The Interior Design Business Handbook A Complete Guide to Profitability

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.

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

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