It can be overwhelming to find the best software for interior designers. There is a learning curve to each software, which often acts as a deterrent for creative business owners. But running a small business requires streamlined processes. You can save hours a week by implementing the best software for interior designers. With proper implementation, these processes can even replace the need for additional staffing.
Design by IDCO client Ashley Davidson Design
We spoke with experienced interior designers from around the country, researched extensively, and had personal demos from more than five software companies. We’ve narrowed the list to the two key softwares you need for a thriving interior design business.
This post is not sponsored in any way, nor are we provided any free services. We wanted our recommendations to be as candid and genuine as possible. Every business has it’s own needs and every business owner works differently. We selected these options because of their ability to be customized to each individual business. Not only can you customize the look and design of the software, but the functionality as well.
Design by IDCO client Lindsey Brooke Design. Photography by Amy Bartlam.
Also noteworthy, only one of these softwares is dedicated exclusively to interior designers. Whether you’re a graphic designer, web developer or copywriter, the other softwares will serve your business incredibly. Without further delay – here are our findings:
Design by IDCO client Decorotation.
We have been using Dubsado at IDCO for over two years now and we will never be able to sing its praises enough. For all creative businesses, Dubsado will work be your operations work horse. From the moment a client inquires with you to the final deliverables, Dubsado will manage each step of the process – most with complete automation.
But what makes Dubsado stand out in a sea of client management software is the unparalleled customer service. As an active, but not very needy Dubsado client, we feel like we know each member of their team personally. No question goes unanswered for more than a few hours (usually less than 10 minutes!) and their commitment to your success is awe inspiring.
Design by IDCO client Banner Day.
To be fair, this is an extremely abbreviated list. The software is so incredibly robust, you can customize it to act as a full-time operations manager.
Design by IDCO client Lindsey Brooke Design. Photo by Amy Bartlam.
For an interior designer, Ivy picks up right where Dubsado leaves off. When we sat down with their team, we were blown away by the capabilities the software had. Creating custom product catalogs with client pieces, saving favorite items for future projects, managing deliveries and creating line sheets. You’re provided with a dedicated account manager who can walk you through the software and answer any questions that comes up over time.
In addition to the five star software, Ivy produces incredibly helpful original content for interior designers. From industry specific webinars to easy-to-access tips and tricks about running a design business, it’s a wealth of knowledge.
We’ve worked with interior designers from all over the world on their branding, web design and Instagram management. More than 80% of them use Ivy in their business and swear by it. The functionality is endless. To be more specific, here are the exact items Ivy will help with:
Design by IDCO client Scout Modern
Let’s talk numbers, you can have unlimited access to Dubsado and Ivy for less than $100 a month. That’s likely less than one billable hour of client work, which will save you as much as 20 hours a week. Later this week, we’ll be revealing the full workflow we’d implement between the two softwares, making for a seamless truly business model. In the meantime, schedule a demo with Dubsado and Ivy here to get started.
Any questions? Let us know! We’ll reach out to our contacts to get you the answers you need if we don’t have them ourselves. We can’t wait to see what you guys implement!
For more tips on expanding your interior design portfolio’s exposure or lifestyle brand’s website, check out these posts:
The Identité Collective is a full service creative studio for interior designers and boutique lifestyle brands. Offering bespoke branding, web design and social media content creation, we help brands built around beautiful living elevate their digital presence to represent the physical spaces they design. Want to work together? Shoot us an inquiry here.
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Just signed up for a trial version of Dubsado! Thanks for this informative post.
I would love to read about the full workflow between these two systems. I am currently using Ivy and was just researching a better on-boarding program but it felt like i was duplicating what Ivy could already do with Dubsado.
Such great feedback – I’ll work on putting that together Carly! In the meantime – here is where I suggest Dubsado picks up where Ivy leaves off:
– Initial on boarding. Your website should have a Dubsado inquiry form, so that client is automatically added to your Dubsado account.
– Proposal/Media Kit template(s) to send out to those initial inquiries
– Contract to digitally sign/counter sign
– Deposit/Invoicing (yes, this part duplicates in Ivy, but it’s smoother + easier in Dubsado)
– Interactive digital proofing + legally binding sub-agreements for design presentations
– White glove service (it looks like Carly Waters Style website from start to finish, so your clients feel it’s entirely within your website)
– Log in options for client portals where you can link to any external links (like your tear sheet in Ivy)
Hope that helps get the wheels turning. I’ll ping you when we get a post written!
I’d love to know when the post is up, too, please! I’m also an Ivy user and am interested in how to best use Dubsado in conjunction with Ivy.
We offer a brand new solution for Interior Designers looking for a complete project management system… http://www.MEHM.com
Did you ever write the follow up to this post about the full workflow between these two programs? Would love to make the jump, but definitely interested to see how they work together!
You may have just solved YEARS of woes for me. I can’t tell you how many spreadsheets I have with my software needs and rating systems for each option showing how they really don’t measure up, until Dubsado!! My one question after spending a day playing with the trial- how do you handle Purchase Orders? Do you just manage that side through Quickbooks?
I’m already an ivy user and just signed up for Dubsado. I’m trying to figure out how to integrate the two. I like the contracts in Dubsado but am trying to figure out if you can do retainers in it and how to handle the client portal room boards and po’s.
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