Design Camp is for interior designers to refine how their studios operate, grow, and position themselves within the industry.
August 31st - September 3, 2026
The Austin Proper Hotel
Individual registration: $5,250
Registration for two members of the same studio: $9,500
Hosted at The Austin Proper Hotel, Design Camp brings together a curated group of designers for thoughtful conversations about the business of design. Over four days, we move well beyond inspiration and into the pivotal decisions that shape a profitable and sustainable studio.
From pricing structures and operational frameworks to client experience and brand visibility, each session is designed to help you step away from the daily demands of your projects and rethink how your business truly functions.
JASON SAFT
Staged to Sell
CHLOE LEGRAS
Boxwood Avenue
KELSEY MCGREGOR
Kelsey Leigh Design & Heritage House
KELSEY McGREGOR
Kelsey Leigh Design & Heritage House
JASON SAFT
Staged to Sell
CHLOE LEGRAS
Boxwood Avenue
The Six Pillars
of Design Camp
Every session during the retreat is anchored in six core areas that define how successful interior design studios operate today.
These pillars guide our discussions, workshops, and collaborative sessions throughout the week.
Understanding how your studio actually generates profit.
We examine pricing structures, service models, and revenue streams that allow design studios to grow sustainably while maintaining the creative integrity of their work.
Discussions often include:
• Fee structures and hybrid pricing models
• Balancing product revenue with design services
• Increasing profitability without increasing workloadThe operational structure behind a well-run studio.
From project documentation to vendor coordination, this pillar focuses on the systems that keep projects moving efficiently while reducing friction for both clients and collaborators.
Topics include:
• Project workflow and documentation
• Vendor communication and coordination
• Systems that support consistent project deliveryThe client experience is one of the most powerful drivers of referrals and long-term reputation.
We explore how successful studios intentionally design the client journey from the first inquiry through installation and beyond.
Topics include:
• Structuring the onboarding process
• Crafting winning design presentations
• Creating a client experience that generates referralsAs studios grow, the role of the founder inevitably evolves.
This pillar focuses on how designers build teams, delegate responsibilities, and structure their businesses for long-term sustainability.
Discussions include:
• Hiring and team development
• Leadership transitions within growing studios
• Delegation and internal accountabilityOne of the most important moments in any design business happens before the project even begins.
We examine how designers confidently communicate their value and guide prospective clients toward aligned, committed partnerships.
Topics include:
• Leading discovery calls with clarity
• Communicating investment with confidence
• Turning inquiries into committed clientsHow a studio is perceived often determines the opportunities it attracts.
This pillar focuses on how designers shape their visibility through branding, editorial features, partnerships, and digital presence.
Conversations include:
• Defining a clear brand position
• Leveraging media and editorial opportunities
• Building long-term visibility within the industry
Design Camp takes place at The Austin Proper Hotel, a beautifully designed setting by Kelly Wearstler that reflects the level of detail and hospitality we value most.
A deeply discounted room block of $329/night will be available for attendees with all amenity fees waived.
Recommended Arrival
Monday, August 31 by 11:00 AM
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Recommended Departure
Thursday, September 3 after 3:00 PM
