Is the Standard for me?

The Interior Design Standard is the exact process for growing a thriving interior design business.

I’m handing over the exact model that I used in my firm. It took me many years in business, with a few tough lessons along the way, to build a business that I love. It’s too much to keep to myself. So, I’m sharing it with our entire industry.

“I used the design fee calculator and landed a huge flat fee project! Thank you for sharing the Standard so that we can all elevate our businesses.”
Kelly O’Neil, Kelly O’Neil Interior Design, LLC

“I took a business course as part of my design training but it only skimmed the surface. Before enrolling in the program, I felt unsure about my process. After implementing, I have a tried and true system to follow that I love and that my clients love. The Interior Design Standard has filled in so many gaps. I have a newfound confidence as a design entrepreneur.”
Jane Nares, Jane Nares Designs

It’s my time-tested, tried and true templates for running a balanced, abundant and joyful design firm.

Client issues left me exhausted, stressed and less profitable than I’d hoped. There’s no reason that you should have to go through each of those situations. All my years in business = TONS of lessons learned. At one point, it felt like more trouble than it was worth.

The beauty of that ‘bottom’ was that it knocked me on my ass and forced me to take a long hard look at who I’ve become for the sake (or pleasure) of others.

I took a break from accepting new clients. I hired a great lawyer, a business strategist (focused on profit) and a business coach (focused on mindset). We think-tanked my entire business. The backbone of my comeback is a client-centric business model; always looking at the business from the client’s point of view. I was back and I was THRIVING.

I’ve templated the systems in my business to share with you so that you can THRIVE too. 

“The Interiors Design Standard is everything I was looking for and so much more!  I’m blown away by all of the “deliverables” in this program. Sandra has put it ALL out there and I can not wait to take my business to the next level with all that I’ve learned.” Deborah Lempert, Deborah Lempert Interiors

The Standard is jam-packed with tools, resources, editable templates and so much more. The content will guide you through the strategy and systems of running the interior design firm of your dreams.

• I give you digestible video explanations accompanied by my process, broken down into step-by-step tasks for you to download and customize for your business. Here are a few of the highlights:
• Interior Design Services Agreement
• 20+ Client email templates
• Trade Agreement
• HR Docs galore (job listings, roles and responsibilities, employee agreements with office policies, onboarding processes and more)
• Full-Service Asana template (100+ tasks of my detailed full service and build/renovate design process)
• Potential Client Asana template (detailed tasks outlining and digging into this process from initial outreach to onboarding)
• And TONS more that will knock your socks off

“The details provided in the Standard are simply mind-blowing! I’ve always wondered how other design studios work. The Standard is like watching over another interior designer’s shoulder (a fabulous one at that).” Simone Aïda Baur, Global Inspirations Design

Yes. This is what makes sure you’re ready when your dream client calls. Is your business set up to give them the best possible experience? The Standard will prepare you to take on the big projects and see them through to completion beautifully.

After implementing the Standard, you’ll be able to approach your dream clients with newfound confidence and process, guaranteed to wow them and instill their trust in you. Many members find that the first clients they sign after implementing the Standard are their dream clients.

One of the best marketing tools is an excellent portfolio. That comes from completed design projects. And, that comes from a design process that leaves no stone left unturned. My step-by-step process to completing design projects is the crux of the Standard. We change the game. Complete rooms, down to art and accessories and excellent photography are a given, not a hope.

If you’re looking to learn all things branding or marketing, check out my program, The Client Attraction Formula.

“I signed three full-service design clients this week! Thank you for teaching me ‘the way’ through the Standard!” Elana Mendelson, Elana Designs, LLC

Pre-recorded video, plus templates and resources you download and use right away. I also host LIVE bonus executive sessions throughout to give members an opportunity to connect via video. The sessions are scheduled approximately once per month for 3 months after you enroll. A Zoom recording will be sent out if you are unavailable to attend.

“Sandra “speaks my language” – she’s relatable, quick and to the point, yet thorough enough for me to understand. I’ve been in other programs. This is the best one.” Taylor Johnson,  Taylor Johnson Design

You will gain access to the Standard as soon as you enroll.

“Sandra’s clear, real-people-speak and content dives right to the heart of it all, outlining the most logical process I could have asked for (if I even knew the right questions to ask!).” Jennifer O’Brien, Jenn O’Brien Interiors

Designers have great success with the Standard. After all, efficiency equals profits. Not only does their business improve, but their lives improve too. 

“The Standard has increased my profitability so much so that I’m going before a board review for a prime studio space on a corner lot in a gorgeous walking village. It never ever would have happened prior. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”  MeLinda Kann, MK Design

A note from the Terms and Conditions: Nothing contained in the Program shall be construed as a warranty or guarantee on the part of the Company that any success or other specific results will be achieved by the Client.  In addition, prior results, i.e. testimonials, do not predict future outcomes.

