Only Girl On The Jobsite

There are projects that stretch you creatively. There are projects that grow your business. And then there are projects that quietly cost you more than you realize while you're in them. This is about one of those. For nearly ten years, I worked with a client who, if I'm being honest, I knew was difficult from the very beginning. Not unreasonable in a glaring way. Not someone who screamed or threw things. She was particular. High maintenance. Intense. And in the early years, I convinced myself that I could manage it. We started with decorating. We would work intensely for months, and then I wouldn't hear from her for almost a year. Throughout that time, she would tell me they were looking for their "dream home." The one we would fully renovate together. The big project. Looking back, that may have been the carrot that kept me moving through the more frenetic moments. I believed that if I stayed steady, if I stayed patient, it would all culminate into something extraordinary. Eventually, they found the house. It was beautiful and complicated and ver y old. It needed modernization and a large addition. It was exactly the kind of project designers dream about. And I told myself what so many of us tell ourselves: I know her. I understand her quirks. I can handle this. It was not fine. So today, I want to talk about the red flags I saw — and ignored — along the way. And also the pink flags that showed up. My hope is that you'll recognize them sooner than I did and avoid this kind of client in your own business. Mentioned in this episode: Grab Your Free Script Guide here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/push-back-script-handout  Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance   Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/client-red-flags-in-interior-design 

Today, we're talking about something that happens on every renovation project I manage: Contractor bids that don't match. Same project. Same drawings. Same walkthrough. And yet — the numbers come back wildly different. Sometimes it's ten thousand dollars. Sometimes it's fifty thousand. And if you've ever stood in front of a client trying to explain why one contractor is double the other… yeah. You know the feeling. So today, I'm walking you through why contractor bids vary (even when you've done everything "right"), how to run a contractor walkthrough that actually reduces variance, the step-by-step process to compare bids line-by-line, and how to ask tough questions without sounding confrontational. Because yes, you can push back professionally. Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance   Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/how-to-compare-contractor-bids 

Today, I am joined by my friend, John McClain. He and I met at High Point last October and immediately connected.  John McClain is a multi-faceted leader in the interior design industry and proudly serves in his field as an interior designer, product designer, author, speaker, business coach, and podcast host. As the CEO and Creative Director of his internationally acclaimed award-winning interior design firm, John McClain Design, his interior design and home furnishings creations have been featured by numerous shelter publications and television networks including Elle Décor, Traditional Home, HGTV, CBS, and NBC. John is also a contributor to outlets such as Martha Stewart Living, Interior Design magazine, The Wall Street Journal, & House Beautiful. As a product designer, John has created distinctive home furnishings that have not only garnered awards but have made numerous television appearances in their own right. John's coffee table book, The Designer Within: A Professional Guide to A Well-Styled Home, features homes designed in his signature "Comfortable Chic" aesthetic alongside helpful design tips and processes. John has now taken his 15+ years of design business experience and launched an online education & business coaching program, The McClain Method where he instructs and coaches interior designers on best business practices. He continues these lessons on his popular podcast, The McClain Method. So in today's conversation, he and I dive into the real mechanics of running a design business, from the software we love and the ones we hate to the systems that actually support growth. We talk honestly about leadership, profitability, and why the right back-end structure can make or break a design studio. Today's episode is equal parts practical and refreshing, the kind of behind-the-scenes discussions that designers don't get to hear enough. Connect with John McClain: Check out John's AI Brand Voice Kickstart: https://www.mcclainmethod.com/kickstart_prompt John's Website: https://www.instagram.com/johnmcclaindesign Follow John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themcclainmethod   Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance   Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/john-mcclain-design-business-systems 

I want to ask you something today: Have you ever been on a project and had a contractor basically tell you, whether that's directly or indirectly, that procurement is his territory, his to-do? That the ordering, the tracking, the managing of all materials and finishes, and fixtures that you spend months specifying is somehow not a part of your job or your role? Or have you ever caught yourself thinking, okay, so I take on construction.. I guess I need to give up my decorating work. I don't think I can be both things, right? Like, those are two different people, and you can only be one of them. Well, today we're going to blow both of those up because they're just myths, truly, and believing them is quietly costing you money, costing you authority, and definitely costing your clients the full version of what you're capable of.   Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers    Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/designer-myths-busted 

