You’re not imagining it—your projects might actually be running you. If you’ve ever felt like your design clients are unclear, unsure, or unexpectedly intense mid-project, it’s likely not a personality issue. It’s a systems issue. In this episode, designer Shila Griffith of SG23 Design reveals the exact processes and boundaries that keep her projects running smooth, her team aligned, and her clients confident from start to finish.

From her strategic intake forms to her “you paid for that three months ago” moment of bliss, Shila walks through the real-world fixes newer designers need to confidently lead their projects. This isn’t about being cold or corporate—it’s about clarity, structure, and trust.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why upfront pricing (yes, even 50%) calms client anxiety

✅ How to spot red flags in new client inquiries

✅ The conversation that prevents renovation freakouts before they happen

✅ What to say when clients want to buy their own stuff, and why boundaries boost your quality of life

If you’re an interior designer looking to finally feel in control of your client process (instead of constantly catching up), this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and start running projects with more calm, clarity, and confidence.

(0:00) Upfront billing makes design projects smoother

(2:00) Shila’s origin story and early credibility hurdles

(6:00) Vetting clients through forms and paid consults

(10:00) Setting expectations for reno stress and timelines

(15:00) Switching from hourly to flat fee structure

(21:00) Client boundaries, policies, and communication norms

(35:00) Billing, procurement, and protecting product margins

Shila Scarlet Griffith is the founder and principal designer behind SG23 Design, a boutique interior design studio serving South Jersey, Philadelphia, and New York areas. With over a decade of hands-on experience—including more than five years at a prestigious architecture firm—Shila brings a rare blend of aesthetic finesse and construction-focused expertise to every project. She is NCIDQ Certified and LEED AP accredited, and her philosophy—“Stay Inspired, Not Overwhelmed”—reflects her deep belief that smart systems and empathetic communication create transformative, yet stress-free environments. Shila holds dual degrees in interior design and sustainable design from Philadelphia University (now Jefferson), and she seamlessly integrates modern finishes with vintage elements to elevate both aesthetic and functional value.

At SG23 Design, Shila leads clients through a six-phase process—from consultation and space planning all the way through procurement and construction management. Her ideal clients are busy professionals who value their time and want a smooth, thoughtfully curated renovation without the usual headaches. Whether it’s a residential kitchen refresh or a commercial workspace overhaul, Shila’s meticulous documentation, proactive communication, and emphasis on long-term value ensure that each project is delivered on time, within budget, and with uncompromised integrity—resulting in spaces that not only look stunning but also enhance daily life.

Website

Instagram

Instagram

Wingnut Academy is LIVE

Tim Ferriss - The 4-Hour Workweek

Work with Wingnut

Website Facebook X Instagram Wingnut Webinars

Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts YouTube

What if the one thing keeping your designs from truly resonating isn’t visible at all? If your client’s space checks all the boxes but still feels… off, there might be something deeper at play, and today’s episode unpacks exactly that.

While talking with Amanda Gibby Peters of Simple Shui, we get into the overlooked forces that shape how a space feels, and how interior designers can shift energy, not just aesthetics.

She makes the ancient practice of feng shui unexpectedly approachable, surprisingly intuitive, and refreshingly modern. Whether you’re skeptical or curious, her practical take might just flip how you see the role of your work.

You’ll learn:

✅ The hidden impact of “command position”

✅ Why flow matters more than form.

✅ What stagnant energy really looks like.

✅ Small tweaks that change how clients feel at home.

If you’re an interior designer looking to elevate your work from beautiful to deeply aligned and energetically impactful, this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and start designing spaces that feel as good as they look.

(00:00) Defining feng shui and its deeper meaning.

(02:10) Amanda’s backstory and unexpected path to feng shui.

(06:10) The concept of “command position” and practical office tweaks.

(09:15) Feng shui’s origins and the philosophy behind it.

(17:05) Signs of stagnant energy and how to shift it.

(24:15) Feng shui tips for bedrooms and what they reveal.

(30:05) How interior designers can apply feng shui without going all in.

Amanda Gibby Peters is the founder of Simple Shui, where she brings a fresh, modern approach to the centuries-old wisdom of feng shui. With a master’s degree in professional communication and over 20 years of experience, Amanda blends intuitive insight with practical guidance to help people create spaces that truly support their well-being, goals, and growth.

Her work is rooted in the idea that your environment speaks to your energy, and when your space feels aligned, everything else can fall into place. As a writer, teacher, and sought-after expert, Amanda has built a global following of clients, students, and fans who appreciate her no-fluff, down-to-earth perspective on energetic design.

Through her courses, podcast, and online platform, she demystifies feng shui and empowers others to create homes that feel just as good as they look.

Website

Instagram

Instagram

Wingnut Academy is LIVE

The Creative Habit by Twyla Tharp

https://wingnutsocial.com/social-media-agency-for-interior-designers/

Website Facebook X Instagram Wingnut Webinars

Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts YouTube

Ever feel like clients just don’t “see” your vision, literally? This episode dives into the often-overlooked tool that can increase client trust, raise your perceived value, and unlock high-end opportunities: 3D renderings. Whether you’re a solopreneur winging it with mood boards or you’re flirting with luxury clients, renderings might just be your biggest untapped asset.

You’ll learn: ✅ Why presenting renderings isn’t just a visual tool, it’s a trust accelerator ✅ How to price, position, and profit from offering renderings ✅ When to line-item them and when to bake them into your services ✅ How AI is changing the rendering game, and what still sets pros apart

If you’re an interior designer looking to start attracting clients who say “yes” faster and with fewer revisions, this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and learn how to make renderings work harder for your business.

(00:00) Why designers undervalue renderings, and what’s changing.

(04:50) Overcoming client objections and selling the value.

(07:00) Outsourcing renderings: mindset, timing, and delegation.

(11:10) Pricing renderings: line items, baked-in fees, and markups.

(16:00) Renderings as marketing assets and portfolio builders.

(22:40) AI vs. human touch: future-proofing your rendering strategy.

Mina Duque is the Head of Client Success at Duke Renders, a premier 3D rendering studio serving interior designers and design firms around the world. With a formal background in interior design and years of hands-on experience in the field, Mina understands exactly what it takes to translate a designer’s vision into visuals that win client trust, fast-track approvals, and elevate the perception of any design business. What started as her husband Fernando’s solution for her own design needs quickly evolved into a fast-growing, service-driven company.

At Duke Renders, Mina plays a pivotal role in ensuring every rendering is not only technically precise but emotionally resonant, helping designers communicate with clarity, save time, and look like absolute pros. She’s particularly passionate about supporting solopreneurs and small teams who want to grow into the luxury space without burning out. Her unique combination of design chops and client-centric strategy makes her a powerful resource for anyone ready to uplevel their presentation game.

Website

Instagram: @dukerenders

Instagram

Wingnut Academy is LIVE: https://wingnutsocial.com/wingnut-academy/

Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman - https://amzn.to/4dOkkPm

https://wingnutsocial.com/social-media-agency-for-interior-designers/

Website Facebook X Instagram Wingnut Webinars

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3RJzmtK Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/designedongooglepodcasts YouTube: https://bit.ly/designedonyoutube