291. From $500 Flyers to a $7M Show Home: The Contract Lessons Behind Erica Gelman’s Thriving Luxury Design Business
Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay
Release Date: 06/26/2025
![Is Fixed Fee Billing Right for you? [Rebroadcast] show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/192909995?height=50&width=50)
Is Fixed Fee Billing Right for you? [Rebroadcast]
Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay
Is fixed fee billing the answer for your design business—or a fast track to lost profits? In this rebroadcast, Rebecca Hay dives deep into hourly, fixed fee, and hybrid billing models, sharing the real pros and cons of each. You’ll hear her candid stories of undercharging, discounting, and scope creep, along with the practical steps she uses today to track hours and charge with confidence. If you’ve ever struggled with pricing, client billing conversations, or knowing what to charge, this episode is for you. Episode Resources Download our Free Resources ➡️ Pre-qualify...
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302. From Chaos to Clarity: Systems for Interior Designers That Actually Work
Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay
Do you really need systems in your interior design business right now? The short answer is yes — and in this episode, I’m sharing why. If you’ve ever felt like your projects are running you instead of the other way around, this is your sign that it’s time to build better systems. From indecisive clients and endless revisions to scope creep and late-night text messages, I’ve been there — and I know how overwhelming it can feel. In this episode, I break down: The five biggest pain points that systems for interior designers solve Why having a clear process makes clients trust you...
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301. Real Talk with 3 Interior Designers: Doubling Rates, Landing Clients & Embracing Process
Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay
Three designers share how they doubled, and even 10x’ed, their rates by embracing process and confidence. What does it really take to raise your rates and run a thriving design business? In this episode, Rebecca sits down with three Calgary-based interior designers, Dana MacAulay, Kim Charbonneau, and Liza Kiegler, who share candid stories of growth after going through Power of Process. From doubling (and even 10x’ing) their fees, to finding confidence through systems, and building a supportive community, their journeys prove that process truly is the path to profit. You’ll hear: How...
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300. Behind the Mic: Rebecca Hay Shares What’s Changed in Her Design Business with Special Host Darla Powell
Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay
Celebrate 300 episodes of Resilient by Design with this behind-the-mic special. For the 300th episode, Rebecca Hay switches seats and becomes the guest! Darla Powell, founder of Wingnut Social, interviews Rebecca about the evolution of her design business, her shift into coaching, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. From pricing and profits to confidence and consistency, this milestone episode gives you a raw look at what it takes to grow a resilient interior design business. Plus, stick around for Rebecca’s surprise turn as interviewer when Darla shares her take on AI, SEO, and...
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299. Indecisive Clients, Scope Creep, and Upholstery Sales: your questions answered (Ask Rebecca)
Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay
Clients who can’t decide, projects that grow beyond scope, and upholstery that’s tough to sell without a sit test — sound familiar? In this Ask Rebecca episode, Rebecca Hay shares how she tackles these common design dilemmas. Learn how to: Guide indecisive clients toward confident decisions Sell upholstery without relying on retail showrooms Manage scope creep with clear agreements (and less stress) Get the behind-the-scenes strategies Rebecca uses in her own design firm so you can handle these challenges with more ease and confidence. Episode Resources: Download...
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298. The Mindset Trap that holds Interior Designers back from success & how to overcome it
Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay
Do you ever feel like you’re behind in your design business? Like you should already be further along, have more clients, or be making more money? That’s the mindset trap that keeps so many interior designers from feeling confident and successful. In this episode of Resilient by Design, Rebecca Hay breaks down how to overcome this trap by shifting from focusing on “the gap” (where you think you should be) to “the gain” (how far you’ve already come). You’ll walk away with tools to reframe your thinking, celebrate your progress, and finally stop holding yourself back from...
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297. Why getting more clients feels overwhelming and how to fix it
Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay
Do you ever feel excited at the thought of getting more clients, but then suddenly dread sets in? You’re not broken, you just don’t have the right systems in place. In this episode, I’m sharing why more clients can feel overwhelming and what you can do to finally feel confident saying “yes” to the projects you want. I’ll walk you through the shifts I made that took me from anxious and overworked to running a seven-figure firm with ease. Tune in to learn how to build systems that eliminate decision fatigue, improve the client experience, and make growth exciting again. ...
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296. How To Get Press, Build Partnerships, and Grow Through Design Friendships
Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay
Four designers. One chance meeting. Unlimited opportunities. What started as a spontaneous trip to an industry event turned into a powerhouse partnership that’s changing lives — both inside the design industry and in communities across the country. In this episode, I’m joined by the Designer Besties — Whitney Atkinson, Lori Johnson, Rhobin DelaCruz, and Nikki Watson — four talented creatives who have built more than just a friendship. Together, they’ve: Landed national press without hiring a publicist Created brand partnerships that amplify their visibility Launched a...
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295. Studio McGee Alum Shares the Real Secrets to Working Smarter in Your Design Business
Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay
If you’re trying to grow your interior design business but feel like you’re spinning your wheels, this episode will be a breath of fresh air. Renee Bush, brand strategist and former Director of Operations at Studio McGee, joins me to talk about the reality of burnout, the power of brand alignment, and what it really takes to work smarter and build a business you love. We dive into: Why your marketing might not be working (and what to do instead) The branding gap most designers don’t realize they have Attracting dream clients through strategic alignment Mindset shifts that helped Renee...
info_outline![My 7-step framework to accomplishing your goals [Rebroadcast] show art](https://assets.libsyn.com/content/190964575?height=50&width=50)
My 7-step framework to accomplishing your goals [Rebroadcast]
Resilient by Design with Rebecca Hay
This is your sign to hit pause and check in. We’re a little over halfway through the year, can you believe it? Whether you’ve been crushing your 2025 goals or feel like they've slipped off your radar, this rebroadcast is your invitation to reflect, realign, and reignite your momentum for the second half of the year. Originally released as our very first episode of 2025, this one’s packed with practical guidance to help you get back on track, or make a fresh plan entirely. I’ll walk you through 7 actionable steps to bring clarity to your vision, prioritize what matters most, and...
info_outlineIn this episode, luxury interior designer Erica Gelman returns to share how she evolved her contract from simple terms to a robust, 15-page agreement that protects her time, energy, and profitability.
We dive into the real lessons learned through years of client experience, including what it was like to design a $7.3 million Princess Margaret Show Home, how she learned to charge for her value, and the timeline and revision clauses she swears by.
Whether you're struggling with flat fees, endless revisions, or client delays, this conversation will help you shift your mindset and sharpen your process.
Episode Highlights:
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Interior design contract tips that save you time and money
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How to handle revisions without getting stuck in feedback loops
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What to include in your proposal (and why it matters!)
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Why Erica stopped using flat fees—and what she uses now
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How to create boundaries while still delivering white-glove service
Episode Resources:
- Episode 147: Protecting yourself with a contract. Why you need a contract as an interior designer with Erica Gelman
- Episode 154: The ins and outs of designing a show house with Jennifer Muirhead
- Princess Margaret Lottery Grand Prize House
- Learn more about Erica at her website and follow her on Instagram.
Download our Free Resources
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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.
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