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Unbillable Hours

Timothy Murenzi 42 Episodes Apr 10, 2026

Every designer has hours they can't bill for but can't afford to skip—pricing, finances, hiring, scaling, and protecting margins. Hosted by the team behind Indema, this show delivers practical, no-fluff business insights for interior designers and firm owners. Each episode covers strategy, operations, client management, and financial literacy with actionable takeaways. It also aims to help those entering the design industry and building their businesses. The podcast includes bonus content and resources through its Insider subscription, much of it free.

Episodes

EP43: Your Dream Clients Apr 10, 2026 00:13:23 The episode discusses the impact of chasing dream clients on business profitability and project pipeline. It emphasizes the importance of redefining the concept of dream clients and choosing clients based on data and strategy rather than aspiration. The comparison of project scenarios highlights the significance of profitability over aspiration in client selection.TakeawaysDream clients can ruin b

EP42: The Hourly Billing Trap Feb 26, 2026 00:19:55 You got into design because you love creating beautiful spaces — not because you love tracking time in 15-minute increments. But somewhere along the way, hourly billing became the default. And it's quietly draining your energy, your income, and your confidence. Free Resource:📄 Profit Margin Cheat Sheet — Industry benchmarks, margin formulas, the Profit-First Pricing Framework, and red-flag indicat

028: Contractors, Vetting + Docs. Jul 29, 2021 00:18:36 Timothy talks about his process for vetting contractors, submitting plans to the city and contractors, and also how to even find them! Be sure to check out indema.co, all in one business and project management platform for designers. Have a burning question? Timothy@TheIDConsultant.com This podcast is sponsored by indema.co, the leading provider of innovative software solutions for businesses.

017: Starting your Interior Design Business Oct 21, 2019 00:19:45 017: Starting your Interior Design Business by Timothy Murenzi

004: Are You Calculating Your Margins Correctly? Jan 29, 2019 00:25:39 So many designers are losing money by calculating their margins incorrectly! Hint: It's not taking a wholesale number and multiplying it by .30 for 30%... Timothy teaches you how to make more profit in your design business.

008: What to Charge Your Clients? Apr 17, 2019 00:15:20 Timothy dives into how to charge your design clients and what factors should go into the total amount. Got a burning question? Email Timothy@Theidconsultant.com

003: The Process of Designing Spaces Jan 13, 2019 00:25:53 The process of interior design varies from firm to firm. I share my process that I have perfected for the last 8 years, and share how I go from consultation to a successful design.

032: What the F* do I charge my clients? Apr 4, 2022 00:11:20 Timothy talks about what to charge your clients. Spoiler: he tells you NOT to listen to others, but shows you HOW to try and figure this out, for yourself! This podcast is sponsored by indema.co, the leading provider of innovative software solutions for businesses. Upgrade your operations with their cutting-edge suite of tools, including CRM, project management, and so much more! Experience seaml

023: Announcing INDEMA. Jul 14, 2020 00:24:43 Timothy announces the planning and development of Idema. Indema is a full-service project management platform FOR designers. Lifetime deal for $99 or $149 on the site! Limited time only (before launch). UPDATE - 09/21/2020 - - WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING BETA TESTERS AND NO LONGER OFFERING THE LIFETIME DEAL. Beta testers needed: Email Timothy@TheIDConsultant.com Check out the site: Indema.co

EP38: It's A Slow Season. Get More Clients! Sep 5, 2023 00:14:31 In this episode, Timothy talks about 3 strategies to get more clients during a slow season! Also; the announcement of our very first (and currently only in the industry!) Interior Designer Accelerator program! Head over to indema.co/accelerator to apply. Got a burning question? Timothy@indema.co Timothy@Murenzi.co Kate the socialite: https://www.katethesocialite.com With love!

EP34: Accountability Apr 27, 2023 00:15:35 In this episode, Timothy talks about the steps to introducing accountability in your firm. From his own personal story about how the lack of accountability can truly hinder your firms process and even your client relationship, to helping you with the actionable steps you can take TODAY to really change the way you and your team approach accountability. This podcast is sponsored by indema.co, the

027: Fearless Feedback. Mar 8, 2021 00:17:49 Tim chats about being fearless when providing feedback but also talks about how to handle feedback given to you. Ending with a story about his recent backlash on feedback he provided a decorator. Have a burning question? Timothy@TheIDConsultant.com Check out Indema.co - Business and project management for interior designers~ New release: Quickbooks, Web Clipper and so much more coming! This pod

007: The Tools I Use As A Designer. Feb 28, 2019 00:20:35 Timothy chats about what tools he uses to be successful with not only his designing but business.

