179: Stay the Course, Focusing on the Right Projects

In this episode of Hot Young Designers Club, Shaun Crha and Rebecca Plum talk about what it really looks like to stay committed to the business changes you’ve made, even when the right interior design projects take time to show up. From refining inquiry workflows to trusting your instincts with potential clients, they dig into the behind-the-scenes decisions that help interior designers build more profitable and sustainable businesses.

They also discuss how client proposals, payment processes, and service boundaries evolve as your design business grows. Shaun shares how he’s testing new proposal systems for full-service interior design clients, while Rebecca talks through lead qualification, Dubsado workflows, wire transfers, and why choosing the right projects often means saying no to the ones that no longer fit.

In this episode they discuss:

• Updates on a potential HYDC designer retreat or inspiration trip in 2027
• How Rebecca is navigating summer schedules, family changes, and her husband’s upcoming retirement
• Using Dubsado to manage interior design inquiries, client onboarding, canned emails, and scheduling
• The difference between consultation-only leads and full-service interior design prospects
• Why reviewing proposals live with clients can build trust and uncover objections early
• How to stay the course when you’ve changed your services, pricing, or ideal project type
• Why designers should prepare professional wire transfer instructions for larger client payments
• The importance of choosing projects that align with the type of interior design business you actually want to run

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