Polishing our systems and processes is one of the more transformative things I have done for this business. Not only does it help us present a seamless, professional front to our clients, but it makes the day-to-day tasks simpler, easier, and more organized. Here are three of our absolute must-haves, plus a list of honorable mentions.
Photos by Public 311 Design
Studio Designer
This designer-specific accounting software program is our main invoicing tool for our clients that also helps us handle digital project management and product sourcing.
We use it for:
Our product catalog Storing and organizing inspirational clippings from websites Building proposals to clients Ordering direct to reps FFE schedule and reports Invoicing and time billing Tearsheets Line item approval by clients
Why I love it:
The accounting is the most detailed that I have found, making our reports more accurate.
The reports are so detailed, we know the margins for each project exactly, and we can allocate the revenue into any category we choose.
The software is based off items instead of documents such as proposals, invoices, etc., so it's easier to manipulate items without messing with a document.
Learn more: Studio Designer
Slack
Slack is a communications platform that is more secure than email. Conversations are categorized by topics (and are searchable!) and when a user is added to a thread, they can see the entire previous discussion.
We use it for:
All digital internal communications (we have team members in two states) Keeping our inboxes clear for communication with clients and vendors
Why I love it:
Every project gets a channel and we can keep track of conversation, items, to-do's, ideas, etc.
It's a great way to stay organized within your team (and you can loop-in team members at other companies, too).
It's very easy to use either on a desktop or mobile device.
Learn more: Slack
Dubsado
This program is our main client management software for client on/off boarding and design process. Everything is fully customizable so everything we send through the platform is seamlessly branded with our logos, fonts, and colors.
We use it for:
Branded emails (which are stored and can be accessed later) Client Inquiry forms (it tracks incoming inquiries for us - amazing!) Questionnaires Client communications Call logs Contracts Design proofs and approvals Client portals
Why I love it:
It helps us look super-professional and cohesive by using our own branding on everything that we send out.
It organizes and stores everything in one place so that it's simple for us or the client to look back.
It includes an internal schedule and calendar.
Learn more: Dubsado
Other software systems we use and couldn't live without: Auto Cad - a design and drafting application Photoshop - for creating Client Presentations Asana - for tracking tasks across team members Google Drive - for storing and organizing imagery Canva - for creating graphics and other visual content
I whole-heartedly believe in the power of lifting others, even as I climb along my own journey. One of the main avenues for that is Studio Sessions, four mastermind courses where I share all the expertise and experience I gained along the way. Another is Design Camp, an immersive networking experience and strategic retreat for interior designers that I co-lead with industry guru (and my work wife!) Anastasia Casey of The Identitié Collective and IDCO.
As always, please get in touch if you'd like to know more, and be sure you are following us on Instagram.
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