Turnkey Design Talk
Hosted by interior designer Adam Scougall, Turnkey Design Talk is a podcast for solo interior designers and decorators who want to run calmer, more controlled businesses — and finish projects properly.
The show focuses on what actually makes the difference in a design career:
how projects are led, how boundaries are set, how decisions are made, and how work is brought to a confident, photo-worthy close.
This isn’t about trends or overnight success.
It’s about taking responsibility for the outcome — from the first client yes through to the final reveal.
If you care about delivering beautifully finished homes, creating genuine wow moments for your clients, and building a business that works on your terms, you’re in the right place.
https://www.instagram.com/adamscougall
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Turnkey Design Talk
How To Get Paid For Project Coordination As A Designer
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One of the most overlooked areas of pricing for interior designers and decorators is project coordination.
I'm not talking about construction project management.
I'm talking about the coordination of the people, products and services required to bring a design to life.
That might include furniture, artwork, rugs and window treatments, but it could also include custom joinery, painting, wallpaper, electrical work, deliveries, storage and installations.
The question is:
How should you charge for that work?
In this episode, I share the approach I've used in my own business and why separating my design fee from my project coordination fee helped improve my cash flow, reduce stress and increase my profit margins from around 20% to more than 30%.
You'll discover:
• Why design and project coordination are two different services
• The most common ways designers charge for project coordination
• Why I eventually moved to a percentage-based model
• Why charging upfront can simplify your business
• How to determine whether your current pricing is actually working
If you've ever wondered whether you're being properly compensated for procurement, supplier management, deliveries, storage, installations and all the moving parts that happen after the design is approved, this episode is for you.
🎁 Download the FREE Solo Designer Profit Guide:
turnkeydesignsuccess.com/profitguide
Based on more than 50 research conversations with designers across Australia, Canada and the United States, this guide will show you what designers are charging in 2026 and, more importantly, how to calculate the hourly rate your business actually needs.
Email: askadam@turnkeydesignsuccess.com
And remember, you're not behind, my friend.
You're building.
Wondering if you're charging enough?
Download my free Solo Designer Profit Guide™ and discover what interior designers are charging in 2026 based on 50+ research interviews across Australia, Canada and the USA. You'll also learn how to calculate the hourly rate YOU need to charge based on your own business, projects and financial goals—not someone else's.
Download your free copy:
turnkeydesignsuccess.com/profitguide
If this episode raised questions for you, or you’re feeling stuck in your solo design business, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
I offer a 30-minute clarity session where we can talk through where you’re at, what’s getting in the way, and whether I can help.
Email me at askadam@turnkeydesignsuccess.com