The Nuts & Bolts of Starting an Interior Design Business

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Taught by Lauren Stern

Lauren Stern owns and operates a full-service interior design studio that provides decorating and renovation solutions for residential, commercial and hospitality clients worldwide. Prior to opening her NYC-based studio in 2007, she worked as an interior designer at the firm Wilson Associates and as an event producer for Black Book Magazine. She studied fine art and communication at Boston University and design at the New York School of Interior Design. Stern's projects have been featured in Renovation Style, Time Out New York and many other print and online outlets. She lives in Brooklyn, NY with her husband.

Learn more at laurensterndesign.com

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Are friends and family members constantly phoning to bounce design ideas off you? Do you study interior design or work for an architect or design firm?

It might be time to launch your own venture, or at least gain a better understanding of the legal requirements and hurdles involved in doing so. This class will help you turn your raw design talent into a viable business. Lauren will share the insider information that is never covered in Shelter Magazines or Interiors Blogs but is crucial to know before you take the plunge.

Topics will include:

1. Opening a business in NYC:
-registering with the city and state, acquiring an EIN and tax ID
-paying and collecting sales tax per state and country
-LLCs vs. Corporations

2. Fee structures:
-charging for clients large and small
-receiving proper compensation for your work without alienating clients

3. The 5 phases of an interior design project:
-conceptualizing, planning, selecting, purchasing, installing

4. Growing your business:
-publicizing and standing out in a very competitive marketplace
-maintaining great relations with clients and vendors to ensure referrals and return business

Cancellation policy