The Business System Behind My 7-Figure Design Firm: Now Yours to Run
Your talent got you this far. I built the Standard to hand you the exact systems, pricing tools, contracts, and client process from my 18 years running my luxury design firm, House of Funk. It’s tested and refined across 1,000+ design firms since, so the business side stops being the thing standing between the work you love and exhilarating profit.
As Seen On...
WHO THIS IS FOR
I’ve watched the Standard change hundreds of designers’ businesses and lives. It’s for you if…
- You’re the CEO, a design badass that knows that design is your calling. You’re building the team and are ready to scale your business. You only want to work with dream clients. You want to make excellent money.
- Maybe you’re tired of all of the different ways of doing business. You’re ready for one tried and true business model that you’ll love and that your clients will too.
- Maybe you’re stuck in the day-to-day tasks. You need systems and processes to get your team running like a well-oiled machine while you’re out landing dream clients.
- Maybe you’re looking for a trusted advisor to give you the step-by-step process. One that’s been tested since I entered the industry in 2001, and by 1,000+ designers.
If any of that resonates, you’re in the right place.
WHO THIS ISN'T FOR
The Standard isn’t for everyone. It’s probably not for you if:
- You’re looking for a shortcut that doesn’t require you to actually implement anything: the templates work because you use them, not because you own them.
- You want someone else to build your business for you: the Standard hands you the exact tools; running the business is still yours to do.
If none of that describes you, you’re in the right place.
BUILT BY SOMEONE WHO'S ACTUALLY DONE IT
18 Years, One 7-Figure Firm, One System I Wish I'd Had Sooner
I spent 18 years building House of Funk into a 7-figure interior design firm. It wasn’t luck, and it wasn’t hustling harder either.
Early on, I was growing fast: a great studio, a growing team, dream clients calling. I was charging a healthy hourly rate with a design fee estimate up front that no one ever really looked at twice. But there was no estimate on furnishings, freight, or tax. My clients had no real idea what the project would actually cost them.
Then three client projects fell apart within a few months. It was a significant chunk of my pipeline at the time. Clients watched the invoices roll in with no context for where it was all headed, and I couldn’t really blame them for walking. I would’ve fired me too.
I found myself curled up in a ball under my desk, swearing I’d either fix how I ran my business or shut it down. So I didn’t take on another project until I rebuilt every piece of it: pricing, contracts, client process, from the ground up.
I paired that rebuild with my finance degree and years spent consulting Fortune 500 companies on business process, and used that training to build the pricing structure, contracts, and client system that took House of Funk from struggling to joy-filled.
I’ve since closed House of Funk’s doors to focus on teaching this system. The Standard is that exact system, refined across 1,000+ design firms since I first shared it outside my own studio.
This isn’t inspiration from someone who figured it out along the way. It’s the system I built because I had to, taught by someone whose actual training is systems.
“The Standard has been life-changing.
I earned the money back with the first proposal that we put out.
REBECCA ROBINSON, MONARCH LANE INTERIOR DESIGN
“What Sandra has built with the Standard is one of the most thoughtful operating frameworks I’ve encountered in the interior design industry. It brings structure and consistency to an area where most firms are still running on tribal knowledge and founder instinct.
The Standard gives firm owners a proven roadmap for client experience, internal operations, and team accountability. Most importantly, it was created by someone who successfully built and led her own award-winning firm.
Sandra is not teaching theory. She is sharing a framework forged through real-world experience.
The Standard represents the kind of operational excellence that helps move our industry forward.”
KATE O’HARA, FOUNDER, LAKE HOUSE GROUP | FORMERLY CEO, O’HARA INTERIORS
Implement it, and here's exactly what I'm handing you:
• A complete interior design process templated for you and your team to use over and over again
• A pricing calculator to price entire projects (fees and budgets) in minutes before you design a thing, which clients love
• An inner circle; full of like-minded designers to swap advice and resources
• A rock solid design agreement that provides the ultimate clarity and assures clients that you’re the trusted expert they need
• Expertly crafted email templates that keep your dream clients referring you to more of the same.
