain. If you've ever experienced that swing, this episode is for you. Rebecca Hay unpacks the recurring cycle almost every interior designer faces: expansion followed by contraction. She explains why inconsistency doesn't mean you're failing and how a lack of structure, not a lack of talent, is usually the real issue. You'll learn how to stop reacting to slow seasons, build systems that support you year-round, and shift from panic into leadership. Because calm in business isn't constant momentum. It's grounded structure.   Join the Waitlist for Rebecca's new Program!

If your design business feels harder than it should, you're not alone. In this episode, Rebecca shares the three essential systems every successful interior design business needs: process, profitability, marketing, and leadership. You'll hear real stories from her own journey, including what happened when she was booked out but losing money, why hiring didn't work at first, and how building structure created confidence and ease. Talent isn't enough. Instagram isn't enough. Referrals aren't enough. Sustainable success comes from strengthening the right systems. Which one have you been avoiding?   Episode Resources: Save your spot in my new free workshop: The Predictability Framework: https://pop.rebeccahay.com/free-workshop/  Episode 49: An Interview with my clients: Why having a process made them choose me with Kelly & Glen Patchet Join the Waitlist for my new Program!

Luxury isn't louder. It's calmer, quieter, and more confident. In this episode, Rebecca shares what she learned designing a home that sold for over $12 million and working for luxury designer Steven Taylor for five years. This isn't about expensive finishes. It's about premium service, trust, leadership, and building a process that makes clients feel taken care of. Rebecca also reflects on Steven's passing in late 2025 and the lasting business lessons he left behind. Episode Highlights: Why luxury is really about service How premium clients think (and what they don't care about) Why "trust is the currency" in high-end design What to stop over-explaining in presentations How a team makes you look more professional The mindset shift that helps you level up your clientele   What's one small change you could make to level up your service this month? A better process, a part-time hire, clearer boundaries, or simply going the extra mile in how cared for your clients feel?   Resources: Looking for a place to start the podcast? Download the most-listened Resilient by Design episodes at rebeccahay.com/listen.

HGTV Flea Market Flip winner and luxury designer Sarah Trop joins Rebecca for a candid conversation about owning your niche and building a design business that doesn't follow the rules. Sarah shares how she turned her love of upcycling and storytelling into a thriving luxury design firm, why taking risks changed everything for her career, and how biophilic design helps create calmer, more meaningful homes. In this episode, they discuss risk vs. reward, working with different client personalities, designing with intention instead of trends, and why curated, sustainable spaces are becoming the new definition of luxury. This episode is a must-listen for designers who want to stand out, trust their instincts, and build a business rooted in purpose, creativity, and community.   Episode Resources Learn more about Sarah Trop on her website and follow her on social media. Looking for a place to start the podcast? Download the most-listened Resilient by Design episodes at rebeccahay.com/listen.

Scaling a design firm eventually forces a decision: keep controlling everything, or build a team that can run without you in every detail. In this rebroadcast, Rebecca Hay talks with Regan Baker about the mindset shift and the operational structure that helped Regan step into the CEO role. They cover role clarity, team structure, meeting rhythms, documentation standards, and why record-keeping is one of the most underrated tools for client service and project momentum. In this episode: The 9–10 person "tipping point" and learning to let go How Regan structures teams and leadership inside her firm Why design managers protect the client experience Standards, site notes, and documentation that prevent chaos Hiring lessons and onboarding systems that scale If you're ready to stop being the bottleneck and start building a business that can grow, this one's for you.

Premium clients aren't attracted by bigger portfolios, more followers, or higher prices. They're attracted by leadership. In this episode, Rebecca breaks down why good designers often get stuck working with budget-conscious clients and how a clear, structured process is the real driver behind attracting premium ones. You'll learn the key differences between budget and premium clients, why money isn't the deciding factor, and how your intake, boundaries, and communication shape the clients you attract. If you're ready to build a design business that feels aligned, confident, and sustainable, this episode will help you rethink how you lead clients from the very first interaction.   Looking for a place to start the podcast? Download the most-listened Resilient by Design episodes at rebeccahay.com/listen. New episodes air every Tuesday.

