The Kate Show, Episode 267

Title: Only Girl on the Jobsite: Bridging the Gap Between Designer & GC
Host: Kate, Socialite Agency
Guest: Renee Beery, Luxury Interior Designer, Podcast Host of "Only Girl on the Job Site"
Air Date: October 7, 2024

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the challenges and advantages of being a female designer on male-dominated construction job sites. Host Kate interviews Renee Beery—a seasoned luxury interior designer, podcast host, and construction management expert—about overcoming industry barriers, expanding the designer's role into construction management, and forming lasting, profitable relationships with contractors and homeowners. The episode is packed with actionable advice, marketing insights, and empowering career wisdom for designers seeking longevity and impact in the home industry.

Main Discussion Points & Insights

1. Renee’s Origin Story & Breaking Jobsite Barriers (06:03-09:05)

• Background: Renee discovered her passion for design early and attended the NY School of Interior Design, where she received technical training in drafting, reading architectural drawings, and understanding building systems. This cross-disciplinary education became pivotal for her.
• Early Career: Renee gained hands-on renovation experience in NYC’s competitive market before returning to Delaware. There, she faced skepticism from contractors and architects who saw her as a mere "decorator."
• Key Insight: Persistence and competence won her respect. Being continually dismissed, e.g., “We’ll call you when we need a sofa,” fueled her to prove her value by mastering the language and expectations of construction professionals.
  • Quote:
    “I was met with, ‘We’ll call you when we need the sofa’ comments. And it took a while... to win over... the contractors and architects... that I was an incredible value add to their projects.” – Renee, (07:19)

2. Why Designers Should Enter Construction Management (09:46-13:25)

• Financial & Strategic Value: Construction management is a lucrative revenue stream, buffers economic downturns, and builds deep, lasting client relationships.
• Industry Shifts: With decreasing margins and the rise of online furniture access, construction management diversifies income and future-proofs businesses.
  • Quote:
    “It is an incredible revenue stream... I work with my clients for decades, not months, because they move... they don’t have to look for anyone else, frankly.” – Renee, (09:46)

3. Rebranding and Shifting Audiences (14:23-16:24)

• Pandemic Pivot: Originally aimed at homeowners, Renee’s podcast shifted focus after designers began reaching out, desperate for guidance with construction management.
• Community Building: Designers wanted practical resources, so Renee filled the knowledge gap, providing both a manual and mentorship.
  • Quote:
    “I was sure I wasn’t [the only one talking about this]... I looked everywhere. I was like, surely someone’s talking about this... There are countless designers on construction projects every single day.” – Renee, (15:53)

4. Common Mistakes Designers Make on Job Sites (17:09-22:24)

• Main Pitfall: Lack of confidence and feeling like an outsider prevents designers from owning their place on the team.

• Advice: Embrace being the only woman—see it as empowering rather than isolating. Approach contractors as collaborators rather than adversaries.

  • Quote:
    “One of the greatest mistakes... feeling like you aren’t supposed to be there, that you are the only girl on the job site... You need to be comfortable knowing you will be the only girl on the job site. And I am well aware that’s not easy.” – Renee, (17:46)

• Communication Tip: When designs can’t be built as planned, ask contractors to explain why and work together to realize the design intent.

  • Quote:
    “Fine, this can’t be built. Not only okay, but first, tell me why so I can learn. And then... can you get my design intent across another way?” – Renee, (20:21)

5. Getting Started: Skills, Marketing, and Networking (23:06-31:37)

• Skills: While state requirements vary, most don’t require formal licenses. Learn by doing—projects on your own house count.

• Marketing: If you offer construction management, make it clear on your website and social profiles. Build a “through line” so potential clients and industry partners know what you do.

  • Quote:
    “Unless you’re on a job site, you can’t be learning how to be on a job site... every single one of [your networks] could recommend you if they understand your services.” – Renee, (23:11 & 26:39)

• Networking: Realtors are the best entry point, offering immediate, repeat referrals. Contractors come next, followed by architects, who can be harder to win over.

6. Navigating Referrals and Client Recognition (31:37-38:23)

• Key Story: Renee recounted being present at a client’s party where her work was not publicly credited. She advises not to rely solely on client referrals—targeting industry professionals is more sustainable.