• A thriving design business with a complete system that will leave you with balance (yes, you can also have a life), financial abundance and joy
What a few of our amazing members have to say…
“The Standard ended up being the best investment I made in me and my company. It was a life-changing experience…
When I first heard about the Standard, I was hesitant due to the monetary investment.
I didn’t have processes in place and was just winging it. I decided it was a necessary investment if I wanted to level up.
I am a different designer thanks to the program.
The Interior Design Standard gave me the systems and processes to efficiently run my business. Clients not only love my work, but they appreciate the new level of communication I’m able to offer to them.
My referrals and repeat clients have doubled since implementing the processes from the Standard.
Thanks to a full pipeline, I went from being a one-woman show to having a devoted team of six.
Sandra goes above and beyond in the Standard by providing so much priceless value. She is not just an expert in the field but also has a gift for sharing that knowledge in an easy-to-understand, actionable way!”
TIFFANY WHITE, MIDCITY DESIGN GROUP
“Once I had the foundation of understanding why it all works together, I was soaring, making money and no longer stressing about the little things…
Prior to enrolling in the Standard, I was really struggling to find an hourly rate that would actually cover my expenses and my time.
The systems and processes that I have in place now save me time, keep me profitable, make clients happy and give me design freedom.
The Standard has increased my profitability so much so that I’m going before a board review for a prime studio space on a corner lot in a gorgeous walking village. It never ever would have happened prior to making this investment in me and my business.”
MELINDA KANN, MELINDA K DESIGN
“I recouped the cost of the program with the very first contract I put through the Standard systems…
Before enrolling in the Standard, I didn’t feel prepared to take on luxury clients.
I needed the Standard systems to fill in the gaps that I had in my existing process. The detail that is given is like nothing I have ever seen.
There are a ton of programs out there “promising” results but end up being a bunch of fluff. I can assure you, the Standard is not that. Sandra shares the exact templates and processes she uses in her business.
My processes are buttoned up, I feel confident in my pricing structure and contracts, and I have the tools to serve my dream, high-paying clients. Clients are thrilled to have everything upfront (pricing, contracts, etc.) and fully trust me to execute their project.”
ERIN HAUGERUD, EH DESIGN
WHAT'S INSIDE THE INTERIOR DESIGN STANDARD?
The exact system that’s generated millions in design revenue across 1,000+ firms. Every template, process, and strategy I perfected over 18 years at House of Funk, ready to plug directly into your business.
Module 1: MASTER THE TECH TO CATAPULT AHEAD
Master the tech that’s necessary to run your dream design business from the outset. In this module, I share what tech I used and how I used each one in my own design firm for ultimate efficiency and organization (hello, profitability).
Module Highlights:
- Optimize workflow and communication with technology
- Increase profits by cutting time spent on sourcing in half
"The Standard walks through how to run a design business well AND it offers up the specific tools and order of events for implementation."
Elizabeth Ryan,
Elizabeth Ryan Interiors, LLC
Module 2: CONFIDENTLY PRICE YOUR SERVICES FOR DREAM CLIENTS
Discover what it feels like to have total confidence in your pricing. I’ll share my secret weapon for delighted clients and a financially thriving business. It’s an all-encompassing process for pricing projects, how to position the fee to clients, when to take payment, how to handle an increase in scope and so much more.
Module Highlights:
- Price your projects in minutes with the flat fee calculator
- Become the trusted design expert clients are looking for with the design agreement and sales presentation
- Learn how to take control over your finances that will ensure you’re pricing your services for profits
"The Standard is a true game-changer. I have the confidence to charge my worth by calculating my flat fee AND estimated furnishings costs for my clients' projects upfront. It takes away ALL the stress by setting those budgets before I start the design process."
