Melanie Zaelich: Consultation-Only Interior Design: How to Set Boundaries and Avoid Scope Creep
Today With Melanie Zaelich:
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Many new designers try out consult-based design only to find themselves struggling with scope creep and feeling undervalued.
But my guest today, Melanie Zaelich, runs a thriving consult-only business. She’s a former full-service designer who deliberately chose to transition to this model—and she did so with intention, systems, and processes. Today, she shares how to avoid scope creep, provide clarity, and set boundaries for a successful consult-only design business.
LuAnn Nigara and Melanie Zaelich’s Ah-Ha Moments
“You’ve thought a lot about what you want to do. And that’s what we have to think about. You don’t have the itch for the whole, you know, kit and caboodle of projects that last six months or two years till we get this thing done. Others are just so passionately driven to do it—but it’s not where your passion lies. And the thing is, every industry has all of its lanes, and they all need to be filled by people who are talented and passionate about that lane.” -LuAnn
More About Melanie Zaelich
Melanie Zaelich is an accomplished, award winning interior designer, known for her down-to-earth approach and creativity. As the only interior with a consult-based, à la carte business model in the Twin Cities, Melanie is transforming the way people experience interior design.
Connect with Melanie Zaelich
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AWDB #174 Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours