“Residential was never my preference. I landed here because I graduated right as the pandemic hit, and the entire industry stalled—except residential.”
Or maybe you’ve caught yourself saying, “I’m bored with residential and want to switch to commercial projects.”
Many interior designers find themselves stuck in residential work—not because it’s their passion, but because it was the most accessible way to start. Yet making the leap into commercial interior design can feel overwhelming when you’re unsure about business operations, contracts, or the technology skills needed to compete.
In this episode, Marcy Sagel shares her journey from residential to commercial design, emphasizing the importance of understanding business operations and leveraging new technologies like Revit to stay ahead. She breaks down the realities of running a design firm, the challenges of transitioning into commercial projects, and the strategies that helped her thrive in a constantly evolving industry. You’ll also hear how she builds strong client relationships, fosters collaboration, and creates her training program, Designer Bank, to help designers sharpen their technical skills.
🎧 Tune in now and learn how to build the commercial design career you’ve been dreaming about.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Why the residential to commercial transition is challenging and how to make it smoother
The importance of understanding business operations, contracts, and financials as a design entrepreneur
How to adapt quickly to new technologies like Revit and Enscape to stay relevant
The differences between working with residential clients and large-scale developer teams
How commercial materials and finishes have evolved to allow for high-end, residential-inspired looks
Strategies to diversify your revenue streams so your firm can withstand economic downturns
How mentorship, peer groups, and continuous learning fuel long-term business growth
Keys to Thriving in Commercial Interior Design
Embrace the Business Side of Design
Designing is only half the job—running a profitable business is the other half. Marcy highlights why knowing your numbers matters: margins, freight, tariffs, and installation costs all impact your bottom line. Even if you outsource accounting, as the CEO, you must understand profitability and contracts to make smart decisions that sustain your creativity.
Adapt to New Technologies
The design industry is moving fast, and technology is at the core. Marcy shares why firms that once used CAD have now fully shifted to Revit and Enscape. These tools allow designers to collaborate with architects, present 3D renderings, and make real-time decisions with clients. Her advice: master as many tools as possible, from Revit to Photoshop, to stay competitive.
Learn to Navigate Commercial Design Projects
Unlike residential projects, where decisions involve one or two homeowners, commercial design brings together developers, managers, and investors. Marcy explains how her firm builds consensus by presenting multiple options, documenting every detail, and aligning with the project’s target audience. Success comes from communication, clarity, and securing buy-in from everyone involved.
Enroll in the Designer Bank Training Program
To help designers adapt faster, Marcy created Designer Bank, an online training platform offering Revit modules, tips, and tricks at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. These short, accessible trainings are designed to help residential and commercial designers sharpen their skills, improve presentations, and feel more confident using software that has become the industry standard.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been stuck in residential projects—whether by timing, necessity, or habit—Marcy’s story proves you don’t have to stay there. Transitioning into commercial interior design isn’t easy, but by mastering your business operations, learning the right tools, building strong client relationships, and surrounding yourself with mentors and peers, you can create a career that excites you again. The leap may feel intimidating, but with the right guidance, it’s absolutely possible.
Your Next Steps
Sign up for the My Design Mentor to give you the tools, coaching, and community you need to succeed in both residential and commercial design. 👉 https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor/
About the Guest:
Marcy Sagel is the founder and principal of MSA Interiors, a nationally recognized commercial interior design firm specializing in multifamily housing, student housing, senior living, affordable housing, and other complex projects. With over 25 years of experience, she has not only led large-scale design projects but also advised manufacturers in developing product lines to meet evolving market demands. A thought leader and speaker, Marcy blends creativity with business acumen and continues to shape the future of commercial interiors.
Connect with Marcy Sagel:
Website: MSA Interiors
Instagram: @msainteriors
Resources & Freebies
- My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
- 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
- The best books every interior designer should have
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!
Let’s Connect!
- Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics
- DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question
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