Only Girl On The Jobsite
173 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 59 ratingsAdd-on’s, renovations, and new construction homes can seem intimidating to take on. How do you even get started? How do you find and manage contractors? What surprises should you anticipate coming up? How long do these things take?
In this podcast, you will learn all that and so much more!
I’m Renee Biery, your host at Only Girl On The Jobsite. I love empowering women to take on their home projects both large and small. I am sharing with you my experiences working on the Jobsite for the past 27 years. I hope that with my help you will be able to avoid the mistakes I’ve seen in the past and your projects will turn out as smooth and successful as possible. Learn more at https://devignierdesign.com/
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
172. Are You Really As Successful As The Company You Keep?
April 23, 2024 08:00 - 28 minutes - 25.5 MBI know you’ve all heard the saying, “You are the company that you keep.” And I want to talk today about how it’s not just about when you’re growing up. It still applies to my life today, and I want to explain how so that you can see signs of it in your own life because this can be key to your business success. Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/successful-as-the-company-you-keep
171. What's The Downside To Using Technology In Our Business?
April 16, 2024 08:00 - 31 minutes - 28 MBTechnology has improved so much in today's world. Although I’ll be the first to tell you that I’m much better on a construction site than on a computer, I still do use it. Today, I want to address the downside of using technology in our business that you may not be aware of! Mentioned in today’s episode: Episode 165 with Michelle Lynne: https://devignierdesign.com/michelle-lynne/ Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/downside-to-technology
170. Formulas & Calculators To Price Projects - Do They Work?
April 09, 2024 08:00 - 31 minutes - 28.4 MBWe live in a world where we all want quick fixes and instant gratification whether that’s through Amazon Prime 2-day shipping or the latest fad diet, or plug and play formula’s in our industry to price our fees. Pricing your projects is critical to getting right and a huge stressor for the designers I talk to. Whether that’s in various FB groups, my course, or a Zoom call with one of you, it inevitably comes up in every call. We all want to be making the money we deserve and profit from th...
169. Is Construction Management Right For Your Design Firm?
April 02, 2024 08:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MBDo you need to add construction management to your firm? I’ve heard this question from many designers who have reached out, as well as questions such as: “Will this be something they regret not adding?” “Will I not get the clients I want if I don’t offer this service to them?” Today, I want to talk about how I responded to this question and the reasoning behind it. Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/is-construction-management-right-for-you
168. Giving And Receiving Proper Credit For Our Work
March 26, 2024 08:00 - 24 minutes - 22.6 MBWhen you think of crediting your work, you may be thinking solely about how this impacts you. But we also play a role in that issue. So today I want to share a story that has just hit mainstream media in our industry, and how critical it is to give as well as receive proper credit for our work. Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/giving-receiving-proper-credit
167. Blueprint for Growth: Embracing Learning Without Fear in Construction Management
March 19, 2024 08:00 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBOne of the things I love most about construction management is that it’s constantly changing. I know that drives some of you crazy, and I don’t blame you! But for me, I think that’s how I’ve stayed in this niche for the last 30 years. Today, I want to share with you two things I’ve recently learned, and why we need to embrace learning without fear! Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/embrace-learning-without-fear
166. Addressing Isolation, Skillset Concerns, and Construction Phase Misunderstandings in Interior Design
March 12, 2024 08:00 - 34 minutes - 30.9 MBI am in contact with a lot of designers, and in our conversations, I started to notice a common trend in traits and issues that I wanted to go over today. I address isolation, skillset concerns, construction phase misunderstandings, and the question of how to price construction projects. I hope today’s episode leaves you with more answers than questions! But as always, please feel free to reach out to me with your questions at [email protected] or on social media. Find the full show...
165. Empowering Interior Designers: Michelle Lynne's Mission and Success Secrets
March 05, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 76.5 MBI am so excited to share the conversation I had with my friend Michelle Lynne! Michelle Lynne began her interior design career after spending more than two decades working in Corporate America. She began in the home staging arena and has since built a successful, award winning, full-service interior design firm, ML Interiors Group, employing talented designers and serving clients across the country. In the summer of 2018, Michelle began focusing on a big gap she saw missing in t...
164. Embracing the Unknown: Thriving in New Construction Teams
February 27, 2024 09:00 - 24 minutes - 22.3 MBSo you’ve secured your next job, and you’re really excited to get started! But you also know you’re going to be working with an entirely new crew of construction workers. And that’s when you get a pit in your stomach as the anxiety builds. Today, we’re talking about why that happens in the first place, how to see it coming, and, better still, how to put those fears of working with a new team of contractors to rest. Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/thriving-in-n...