Today's episode isn't about what to do when a project is already spiraling. It's about what to do before it ever has the chance.   Because in my 30+ years in the industry, there's one pattern I see on every stressful project: The chaos wasn't born in week 5. It snuck in quietly in week zero, when structure was loose, nobody owned the conversation, and "roles" were just… implied.   So today? We're fixing that.   I'm walking you through the 5 conversations you need to have before construction starts; the ones that separate calm, steady projects from chaotic, reactionary ones. And honestly? These will save your time, your energy, and your authority.   Ready? Let's make your next project one that feels as smooth as it looks.   Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance   Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/5-construction-conversations 

This week's episode starts with a snowstorm… but it's not really about the weather.   It's about what happens when construction gets disrupted, and how the silent spaces right after hold more power than most designers realize.   Because when a project goes off track, the real work isn't about drywall or lost days. It's about who communicates what, when they communicate it, and whether that moment creates clarity or chaos.   So today, I'm breaking down: Why designers go quiet during construction (& what's really driving that silence) How not saying anything doesn't protect your authority — it quietly undermines it What you can say instead (even if you don't have all the answers yet)   This isn't about calling anyone out, it's about naming a pattern I see over and over again: Silence isn't neutral during construction. It's a leadership moment missed. Let's talk through it (so you never have to white-knuckle an update email again).   Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers    Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/why-silence-isnt-neurtral-during-construction 

Today's a special treat. I'm sitting down with Jessica Nelson & Stephanie Lindsey, co-founders of AI for Interiors and principals of Etch Design Group, a nationally recognized design firm based in Austin, TX.   When I first met them at a design retreat last year, I assumed we'd just be swapping project stories, not talking AI strategy. Then I realize these two are leading the conversation on how interior designers can use AI in a way that's practical, creative, and actually makes sense for real studios.   Jessica and Stephanie bring more than 30 years of combined experience, both as working designers and as tech-minded educators who know the ins and outs of this business. Their company, AI for Interiors, helps designers use tech to streamline workflow and automate the messy stuff without losing creativity, connection, or design vision.   Oh, and they also co-host two podcasts: AI for Interiors and 100 Lunches, where they break down design, business, and big tech changes in honest, easy-to-grasp conversations.   Today, we're making AI less intimidating and more actionable. So if you've been curious (but maybe a little overwhelmed), this one's for you. Grab your coffee, open your notes app, and let's get started.   Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/applianceFind out more about Jessica and Stephanie here: Find out more about Jessica and Stephanie here: Website: http://www.aiforinteriors.com http://www.etchinteriordesign.com   Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/ https://www.instagram.com/aiforinteriors/   Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/ai-for-interior-designers 

Last week, I dove into how the real magic on the job happens only after you take action (not before). This week, I want to show you what that looks like over time. Because honestly, what I wish someone had handed me at the start of my career wasn't just encouragement. It was context. I needed to hear how different environments teach you radically different lessons about construction, managing projects, and building a business.   So this isn't a pep talk about mindset. This is about learning by doing: What I picked up in the intensity of ultra high-end New York projects 30 years ago The (often humbling) early years of starting my own firm and still underpricing everything And what finally clicked, a decade ago, as my experience outgrew how I was positioning myself.   If you've ever felt capable but underpaid, seasoned but still questioned, or sure of your work but unsure how to charge for the responsibility? This episode is for you.   Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance   Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/stopped-waiting-for-permission 