Kristi Paterson,
Grace Hill Design
Module 3: CLOSING THE SALE WITH YOUR NEXT DREAM CLIENT
Shift from taking on projects that don’t light you up, to only signing dream clients (with dream budgets). From the initial inquiry to closing the deal, I’ll walk you through my exact process for landing dream projects.
Module Highlights:
- Strategic methods for vetting potential clients to ensure that you’re filling your pipeline with profitable projects
- Step-by-step potential client process to provide your dream clients with a 5-star experience
- Key data points to track (and how to track them) to help you keep an eye on what works and what doesn’t work when signing your dream clients
"The potential client process filters out tire kickers and gets clients agreeing to fees and budgets right out of the gate."
Charmaine White,
The White House Interiors
Module 4: SCALE WITH STREAMLINED PROCESSES
Set yourself up for success by providing a 5-star experience with streamlined systems that will ‘wow’ your clients, use their time efficiently, communicate with absolute consistency and leave no balances due. Take the turnkey process I created at House of Funk and download it right into your business.
Module Highlights:
- Step-by-step design process (from the potential client call all the way through photography) creating a design process puts your client experience first, so that they know what to expect
- Client email drafts for every step of the process
- Procurement templates (from requesting quotes to client proposals)
"We are becoming more efficient and more profitable with every job thanks to the Standard."
Jordan Arnt,
Sibbing and Gray Interiors
Module 5: IMPROVE YOUR BUYING POWER & TRADE RELATIONSHIPS
When you think of vendors and trades as your extended business family, you develop wonderful relationships. I’ll dive into how to establish and maintain trade partnerships and how to negotiate deeper discounts with your vendors.
Module Highlights:
- How to secure deeper discounts with vendors and increase buying power
- Trade agreement that outlines a professional working relationship
- Project site guidelines to ensure everyone’s performing to the Standards you expect for your client
"It would have taken me years and many mistakes to build the processes that are given to us in the Standard!"
Kathy Waite,
Kathy Waite Interior Design
Module 6: DEVELOP YOUR DREAM TEAM
Growing your dream business may include a dream team. Get out of the weeds and focus on CEO-level tasks by implementing done-for-you HR resources.
Module Highlights:
- Set a high level of Standards with your team with employee handbooks, agreements and more
- No longer hesitate about who should do what
- Measure employee performance and satisfaction using the employee review templates
“Since beginning the Standard, my stress has been cut in half and I can actually focus on designing for my clients and marketing to bring in more work!”
Kirsten White,
Hart White Interiors
INTERIOR DESIGN STANDARD
Your Success Story Starts Here
$5,000
Complete program | Lifetime access | Expert support
Payment plan available via Klarna, personalized to you and as low as $444/month
Try it for 10 days. If it’s not right for you, you get every penny back. No questions, no hoops, no hassle.
The Community
Access to the private Interior Design Standard Community for Members Only: an active, highly supportive Facebook community with fellow Standard members to help you keep up your momentum.
- Live executive sessions with me to check in on your progress and implementation
- A place to connect and collaborate with other serious design entrepreneurs – all using the same Standards
THREE EXPERT LESSONS
I brought in three of the industry’s most respected experts to teach lessons you won’t find anywhere else.
Budgeting for Profit
Turn Your Numbers into Cash with Peter Lang of The Designer CPA
Closing the Sale
Every. Single. Time. with LuAnn Nigara of A Well-Designed Business®
Automation for Success
Let Automation Do the Work with Nicole Heymer of Glory & Brand
• 6 Comprehensive Modules
Showing you everything you’ll need to do to take your business from surviving to thriving
• Editable Process Templates
Because I know you don't have time to document Every. Single. Process. in your business, but that's what it takes to truly soar
• Editable Contracts
Because I've already figured this out at House of Funk, why should you reinvent the wheel?
• Access to the Inner Circle
Full of like-minded designers to swap advice and resources
• 9 CEUs
9 CEUs through IDCEC, toward your professional growth and business transformation.WHEN YOU ENROLL, YOU GET
You’ll have lifetime access, so digest and implement at your own pace.
