Denise Maloney is an Interior Designer in San Francisco, California. She owns her own residentially focused firm, Denise Maloney Interior Design. Denise originally studied Economics/ Business in college. Shortly after graduation she looked for something she felt a stronger connection to and found Interior Architecture & Design. After working on Hospitality and residential projects early in her career, she decided to focus on residential projects when she started her own firm. Her firm uses furniture design to create a deeper level of personalization for her clients. In our conversation we explore collaborating with Architects, branding your business, using a business coach, theory vs. doing, how relationships play such a big roll in our businesses, and a number of other interesting subjects. Enjoy!
Show Notes
Denise Maloney
Principal Denise Maloney Interior Design
San Francisco, CA
Established 2010
NCIDQ Certified
Education:
Certificate in Interior Design & Interior Architecture, UC Berkeley Extension
Paid Internship in Interior Design during Design school
BA Economics – UC San Diego
Size of Design Firm: 2-3 designer
Project Types: Mostly High-End Residential Design
Topics we discuss in our conversation:
Interior Architecture
The value of an Internship – Real world experience
Furniture Design – Increasing the level of personalization
Teaching Interior Design
Theory vs Learn by Doing
Collaborating with Architects
Branding the business
Timeless design
The Importance of accurate budget estimating
Establishing good relationships of all kinds
Websites as a marketing tool
Fees:
Hourly consulting
Cost plus – on furniture sales
Profit Generators:
Design fees
Construction administration
Mark up on furniture
Furniture design
Marketing Strategy:
Business Referrals
Architects
Relationship building of all kinds
Website
Social Media
Blog
Links & Resources Mentioned:
http://kaydesign.com/ – Business Coaching – Lorie Bosch
http://www.academyart.edu/interior-design-school/index.html