I share the software that I use, but it’s not required to use the same in order to have success with the Standard. I share best practices that are transferable across all platforms. 

My step-by-step process is given to you through Asana.com. It’s a task management software. Designers have successfully exported the data into their own task management software with ease. 

The Standard’s systems work with whatever accounting setup you already have. Know your numbers cold, and if you don’t have a professionally trained accountant yet, get one.

“Thank you for all of your templates. We are really understanding how to utilize Asana. Invaluable!” Amy Krause, Amy Krause Design

Every process in the Standard depends on the others. It’s one business model, not a set of parts you can pick from.

“At first, I jumped right into the Standard’s pricing module, but that was a huge mistake (for me, at least) because I still didn’t have the confidence to back it up. So I took a deep breath, and decided right then and there to follow the Standard to a “T”. Once I had the foundation of understanding why it all works together, I was flying – soaring – making money and no longer stressing about the little things.” MeLinda Kann, MeLinda K Design

The Standard focuses on running the process of interior design efficiently, from a client-centric point of view. It doesn’t cover local codes or regulations. I’ve worked with designers across the US and around the world, and you can see examples of their success below. In all cases, you’ll have access to soft copies to make your own and to review with your local law professional.

“Our industry gives us the chance to design all around the world even from the other side of the globe. Borders cannot be your limits when investing into yourself. Enrolling in the Standard made me reach new heights as a professional and as a person. The Standard covers many of the Interior Design business aspects, some of which are directly applicable anywhere you live. As for some others, you may need more research to adapt it to your own environment which might cost more effort, but the result is worth it.” Céline Joudrier, LACELLA Interior Architecture [NETHERLANDS]

“I was a little nervous about enrolling in the Standard, primarily due to the cost but also because I wasn’t sure if many of the processes and procedures could be implemented in Europe. I’m delighted to say I was wrong. I had to amend spreadsheets to reflect the Euro currency and metric measurements but I expected that. The system is completely doable for me.” Karen Hughes, Emerald Interior Design [IRELAND]

The Standard is for you if:

• Go-getter – Always searching for ways to improve your firm, but tired of all of the different ways of doing business in an ever-changing industry. You’re ready to follow one tried and true business model that you’ll love and that your clients will love.
• Savvy entrepreneur – Your business and team are scaling, but you’re stuck in the day-to-day tasks. You need systems and processes that let your team run without you standing over them, while you’re off landing dream clients.
• Self-starter – You want to transform your design firm and you’re not sure where to start. You want a trusted advisor with a step-by-step process.

“I used the design fee calculator and landed a huge flat fee project! Next up, I look forward to utilizing the Asana Full-Service template to run the job. Thank you for sharing the Standard so that we can all elevate our businesses.” Kelly O’Neil, Kelly O’Neil Interior Design, LLC

The Standard isn’t for you if:

• You’re a designer looking to strengthen your design chops (the Standard focused on the business foundation only)
• You’re an entrepreneur who isn’t comfortable using technology to upgrade your business
• You’re content with the way you’ve always done it
• You’re only looking for a business model for online design, consultations or packages

The Standard is for you if:

• You’re a design entrepreneur committed to transforming your design business
• You want to fill your pipeline with dream clients
• You’re ready to clarify (and maybe delegate) so that you can focus on CEO tasks
• You’re confident in your design skills, you have set up the foundations of your business and are ready to master the business side of interior design

I’ve made plenty of mistakes over 20+ years in this industry, and I’d rather you skip them. That’s why I put everything I’ve learned into this.

“It would have taken me years (and many mistakes) to build the processes that are given to us in the Standard!” Kathy Waite, Principal Kathy Waite Design

There is no better time to transform your business than when you aren’t slammed. The Standard shows the structure, mindset and strategic pricing to run a thriving design business. If you’re committed to saying ‘no’ to projects that drain you and ‘yes’ to dream projects, the Standard will help you fill that pipeline with Dream Clients.

“Since I started the Interior Design Standard, I’ve closed my highest design fees to date and I’ve been in business since 2013. I’m so grateful for Sandra and how invaluable all of the information has been.”  Andrea Wachs, Andrea Wachs Interior Design

If you’re committed to transforming your business into a thriving design firm, then the Standard is for you. (P.S. The average years in business amongst members is 11 years).

“The Standard solidified the practices I’ve had in play for the 10 + years of being in the trade, but offers new perspectives and tools that make my business feel brand new.” Amber Drown, Tailored Interior Design

I asked past members who do commercial work whether the Standard worked for them. Here’s what they said:

“I used the Standard process for a commercial office and it was fabulous. It has me stand in my space for pricing.” Anonymous. 