I’m here for you, every step of the way.
Try the Standard for 10 days. If it’s not right for you, email me before day 10 and you’ll get every penny back. No questions, no hoops, no hassle.
STILL THINKING ABOUT IT?
You started your design business with a vision: creative fulfillment, financial freedom, and a life you love.
I know that feeling. I’ve been there, invoices rolling in with no real plan behind them, wondering if I’d built a business or a very expensive hobby. Maybe for you it’s inconsistent revenue, the admin pile-up, or feeling like you’re always figuring it out as you go.
I built the Standard to give you everything I wish I’d had: the profitable, systematic business you originally envisioned, one that supports your creativity and your life, not just your clients’.
FAQs
Will the Standard help me sign clients?
If your dream client called you tomorrow, are you ready? Is your business set up to give them the best possible experience? The Standard will prepare you to take on the big projects and see them through to completion beautifully.
After implementing the Standard, you’ll be able to approach your dream clients with newfound confidence and process, sure to wow them and instill their trust in you. Many members find that the first clients they sign after implementing the Standard are their dream clients.
One of the best marketing tools is an excellent portfolio. That comes from completed design projects. And, that comes from a design process that leaves no stone left unturned. My step-by-step process to completing design projects is the crux of the Standard. We change the game. Complete rooms, down to art and accessories and excellent photography are a given, not a hope.
“I signed three full-service design clients this week! Thank you for teaching me ‘the way’ through the Standard!” Elana Mendelson, Elana Designs, LLC
When will I get access to the modules?
You will gain access to the Standard as soon as you enroll.
“Sandra’s clear, real-people-speak and content dives right to the heart of it all, outlining the most logical process I could have asked for (if I even knew the right questions to ask!).” Jennifer O’Brien, Jenn O’Brien Interiors
Once I’ve purchased the program, how long do I have to implement?
You’ll have lifetime access so you can implement at your own pace. You’ll have ALL the information to reference and go back to – it even serves as a great training for new employees. you’ll be given a ton of notice to download the content (see Terms of Use).
The Interior Design Standard is the only program in the industry that gives you all the tried and true, tested and fully flushed out templates to run an incredible interior design business.
What makes the Standard the ONE to do?
The Interior Design Standard is the only business system created by a designer who built her own 7-figure firm and paired that experience with a finance degree and background in business process consulting for Fortune 500 companies. Every lesson, template, and process has been tested, refined, and proven in a thriving design business. The Standard distills years of trial, error, and strategy into an incredibly detailed yet easy to understand roadmap for exactly how to run a profitable, joyful interior design firm.
“This program was equivalent to an MBA! Especially for someone like me – who left the corporate world behind to follow her passion and going back to school for design was not feasible but believed in her talent – this course filled in all the missing pieces for all the questions I had. And all the templates and calculators and contracts ARE PRICELESS!”
Rydhima Brar, R/Terior Studio
What if I can’t afford the Standard? Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. In check out, you’ll see options to pay in full or to set up a payment plan through Klarna, personalized to you and as low as $444/month. If that doesn’t work for you, you can set up a monthly savings and join us when you’re ready. Some members also use a business loan, line of credit, or business credit card to finance their investment and catapult their earning power today instead of waiting.
If your DREAM client walked into your office today, are you ready?
You have amazing talent and vision. Let’s build the systematic, profitable business that showcases your gifts and gives you the professional success you deserve.
The Interior Design Standard is the fast track to having your firm in “Dream Client” shape.
If you’re dedicated to your craft, you owe it to yourself to invest in yourself and your business.
You deserve financial abundance without sacrificing your creativity. Let’s all rise up together to create a greater respect and a new Standard for the entire interior design industry.
When you join me, along with the 1,000+ designers who have chosen to invest in themselves, the next few months will change your business… and improve your life. I’ve seen it over and over, and I want this for you too.
I look forward to meeting you inside.
Sandra Funk,
Founder, Interior Design Standard
