Turnkey Design Talk

One of the most overlooked areas of pricing for interior designers and decorators is project coordination.

I'm not talking about construction project management.

I'm talking about the coordination of the people, products and services required to bring a design to life.

That might include furniture, artwork, rugs and window treatments, but it could also include custom joinery, painting, wallpaper, electrical work, deliveries, storage and installations.

The question is:

How should you charge for that work?

In this episode, I share the approach I've used in my own...

How do you know if your hourly rate is actually working?

In this episode of Turnkey Design Talk, Adam Scougall explores a simple but often overlooked way to determine whether your current design fees are delivering the profit your business needs. Rather than copying what other designers charge, Adam shares why your last completed project may hold the answer.

If you've ever wondered how much to charge for interior design services, questioned whether you're undercharging, or struggled to confidently increase your fees, this episode will give you a fresh perspective. You'll learn why profit margin...

Interior design renderings are everywhere.

From SketchUp models and photorealistic visuals to AI-generated concepts, many designers feel pressure to create increasingly polished presentations for their clients.

But are renderings always helping?

In this episode, Adam shares a different perspective on the role of renderings in the design process and explains why he has gradually moved away from making them the centrepiece of his presentations. Drawing on real client experiences and years of project work, he explores how renderings can sometimes create unexpected challenges for designers, clients and project profitability.

If you've...

In this episode, I’m sharing one of the biggest business mistakes I made as an interior designer… working on part of a project for free.

At the time, it felt generous.
Helpful.
Loyal.

But looking back?

It completely changed the professional dynamic between myself and the client.

In this honest conversation, I unpack the hidden psychological cost of removing proper fees from your projects — and why “helping out” can quietly lead to resentment, blurred boundaries, loss of authority, and burnout.

I also talk about:
• Why implementati...

In this episode, Adam shares a real behind-the-scenes story about working with one of the most technically talented painters he’s ever hired — and why he ultimately decided he would never work with him again.

This honest conversation explores the reality of handling difficult tradespeople inside residential design projects, especially when running higher-touch turnkey installations where communication, momentum and professionalism matter just as much as craftsmanship.

Adam unpacks:

In this episode, Adam unpacks why repeat clients should not automatically expect “old pricing” — and why loyal clients are often the exact people most willing to invest in your current level of service. Drawing on a real long-term client relationship spanning 15 years, Adam shares powerful insights into trust, premium service, turnkey design, implementation, pricing evolution, and the emotional value clients are truly paying for. This episode is essential listening for solo interior designers and decorators wanting to build a more profitable, refined and sustainable business. 

Wondering if you're charging enough?

Download my free Solo Designer Profit...

What does it really look like to build a career as a solo interior designer?

Because it’s probably not what you expected.

In this episode, I’m breaking down six realities that don’t get talked about enough—especially if you’re building your business on your own.

This isn’t about discouraging you.
 It’s about helping you understand what you’re actually stepping into… so you can build something that works for your life, not someone else’s version of success.

We cover:

Episode Overview

What do you do when the projects slow down—and the income feels uncertain?

In this episode, I’m breaking down five practical, real-world ways interior designers are making money right now in 2026. These aren’t fluffy ideas or “just post more on Instagram” suggestions—these are structured income streams you can actually implement in your business.

From high-value consultations like the Two Hour Design Power Plan, to finish selection packages, drawing services, and even the reality of part-time work—this episode is about creating stability, not relying on hope.

I...

I spend a fair bit of time speaking with interior designers and decorators — not just for content, but to really understand what’s happening in the industry right now.

And here’s the truth… not much has changed since 2024.

In this 2026 update on design fees, I’m breaking down what designers are actually charging across different experience levels — from those just starting out to more established professionals — and why so many are still undercharging.

We’ll talk about:

Interior design looks like a dream career from the outside — beautiful spaces, creative freedom, and meaningful work with clients.

And it absolutely can be.

But there’s a side of this industry that doesn’t get talked about enough…
 the reality of actually running a design business.

