Today's episode isn't about what to do when a project is already spiraling. It's about what to do before it ever has the chance.

Because in my 30+ years in the industry, there's one pattern I see on every stressful project:
The chaos wasn't born in week 5. It snuck in quietly in week zero, when structure was loose, nobody owned the conversation, and "roles" were just… implied.

So today? We're fixing that.

I'm walking you through the 5 conversations you need to have before construction starts; the ones that separate calm, steady projects from chaotic, reactionary ones. And honestly? These will save your time, your energy, and your authority.

Ready? Let's make your next project one that feels as smooth as it looks.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/5-construction-conversations

This week's episode starts with a snowstorm…
but it's not really about the weather.

It's about what happens when construction gets disrupted, and how the silent spaces right after hold more power than most designers realize.

Because when a project goes off track, the real work isn't about drywall or lost days.
It's about who communicates what, when they communicate it, and whether that moment creates clarity or chaos.

So today, I'm breaking down:

• Why designers go quiet during construction (& what's really driving that silence)
• How not saying anything doesn't protect your authority — it quietly undermines it
• What you can say instead (even if you don't have all the answers yet)

This isn't about calling anyone out, it's about naming a pattern I see over and over again:
Silence isn't neutral during construction.
It's a leadership moment missed.

Let's talk through it (so you never have to white-knuckle an update email again).

Mentioned in this episode:

• Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance

• Join the waitlist for my course here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/why-silence-isnt-neurtral-during-construction

Today's a special treat.
I'm sitting down with Jessica Nelson & Stephanie Lindsey, co-founders of AI for Interiors and principals of Etch Design Group, a nationally recognized design firm based in Austin, TX.

When I first met them at a design retreat last year, I assumed we'd just be swapping project stories, not talking AI strategy. Then I realize these two are leading the conversation on how interior designers can use AI in a way that's practical, creative, and actually makes sense for real studios.

Jessica and Stephanie bring more than 30 years of combined experience, both as working designers and as tech-minded educators who know the ins and outs of this business. Their company, AI for Interiors, helps designers use tech to streamline workflow and automate the messy stuff without losing creativity, connection, or design vision.

Oh, and they also co-host two podcasts: AI for Interiors and 100 Lunches, where they break down design, business, and big tech changes in honest, easy-to-grasp conversations.

Today, we're making AI less intimidating and more actionable. So if you've been curious (but maybe a little overwhelmed), this one's for you. Grab your coffee, open your notes app, and let's get started.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/applianceFind out more about Jessica and Stephanie here:

Find out more about Jessica and Stephanie here:

Website:

http://www.aiforinteriors.com

http://www.etchinteriordesign.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/

https://www.instagram.com/aiforinteriors/

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/ai-for-interior-designers

Last week, I dove into how the real magic on the job happens only after you take action (not before). This week, I want to show you what that looks like over time. Because honestly, what I wish someone had handed me at the start of my career wasn't just encouragement. It was context. I needed to hear how different environments teach you radically different lessons about construction, managing projects, and building a business.

So this isn't a pep talk about mindset. This is about learning by doing:

• What I picked up in the intensity of ultra high-end New York projects 30 years ago
• The (often humbling) early years of starting my own firm and still underpricing everything
• And what finally clicked, a decade ago, as my experience outgrew how I was positioning myself.

If you've ever felt capable but underpaid, seasoned but still questioned, or sure of your work but unsure how to charge for the responsibility? This episode is for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/stopped-waiting-for-permission

Today I want to talk about something that quietly shapes almost every decision we make as designers—how we price our work, how we speak up in meetings, and which projects we feel ready to take on. That something is confidence.

But I'm not talking about the kind of confidence that's just a personality trait or bravado. I mean confidence as clarity. Most designers I meet don't doubt their talent; they doubt themselves the moment the room changes, especially when construction comes into play.

So today, let's get real about where that lack of confidence actually comes from, why it's especially strong when designers consider adding construction management to their business, and, most importantly, how you can build true confidence before you ever feel fully ready. I promise, confidence isn't something that arrives after the fact. And if you've been quietly curious about construction management, this conversation is for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance

• Join the waitlist for The Designer's Edge here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/interior-design-confidence-myth

Discover the subtle shifts actually shaping today's design world, beyond trends and highlight reels.

Today, I share what top designers are paying attention to for 2026: why friction is data, how boundaries build trust, and the small refinements that lead to steady, profitable projects.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Join the wait list for The Designers Edge: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/construction-management-interior-designers

• Access the full video interview with Elana Steele of Steele Appliance here: https://www.reneedevignierdesign.com/appliance

Find the full shownotes at: https://devignierdesign.com/real-shifts-happening-in-design