Hey Lovely!

This week, as I shared on my social feed, there’s been a viral reel circulating about the cost of furnishing a 5,000+ sq/ft home. I’ve had a lot of DMs, texts, and emails from you asking the same thing

And I know the honest answer isn’t necessarily what you were hoping to hear.

Because if you’ve been pulled into that conversation by a client, online, or even in your own head; I want to ground you in what actually matters.

This isn’t about a number.

It’s about how you lead.

Large-scale projects don’t start with square footage or budgets or Pinterest boards full of marble kitchens. They start way earlier than that. They start with systems that can hold complexity without collapsing. They start with processes that don’t rely on memory, heroics, or you personally being available every second of the day.

And they absolutely start with a client experience that is so clear, so structured, and so well-held that clients feel guided not overwhelmed through every decision.

The designers who can confidently take on work at this level aren’t just “good at design.” They’ve built businesses that can actually support the design work.

Because here’s the part that often gets skipped in these viral conversations: scale doesn’t create chaos; lack of structure does.

If you don’t have your workflow mapped, your onboarding tight, your communication expectations set, and your project phases clearly defined, even a “small” project can feel like too much. On the other hand, when those things are in place, a large home becomes less about pressure and more about process.

So if this topic has stirred something up for you, don’t rush to chase bigger projects.

Instead, look at what would need to be true in your business to hold bigger projects well.

That’s where the real growth is.

Because this isn’t about a number. It’s about how you lead.

Let’s get into it.

Tips, Tools & Takeaways for Designers

3 Ways to Streamline Your Business This Week ✅ Your systems need to support volume; not just creativity project of this size means hundreds of decisions, orders, emails, and moving parts. If you’re still piecing things together as you go, things will fall through the cracks. You need: A clear project management system Organized procurement tracking Centralized communication This is what creates calm behind the scenes. ✅ Your process should answer questions before they’re asked Large-scale clients expect a seamless experience. Not constant back-and-forth. Not confusion around what’s next. From inquiry to install, your process should feel clear, intentional, and repeatable. Think: Defined phases Clear deliverables Set communication rhythms This is what builds trust and keeps projects moving. ✅Your client experience needs to match the level of investment These clients aren’t just paying for design. They’re paying for leadership. For clarity. For a sense that they are taken care of. Every touchpoint matters: How you onboard How you present How you communicate delays or changes This is where you elevate from “designer” to “trusted guide.”

2 Resources 📌 Your workflow (mapped start to finish) If you can’t clearly map your process from inquiry to install, that’s your starting point. Where are the gaps? Where are you reinventing the wheel each time? Clarity here changes everything. 📌 Your communication templates You should not be rewriting emails for: Proposals Delays Budget updates Next steps Templates create consistency and save you hours of mental load.

1 Question for You 🤔 If a 5,000 sq/ft project landed in your inbox tomorrow…would your business support it with ease or would it expose the cracks? Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to offer support! Or send me a question and I'll answer it in next week's newsletter!

What I’m Sharing + Where I’ll Be Next

I’ll be stepping into a few conversations this season that are very close to my heart. I am hosting two webinars: Leadership in Design on May 13 and Money Matters June 11 at 1PM EST. You can register for one or both here.

Stay tuned as I will be a guest on a brand new podcast mid month. I'll share more details in a future email. And last but not least, I will be a guest speaker in the 19 Hours Conference on May 28th, 11 AM EST. I'll be sharing those details soon as well. If you’re navigating growth in your design business, I’d love to have you in the room.

Here’s to more ease, balance, and joy in your business and life! 💛

Warmly,​
Marsha