In this episode, I wanted to have a more honest, grounded conversation about what it really takes to build a successful solopreneur interior design business in 2026.

We talk through the key shifts that separate hobby designers from professionals — things like holding a clear vision, sta...

In this episode of Turnkey Design Talk, I’m sharing the three essentials that have made the biggest difference in my interior design business — not overnight, but over years of learning, refining, and sometimes getting it wrong.

Like many of you, I didn’t start out with a clear roadmap. I came into this industry later, while working a corporate job, figuring things out step by step — through conversations, observations, and real-life experience.

What I’ve realised is this: success in interior decorating isn’t about talent alone. It comes down to a few core fundamentals...

Interior design is a popular second career. Many people enter the industry in their 40s or 50s after working in other professions, often drawn to the creative side of design.

But running a design business is very different from studying interior design or completing a course.

In this episode, Adam shares a grounded perspective for anyone in the early stages of building a design business as a second career. Whether you’re considering making the leap or you’re already in the first few years of running projects, this conversation is designed to offer clarity abou...

For years, I believed something many designers are told early in their careers: that the ultimate goal is to quit your job, go “all in,” and make interior design your full-time profession.

So at one point, I did exactly that.

In this episode, I’m sharing a very honest reflection on what happened when I followed that advice — and why the way I run my design life today looks very different from what I once imagined.

This is not a story about failure.
 It’s a story about designing a career on your own te...

In 2015, I was invited into a home because something didn’t feel right.

The renovation had already been completed. The kitchen was brand new. Modern. Crisp. Completely aligned with what the industry was promoting at the time.

But the homeowners couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

They weren’t asking for a kitchen review.
 They were asking why their home no longer felt cohesive.

In this episode, I unpack what was really happening — how a space can be perfectly on trend and still disrupt the flow, warmth, and ident...

In this episode of Turnkey Design Talk, I unpack what I call “The IKEA Problem” in interior design — the dangerous gap between delivering a concept and delivering a completed space.

Many designers operate in a design-only or hybrid service model. The concept is created. The drawings are issued. Selections are specified. And then the client manages the build, procurement, and installation.

On paper, it sounds efficient and flexible.

In practice, it often leads to blurred responsibility, drifting timelines, unpaid advisory work, compromised results — and a gradual erosion of professional authority.

Using...

Episode Overview – Turnkey Design Talk

In this episode of Turnkey Design Talk, I speak directly to interior designers and decorators who are already in the game — busy running projects, managing clients, and delivering on deadlines — but quietly wondering why the numbers still don’t add up.

This isn’t about getting started from scratch, motivation, or mindset. It’s about structure.

After 16 years in the industry and countless conversations with designers, one pattern keeps emerging: most designers don’t need more clients — they need to plug the leaks in their business.<...

In this episode of Turnkey Design Talk, I speak directly to interior designers and decorators who are already in the game — already working, already busy — but quietly wondering why the numbers still don’t stack up.

This isn’t about getting started from scratch, and it’s not about motivation or mindset.
It’s about structure.

After 16 years in the industry and dozens of conversations with designers, one pattern shows up again and again:
 most designers don’t need more clients — they need fewer leaks.

In this epis...

In this episode of Turnkey Design Talk, I address one of the most common doubts I hear from interior designers and decorators — the belief that not having a design degree is the reason confidence feels shaky or clients question your expertise.

After speaking with dozens of designers who were already working in the industry, a clear pattern emerged. The issue wasn’t lack of talent or experience — it was uncertainty around positioning, process, and direction.

I share a real client story that shifted the conversation, explore when a design degree does make sense, and when it may...

Welcome to Turnkey Design Talk.

In this episode, Adam explains why the podcast has evolved — and why this season is focused on designers and decorators who are already working but feel stuck with unfinished projects, unclear boundaries, and underwhelming outcomes.

After 50+ research calls with designers, one issue kept coming up: projects weren’t finishing, photography wasn’t happening, and clients were left managing too much. This episode introduces what Adam means by turnkey design — taking responsibility for the finish so the work truly reflects your skill.