Today I want to talk about something that quietly shapes almost every decision we make as designers—how we price our work, how we speak up in meetings, and which projects we feel ready to take on. That something is confidence. But I'm not talking about the kind of confidence that's just a personality trait or bravado. I mean confidence as clarity. Most designers I meet don't doubt their talent; they doubt themselves the moment the room changes, especially when construction comes into play. So today, let's get real about where that lack of confidence actually comes from, why it's especially strong when designers consider adding construction management to their business, and, most importantly, how you can build true confidence before you ever feel fully ready. I promise, confidence isn't something that arrives after the fact. And if you've been quietly curious about construction management, this conversation is for you.   Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Join the waitlist for The Designer's Edge here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers    Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-confidence-myth 

As we step into a new year, I want to talk today about something that sounds really simple, but in my experience has the power to quietly change everything about how we work, how we earn, and how we show up every day. This year, my word is boundaries. And today, I'm walking you through why boundaries, not hustle, not motivation, not another strategy, are often the missing piece between intentional growth and sustainable success. So I'm going to share the boundary that would have changed everything for me in 2025, the boundaries I'm actively putting into place for this coming year, 2026, and how you can identify the one boundary that would make the biggest difference in your own business this year. Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite  Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-boundaries 

Discover the subtle shifts actually shaping today's design world, beyond trends and highlight reels. Today, I share what top designers are paying attention to for 2026: why friction is data, how boundaries build trust, and the small refinements that lead to steady, profitable projects.    Mentioned in this episode: Join the wait list for The Designers Edge: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance   Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/real-shifts-happening-in-design 

Every meaningful shift I'm making for 2026 will come back to one question: What does this allow me to do better? And I mean better for my clients, better for this podcast, better for the education & coaching side of my business, and better for myself as well as my family. So when I look at decisions ahead of me, that one question will be the filter. And it will change how I say yes, how I say no, and how I decide when, not right now, is actually the most responsible answer I can give someone.    Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite    Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/building-a-business-that-fits-your-life-my-2026-plan/     

Do you ever wonder why certain collaborations feel so much easier than others? Today, we're pulling back the curtain on jobsite dynamics and talking about something design school never prepped you for: collaboration as a leadership strategy—not just a "soft skill." Collaboration isn't a bonus. It's not something you stumble into once you feel confident enough. It's a skill. And more importantly, it's a positioning choice. So if you're tired of second-guessing your input, or feel like you're always waiting to be "let into" the real conversations, this one's for you. We're getting sharp about what real authority looks like on a site and how to earn trust by leading with clarity. Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Join the waitlist for The Designers Edge here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers  Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/how-designers-earn-authority-jobsite 

We have officially entered the magical time of year when our current clients are hard to reach or vanish, our prospective clients aren't calling, and our personal lives all come together as we are barreling towards holiday chaos. So, today's episode, I want to walk you through something most designers completely overlook, and that is that the holiday slowdown is not a roadblock. It is actually leverage. So if you use the next few weeks intentionally, you'll walk into 2026 feeling prepared, profitable, and hell, maybe even rested. And yes, we're going to talk about that as well. So get ready to learn exactly what you want to start doing now to set future you up for success. Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Rate and review this podcast on any platform you are listening to, screenshot your review and email it to me at hello@devignierdesign.com and I will send you a link to schedule a call with me. Sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/from-the-jobsite    Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/december-power-moves-for-designers   

Your portfolio is gorgeous — but is your website actually bringing in clients? If you've been staring at your site thinking, "It looks good… but something's not working," this episode's for you. Today, I'm joined by Robyn White of RDW Design Studio. Robyn White brings a rare fusion of strategy and aesthetics to interior design websites. A website designer who didn't follow the traditional path, she began her career working at one of the most prestigious art galleries in the world. She learned how the affluent think, what they value, and how they choose who to work with. In 2019 she founded RDW Design Studio where she combines that luxury market expertise with digital strategy to help elevate interior designers into the high-end market via an online presence that aligns with the clients, projects and opportunities they deserve so they can step into their next level of success. Robyn has been featured by a range of design industry resources from Business of Home to High Point Market. We're digging into how to create an interior design website that's both beautiful and strategic — including the key mistakes designers are making right now (even seasoned ones), how to get found by dream clients without sacrificing style, and what Google (and ChatGPT) actually want to see in 2026. This one's for the designer who's ready to stop blending in — and start building a website that works as hard as you do. Let's get you back in the client's inbox.   Get Robyn's free lead magnet here: How to Get Leads from Your Interior Design Website: https://rdwdesignstudio.com/website-leads/ Check out Robyn's Website: https://rdwdesignstudio.com/  Follow Robyn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rdwdesignstudio/    Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance   Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-website-robyn-white   

