The most popular way is a good old Excel spreadsheet to keep track of everything. I've heard good things about Programa but haven't had a chance to check it out properly. client facing documents will always be some form of presentation supported by a drawing pack and physical samples(for the finishes). Hope this helps! 👍

You're very welcome ☺️ glad to hear that soms of the insights have been useful. All the best with your internship search and don't focus too much on the lack of your experience. Just show them your enthusiasm about the job and willingness to learn. You'll get there eventually! Maybe also look at a few more places to inquire for internships even if they don't advertise it. Sometimes ir is just a numbers game so the more you apply for, the bigger your chances of getting hired 👌 good luck!!!

It's in Sketchup 👌

Chloe, I completely understand your frustration, and it is mindblowing how the industry has not adapted to family well-being.. there are a few companies that I know who are slowly changing the flexibility around childcare. Stay strong and I hope you will find a way to make it work for you and your family 💛 My Insta DMs are always open if you need a chat!

You are not alone 💛. I don't yet know of anyone who has not been burnt by this industry.. it's such a shame because the job itself is a brilliant job to have. My way out of this was self employment, but I'm faced with other challenges now which are not the easiest to deal with either. Another video on that topic coming soon. I wish there was a straightforward answer but I'm not sure if there is. Maybe try a different company? But that is not to say that the grass will be greener.. my dms are always open if you need a chat 👍

Absolutely 👍 This a was a real wakeup call for me when I became a parent. I just couldn't believe how blind and ignorant the industry was to the working parents. Hopefully there is a brighter and more supportive future ahead 💛 Thanks for stopping by and the support on the channel 🙂✌️

Yeah it is a shame that we are only sold the glamorous version of the career. I got my reality check pretty early in my career and really had to question do I want this for the rest of my life? I hope that the positives will outweigh the negatives in your journey eyes ahead 💛 it is a beautiful career to have on the good days 🙂

This is usually specific to each project. But if you need an example then you could try asking chat gpt to give you a few examples 👍

@@SpaceForEdit Thank you for your helpful suggestion:)

✌️

Yes, i charge for all design work 👌

@@SpaceForEdit thanks for answering. I am willing to start as a freelance, but considering giving first budget and design proposals for free to get my first clients a bit easier.

You are welcome to not watch the video. It's free and will not be annoying 🤗✌️

No problem, that's exactly why I'm making this content. There's so much to share about our job/industry and if I can help other designers then why not To answer your question- I think this would depend on the nature of the project. But I always make a note on all of my drawings that they are for reference only and the contractor should carry out their own survey prior to the install. This way I'm protected and can still get on with the work 👍

You're welcome! Thanks for stopping by 🥰

Ahh, that's amazing! Thank you for stopping by and saying hello 🙂 hope you'll enjoy the rest of the content!

I you're uncomfortable with your designer's ideas, then you should definitely raise that and see where things have maybe been 'lost in translation'. Sometimes, it's at the very beginning during the briefing/ discovery stage or maybe during the concept design phase when the look and feel images are taking shape. It should be a back and forth conversation between you and your designer. It's in the designer's interests to deliver the best design that suits your needs. The piece about trusting the designer was meant more like and extra push, going for something that feel a little bit unfamiliar. If you're not happy with the whole proposal then of course make sure to communicate this to your designer 👍 Hope this helps!

@@SpaceForEdit thank you for your reply. I think some designers feel they are hired to create something and then prevail on “I’m the expert” or “trust me” when the customer is concerned about the idea(s). I’m also curious, do designers get kickbacks for the large ticket items like cabinets, finders fee for contractors, Etc.? And if so, is this something designers disclose?

I believe that both parties should feel equally comfortable to share their ideas during the design process. It's a 'back and forth' kind of situation and a collaborative process. And yes, designers do get kickbacks from FF&E and other services. It's quite a normal practice in the industry. But this should always be mentioned in the contract, so if you have any concerns around that topic, then you can raise them before signing the contract.

Ughhh, i know... it's a really frustrating topic 🫣 but at least you can watch this video 😁

Yep, seems like we all go through it. And in a way I think we have to. That's the best way to learn confidence and business awareness. Once you're burnt, you're a lot more careful next time 💯 So yeah, you're totally not alone and I'm glad you've found this video 🥰 Stay strong!!

