5 Common Studio Bottlenecks and How to Fix Them
Running an interior design studio can be very rewarding, but operational inefficiencies can quickly eat away at your time and productivity. Whether you’re a solo designer or managing a small team, identifying and addressing bottlenecks is essential to running a smooth operation.
Here are the five most common studio bottlenecks and actionable tips to fix them.
1. Disorganized Client Communication
When emails, texts, and phone calls come in from multiple channels, keeping track of client updates can feel chaotic. This often leads to missed details, delays, or duplicating efforts.
How to Fix It:
Use a centralized communication platform like Slack or Trello to keep all project-related discussions in one place.
Set expectations with clients about where and how they should communicate with you (e.g., only via email or a project management tool).
Create email templates for common updates or requests to save time.
2. Inefficient File Organization
Scrambling to find the right files can waste valuable time. Poor organization of client contracts, design plans, and supplier invoices creates stress and delays.
How to Fix It:
Implement a consistent folder structure, such as "[Client Name] > [Project Name] > [Documents/Drawings/Inspiration]."
Use cloud storage solutions like Google Drive or Dropbox to access files anywhere.
Regularly archive completed projects to keep your active folders clean and manageable.
3. Manual and Repetitive Tasks
Tasks like invoicing, scheduling meetings, or collecting feedback can eat up hours of your week if done manually.
How to Fix It:
Automate repetitive tasks
Batch similar tasks, such as replying to all emails or processing invoices in a single time block.
4. Lack of a Clear Workflow
Without a defined process for managing projects, it’s easy to lose track of deadlines, milestones, and deliverables.
How to Fix It:
Map out your project workflow from onboarding to project completion. Include all major steps and decision points.
Share your workflow with your team or clients so everyone is aligned.
5. Unclear Roles and Responsibilities
When team members are unsure of their roles, tasks can slip through the cracks or be duplicated.
How to Fix It:
Clearly define who is responsible for each stage of a project.
Use a responsibility chart like the RACI matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed).
Regularly review team processes and adjust responsibilities as needed.
By identifying and addressing these common bottlenecks, you can create a more efficient, productive, and stress-free studio environment. Start with small, manageable changes and build from there. Remember, streamlined operations don’t just save time—they also give you more space to focus on the creative work you love.
Here is how MTTD can help with your systems and processes.
Listen to our podcast The Design Dialogues Podcast where we talk each week about how to run a successful interior design business
Learn with our The Process courses which take you set by step through what to do to run a successful interior design project.
Book a Health Check to have Beth personally look over your business systems and processes.
Use MTTD, the tool designed by Beth Bieske (interior designer + general manager) to run your interior design studio