  • Quote:
    “It is the client’s prerogative. It is her home. I did photograph it. But it is a challenge and why I don’t rely on only clients.” – Renee, (32:00)

7. Finding Your Construction Management Niche (38:23-42:20)

• No One-Size-Fits-All: Some designers specialize in kitchens and baths, some in new builds, others in cabinetry. Renee encourages focusing on what you love most—success doesn’t require being everything to everyone.

8. Importance of Community & Support (40:27-43:23)

• Community Insight: Building (or joining) a support network is critical in an often solitary profession. Hearing from peers—whether through podcasting, masterminds, or informal networks—drives confidence and knowledge.

9. Pricing for Construction Management (46:11-54:49)

• Hourly vs. Flat Fee: Renee recently switched from hourly to flat fee pricing. Flat fees reward expertise and experience rather than punish efficiency.

  • Quote:
    “The better you are, the more seasoned you are... the more expert you become... you’re making less money [if you bill hourly].” – Renee, (47:21)

• Key Considerations: Account for procurement and project management, not just design hours. Underestimating time leads to underpayment and resentment.

• Emotional Barriers: Women often undervalue themselves, feeling uneasy about raising rates or quoting higher flat fees. Don’t fear losing clients over justifiable fees—they likely aren’t your ideal clients.

  • Quote:
    “If you have developed that price structure and that is what you need to cover yourself, make a profit, then you need a client that says yes. And I think that’s where I know I’ve gotten myself into trouble.” – Renee, (54:49)

10. Contracts & Scope of Work (57:33-59:30)

• Don’t Split Services: Don’t offer design and project management as separate contracts—this leads to confusion, project issues, and loss of control.
• Educate Clients: Make it clear you’re the through-line for design integrity and addressing hiccups as they arise.

Actionable Takeaways & Final Advice

Should You Pursue Construction Management? (59:30-61:35)

• Assess Honestly: Don’t get involved just because you think you “should.” The work is demanding and not for everyone, but for those passionate about shaping homes from concept to completion, the rewards are substantial.
  • Quote:
    “I would ponder whether this is something that you truly want to do or you think you should do.” – Renee, (60:07)

Building a Career in Construction Management

• Resources:
  • Listen to Renee's podcast "Only Girl on the Job Site" (devinierdesign.com).
  • Explore resources on her site—checklists, construction workbooks, and the signature course: The Interior Designer’s Guide to Construction Management.
  • Join the associated community for support, masterclasses, and ongoing Q&A.

Memorable Quotes & Timestamp Index

• “I was met with, ‘We’ll call you when we need the sofa’ comments.” (07:19)
• “It is an incredible revenue stream... I work with my clients for decades, not months.” (09:46)
• “Unless you’re on a job site, you can’t be learning how to be on a job site.” (23:11)
• “You need to be comfortable knowing you will be the only girl on the job site.” (17:46)
• “The better you are, the more seasoned you are... you’re making less money [if you bill hourly].” (47:21)
• “I would ponder whether this is something that you truly want to do or you think you should do.” (60:07)

Notable Segments

| Topic | Timestamp | |-------------------------------------|---------------| | Renee’s background, barriers faced | 06:03–09:05 | | The case for construction mgmt | 09:46–13:25 | | Shifting podcast to serve designers | 14:23–16:24 | | Common jobsite mistakes/mindset | 17:09–22:24 | | Getting started, marketing, skills | 23:06–31:37 | | Handling client credit/referrals | 31:37–38:23 | | Specializing & niche positioning | 38:23–42:20 | | Pricing: hourly vs. flat fee | 46:11–54:49 | | Contracts & project management | 57:33–59:30 | | Should you pursue construction mgmt | 59:30–61:35 | | Where to find Renee’s resources | 61:51–65:24 |

Closing Thoughts

This candid conversation demystifies what it takes to thrive as "the only girl on the job site." Renee’s experience, practical wisdom, and encouragement empower designers to upskill, reposition themselves in the marketplace, and build more robust, future-proof businesses.

For those who want to break barriers, earn more, and build deeper client relationships, Renee’s model, resources, and podcast are an invaluable guide.

Resource Links:

• Only Girl on the Job Site Podcast
• Renee’s course: "The Interior Designer’s Guide to Construction Management"
• Social: devinierdesign.com

Contact:

• For more, follow Renee and tune in weekly on her show or explore her in-depth online resources.