163. How to Manage Ghosting and Project Pauses with Grace and Professionalism
February 20, 2024 09:00 - 24 minutes - 23 MBWhat happens when a client ghosts us or puts a project on pause only to return unexpectedly and yet expects us to drop everything and pick up right where we left off? This is a topic that we need to get right! So today, we’re going to explore how to manage these situations with grace and professionalism. Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/manage-client-ghosting
162. The Crucial Role of Interior Designers in Construction Projects
February 13, 2024 09:00 - 19 minutes - 18.3 MBIn today’s episode, I peeled back the curtain and looked at the crucial role we, as interior designers, play in construction projects, moving beyond esthetic contributions and into a vital function in managerial roles. Our expertise not only enhances the beauty of a space but also its usability, efficiency, and often it’s cost effectiveness. The collaboration we can foster between contractors, architects, and ourselves brings together a spectrum of expertise that’s essential to the su...
161. A GC’s Perspective on the Power of Collaboration Between Builders and Designers with Sean Canada
February 06, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 58 MBI am so excited to be able to bring on a GC that enjoys, appreciates, and understands the value that designers bring. My guest today is Sean Canada, Co-Owner of Park & Patina Design + Build, licensed Contractor/GC, and a big fan of the show! Sean has one foot in the Construction/job-site/GC world and one in the design. He has worked with both, hired both, and helped develop teams and people to work together to accomplish projects. He loves what both sides bring to the table and sees the ...
160. Unlocking Efficiency Through Thoughtful Hiring
January 30, 2024 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBOne way to manage overwhelm is by hiring help and support within your firm. Today, I want to share how to be strategic and thoughtful when hiring, especially in the world of construction management. Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/thoughtful-hiring
159. Handling Toxic Clients: Recognizing Red Flags and Finding Solutions
January 23, 2024 09:00 - 35 minutes - 31.4 MBToxic clients - they exist! Perhaps you’ve had your own experience. I know I’ve had mine! Today, I’m taking a deeper dive into what you can be looking for, ways you can improve the relationship, and how to sever ties if that’s ultimately the decision you make. Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/toxic-clients
158. How to Build a Supportive Network in Construction Management
January 16, 2024 09:00 - 30 minutes - 27.1 MBIn last week’s Episode 157: https://devignierdesign.com/empowering-you-construction-management/, I talked about designers supporting fellow designers in the world of construction management and how critical it is for designers to understand there is a support system out there rooting them on. Today, I want to take it to the next step and discuss other support systems that are available to you that not only make you feel like a part of a community but will help establish you as an expert runn...
157. All about YOU! Empowering Interior Designers in Construction Management
January 09, 2024 09:00 - 26 minutes - 24 MBToday’s topic is critical to cover at the beginning of the year - this isn’t something I was planning on talking about, but felt it was such an important topic, and that is YOU! If you are a designer who has been feeling isolated, alone, and unsupported - today’s episode is for you! Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/empowering-you-construction-management
156. A Deep Dive into Construction Management Opportunities for 2024
January 02, 2024 09:00 - 22 minutes - 21.4 MBThis year of 2024 is one we really should be looking forward to! I have been hearing so many positive stories, studies, and forecasts that will set us up for a successful year in regard to construction management. Some of you may be questioning this because your phone isn’t ringing, you’re not getting work, or you’re feeling overwhelmed and like you can’t possibly take on more. This is why I wanted to take the time today and break down what they’re saying, how this impacts...
155. Transformative Lessons from Designers' Year-End Reviews
December 26, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBBy now, you have no doubt been inundated by emails, social clips, and webinars about doing a year-end review. But if you’re a small business, you may not understand the value of doing one. I came across an article where they interviewed a bunch of interior designers. They had great insight as to the questions they asked themselves, and I wanted to share them with you all today. Get ready for a journey of introspection and transformation in today’s episode. Whether you're a seasoned des...
154. From Holiday Stress to Project Success
December 19, 2023 09:00 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MBWe are in the middle of the holiday season, and everyone is feeling stressed. This reminded me that this feeling and some of the actions we take during this time period are very similar to the feeling you get when you’re winding down a construction project. So today, I want to talk all about controlling the chaos when finishing up a project so that you can end up strong, successful, and proud of yourself as you pivot to the next project. Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign....