Episode 0 sets the scene fo...

Welcome to Turnkey Design Talk.

In this episode, Adam explains why the podcast has evolved — and why this season is focused on designers and decorators who are already working but feel stuck with unfinished projects, unclear boundaries, and underwhelming outcomes.

After 50+ research calls with designers, one issue kept coming up: projects weren’t finishing, photography wasn’t happening, and clients were left managing too much. This episode introduces what Adam means by turnkey design — taking responsibility for the finish so the work truly reflects your skill.

Episode 0 sets the scene fo...

From First Yes to Final Reveal

Hosted by interior designer Adam Scougall, Turnkey Design Talk is a podcast for solo interior designers and decorators who want to run calmer, more controlled businesses — and finish projects properly.

 The show focuses on what actually makes the difference in a design career:

how projects are led, how boundaries are set, how decisions are made, and how work is brought to a confident, photo-worthy close.

 This isn’t about trends or overnight success.

It’s about taking responsibility for the outcome — from the first clie...

Have you wondered how you can work successfully with your trades? Not so much just ‘on the job’ but so they keep you top of mind for client referrals rather than you continually bringing work to them? I want a share an experience from this week that I’d like you to consider keeping top of mind. Lets discuss! 

Hey guys its Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to Season 3 and EPISODE 27. 

Flailing in your new design biz? *Take the quiz over at adamscougall.com/quiz 

So Y...

Have you wondered how you can create a higher reach than juts plugging away with mood boards and stories on Instagram? Today I want to talk about how you can spread the good word about what you do on other peoples podcasts. Let’s discuss.

 Hey guys its Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to Season 3 and EPISODE 26. 

 I help mature aged solopreneur Interior designers and decorators find their true voice by creating their own sensational brand which leads to a fulfilling career working with clients attra...

Hindsight is a powerful concept. If you look up the definition online, it says that it’s ‘the ability to understand and realise something about an event after it has happened, although you did not understand or realize it at the time’

Well today I want tom share 3 things I would do differently if I could turn back the clock in my design biz. Lets have a chat about it.

Hey guys its Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to Season 3 and EPISODE 25. 

I help st...

Design biz in a tizz? Take my quiz and get your action plan over adamscougall.com/quiz

It’s time for a question. Are you confident enough to speak passionately about what you do? Why not consider doing an event where you speak to your ideal audience? I got two client jobs out of one event and so can you!

In today’s episode I want to discuss how you can step up and speak about what you do, and how to follow through with that audience after the event.

Hey guys it's Adam...

It’s time for a question. Are you confident that your marketing efforts are hitting the mark? Did you know that most solopreneur interior designers I speak with say that their marketing efforts are falling way under the mark? The proof as to why? They don’t have clients. 

In today’s episode I want to discuss where I think we waste time and where our efforts can be tweaked or entirely redirected for much better outcomes.. 

Hey guys its Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISO...

Let me ask you a question? Have you wondered about Podcasts and what they do for the person who created it? Have you considered starting a podcast? 

Today I want to walk you through why I did this and 3 reasons you could consider starting a podcast in the near future. Let’s chat!

Hey guys its Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 22. 

 This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior desig...

Let me ask you a question? Do you have a lead magnet currently in your business? What is a lead magnet anyway? A lead magnet is a free, helpful resource that you can offer potential future customers to get them on your email list.

Hey guys its Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 21. 

 This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst working 9 to 5. 

 My aim is to help...

Is your new design Biz in a tizz? *Get clarity, and take the quiz over at adamscougall.com/quiz

Let me ask you a question? Have you heard a fair bit of discussion about starting an email list and wondered why you need to do this at all?

So many designers fail to start an email list, or when they create one, fail to nurture it. Believe me, I have not always 'nurtured' my email list, but have noticed the benefit when I take the time to communicate with my audience frequently, and with value.<...

