Bridging the Gap: How Designers and Remodelers Can Actually Work Together

If you’ve ever felt like wrangling a design project with a contractor is like herding cats (while also juggling), you’re not alone! In this post, I’m breaking down the real talk from my conversation with Camilla Jeffs and Amber Boskers of Kohler House—a kickass, women-led remodeling company in Tampa—on my Six Figure Designer Podcast. From finding your contractor soulmate to communicating so everyone stays sane, here’s my take on how we can make these industry partnerships not just tolerable, but actually amazing.

Why the Designer-Remodeler Relationship Matters (A Lot!)

Here’s the truth: if you want to deliver those big, beautiful renovations clients drool over—and actually enjoy the process—you need a solid relationship with your contractor or remodeler. And I’m not talking about just handing over a tile selection sheet and praying for the best! Camilla and Amber put it perfectly: it’s about crafting an experience that feels “white glove”—clients aren’t overwhelmed, decisions don’t stall out projects, and you (the designer) don’t end up as the project’s life raft, clinging on for dear life.

If we want to raise the standards across our field, working together isn’t just nice to have. It’s a total game-changer.

First Steps: Making the Connection

One thing Amber and Camilla repeated (and I totally agree): relationships start with real, face-to-face conversations. That might mean sharing lunch, coffee, even just a Zoom where you vibe out if you’re on the same page. Forget spamming every general contractor within twenty miles! Focus on connection and reputation—word of mouth is gold.

And heads up, designers: Have your portfolio ready, know your style and your ideal projects, and be honest about where your experience level lands. They’re not looking to judge, but if you’re pitching yourself to a high-end remodeler, you’ll want to show you know your way around those pricier products and finishes.

Communication: The Real Secret Weapon

Can I get an amen for weekly updates? I love a good Friday check-in, and so do contractors, it turns out! Whether it’s a quick CC on a client email or a rundown after meeting with homeowners, frequent updates help everyone breathe easier. I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that being proactive with info—like who’s picking hardware, what’s causing delays, or simply when the next site visit is—avoids a ton of finger-pointing down the road.

Let’s also get over pretending we know every answer. If Camilla and Amber are telling us it’s okay to ask “dumb” questions, let’s believe them! The magic happens when you leverage everyone’s strengths and aren’t afraid to say, “Hey, can you walk me through this?”

Smooth Selections & Sign-Offs

Here’s where things can derail fast: material selection. At Kohler House, they won’t touch demo until almost everything’s spec’d and (ideally) sitting on-site. This makes life so much easier for everyone. If your contractor operates like this, send over a clear—think Excel, not emails—selection sheet, include links to products, flagged quotes, and client sign-offs. (Yes, actual signatures, not just someone saying “looks good!” over the phone, please.)

And if your contractor or showroom has a system, ask what works for them. The goal is always to minimize confusion and keep the project humming—no surprise back-orders stopping things for months.

Timelines, Budgets, and Keeping Clients on Track

This was a standout moment for me: Amber talked about keeping “the ball in our court” (as in, we as the pros are responsible for keeping things moving—not blaming clients for slow responses). That means having a kickoff session at the start, mapping out critical dates for selections, and being super clear on consequences if things don’t happen on time.

Same thing goes for budgets! Always ask, “Hey, does this dollar figure include labor and materials or just materials?” Trust me, this one tiny question can save so much stress.

Final Real Talk

The biggest takeaway? We’re all on the same team. It’s not designers vs. contractors—it’s all of us vs. project chaos! When we lead with communication, trust, and a real dedication to making the client’s experience awesome, magic happens.

If you’re out here building up your own partnerships, let curiosity lead, be honest, and look for folks whose values match yours. That’s how we take our work—and our businesses—to the next level.

What’s worked (or flopped) for you when teaming up with contractors or remodelers? I’d love to hear your stories—let’s keep this convo going!

Make sure to check out the full podcast episode here and my other blog posts!