153. Going Beyond Marketing and Confronting Anxiety
December 12, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBIn any given week, I speak with countless designs across the country and even the world. And recently, the topics seem to be coming back to marketing - which makes sense. It’s a critical part of our business. But what I’m starting to realize is that the questions aren’t revolving around marketing but an underlying anxiety and stress about the current state of their business. While I’ll never claim to be an expert in anxiety, I was forced into a crash course on how to manage it. And so...
152. Mastering December: Your Blueprint to Navigate the End-of-Year Rush
December 05, 2023 09:00 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBIt’s early December, and the holiday season is looming and, frankly, has already been kicked into high gear! Now is the time to get a handle on how you are going to approach the rest of the month to position yourself for success after the new year. In today’s episode, I cover everything from preparing for your holiday vacation and your colleagues, to the importance of communication, tips on gift-giving, marketing, and a year-end review. Let’s Master December and navigate the End-of-Year Rus...
151. Designing the Future: Ellie Redders' Journey into Virtual Reality
November 28, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 66.3 MBEllie Redder is here with me today to help all designers explore the possibilities of how to present and communicate their designs using Virtual Reality. When you think of St. Louis luxury design and construction, you think of Ellie Redders. Ellie is the seasoned and endearing design leader behind her full-service firm, Ellie Redders Interiors. For over a decade, Ellie has earned a widespread reputation for her cutting-edge professional process, integrity in her partnerships, and her i...
150. Is Work/Life Balance Really Achievable?
November 21, 2023 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBLet’s talk work/life balance. I have been feeling a little overwhelmed with the holidays right around the corner and several projects finishing up all at the same time, and I noticed my work/life balance was even more out of wack than it normally is. And so I wanted to acknowledge that. And let others know that work/life balance, at least for me, has been very challenging, and I was flooded with designers responding to the newsletter I put out about this topic. I heard countless stor...
149. Pricing with Confidence Starts with Knowing Your Value
November 14, 2023 09:00 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBI hear a lot of designers struggling with how to price their services for construction management as well as decorating for potential clients. What I want to talk about today is not the actual dollars and cents but how pricing with confidence starts with knowing the value you bring to each and every project. Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/knowing-your-value
148. How to Determine a Projects Value
November 07, 2023 09:00 - 23 minutes - 22.1 MBNo two projects are alike. I know that can unnerve some of you, but I want you to think about it as a positive thing as it allows you to evaluate each project. Today, I want to talk about how to evaluate each project by the value it will bring to you and your business! Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/determine-projects-value
147. Pricing a Project: Best Practices with Lesley Myrick
October 31, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 62.9 MBToday, I have my friend Lesley Myrick joining me in today’s episode. Lesley is a recognized design media personality and the CEO of Lesley Myrick Interior Design, a full-service boutique interior design firm based in Macon, GA. Having lived and worked internationally, Lesley specializes in designing personality-driven, playful, and function-forward “forever homes” for professional families. Media outlets including Architectural Digest, People, Forbes Home, Insider, and InStyle magazine h...
146. Strategies for Managing Overly Involved Clients in Construction Projects
October 24, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBHave you ever had an overly enthusiastic client take over your project? You may think that clients being involved is not what you want, but the truth is their involvement is often essential to creating a space that truly reflects them. In today's episode, I share strategies for managing overly involved clients on construction projects and how to navigate this dynamic of challenges and opportunities effectively. Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/managing-over-invol...
145. The Role of Courage in Construction Management
October 17, 2023 08:00 - 21 minutes - 20.2 MBIt is critical to build confidence for your success on construction sites. But after reading a book recently, I realized I am skipping a step, and that is that courage is the precursor to confidence. Join me in today's episode to explore how courage can be the transformative force in your career. Let's redefine our approach, embrace courage, and let confidence naturally follow suit. Mel Robbin’s book mentioned in today’s episode: https://www.melrobbins.com/5secondrule Find the ful...
144. Holidays and Deadlines: Balancing Design Projects in 4th Quarter
October 10, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBThere are many unique challenges interior designers face when managing construction projects during the 4th quarter, particularly around the holiday season! Today, I want to share how we need to start talking about the holiday season NOW with our clients! And this goes beyond Thanksgiving and Christmas meals….There will be parties being thrown, new projects being proposed, deadlines needing to be met, vacations being taken, and more! Proactively planning and communicating effectively N...
143. Gaining Allies on Every Project Starts with Rapport
October 03, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBIt’s hard being the only girl on the job site. I know. I’ve been there. It can rock your confidence whether you’re new or seasoned. But there is always someone rooting for you on a project site. On every project you are going to come into contact with the contractor, the glass shower door installer, the tile installer, the plumber, the electricians, and the flooring guy - there are a lot of guys you’ll come into contact with, and at least one of them will be rooting for you. How does t...
