The Interior Designer's Guide to Pricing, Estimating, and Budgeting

by Theo Stephan Williams

This second edition is updated throughout and includes additional material on time management and numerous interviews with leading designers. Empowered by the step-by-step guidance in this book, interior designers will be able to establish prices and budgets that make their clients happy and their businesses profitable. Written by a designer and veteran expert on pricing, estimating, and budgeting systems, the book provides practical guidelines on how to value the cost of designing commercial or residential interiors, from the designer's creative input to the pricing of decorating products and procedures.

The book shows how to determine a profitable and fair hourly rate, balance the client's budget with his or her wishes and needs, negotiate prices with suppliers and contractors, write realistic estimates and clear proposals, manage budgets for projects of all sizes and types, and position the firm's brand in relation to its practices. Interviews with experienced interior designers, case studies, and sidebars highlight professional pitfalls and how to master them, from daily crisis management and self-organization to finding the perfect office manager.

256 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2010

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find this book very interesting to read especially for budding designers trying to start up their own office. It provides practical tips on rate computation and how to handle difficulties within the office and client-related misunderstandings like an experienced professional. Although the book proves helpful, I don't think this fully applies for interior designers here in the Philippines. We have different standard rates and local mentality when it comes to designing is not as receptive compared to other countries.