Season 7 of Resilient by Design opens with an honest conversation about what it really looks like to grow an interior design business beyond the early hustle years. If you're busy, booked, and still exhausted, this episode is for you. Rebecca Hay shares why burnout is not a business model and why so many designers at the 2–5+ year mark feel successful on paper but overwhelmed behind the scenes. This episode sets the tone for the season ahead, focused on deeper support, real implementation, and building a business that supports your life, not consumes it. You'll hear Rebecca reflect on the shift from collecting information to actually applying it, what it means to step into the CEO role of your design business, and what's changing in Season 7. In this episode, we cover: Why burnout is so common in the interior design industry What changes after the 2–5 year mark in business CEO mindset, pricing confidence, and boundaries Building sustainable systems for long-term growth What to expect this season on Resilient by Design Looking for a place to start? Download the most-listened Resilient by Design episodes at rebeccahay.com/listen. New episodes air every Tuesday.

As we close out 2025, this episode is a pause. A moment to step back from the deadlines, the launches, the site visits, and the constant push to do more—and instead reflect on how far you've come. In this special holiday episode, Rebecca shares a heartfelt message for designers who showed up again and again this year. The ones who raised their rates, made hard decisions, took real rest, or simply kept going when things felt heavy. This isn't about setting new goals or pushing harder. It's about recognizing the growth that doesn't always show up on paper and giving yourself permission to rest, reflect, and trust what's next. In this episode: Why resilience isn't about hustle, but consistency and heart The quiet wins that matter more than big milestones What it means to close out a year with intention A look ahead to the next season of Resilient by Design Thank you for being part of this community. We'll see you in January for a brand new season.   Episode Resource: Download our list of Top Episodes that will help you on your business journey   Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses ➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

If you want 2026 to feel more intentional and less reactive, this episode is your reset. In this guided Year in Review + Goal Setting workshop, I walk interior designers through my proven system to reflect on the year, review key numbers without overwhelm, and set clear goals you can actually execute. Grab a notebook, pull up your calendar, and follow along.   Episode Highlights: The year-end reflection questions that reveal wins, challenges, and money makers The "Repeat vs. Never Repeat" exercise to guide next year's decisions What to review financially (even if you've avoided it) and why gross revenue matters How to calculate your consultation conversion rate How to plan your year backwards based on project size and goals Time blocking basics (free days, buffer days, focus days) The mindset shift: act like the future version of you today   Episode Resource: 10x is Easier than 2x   Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses ➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

Real growth doesn't come from another course; it comes from consistency, mentorship, and staying connected to the work long enough to see the transformation. In this episode, Rebecca shares the moment she realized she needed to simplify even further in her business…and the big shift she's making in 2026 to support designers at a deeper level. You'll hear: • Why courses alone don't create long-term results • The power of choosing your "one thing" • What truly moves a design business forward • How to think about your next level heading into the new year Download Rebecca's free Discovery Call Script: rebeccahay.com/discovery Book Recommendations:  The One Thing by Gary Keller 10x is Easier than 2x     Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses ➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course ➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

Still buying retail? It's killing your margins. In this episode, Rebecca talks with John Genova of Dovetail Furniture about the real profit advantages of sourcing wholesale and why strong vendor partnerships are essential as your design business grows. You'll learn how to choose the right trade vendors, what to look for at markets, how MAP pricing protects you, and why reliable partners can simplify your workflow and boost your bottom line. Designers in their growth years will take away practical steps for improving profitability through smarter sourcing.   This episode was sponsored by Dovetail Furniture.     Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses ➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

Are you still doing work you never bill for? Still discounting your time? Still giving clients "just a little extra" because it feels easier than charging what you're worth? You're not alone, and you're definitely not new. Even experienced designers slide into patterns that chip away at profit and confidence without realizing it. In this episode, Rebecca breaks down the hidden places designers work for free, why it keeps happening years into business, and how to reset your pricing mindset before the new year. If you want to step into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and a more profitable design business, start right here. You'll learn: The subtle ways established designers lose profit How boundaries create confidence A simple exercise to calculate your unpaid hours Why your signature offer matters more than you think A step-by-step plan to rebuild your pricing foundation It's time to stop working for free and start charging like the expert you are.   Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses ➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course ➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

Feeling stuck in the cycle of doing everything yourself? In today's episode, we explore what it really takes to move beyond survival mode and build a stable, profitable interior design business. Rebecca is joined by design-build founder Mae Reedy, who shares her hard-earned lessons on systems, hiring, communication, and managing a growing team. If you've been in business for a few years and you're craving more stability, better processes, and the confidence to scale, this is your episode. You'll learn how to create predictability inside your projects, protect your creative time, and document your systems so your business can thrive without everything living in your head. Tune in and get ready to build a business that supports your growth, not one that drains it.   Episode Resources Learn more about Mae Reedy on her website and follow her on Instagram. The Game with Alex Hormozi Download our Free Resource ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script   Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses ➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course ➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