Not sure if I can advise on this as I don't really know ehat both of them entice. But I do know of designers who have obtained further education/certification in project management. It is a lot to design and manage projects so just be mindful of that. I often times outsource PM or trust the contractor to deal with it. I will ensure that I am there on consultation basis but that's as far as I'll go. Hope this helps! ✌️

Ahh thank you , that's too kind 💛 The budget vs design thing gets easier with time and every project as you learn how much things cost. Just sometimes the client thinks that they can afford more than they actually have.. that's where the challenge really lies.

​@@SpaceForEdit yes, I used to explain this to my own private clients and it seemed to alleviate the surprise factor, however as an employee for larger firms, they have reprimanded me for being OVERCREATIVE and wasting money, as time = money. 😢

Ughhhh.... corporate nonsense 🙄 don't miss those days. Stay strong!!

There are a few already made models on sketchup warehouse. So I just adapt them as per each site 👍

Nice

There is definitely something to be said about the location of your clientele. Although I would argue that there is an immense amount of development happening here in north. And believe it ornot, this client was actually a very wealthy multi business owner. Sometimes the wealthiest clients end up being the cheapest and most awkward to work with... But there's a lesson learned. Onwards and upwards ✌️

@@SpaceForEdit Yep, I heard that those who are wealthy can be very cheap. Good luck next time!

Indeed.. and this was only the first proposal. We did a few more revisions too 😎

First of all congratulations on even committing to this! It 's a lot to cram into your days. I hope you'll enjoy the experience 👍 And yes, I'm not the best to give advice on this type of learning, but as with anything- you will get out what you put in. Actually, I think that 'mature' students have an advantage in a way that they hear and see things that younger students don't. You soak up information differently when you're older. And as far as making it immersive goes- visit showrooms, exhibitions, trade shows, and talk to the people in these settings. Be honest that you are a student and see where the conversation goes. This will prep you for the 'real world' as it really is all about relationships and networking in this industry. Good luck!! 💫👏

Oh yes, you'll always get them. But what I'm learning along the way that your own confidence in saying 'no' to those people and even recognising them from a far increases with every project. So it really is all about the journey 👌 Gald you enjoyed the video! Tha ks for the comment 🤗

No problem! Thanks for stopping by 👍

Ahh, I feel your pain! Life is so expensive these days. We had help from our grandparents with childcare so for most of the time our daughter was in the nursery part time. It's a never ending juggling act and 6 months post partum is still super early. But I know where your need for 'getting on with it' comes from. I was exactly in your shoes. For me self employment was the way but we as a family and individuals have made a lot of sacrifices to make it work. And we're still trying to figure it out day by day... Not sure if this helps in any way.. but just know that what you're going through is what every other parent is dealing with right now 💛💛 sending lots of positive vibes! Hope you guys can figure it out too!

@@SpaceForEdit thank you! 😊

Haha, love that! You really need a village to get through it all ✌️ And that's so interesting about the brain fog.. do you think your body has learned to just cope better with everything that goes on?

Yep, it is quite tricky

Hope it does come through 🤗

It's gonna be a wild ride but you can do it! I always think that it is better to live with 'at least I tried' than 'I wonder what life could have been if I tried' 👌🤗

Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying the content 💛 It depends on what you define as the first meeting. For me that's the discovery phase which currently I am willing to offer free of charge but if the client goes ahead then I will make sure to include the discovery consultation within my fees. Like I mention in the video- it's rare that I will do actual design work for free. If I do then it has to be for something really big and valuable. Hope this helps 😊👍

It's a combination of autocad/SketchUp/canva 👍

Yep, that's how most commercial studios make most of their money- through margins. So it would be the added percentage to FF&E and sometimes labour as well if they manage the install process.

It's the first time I've ever worked with all neutral tones so I'm really excited to see it all come together 👌

@@SpaceForEdit Me too, looking great ✨

Yay! Glad you've found this inspiring 😊 feel free to head over to my IG or Tiktok for the rest as I can only upload 60seconds here on YT at the moment 🙈

It's actually really freeing and empowering when you take full control of your life and business. Just need to make sure that it is financially viable 👌 Keep working through it and don't give up!

@SpaceForEdit I bet it is freeing. Thank you for encouragement 🫶

Ohhh, good luck with it all! Enjoy the journey ✊✨ thanks for stopping by!