009: 10 Challenges Designers Face! Apr 24, 2019 00:10:31 Timothy talks about the 10 challenges he faces as a designer and how to overcome them. Challenges such as time management, budgeting, and even personal time to name a few! Got a burning question? Email Timothy@Theidconsultant.com Namaste!

016: Let's Talk Social Media... Sep 13, 2019 00:13:59 016: Let's Talk Social Media... by Timothy Murenzi

024: Pros and Cons of Being A Designer Jul 30, 2020 00:17:15 Howdy! Timothy talks about the pros and cons of being an interior designer! You would probably agree with Con #1! Check out Tim's newest platform: INDEMA.CO- A full service platform to help designers manage their interior design business. Pre-launch happening save BIGGG! Timothy@Theidconsultant.com Hello@Indema.co This podcast is sponsored by indema.co, the leading provider of innovative softw

014: Passion Jul 8, 2019 00:13:37 014: Passion by Timothy Murenzi

013: 10 Best business practices for Interior Designers. Jun 27, 2019 00:14:47 013: 10 Best business practices for Interior Designers. by Timothy Murenzi

EP39: The Client Discovery Call Chronicles Nov 20, 2023 00:11:33 In this episode, Timothy talks about how you can identify a problem client even before it gets to the consultation! Sponsored by indema.co: The premier platform for successful designers. Check out indema 4.0 releasing soon! Have a burning question? Timothy@indema.co

019: Managing Costs + Keeping The Cash Flowing! Jan 21, 2020 00:11:47 Timothy discusses managing your costs and keeping the cash flowing! Have a burning question? Email Tim at Timothy@theidconsultant.com. Pick up the designer toolkit here: https://bit.ly/2GbQOUJ

022: E-Designing with COVID. The process. Jul 10, 2020 00:16:54 Timothy dives into his process of E-Designing curing COVID and how the design process looks from his side. For beta testers please send email with subject "Beta" to Timothy@Theidconsultant.com For any other questions feel free to email as well!

021: COVID19 + How We Manage Remote Work Mar 23, 2020 00:09:37 It's a hard time right now for us all. Timothy talks about how he is managing his design firm during this difficult time.

006: What's in My Contract?! A deep look into the design agreement. Feb 18, 2019 00:18:29 Hello! This episode we go through Timothy's contract that he uses for his projects! You'll get a deep look into each of the articles and a little bit of explanation as to why that clause is in the agreement! Also: The online store is finally up and running! Check it out, and download the documents we chat about on the podcast. Namaste! Reference: Legalshield.com Email: Timothy@Theidconsultant.

029: The Client Welcome Packet Aug 6, 2021 00:12:20 Whats in your client welcome packet?! This podcast is sponsored by indema.co, the leading provider of innovative software solutions for businesses. Upgrade your operations with their cutting-edge suite of tools, including CRM, project management, and so much more! Experience seamless collaboration, automation, and valuable insights. Don't settle for outdated systems—visit indema.co/demo to sched

020: E-Design. Is it for you?! Feb 7, 2020 00:12:02 Timothy digs into what E-Design is and if it's right for you. Got a burning question? Email me! Timothy@theidconsultant.com Get the designer toolkit here: https://bit.ly/3898RaC

031: Lead Process - Happy 2022! What's new. Jan 6, 2022 00:19:41 Timothy talks shortly about the new biggest features of indema, and the rest of the episode is about the Lead process! Next up: The design process. Reach out: Timothy@theIdconsultant.com Happy 2022! This podcast is sponsored by indema.co, the leading provider of innovative software solutions for businesses. Upgrade your operations with their cutting-edge suite of tools, including CRM, project

002: My #1 Tool in My Arsenal Oct 29, 2018 00:15:42 My number 1 tool in my design arsenal is my 20+ page e-book. I dig into what goes into the book and why I include the free e-book as a sales tool to prospective clients. Hint: I close 98% of projects that I give this book to! Want a copy? Visit Theidconsultant.com and click on store. It's in there for you to download! Enjoy!

011: The Complete Designer Toolkit. May 3, 2019 00:03:20 Why hello! Timothy released the Complete Designer Toolkit today on the store! Packed with a ton of info and tools to help you succeed as a designer. Link to the product: http://www.theidconsultant.com/product/complete-designer-toolkit/ Got a burning question? Email Timothy@theidconsultant.com

EP40: Aesthetics over functionality. Aug 28, 2024 00:10:38 In this episode, we talk about aesthetics over functionality when deciding on a business and project management platform such as indema (getindema.com). indema is the industry's leading business and project management tool for designers, general contractors and even interior decorators. But, aesthetics are not just the only deciding factor. Let's dive into why aesthetics should be lower on the g

