Filed under: Marketing Tips

How Interior Designers Can Work Less, Earn More, and Reclaim Their Time

If you’ve ever felt like your design business is running you instead of the other way around, you’re not alone. Behind the beauty of a thriving interior design firm is something less glamorous—but absolutely essential: systems.

In a recent Den Discussions interview, I sat down with Katie McFarlan, founder of Dakota Design Company, to explore what it really takes to run a design business that’s profitable, scalable, and sustainable. Katie is an operations consultant with nearly two decades of experience helping creative entrepreneurs get out of the weeds and back into their zone of genius.

She and her all-female team have helped over 100 design firms and thousands of students streamline operations, refine processes, and confidently step into their role as CEO. From pricing structures to client experience, Katie brings clarity to the chaos.

Below is the full interview, in Katie’s own words—packed with expert insights, honest perspectives, and actionable takeaways for designers ready to reclaim their time.

CAN YOU BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR BUSINESS AND THE SERVICES YOU OFFER TO INTERIOR DESIGNERS?

KATIE: With over 19 years of experience in operations and project management, I bring deep expertise in the luxury service industry. Through our signature programs, consulting, workshops, and templates, I’ve supported more than 100 clients directly, and thousands of students, helping them build streamlined, scalable, and profitable interior design businesses.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WORK WITH INTERIOR DESIGNERS?

KATIE: Before launching Dakota Design Company, I built and ran a successful wedding and event planning business, then went on to transform the backend operations of a high-performing interior design firm. I saw firsthand how strong systems empower creatives to grow sustainably and knew I could help others do the same. I believe operational excellence is the foundation of a thriving design business.

HOW WOULD YOU SAY YOUR SERVICES ENHANCE THE WORK OF INTERIOR DESIGNERS AND HELP THEM ACHIEVE THEIR BUSINESS GOALS?

KATIE: Designers often feel buried in the day-to-day of running a business, with little time left for creativity. I help them streamline operations, implement effective systems and boundaries, and regain control of their time. With the right structure in place, they’re able to focus on big-picture projects, drive revenue, and fully step into their role as creative director.

“Talent alone isn’t enough—it’s strong systems that turn vision into sustainable success.” — Katie McFarlan

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.