Do you ever feel frustrated trying to communicate your design vision to contractors during a renovation or remodel? Many interior designers face this challenge due to a lack of construction knowledge.
In this episode, I interview Elizabeth Lord Levitt, founder of Elizabeth P. Lord Residential Design. Elizabeth shares her journey in the remodeling industry and how she developed a deep understanding of construction through her work as a designer. She emphasizes the importance of construction knowledge for interior designers and discusses her efforts to promote construction education in the field. Her mission to integrate construction basics into interior design education highlights a critical gap in the industry, offering a solution to empower designers with the tools they need to excel.
She offers tips on managing client expectations during construction, building trust with contractors, and maximizing the value of remodeling projects. She also discusses the benefits of continuing education and certifications for designers.
Tune in to learn how you can bridge the gap between design and construction, set yourself apart in the industry, and ensure seamless project execution.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
- Learn how you can acquire construction knowledge so you can effectively communicate your designs to contractors
- Discover how integrating construction understanding into interior design can improve project execution, satisfaction, and budget
- Empower yourself with continuous education and certification so you can stay ahead in the industry
About the Guest:
Elizabeth Lord Levitt is the founder of Elizabeth P. Lord Residential Design, specializing in residential design and construction. With almost 20 years of experience in the remodeling industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her designs. She started as a lead designer for a highly regarded design-build firm in Seattle before establishing her own award-winning design firm in Denver, Colorado.
Elizabeth holds a master’s degree in real estate construction management from the University of Denver and is a licensed real estate broker. She is also a board member of the Interior Design Society Denver chapter where she holds the Vice President position. She also guest lectures at local and national design industry events on an array of design and construction topics and is the founder of Built for Design Residential Academy, which provides residential construction education curated for the interior design industry through E-course and corporate training.
She currently resides in Denver with her husband and two young daughters, Betty and Lucy.
Connect with Elizabeth Lord-Levitt:
Website: Elizabeth P. Lord Residential Design
Instagram: @eplordredesign
Check out these episode highlights
03:03 – Elizabeth’s background in interior design and construction
04:48 – Why Elizabeth created a curriculum that is construction basics for interior designers
“Knowledge of construction sets interior designers apart and helps projects run smoothly.”
06:03 – The importance of on-site experience
09:01 – Various ways interior designers can gain construction knowledge
- through trade schools
- through on-the-job experience
12:54 – How to establish trust and confidence with contractors on the job site
- Be open-minded
- Be honest
- Be grateful
15:33 – How to manage client expectations during construction
- Set expectations and boundaries with clients from the beginning to avoid conflicts
- Manage client stress during construction
19:35 – How to manage project communication with trades during construction
- Use of Google Drive or OneDrive to share project information with trades
- Provide a centralized location for spec books
- Use of QR codes on scrapbook pages to link to updated plans, saving time and confusion on job sites
20:57 – How to approach clients on remodeling budgets and ROI
- New designers should research home values in their area using sources like Hanley Wood’s Remodeling Magazine to set realistic budgets for clients.
- Clients often have unrealistic budgets, so educating them is crucial.
- Designers must help clients make informed decisions about scope and budget.
25:34 – The importance of continuing education and certifications to stay up-to-date on industry trends and technologies
Next Steps
- Curious about your design style? Take the Quiz: Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style
- Interior Designer!! Take the QUIZ and Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!
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Links Mentioned
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week…