EP36: My Favorite Contract Clauses. Jun 30, 2023 00:11:22 Timothy talks about his top 5 favorite contract clauses. This is just educational and NOT legal advice. Always consult a lawyer. This episode is sponsored by indema.co. The interior design industries favorite project and business management platform! Also; be sure to check out thedesignershub.co. The design industries FIRST exclusive directory of trade professionals for interior design boss ba

025: Designing + COVID Jan 19, 2021 00:10:57 Timothy digs into how he's changed his design firm to cope with COVID. check out the new uploads on the store at TheIDConsultant.com. Check out indema.co - a platform to help designers manage their business and projects! Have a burning question: Timothy@theidconsultant.com This podcast is sponsored by indema.co, the leading provider of innovative software solutions for businesses. Upgrade yo

010: Finding Quality Vendors. May 2, 2019 00:25:19 Building a relationship with a vendor is one of the most time-consuming things a designer can do. Timothy talks about how to find quality vendors and what steps to take to build that lasting relationship.

026: Business Poach - Not Coach. Feb 11, 2021 00:12:13 Timothy talks about the 5 things to look out for to track down a bad business coach. There are way too many in our industry who have never been a designer! Need help: Timothy@TheIDConsultant.com Facebook: /IDManagement This podcast is sponsored by indema.co, the leading provider of innovative software solutions for businesses. Upgrade your operations with their cutting-edge suite of tools, incl

012: Becoming A Transparent Company Jun 20, 2019 00:28:42 Timothy talks about becoming a transparent company within the design world. What this means, and what information does he give up to his clients? Listen in! Want a copy of all the transparency categories Tim talks about? Check the store first at TheIDConsultant.com, and if not available on the store please feel free to email him at Timothy@theidconsultant.com. Please subscript and feel free to

005: Photographing your projects! Guest speaker: Stephen Hicks Feb 1, 2019 00:22:53 Our guest speaker Stephen is a professional photographer. We chat about tips to make your projects stand out in your photos! Stephen's Website: Jay-studios.com Stephen's Email: Stephen@Jay-studios.com

030: Scope of work + What you should include! Aug 16, 2021 00:13:36 Timothy talks scope of work. What is in it, how to structure it, the details of it, and so on! Check out Designercircle.co, exclusive community for interior designers! Check out indema.co, unified platform for interior designers. Burning question? Timothy@TheIDConsultant.com This podcast is sponsored by indema.co, the leading provider of innovative software solutions for businesses. Upgrade

018: Setting Expectations. The right Way! Nov 18, 2019 00:13:56 Timothy chats about setting the right expectations for your clients! DO IT. We chat about why it's important to set those expectations. Got a burning question? Timothy@TheIDConsultant.com. Hit me up, Ask away! Check out the E-book on the site and the complete designer toolkit on sale for $99!

EP33: I'm BACK! Apr 24, 2023 00:04:47 Timothy is BACK! Just a quick update that I am back! This podcast is sponsored by indema.co, the leading provider of innovative software solutions for businesses. Upgrade your operations with their cutting-edge suite of tools, including CRM, project management, and so much more! Experience seamless collaboration, automation, and valuable insights. Don't settle for outdated systems—visit indema.c

EP41: Welcome to Unbillable Hours Feb 13, 2026 00:23:48 Episode 41: Welcome to Unbillable Hours — We're Back, and We Brought Receipts It's been a while. We know. But we didn't disappear — we went to work. In this episode, we're coming back with full transparency about where we've been, what we've been building, and where everything is headed. Consider this our re-introduction. Here's what we cover: A New Name, Same Mission — The podcast is officially

EP37: Getting The Creative + Business Balance Jul 11, 2023 00:07:54 In this episode, timothy talks about how to balance the business of design with the creative side of design. Interior design is 80% (Arguably!) business related, whereas only 20% is designing. how can you balance this to make sure you arent feeling overwhelmed? Let's talk about it! Podcast episode is sponsored by indema.co, the design industry's best business and project management platform. Be

015: Dealing With All Sorts Of Crazy Aug 13, 2019 00:08:30 Timothy talks about difficult clients and how to handle certain situations. Got a burning question? Email Timothy: Timothy@Theidconsultant.com. Namaste!

EP35: Artificial Intelligence Taking Over?! I Think Not. Jun 7, 2023 00:09:10 In this episode, Timothy talks about his thoughts on AI, and how it's not going to take over our industry. Burning question?! Timothy@Murenzi.Co Timothy@Indema.co Sponsored by: The Designers Hub (thedesignershub.co) At The Designers Hub, connecting with professionals to help grow your design firm is easy. Browse our directory to contact pros directly, or post a project to receive multiple off

Unbillable Hours

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