The Interior Design Business Handbook: A Complete Guide to Profitability / Edition 5

by Mary V. Knackstedt

Overview

Thousands of interior design professionals have come to rely on The Interior Design Business Handbook for comprehensive, accessible coverage of the essential procedures, tools, and techniques necessary to manage a successful interior design business. The Fifth Edition of this essential resource has been revised to address the latest trends and changes in the field, with new and updated material on business size and structure, building a brand, client development, social networking and Internet marketing, finances, purchasing, technology and software programs, and other key areas.

Complete with more than 75 sample forms and letters, this Fifth Edition is a one-stop resource for all aspects of establishing and running an interior design business—from choosing a location and managing day-to-day operations to growing a business and putting it up for sale. All of the techniques and procedures in the book are rooted in real-world experience and are used daily in successful design firms throughout the United States.

Filled with valuable information for solo practices and small firms as well as larger businesses, this book is an indispensable resource for seasoned professionals as well as interior designers who are at the start of their career.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781118139875
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	09/11/2012
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	560
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 11.00(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

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.

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Table of Contents

Preface vii

Acknowledgments ix

Chapter 1 Finding Your Place in Interior Design 1

Chapter 2 Starting or Changing Your Business Type or Structure 31

Chapter 3 Planning for Profit and Growth 56

Chapter 4 Setting Up a Design Studio 70

Chapter 5 The Design Team 87

Chapter 6 Business Development 135

Chapter 7 Charging for Your Services 174

Chapter 8 Succeeding in Project Management 252

Chapter 9 Working with Sources and Contractors 281

Chapter 10 Managing Your Office 312

Chapter 11 Managing and Securing Your Financial Position 355

Chapter 12 Growing Your Firm and Your Professional Skills 435

Epilogue 445

Appendices: AIA Document B171 ID 447

Professional Associations 465

CIDA 469

Glossary 498

Recommended Reading 533

Designer’s Business Forum 538

Index 539

Editorial Reviews

"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)

From the Publisher

Primarily for practicing interior designers, whether working independently or within large firms, this comprehensive guide to managing an interior design business covers the full range of business activities and procedures for the life of a practice, and includes some 50 sample forms and letters that can be adapted to specific interior design operations. This revised edition (first was 1988) contains updated resource listings, and additional information on the computer, service, photography, and education. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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