Scaling doesn't mean building a big firm or losing touch with what you love. It's about clarity, confidence, and control. In this solo episode, Rebecca dives into the mindset shift that helped her build a business that supports her life (not the other way around). She shares her five go-to reflection questions to help you visualize your next level and start leading like a CEO. Listen in to learn how to: Scale your design business without burnout Redefine what success looks like for you Build systems that give you freedom, not stress   Learn more about my Mastermind here   Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses ➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course ➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

Want to grow your interior design team without losing your creative edge? In this rebroadcast, Rebecca sits down with Dina Holland (Honey & Fitz) to talk hiring, delegation, process, and profit. Dina shares how authenticity on Instagram acts as a built-in client filter, why documentation is non-negotiable as you scale, and what she's learned running an e-commerce shop alongside a thriving studio. You'll learn: How team growth changes your role—and why that's a good thing The nuts and bolts of delegation (design vs. purchasing vs. PM) Pricing confidently and reframing "budget" as client investment The real effort behind e-commerce for designers Using social to attract the right clients (by being yourself)   Follow Dina: @honeyandfitz | dinahollandinteriors.com   Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script ➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue   Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses ➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course ➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

Designer, educator, and all-around powerhouse Cheryl Luckett joins Rebecca to share how she went from a full-time corporate career to running Dwell by Cheryl Interiors...without burning everything down to start over. She walks us through her intentional 36-month exit plan, how she built her audience through blogging and Instagram back in 2012, and why consistency online still matters for designers in 2025. Cheryl also talks about pivoting into more construction/new build work and the power of in-person networking. In this episode: Growing your design business while you're still employed Creating your own exit timeline (not someone else's) Building a digital footprint that attracts your ideal clients Staying consistent when business is slow Why there's no "one thing" that makes a design business successful   Connect with Cheryl: @dwellbycheryl | dwellbycheryl.com Rate, review, and follow the show so more designers can find it!   Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script ➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue   Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses ➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course ➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

You've got your systems dialed in—now what? In this episode, Rebecca dives into what comes after systems. Learn how to scale your interior design business by elevating your client experience, building your team, gaining financial clarity, and finding mentorship that propels you forward. Perfect for established designers ready to grow sustainably without losing their sanity.   Learn more about my Mastermind here   Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script ➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue   Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses ➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course ➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

Headed to High Point Market? Designer and Cool Girls Guide founder Marisa Wilson breaks down exactly how to plan your days: curated events, must-visit showrooms, where to eat, transit tips, and how to protect your energy so you actually enjoy market. We also compare Round Top vs. High Point and why market truly is for every designer. In this episode: High Point vs. Round Top—what's different and why it matters Marisa's curated showrooms + events you won't regret Transit hacks: shuttles, the Go Anywhere van, walking routes Where to eat (and when to skip the "free lunch") Wellness at market: shoes, layers, hydration, mental breaks "Pink Out" Sunday + other insider traditions The mindset: you can't see it all—do what serves your goals   Episode Resources: Learn more about Marisa Wilson at her website and follow her on Instagram. Get the Cool Girls Guide here Learn more about High Point Market Learn more about Roundtop Market   Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script ➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue   Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses ➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course ➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!

In this episode, Rebecca takes you behind the scenes of her recent trip to Nashville for Amy Porterfield's high-level mastermind. She shares what really happens inside the room, the lessons that shifted her business, and why community is the key to scaling a profitable interior design firm. Episode Highlights: You can't grow alone. Having peers who understand your challenges accelerates your success. Honesty about money matters. Talking openly about profit margins helps you build smarter, more sustainable businesses. Environment shapes perspective. Stepping away from client work gives space for reflection and long-term planning. Accountability drives results. Consistent check-ins and community support keep you focused on your goals. If you've ever felt alone in business or wondered what it takes to reach that next level, this one's for you.   💡 Apply for Rebecca's new mastermind: rebeccahay.com/mastermind   Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify your clients with my Discovery Call Script ➡️ Looking for a quick infusion of cash? Grab my 4 easy ways of increasing your revenue   Looking to elevate your business? Learn more about our courses ➡️ Want the complete blueprint to calculate your design fee with confidence and ease? Learn more about my Pricing with Confidence course ➡️ Want to be the first to know when Power of Process is returning? Click to learn more about the business blueprint for interior design firm owners. ➡️Want to be the first to know when the next episode drops? Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the Resilient by Design Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!