142. Elevating Lighting to Transform Projects - A Designer’s Superpower
September 26, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 26 MBI’ve been talking about interior designers’ superpowers on job sites, and today, I want to talk about a really practical one and why it is critical for you to be involved in your projects very early on, long before you’re specifying the decorative items. Today, we’re going to dive into the topic of lighting. Find out how to elevate the lighting in your clients’ homes to transform their space and quality of life. Find the full show notes at: https://devignierdesign.com/elevating-lighting-su...
141. Proving Our Worth: Strategies for Validation on Construction Projects
September 19, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 23 MBVetting potential calls, explaining yourself and the work we do, and the value we bring to each project over and over can lead to overwhelm and be exhausting! I want you to know that I get it and have heard from a lot of designers lately about how to prove themselves and their value to various industry partners and various clients or potential clients. It is normal to experience overwhelm, stress, and anxiety when we are being questioned about our value and our services. But I don’t want...
140. Developing Your Baseline Confidence to Take on Any Challenge That Comes Up on a Construction Project
September 12, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 29.5 MBToday, we’re talking confidence. There is no good that comes out of panic, wondering if you messed up, and anxiety. All it does is make you fearful of your own decision-making powers. And that is something I want you all to avoid at all costs. Confidence is a topic that every designer, regardless of their experience level, grapples with at some point in their career. In a profession where decision-making powers are paramount, self-assurance becomes your best ally. Today, you will learn ...
139. How Interior Designers Superpowers Elevate Custom Projects
September 05, 2023 08:00 - 35 minutes - 32.9 MBIn the world of interior design, there's a superpower that often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in creating functional and comfortable living spaces. It's the ability to understand how people live in homes. In today’s episode, I talk about why this superpower is essential, how it can be honed, and why it should be marketed not only to clients but also to industry partners. We'll delve into real-life examples that highlight the significance of this superpower and how it can make a di...
138. How to Gain the Knowledge and Skills for Construction Management
August 29, 2023 08:00 - 22 minutes - 25.9 MBToday, I want to talk about some of the frustrations I hear about from other designers, such as if you're on construction sites right now and you aren't confident in your skills, the stages and steps to take, or you're unable to take a pretty significant pay cut from your current position and go back and work for an interior designer, or if you went to school and you weren't taught the basics of running a project. In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to resole these frustrations so that y...
137. Designers' Superpower Crafting Successful Contracts and Budgets
August 22, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 32.1 MBUnderstanding the contract is one of the most critical steps in any construction project. As designers, we have a superpower that makes us the most important person for your client to review the contracts and understand the numbers that are being included. So today I want to cover why you need to see the contract as soon as you are brought onto a team that has already been formed, how early contract involvement leads to project success as well as exercises you can do (whether you...
136. Unpacking What Project Specifications Are Needed On a Job
August 15, 2023 08:00 - 24 minutes - 24 MBMany designers have been asking me what types of materials they need to supply to the contractor for the projects they’re working on. Today I break down terms between a specification book and a project binder and when and how you should be using them, and also the level of detail you should be including so that you are not over-delivering when you’re not being paid to do that service. Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/project-specifications
135. Taking a Deeper Look inside Our Businesses
August 08, 2023 08:00 - 34 minutes - 31.4 MBIf you missed Episode 134, be sure to go back and listen to that episode BEFORE listening to today’s episode. Last week I talked about practicing what I preach and why I said “no” to two recent projects that were offered my way. In today’s episode, I want to go over what happened afterward, how I would have reacted a couple of years ago, why I am doing this to keep myself laser-focused, and what I am doing behind the scenes to move in the direction of my goals. Today’s episode is to really...
134. Practicing What I Preach: Why I Turned Down 2 Recent Jobs
August 01, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MBIf you’re unsure about what projects you should be taking on, then today’s episode is for you! I am a big proponent of ONLY taking on projects that are a good fit for you and your firm at the time that a potential client reaches out to you, but how do you determine that? I always want to practice what I preach, so today, I am sharing with you two recent examples of this that I recently went through. Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/turned-down-jobs
133. Take Back Time: Time Management with Desi Creswell
July 25, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 63.9 MBHere we are mid-summer - if any of you are like me, you’re finally starting to relax and take a moment for yourself. What that also means is you may be putting things off. So today, I am so excited to welcome my friend Desi Creswell back to the podcast. This is her third time sharing her expertise with fellow interior designers, and it is because of an ah-ha moment I had while listening to Desi’s podcast The Interior Design CEO, that inspired me to invite her back on. She did an entire...
