Ep 232: The Art and Science of Procurement - In-House, Outsourced, and Everything In Between

Procurement can either elevate the client experience or become the biggest bottleneck in your business. In this candid roundtable discussion, Michelle Lynne sits down with Alicia Taylor of Alicia Taylor Interiors, Ryann Swan of Ryan Swan Design, and Blair Ryan of The Dove Agency to talk about the realities of procurement in interior design firms.

From in-house teams to outsourced solutions, these powerhouse women share how they manage procurement, communicate with clients, charge for their services, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you're a solo designer or leading a growing team, this conversation will help you create a procurement process that supports both profitability and exceptional client experiences.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The different procurement models designers are using today

• The pros and cons of keeping procurement in-house vs. outsourcing

• How firm size and market influence procurement decisions

• Why clear processes and communication are critical to success

• The importance of creating seamless client experiences during procurement

• How regular client updates reduce stress and build trust

• Common areas where procurement processes break down

• The connection between procurement and bookkeeping—and why it matters

• Why every designer should be charging a procurement fee

• Various ways firms structure procurement and installation fees

• How to communicate procurement fees to clients without pushback

• Mistakes designers make when scaling procurement operations

• The systems and software that keep procurement organized and profitable

• Why specialization within your team can reduce costly errors

Key Takeaways:

✨ There is no one-size-fits-all procurement model. The right process depends on your market, team structure, and business goals.

✨ Procurement isn't just "placing orders"—it's an ongoing service that requires communication, problem-solving, and project management.

✨ Consistent client communication is one of the most important elements of a luxury client experience.

✨ If your procurement team and bookkeeping team aren't communicating, you're likely losing money.

✨ Designers should be compensated for procurement work. Failing to charge for procurement means leaving money on the table.

✨ Systems, processes, and clearly defined roles are essential as your business grows.

Memorable Quotes:

"It's death by a thousand cuts if procurement and bookkeeping aren't talking." – Blair Ryan

"Designers design. That's where the money is made." – Michelle Lynne

"No one really wants to see how the sausage is made." – Alicia Taylor

Connect with Our Guests:

Alicia Taylor Interiors Instagram: @aliciataylorinteriors Website: aliciataylor.com

Ryann Swan Design Instagram: @ryannswan Website: ryannswandesign.com