Interior Design Business Handbook

MARY V. KNACKSTEDT, FASID, FIIDA, is founder and President of Knackstedt, Inc., of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and New York City. She is an interior designer, furniture designer, consultant, and speaker. She has taught continuing education and business courses for professional organizations and universities, including Harvard University's Graduate School of Design. As a consultant, Knackstedt has helped develop many new businesses and restore many failing businesses. She continues to advise designers throughout the United States.

"Newly updated and revised, this essential guide to the interior design business helps designers streamline their work, learn business basics and achieve profitability. This revised edition also describes how the changing economy affects design practices and explores a range of current topics, including social networking, building a brand and implementing technology." (ASID Icon, Fall 2012)

• Preface viiAcknowledgments ixChapter 1 Finding Your Place in Interior Design 1Chapter 2 Starting or Changing Your Business Type or Structure 31Chapter 3 Planning for Profit and Growth 56Chapter 4 Setting Up a Design Studio 70Chapter 5 The Design Team 87Chapter 6 Business Development 135Chapter 7 Charging for Your Services 174Chapter 8 Succeeding in Project Management 252Chapter 9 Working with Sources and Contractors 281Chapter 10 Managing Your Office 312Chapter 11 Managing and Securing Your Financial Position 355Chapter 12 Growing Your Firm and Your Professional Skills 435Epilogue 445Appendices: AIA Document B171 ID 447Professional Associations 465CIDA 469Glossary 498Recommended Reading 533Designer’s Business Forum 538Index 539