When Designers Share What Works - Tips And Advice From Hothouse, July 2025

The 'New and Pivoting Designers' meeting in Hothouse yesterday was such a warm and productive meeting - thank you to the designers who gave up an hour and a half to join in, you were brilliant! - I couldn’t let the gems of advice shared simply evaporate.

So, here are yesterday's pearls of wisdom, with credit to Sam, Sarah, and Timna who all contributed advice to this list: 

💼 Business & Growth Wisdom 

• Expect an Apprenticeship Phase 

  Almost everyone starts with a few ‘less-than-ideal’ jobs – think of this early phase as your apprenticeship. It’s how you build your portfolio, grow in confidence, and learn on the job. Just don’t linger there longer than you need to.

• Professionalism Counts, Every Time 

  Treat every single project with proper care – even the tiny ones, even those early projects for people a bit too close to you! Clear boundaries, proper paperwork, and legal protection aren’t just for big jobs. They’re how you train clients to respect your work (and how you respect it yourself).

• Get Clear on Who You’re For (and Who You’re Not) 

  Know who you want to work with, what you bring that’s different, and who you’re not the right fit for. It sharpens everything: your marketing, your pricing, and your services. And yes, niching down again is usually good advice.

• Review Your Prices Regularly 

  Your pricing should evolve as your business and client base grow. Keep checking in to make sure it still reflects your value – and that it supports your goals. Reviewing your pricing is normal: periodic reviews of your hourly rate; and rethinking how you'll structure each proposal, EVERY TIME. 

• Get Systems in Place Early 

  Set yourself up properly from the start – simple accounting tools (like Xero or Hubdoc), clear terms and conditions, and a smooth onboarding process will save you a world of stress later. Doing it early means doing it before you're too busy with work to give it the attention it deserves. 

• Don’t Forget You’re Here to Make Money 

  Of course you love design – but this is a business, and businesses need to make money. That means charging fairly and confidently. Clients expect to pay; don’t disappoint them.

• Bring in Help as Needed 

  Instead of hiring staff right away, think about bringing in freelancers for specific tasks – a SketchUp wizard, someone to help with sourcing, or marketing support. It’s a great way to stay nimble without adding to your overheads.

• Outsource More As You Grow 

  As your business matures, keep shifting the low-level stuff off your plate. The goal is to free yourself up to focus on being the face of your business – and winning great work.

• Think Long-Term 

  Where do you want your business to be in 10 years? If you want to sell it or scale it, that’s going to require strong foundations – contracts, processes, and a clear offer. Long-term vision starts now.

📣 Marketing & Client Attraction 

• Photography Matters 

  People need to see your work. That means professional photos – even if it’s just your own home to start with. A well-dressed room and a decent photographer can work wonders.

• Get Something (Anything) On Your Website 

  Don’t wait for perfection. Pop up some early projects – your parents’ house, a friend’s flat. You can always update it later. But you can’t build trust on an empty site.

• Discretion Can Be a USP 

  Some clients, especially high-net-worth ones, value privacy. Not shouting about their homes on Instagram can actually be a key selling point. Respect it – and use it.

• Don’t Rely on Instagram Alone 

  Yes, Insta is useful – but so is LinkedIn, networking, great testimonials, and being known locally. Diversify your efforts. Don't feel like you have to be across every platform: you need to be on the platforms that will deliver your ideal clients. 

• Start with Strategy, Not Tactics 

  Marketing isn’t just about visibility – it’s about the right visibility. Build your marketing plan from your business strategy. Who are you for, and what matters to them?

• Be Narrow. Be Clear. Be You. 

  The more focused and distinct your message, the more magnetic you become. Consistency across bios, platforms, and offerings helps clients get who you are, fast. It helps them jump down off the fence.

• Network Like It’s Your Job 

  Especially for commercial projects, relationships are everything. Whether it’s drinks at a trade event or a quiet intro from a supplier, keep building those connections.

• Go to Events With a Plan 

  Before you go to that showroom opening or networking evening, decide what a ‘win’ would look like. A handful of email addresses? One great chat? An introduction to someone you are keen to meet? Be intentional. In fact, let's broaden this one out: before every phone call, showroom visit, coffee meeting, before every interaction where you represent your business, think, "What do I want to get from this? How can this help my business take a small step?"

• Build a Mailing List 

  Even if it’s small to start with – get into the habit of collecting email addresses and staying in touch. A friendly, occasional newsletter keeps you on people’s radar.

• People Buy from People 

  Your warmth, trustworthiness and personal style are what often seal the deal. You’re not just designing a room – you’re building a relationship that lasts months (or years). 

 🧠 Mindset & Personal Growth

• Own Your Experience 

  If you’re older, or bringing life experience from another career (or parenthood), that’s not a disadvantage. It’s an asset. You understand how people actually live.

• Learn to Charge with Confidence 

  This one’s hard for lots of us at first. But if you don’t believe in your value, why should a client? Pricing properly is an essential business skill – not a nice-to-have.

• Growth Takes Time 

  Businesses don’t bloom overnight. Be patient with yourself – things take time to root and grow. Build this into your business planning, so you aren't undermined by a slow burn just when you most need to be on your A game. 

• If It Feels Hard, Break It Down 

  Feeling stuck? Keep avoiding an intimidating To Do item? Try to define what’s actually difficult. Is it a lack of info? A scary conversation? A tech thing? Make a granular step-by-step list of how you'll tackle the challenge. Sarah told us that her list might start: 1. Get out pen. 

• Speak As If It’s Happening 

  Instead of saying “I want to be doing more of this,” try “This is what I’m doing now.” The language you use shapes how seriously others (and you!) take you.

• Show Up, Even When It’s Tough 

  Some days you’ll feel like hiding – but staying visible, staying present, and engaging with others is what builds momentum.

• Use Hothouse – Properly 

  This group is for you. Don’t sit on your questions or DM people quietly. Post in the group. Ask for help. Offer support. It’s better for all of us when we share.

As Hothouse continues to grow, I’ve found myself quietly appreciating the calibre of people gathering here. It’s a real privilege to be surrounded by designers who are not only confident and capable, but also generous with their time and ideas. There’s something very grounding about being part of a group where collaboration comes naturally, and where success is shared rather than guarded. We’re lucky, and I don’t take it for granted.

Thank you all :-)