132. Fueling Your Pipeline with Strategic Marketing during Slower Months
July 18, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 27.8 MBIt’s officially mid-summer! How are you feeling about your pipeline of projects starting in the fall? If you’re starting to panic, this episode is for you! We all think we will have extra time on our hands during the summer, with the best of intentions, so we will do XYZ. And for small business owners, summer is really the time we need to expand certain projects, like marketing. So that’s what I want to talk about today! Find out more about my course, The Interior Designer's Guide to Cons...
131. Building with Numbers: The Art of Pricing Construction Projects
July 11, 2023 08:00 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBDo you know what the number 1 question I get is? How to price construction projects and how to best go about it. I understand why this is a scary step! You are projecting costs that may run weeks, months, or years, and you want to make sure your bottom line is covered. So today, I’m going to break this down so that your pricing can be strong and reflective of the work you’re going to produce! Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newslett...
130. The Independence of Self-Employed Designers on July 4th
July 04, 2023 08:00 - 17 minutes - 18.2 MBI want to wish everyone a very happy 4th of July! Today is a time to unplug from work and relax. And that is an important ingredient to inspire creativity. When we are stressed out, running ragged, freaking out, frazzled, and everything in between, it is neary impossible to tap into our creative side. In today’s episode, I am sharing about how independence plays out in our businesses and the perks we need to focus on! Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.co...
129. Navigating Construction Challenges as an Interior Designer
June 27, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes - 34.7 MBThere will always be issues and surprises that come up on job sites. I find that just knowing to expect it makes things easier to get through. Anticipating and knowing the parameters of the issues that can happen make them so much less scary when they do happen and allows you to be prepared ahead of time and have confidence in taking the next steps. So today I want to break down different construction challenges I commonly see happen and how to navigate them successfully. Be sure to h...
128. Empowering Creatives: The Key to Success Lies in Professional Development
June 20, 2023 23:18 - 23 minutes - 22.7 MBI know professional development isn’t anything new, yet for some reason, I feel like it’s lacking in the world of creatives. So today I want to talk all about professional development and why it isn’t a term often used with creatives like us, yet is really the key to success. Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway! Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/succ...
127. Tobi Fairley on Growing into the Next Version of You and Your Business
June 13, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 68.8 MBToday I am so excited to share with you the conversation I had with Tobi Fairley. Tobi is an award-winning interior designer and business consultant with over two decades of experience helping high-achieving, creative professionals take their companies and lives to the next level. When she’s not running her luxury interior design firm and her consulting practice for artistic business owners, she leads an online membership community for ambitious professionals, hosts the Design You podcast...
126. 3 Types of Relationships to Build on Every Project
June 06, 2023 08:00 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MBWhen people hear that I manage construction, they automatically think of the basics - floor plans, finishes, and actual building materials. But what they aren’t thinking about, and what is really the key to my success, is building the relationships on those job sites that bring the success we are all searching for. So today, I want to talk about the 3 key relationships that are necessary in order to have the success we are all searching for. Be sure to head over to my website >>>https:/...
125. Become an Expert in a Specialty Niche
May 30, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 27.3 MBIf you’ve been listening to me for any amount of time, then you know I believe construction management is a niche inside the interior design industry, and today I want to talk about how you can niche down even further inside of construction management. Be sure to head over to my website >>>https://devignierdesign.com/<<< and sign up for the newsletter for a chance to win my exclusive giveaway! Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/expert-specialty-niche
124. Creating a Niche Unique to You with Catherine Marrano
May 23, 2023 08:00 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBToday’s episode is a treat where you can listen to the conversation I had with Catherine Marrano. Catherine and I first met when she joined my first course, The Interior Designer’s Guide to Construction Management. Once we got to know each other, we realized we were both seasoned designers who loved to run construction projects for our clients. Catherine has over 20 years of experience but started her career as an event planner creating experiences and spaces - the likes of Planet Hollywood....
123. Is AI the Future of Interior Design?
May 16, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 23.5 MBIf you’ve been curious, skeptical, or maybe avoiding AI altogether, today’s episode is for you! In this ever-changing world in which we live, it is quite understandable and normal to be fearful of technological advances such as AI (Artificial intelligence) and to worry about how it will impact our industry and how it will affect your day-to-day business. And so today, I want to talk about what industry experts are saying about it, how to position yourself to avoid any pitfalls and harness ...