“Do I need a formal degree in interior design to succeed? What steps should I follow in the design process? Should I add new services like construction management or staging? How do I diversify my offerings while staying true to my brand?”
These questions reflect a critical milestone in a designer’s career journey, helping them go from establishing their practice to running a thriving business.
In this episode, you will find answers from Michelle Norgren, the founder of Harmony Homes, a successful luxury interior design and construction firm. She shares her inspiring story highlighting how she built her business during the uncertainties of the pandemic and the systems she developed to ensure her team runs like clockwork.
She also reveals practical strategies for growing your design business, from using tools like Motion AI to streamline tasks, to hiring the right people to cover your weaknesses.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale up, Michelle’s insights will help you create clear processes, improve client relationships, and achieve your goals.
If you’ve been searching for ways to grow your interior design career with confidence and clarity, this episode is for you! Don’t miss this opportunity to gain practical, battle-tested advice from an interior design entrepreneur who’s been in your shoes. Tune in now!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
- Discover how to build an efficient, collaborative team and implement streamlined processes to manage projects effectively
- Learn expert advice on scaling whether it’s expanding into construction, collaborating with architects, or preparing for new build projects
- Gain inspiration to turn your creative passion into a thriving, sustainable enterprise
About the Guest:
Michelle Norgren is the owner and founder of Harmony Homes, a luxury interior design and construction firm.
With a background in architecture and a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces, Michelle launched Harmony Homes to help clients bring their dream homes to life.
Under her leadership, the company has become known for its seamless design-build approach, ensuring every project reflects the firm’s ethos, where beauty, space, and functionality harmonize. Michelle’s expertise in both design and construction allows her to offer clients a comprehensive, personalized experience from concept to completion.
Connect with Michelle Norgren:
- Website: Harmony Homes Co
- Instagram: @harmonyhomesco
- Facebook: @harmonyhomesco
Check out these episode highlights
02:33 – Michelle’s Journey to Interior Design
Her early passion for design and how she started as a pre-vet major in college but shifted to architecture after realizing the creative limitations in equine surgery
Her transition from commercial architecture to residential design after realizing she preferred more creative control in projects
05:07 – Launching Harmony Homes in 2020
Her decision to start her business during the pandemic was motivated by a desire for control over her career amidst uncertainty
Her initial challenges of remote consultations, with clients sending photos and measurements, and the need to create structured processes in an unstable time
07:09 – Developing Client-Centered Processes
The importance of initial consultations to understand clients’ motivations and needs beyond surface requests
The importance of building a personalized connection to deliver tailored design solutions
The importance of having clear processes and systems in place to manage projects effectively
08:19 – Building a Team and Implementing Design Processes
The structure of her small team includes a marketing director, admin project manager, another designer, and a growing in-house construction team
The use of a five-step design process with checklists and an app called Motion AI to automate task assignments and stay organized
Weekly one-on-one meetings and team meetings help ensure clear communication and address any issues or improvements needed
11:40 – Experience on a TV Show
Her time competing on the entrepreneurship TV show, The Blocks, which focused on startup growth and learning about business processes.
Credits the show for providing valuable business insights and connections with mentors and other entrepreneurs
13:41 – Key Strategies for Scaling
The importance of organization, communication, and having strong systems and processes to avoid confusion and project failures
Hire first a project manager to help with communication and organization, followed by a marketing manager to handle lead processes
The hiring of a bookkeeper to manage finances as the business grew and required more detailed financial tracking
16:13 – Future Plans for Harmony Homes
Plans to expand construction services and take on larger renovation and new build projects by 2025
Collaborates with architects and engineers, valuing specialization and the importance of a professional team for comprehensive project quality
18:10 – Advice for Aspiring Designers
To continuously learn from books, podcasts, and industry peers
To refine existing processes rather than reinvent the wheel
Next Steps
Grab your freebies:
- Furnishings Investment Guide
- Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide
- Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
- 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Take a Quiz!
- Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style
- Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!
Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.
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Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week…