Something we like to focus on here at Design News Now is the career transitions and expansions of interior designers. We admire those who push their entrepreneurial and creative limits and New Jersey-based Allison Handler is one such designer whose career evolution feels organic and inevitable, even if it didn’t always feel that way while she was living it.
Allison Handler’s transition from fashion merchandiser to flourishing interior designer is a masterclass in how skills from one creative field can be successfully applied to another. As a fashion merchandiser, she was always focused on what sells, laying the groundwork for her thriving interior design career. As any working designer knows, merging creative intuition with business acumen, is paramount for success in high-end design. You must be able to make strategic, financially sound decisions without compromising on artistic vision.
This week on Disruptive Design, interior designer Allison Handler shares with us how she balances creativity with client relationships. She shares her favorite suppliers, pricing strategies and top tips for building client trust. Click play on the video below to watch the discussion or read on for the highlights:
Offering flexible pricing models
Allison offers a flexible pricing strategy including both hourly and flat-fee options, depending on the scope of the project. For larger projects, she finds that hourly rates are more practical, but she also offers a flat-fee structure for clients who prefer a more predictable investment.
Building client trust means making them feel comfortable, first and foremost. Allison uses hourly packages with a retainer to provide transparency, helping clients understand exactly how much time and money the project will require.
Clear communication and transparency are essential for Allison when it comes to pricing and project expectations. She ensures that clients understand the time commitment and investment involved upfront, helping to avoid any surprises later in the process. Educating the potential clients on the amount of time that goes into designing their home is one of the major hurdles designers continue to face and tediously tracking one’s hours can arm the designer with more data to present as well.
Whether using hourly or flat-fee pricing, she always sets realistic expectations about what the project will entail. This honesty and transparency help build trust with clients and contribute to the overall success of the project.
Client and builder relationships are critical
Handler discusses the important of strong relationships not only with clients but also with builders. While she’s been fortunate to work with clients who trust her creative vision, she has faced challenges with builders who may not be as comfortable working alongside designers.
Through these experiences, she learned that setting clear boundaries and expectations upfront is essential for smooth collaboration. Allison also stresses that the quality of communication from builders is pivotal to achieving a successful design, no matter how talented they are.
The designer’s job in custom creations
Knowing how to customize is what sets designers apart from the general consumer with taste and access. While Handler often sources retail pieces, she prioritizes finding options that can be customized in some capacity.
This approach allows her to create spaces that feel bespoke without the high costs of entirely custom-designed furnishings. For both designers and manufacturers, offering customization options can set a product apart and meet the growing demand for personalized luxury.
Vetting suppliers and vendors
Allison has built strong relationships with a select group of trusted suppliers and vendors that provide high-quality, customizable products. Her go-to brands include Vanguard for upholstery, Made Goods for case goods, and Arteriors and Hudson Valley Lighting for lighting.
Handler’s vendor choices reflect her focus on sourcing the best products that align with her design vision, while also considering budget, customization options, and timely delivery—key elements that any designer or manufacturer should prioritize.
Trusting the designer’s vision
For Handler, the most rewarding projects are those where clients trust her to make bold design decisions. When clients give her creative freedom, she’s able to push boundaries and deliver unique, impactful spaces that truly reflect their personalities.
Trusting the designer’s vision allows for more daring design choices and leads to truly distinctive results, something that, Handler emphasizes is especially important when working in the luxury space. To see more of Allison Handler’s work, visit her online.
