COULD YOU SHARE A SUCCESS STORY OR A CASE STUDY THAT HIGHLIGHTS HOW YOUR SERVICES HAVE POSITVELY IMPACTED AN INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT OR BUSINESS?
Katie: The saying ‘You don’t know what you don’t know’ couldn’t be more true for so many of the clients and students we work with. Because of my 1:1 experience with design firms across the U.S. and Canada, I’m able to share what actually works and what doesn’t.
We once worked with a California-based design firm that was completely slammed. Tons of projects, totally buried in work. But despite the full pipeline, they weren’t paying themselves and were heading straight toward burnout. The numbers didn’t add up.
Once we dug into their pricing, process, and the results they were delivering to clients, it became clear: they were significantly undercharging—and treating every project differently. Different fees, different process, different service levels.
We 5x’d their pricing, reviewed every active project, and had every existing client sign a standardized contract, which hadn’t been part of their process. Then we mapped out the stage of every project so the team could be better utilized to support new leads and existing clients. From there, we defined a standard process for every service they offered.
WHAT ARE SOME COMMON CHALLENGES YOU SEE INTERIOR DESIGNERS FACING TODAY, AND HOW DO YOUR SERVICES HELP ADDRESS THESE CHALLENGES?
KATIE: Interior designers often struggle with unclear pricing and service offerings, a lack of boundaries and confidence, burnout, and inconsistent or missing processes. Many find themselves undercharging, overdelivering, and working without strong systems or contracts – ultimately allowing clients to run the show.
At Dakota Design Company, we help designers leverage data to gain clarity and confidence, develop a menu of services they love, and price for both profit and efficiency. We help them implement step-by-step processes for every phase of the client journey, allowing them to reclaim time for creative, revenue-generating work.
HOW DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH INTERIOR DESIGNERS TO ENSURE THIER VISION AND BRAND IDENTITY ARE ACCURATELY REFLECTED IN YOUR WORK?
KATIE: Through coaching, consulting, and proven frameworks; we tailor our support to each designer’s business stage and goals. Our offerings include:
- Foundations – our online program for brand-new designers with no industry experience
- Designed to Scale® Method – our signature 16-week proven framework with group coaching and consulting
- The Workroom – live and on-demand trainings
- The Design Library – a collection of premium templates for everything from contracts to emails.
We also offer our blog, where we share expert insights and practical strategies based on my experience working privately with over 100 design firms. Every resource is designed to help designers run a more profitable, well-oiled business while elevating their client experiences.
WHAT FIRST STEP SHOULD A DESIGNERS TAKE TO INQUIRE ABOUT WORKING WITH YOU?
KATIE: Start by visiting dakotadesigncompany.com and taking our quiz to discover your best next step. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to scale, the quiz will point you toward the right resource for where you are in business.
About Katie
Katie began her career in the events industry, where she built a reputation as a thoughtful and detail-driven wedding planner before shifting her focus to operations consulting. Drawing on her background in high-end service, she founded a consulting firm that now serves interior designers and other luxury service providers across the country.
She leads an all-female team that specializes in operations consulting, systems implementation, and education—helping design businesses of all sizes become more efficient, profitable, and intentional. While interior designers make up the majority of their client base, Katie’s methodologies apply to any service-based business looking to elevate the client experience while streamlining the backend.
Katie is not a designer, not a business coach, but a consultant with a deep understanding of how systems shape success. Her work has helped transform countless creative businesses by building operational foundations that allow founders to scale with clarity and confidence.
