The Original Business Bootcamp for Architects and Designers.
Program Overview
Business Bootcamp is our practical business foundations program for interior designers who want to run a more professional, profitable and enjoyable design business. 2020, hundreds of designers have joined us to strengthen the way they run their business.
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The foundations of the program remain the same, but the industry has changed.
Exciting new Software Platforms and AI Tools are changing the way we design and operate.
The Next Generation is designed to help you understand where these tools can genuinely support your business, without losing your personal approach, your professional judgement or the human connection that great design businesses are built on.
New Additional Content: Software & AI Integration
For this next generation of Business Bootcamp, we have added valuable new content on software advances and AI integration.
This is not about chasing the latest shiny tool or handing over your thinking to technology.
It’s about understanding how the right tools can support the way your business already needs to operate.
We’ll look at where software and AI can help you:
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Streamline your workflow
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Increase efficiencies in processes
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Reduce of human error
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Analyse your profitability
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Upgrade your design outputs
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Build more useful systems, templates and tools
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Supercharge your content creation
Just as importantly, we’ll also look at what to avoid.
When used correctly, AI can be an incredibly useful tool, but it shouldn’t ever replace your critical thinking, judgement, design knowledge, sound legal advice or your final commercial decisions.
Nor should it replace your dedication to fostering strong client relationships through solid systems and honest fee structures.
Testimonials
Simone Matthews
(Soul Home Interiors)
2025 BOOTCAMP MEMBER
Andrew is incredibly generous in sharing real insights from his own experience and the industry as a whole.
He breaks things down in a way that’s easy to understand, while pushing you to consider all aspects of your business.
From outsourcing and communication to documenting systems, his approach is practical, thorough, and focused on creating a better experience not just for clients, but for the industry overall.
Sheena Hanks
(Inka Interiors)
2023 BOOTCAMP MEMBER
This was such a beneficial program to attend. The information was specific to our industry from someone who knows the industry.
The program paid for itself within the first week with the new processes I was able to implement with a new client.
While I had a lot of the foundations in place for my business, this program has enabled me to step up my game as a designer with my own design business.
The Details
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Business Bootcamp includes the following Online Classes + Group Coaching Sessions, spread over 4 weeks, with a BONUS Early Bird Special 5th Week:
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WEEK 1: The Initial Consultation
WEEK 2: Systems for Success
WEEK 3: Fees and Margins
WEEK 4: Managing Project Finances
WEEK 5 (EARLY BIRD ONLY): Kitchen Design
Coaching Sessions:
SESSION #1
Monday 27 July 2026
Time: 4.00pm – 6.00pm (2 hours)
Topic: Group Strategy Session
SESSION #2
Thursday 30 July 2026
Time: 4.30pm – 6.00pm (1.5 hours)
Topic: Group Coaching “The Initial Consultation”
SESSION #3
Thursday 6 August 2026
Time: 4.30pm – 6.00pm (1.5 hours)
Topic: Group Coaching “Systems for Success”
SESSION #4
Friday 14 August 2026
Time: 4.30pm – 6.00pm (1.5 hours)
Topic: Group Coaching “Fees and Margins”
SESSION #5
Thursday 20 August 2026
Time: 4.30pm – 6.00pm (1.5 hours)
Topic: Group Coaching “Managing Project Finances” and Wrap Up
SESSION #6 (EARLY BIRD ONLY)
Thursday 27 August 2026
Time: 4.30pm – 6.00pm (1.5 hours)
Topic: Group Coaching “Kitchen Design: Basic & Advanced"
Inclusions
From $2,376
2 Hour Strategy Session
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A group session to answer questions, set goals and create a plan
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Value = $550
Online Courses
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The Initial Consultation ($250)
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Systems for Success ($550)
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Fees and Margins ($550)
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Managing Project Finances ($550)
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Total Value = $1,900
4 x Weekly Group Coaching Sessions
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Value = $450 x 4 = $1,800
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New Bonus Training: Software Updates & AI Integration ($550)
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Early Bird Elevation Offer
For the first 5 registrations, you’ll also receive:
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$500 TDC Credit Voucher*
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Kitchen Design Course FREE (Valued at $550)
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Additional NEW content on Software Advances and AI Integration (Value $250)
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Additional Group Coaching Session ($450)
Total Early Bird Bonus Value: $1,750
Total Early Bird Value: $6,550
Your Price: $2,640
(Save $3,910)
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* Voucher eligible to be used for 1-on-1 Coaching and Group Coaching Programs only.
Bonus
Kitchen
Design
Course
How It Works
The Bootcamp program is designed to provide structure for achieving your learning outcomes, whilst providing more flexibility with your time.
Our Strategy Session will help you set intentions and create a plan to get the most out of the program.
Each week we will focus on one class.
At the start of each week you will be given access to our online class content. This is an easy to use learning platform that allows you watch videos and download resources and templates. You can watch this at your own pace over the space of the week.