“My business is about a 50/50 split between residential and commercial work. It’s absolutely transferable. Just a matter of editing the tasks and schedule that are appropriate for a commercial job in Asana and editing the processes. But the concept for how to approach clients, figure out pricing, etc. is essentially the same.” Patricia Lynn Sharp, An Inside Job Interior Design, LLC.

I share how to use even the smallest amount of data, an example exercise and example case studies to help you calculate your flat fee no matter how much data you have now. But, please… start tracking your time now. The best way is to use your actual data.

“Thanks to the Standard and the flat fee calculator — I’m officially hired for a project with my highest design fee to date! Thank you Sandra for sharing your brilliance!” Amanda Amato, AMA Designs & Interiors LLC

I don’t expect you to put your business on hold while you are in training which is why I give you lifetime access to the program so you can implement at your own pace.

Absolutely. Be sure to reach out to the customer support team after checkout for us to verify your business partnership. Then, I will give each of you access.

Absolutely. All kinds of designers join the Standard, and the truth is, it’s built for any creative entrepreneur doing project-based work. I give you the mindset, the business structure, and the pricing know-how. You bring the niche.

The Standard is a one-time investment of $5,000, with a personalized payment plan available through Klarna, as low as $444/month.

Erin Haugerud of EH Design Co. put it this way: “I recouped the cost of the program with the very first contract I put through the Standard systems.”

You’ll have lifetime access so you can implement at your own pace. Everything stays available to reference and revisit, and it doubles as training for new employees. If I ever retire the program, you’ll be given a ton of notice to download the content (see Terms of Use). 

The Interior Design Standard is the only program in the industry that gives you all the tried and true, tested and fully flushed out templates to run an incredible interior design business.

I show you exactly what I use to run my 7-figure design firm, House of Funk, which means that I share the tech tools that have made me more efficient and profitable. You don’t have to use the same ones. It’s more about knowing what’s out there so you can find what works for you.

You can do demos and research on ANY software before taking the plunge.

Yes. When you click Join the Standard, you’ll see the option to pay in full or split it into a payment plan through Klarna, personalized to you and as low as $444/month. Flexible payments designed for your ease and immediate action.

✨ No waiting. No overwhelm. Just momentum.

I’ve done the courses, hired the coaches, worked with the strategists, since starting my business in 2005. What came out of all of it is the Standard: the exact process I use in my own 7-figure firm, tested now across 1,000+ others. Part of why it holds together as a system rather than a pile of tips is the finance degree and the years I spent consulting Fortune 500 companies on efficiency, layered onto decades running a design firm. That combination is what shaped the pricing, the contracts, and the client process into something built to work as one thing.

“This program was equivalent to an MBA! Especially for someone like me – who left the corporate world behind to follow her passion and going back to school for design was not feasible but believed in her talent – this course filled in all the missing pieces for all the questions I had. And all the templates and calculators and contracts ARE PRICELESS!” Rydhima Brar, R/Terior Studio

This is an investment, so treat it like one.

Members tell me it pays for itself many times over.

If the cash isn’t there yet, a savings plan you chip away at is a reasonable way to get there.

Or, you could go the financing route with either a business loan, a line of credit or even a business credit card.

Yes. Every enrollment includes a 10-day, 100% money-back guarantee.
Dive in and explore the modules. If it’s not the right fit for your business, email me before day 10 and I’ll refund you in full. No questions, no hoops, no hassle.

I am always updating and improving and I share important updates in the member community to keep things current as we go.

Here’s how I support you inside the Standard:

The Designers’ Vault
Inside your member dashboard, you’ll find an extensive vault of frequently asked questions on the latest topics in the design industry. It’s your first stop for all questions.

Accountability Partners
As soon as you enroll, you’re encouraged to partner with a few other designers to connect, encourage, and support one another.

Direct Support
If you ever need additional help, you can reach out to me directly.

Bonus: Virtual Community
My private, members-only community is full of designers who are on the same journey as you. Unlike other groups, everyone here is speaking the same language: the Standard language.

Bailey Bishop of Bailey Bishop Design put it this way: “I love diving in and implementing The Standard! I feel like I was 90% of the way, but unsure of myself the entire time. The confidence Sandra has given me, and her willingness to share, is the community I’ve been waiting for!”

One-on-one coaching isn’t something I offer right now. If you’re looking for a digital training program with a step-by-step plan to run an efficient, joyful business, that’s exactly what the Standard is built for.

This is work at your own pace. There are no deadlines. That’s why I give you lifetime access. Every firm will implement at their own pace.

Implementation varies based on how you prefer to work, your other commitments and your current pipeline. There are several modules, videos and resources to consume and implement. You have lifetime access so that you and your team can take it at your own pace.