Judi Kieffer: Steps to Build a Hospitality / Commercial Interior Design Firm

Episode 276 of A Well-Designed Business®

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276: Judi Kieffer: Steps to Build a Hospitality / Commercial Interior Design Firm

My guest today is Judi Kieffer, who has over 24 years’ experience in hospitality, luxury residential, and restaurant design. Her portfolio is full of top-tier projects and satisfied clients. In our conversation, she shares advice about how she built and now manages her design firm in Boise, Idaho. Judi is involved as an advocate for the personal and professional development and for sustainable products and developments.

Download “The Things I Learned From Judi Kieffer”

She participates in several local philanthropic and civic groups and is a mentor for women’s and children’s organizations. She was recently appointed as a spokesperson for the American Society of Interior Designers and is a certified Green Globe auditor. Her passions are yoga, fine wine, riding horses, hiking, and inspiring other designers to run more profitable and enjoyable businesses. Join me for this conversation with Judi!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

How Judi’s career began, working for three different companies before opening her own firm
The benefits of experience, classes, and various job positions before going out on your own
What it’s like to build your own design firm in the beginning: cold calling, mailings, projects, and referrals
What the builder or architect needs to hear from the commercial designer: how our services can fit into your project
How to use directories for leads on upcoming commercial projects
How to find free top sheets in your local area
The benefits of long-term relationships in the design business
Judi’s recommendations for software, including Quickbooks, Studio Designer, and MORE!
The challenges as your business grows: having systems in place and using personality profiles as you add more people to your team
Day-to-day running the firm: journals and calendars
Judi’s superpower? Using the interior as a marketing tool
Clear practices for charging fees
Judi’s advice to a new designer with no portfolio: show your passion and excitement, have confidence, ask questions, and present solutions
Judi’s interest in green building products
The recent surge in green products
Advice Judi’s received that is still with her:
- Be absolutely true to your passion
- Honor yourself
- Allow yourself time to breathe, renew, and relax
- Be transparent in communication
What’s ahead for Judi? Hiring an office manager and hosting eco-glamping retreats