Today, I want to dive into something incredibly important as we close out 2025, and more importantly, gear up for 2026. This is something that every single designer needs to understand if they want long-term stability, profitability, and relevance in this industry. So today, we're going to unpack a brand new analysis from NAHB that just dropped. And honestly, it confirms something I've been saying on this podcast for years.  Mentioned in this episode: Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/remodeling-surge-designers-cant-ignore 

This episode is a special one for me, and frankly, one I never thought I would be recording, because this marks my fifth anniversary of this podcast, Only Girl on the Jobsite, which just is surreal, shocking, overwhelming, and humbling, all mixed in together. To mark the occasion, I invited my 3 design school besties, my design school friends, the girls, who have walked this path alongside me in different ways; they have been my support system, and my community. And that community started way back when, in 1992, when I started at the New York School of Interior Design. And I met three of the most incredible, dynamic, magical people. Whether you're just starting out or years into your design career, this candid discussion will remind you that your journey is unique, your evolution is valuable, and community makes all the difference. Tune in for real insights, shared wisdom, and a celebration of how far we've all come.   Mentioned in this episode: In honor of celebrating our 5-year anniversary here on Only Girl On The Jobsite, if you rate and review this podcast on any platform you are listening to, screenshot your review and email it to me at hello@devignierdesign.com and I will send you a link to schedule a call with me. Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance   Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/5-year-anniversary-designer-roundtable 

Today I'm sharing the story of how I built a design business that doesn't just rely on constant marketing, that next inquiry call, or that lucky referral. I don't go looking for new clients, and I haven't had to in years. My next project almost always comes from a client I've already worked with or from one of the contractors, architects, or realtors in my network. So today I'm breaking down exactly how that happens and, more importantly, how you can start building the same kind of stability and predictability in your own firm. Mentioned in this episode: Find out all the details about The Designer's Edge here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers  Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/why-i-never-have-to-go-looking-for-new-clients   

So you've probably noticed this before: you've noticed that contractors never apologize for their prices. They walk into a meeting, they set their number and paperwork on the table, and then they wait. There are no disclaimers. There's no, I hope this seems reasonable, Mrs. Smith. It's just, this is what it costs. Meanwhile, we as designers are still over-explaining, discounting, or defending what we charge. But here's the question I want you to think about today: What if the difference between how contractors and designers price has absolutely nothing to do with money and everything to do with mindset? Because the truth is, they're not just better at math. They're better at leadership. Mentioned in this episode: Sign up for The Pricing Fix workshop on November 6th, 12:30 PM EST:  https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/the-pricing-fix Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance   Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/contractor-pricing-vs-designer-pricing 

Have you ever wrapped up a project, looked at your hours, your profitability, what you built, what you spent, and figured out that you were actually working at maybe $47 an hour? You knew the project was beautiful, the clients were thrilled, but somewhere between your proposal and that final invoice, the math just stopped making sense. And the worst part is you knew something was off. You knew you were undercharging, but at the time, it felt reasonable. That good reason is usually one of the three lies we tell ourselves to make undercharging feel okay. And today, we're going to break it down. What those lies are, why they keep us stuck, and more importantly, what to do instead, so you can finally price your construction projects with confidence and clarity. Mentioned in this episode: Sign up for The Pricing Fix workshop on November 6th, 12:30 PM EST:  https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/the-pricing-fix   Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance   Find the full shownotes at:  https://devignierdesign.com/three-lies-designers-tell-themselves-about-pricing