Have you heard the noise lately about 'niching' down in your Interior Design business? What is a niche anyway? Why do you need to consider this when you love to do so many design styles and want to be available for the majority of people?

This week I delve into the idea of finding your 'niche' and give you my thoughts. Is niching down into one area really that important or is this idea just marketing speak?

adamscougall.com/quiz
adamscougall.com/coaching

Wondering if you're charging enough?<...

Do you have a less than stellar track record of generating quality business referrals?  Does that all elusive 'new client' fail to show up time and time again, even though you have told everybody you know that you are ready to serve? Bring on that next client!

if so, you are certainly not alone. The reason we are not getting the right referrals is because we've been doing it all the wrong way. Did you know that we don't even need to ask for these? In fact, asking is the Total opposite of what we should be d...

Let me ask you a question? Have you been considering getting into the design industry, but worried that you are too old? In today's episode,  I want to speak with you about this topic and provide some much needed clarity on the value of starting a design business at a mature age.

Hello again! It's Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 17. 

This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst wo...

Let me ask you a question? Have you always thought that if you secured a client who had a project in a luxury postcode, and they had chosen you as their designer-you had made it?  They might have some odd demands, maybe even be a little controlling, but you’re sure you can work through it right? Well maybe you can or maybe you can’t. Let’s discuss some traits of that old chestnut. The nightmare client.

Hey guys its Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE...

Let me ask you a question? Have you always thought that you needed to quit your day job to be an interior designer? Have you dreamed of putting enough money away to finally say goodbye to your Corporate life and disappear into the design sunset? 

Lots of money, great clients and creatively fulfilled? Well in this episode I’m going to tell you 3 reasons why you may want to re-consider quitting your day job. Let’s chat…

Hey guys!  It's  Adam Scougall of the So You Want To Be An Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISOD...

How you can improve what's going on in your current design career?
*Take the quiz over at adamscougall.com/quiz

Hey everyone!

It’s Adam Scougall of the So You Want to Be an Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to Season 2 and EPISODE 14. This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst working 9 to 5.
My aim is to help you balance your time and make more money whilst being able to choose the projects you want to work on ra...

Hey everyone! 

It’s Adam Scougall of the So You Want to Be an Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to Season 2 and EPISODE 13. This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support in building their own interior design business whilst working 9 to 5. 

My aim is to help you balance your time and make more money whilst being able to choose the projects you want to work on rather than ones you have to take to pay your bills.

But first, whether you are just checking if you are...

*Final episode for 2023

Let me ask you a question? Do you reflect on the year that was? Do you take action to ensure the mistakes aren’t repeated, and that you are geared for absolute success in the new year? Let’s discuss…

Today the 3 things are questions you need to ask yourself, so you can enter the new year with self assurance. They may not be the questions you thought you would ask either.

Hey you its, I’m Adam Scougall of the So You Want to Be an Interior Designer podcast, and welc...

Let me ask you a question? How much energy are you putting into creating income streams that don’t just involve you running after interior design projects? Do you have a backup income stream that you can tap into when things get too quiet? Today I want to break down 5 ways that you could make additional income that don’t involve a design client.

Hey, you it, I’m Adam Scougall of the So You Want to Be an Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 11. This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopr...

Let me ask you a question? Are you a goal setter? Do you think forward and set out a plan to achieve whatever you want for the next 12 months? I’ve created my goals for 2024, and I want to share with you why it’s important for me to do it and why I encourage you as well. Let’s discuss

Hey you its, I’m Adam Scougall of the So You Want to Be an Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 10. This show really is for mid-career aspiring interior design or decorating solopreneurs that need support...

Let me ask you a question? Have you ever engaged the services of a coach? A coach that works with you to create an action plan or bolsters your confidence and enthusiasm to keep going when things are waning? I’ve had many coaches over the last 8 years and I want to share what worked, what didn’t and what I suggest you do if looking for a coach.

Hey you I’m Adam Scougall of the So You Want to Be an Interior Designer podcast, and welcome to EPISODE 9. This show really is for mid-career aspiring interi...