At the end of each week we will host a live, online group coaching session to address your questions and review the content.
The Classes
The first meeting with a client is incredibly important, for many reasons. Not only is it an opportunity to get to know them and discuss their project, it’s your chance to let them know you mean business. The only way to do this (and stand out from the pack) is to explain to them, and sell them, on your process.
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This meeting is your chance to nail the scope. A Scope of Work is the foundation of everything we do as designers, from the first meeting with the client through to completion of the project. It’s a valuable tool for all parties involved, including the client, your design team and the trades involved.
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In this class, you will learn:
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How to “qualify” new leads to make sure they are the right client for you
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How to sell the Initial Consultation to your clients
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What you need to do to be properly prepared for that meeting
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What you need to cover off in that meeting
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How to create a Rock-Solid Scope of Work
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Tips to convert more Initial Consultations into full scope projects
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Do you struggle to manage the flow of work on a project? Are your clients taking the lead and forcing you to be reactive rather than proactive? Do you find that you’re attracting the same sort of micro-managing clients time and time again? Are you terrified of growing your team for fear of being discovered as a fraud?
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You are not alone! Most designers struggle to manage projects efficiently due to a lack of effective, consistent systems. In this class we will teach you how to create systems and will transform the way you view your business! Learn how to take charge of a project and set clear expectations. We will provide you with systems that will ensure excellent project outcomes and happy clients.
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In this class, you will learn how to:
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Be more professional in your approach to design
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Utilise systems and processes to increase efficiency and profitability
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Customise systems and processes for your business
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Effectively set and manage client expectations
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Maximise your profitability
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Grow your business through effective delegation
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Streamline your payment process for better cash flow
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Utilise sound tools and templates to optimise your systems
Also included:
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A real-life case study to demonstrate the project process from beginning to end
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A real-life case study to analyse when things go well, and when things go wrong!
Are you an established designer, tired of working hard to barely cover your costs? Did the “joy” of working as a designer die a long time ago?
Or are you new to the industry and have no idea what to charge?
Do you feel nervous even thinking about the idea of adding a margin to the products that you recommend to your clients?
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In this class we will equip you with the skills, knowledge and templates to start to charge what you deserve to be earning, and set you up to run a successful and profitable business that brings you great joy!
In this class you will learn how to:
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Understand methods of charging for design services
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Access proven methods for adding margin to products
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Choose the best methods of charging to suit your business
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Create a comprehensive fee estimate (including a proven and effective template)
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Communicate your fees and margins clearly
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Track your hours to be more accountable
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Set up processes for efficient billing
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Increase your profitability
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Truly believe in your worth
Also included:​​
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A real-life case study to show how to go from a scope of work to an accurate fee estimate
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A real-life case study to analyse one of the methods of applying a margin to product
Are you terrified of discussing money with a client?
Do you struggle to get your clients to nominate a budget?
Do you avoid talking about the project costs due to a fear of losing the job?
Have you ever lost the trust of a client because of a blow-outs in costs?
Most designers struggle to feel confident talking about anything other than the design outcomes, but experience has taught us that all clients care about how much the project will cost (even if they don’t tell you!).
We have the opportunity to win the trust of our clients from the outset by reassuring them that we are just as interested in managing the project finances as we are about the design.
Join this session to learn how to confidently and professionally estimate project costs, communicate these costs effectively to the clients and update them as variations occur.
In this class, you will learn how to:
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Talk about money with confidence
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Establish what the client feels comfortable spending, from the outset
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Create a detailed preliminary budget outlining the likely costs associated with the project
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Update this budget to manage the clients expectations
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Utilise the budget to make specification more efficient
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Keep abreast of variations to costs throughout the project
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Win the trust and loyalty of your clients
A kitchen is the most important design feature of a residential project. It’s also the single largest cost item in a project budget.
It is imperative that designers have a good understanding of the foundations that ensure a kitchen is functional, serviceable and aesthetically pleasing. When operating at a more advanced level, designers can elevate a mere kitchen into a spectacular piece of design that will provide clients with an investment that lasts a lifetime.
This 2-part online course will step you through the process of designing a kitchen from concept through to completion. In a series of easy-to-follow modules, we’ll review the best methods of documenting designs to effectively communicate your vision (at both basic and advanced level), ensure accurate quoting and assist in the successful manufacture and installation of the finished kitchen.
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In this class, you will learn how to:
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Review the process for designing a kitchen
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Outline the costs that need to be considered
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Look at how best to document your design
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Outline the basic ergonomic and practical considerations to cover
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Review basic materials and the cost implications of your choices
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Understand the role of each trade
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Look at two real life examples
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Review advanced design detailing
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Analyse the importance of form and function
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Look at fittings and fixtures to elevate your designs
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Explore materiality that can give a premium finish to the project
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Outline the costs that need to be considered
Also included:
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A real-life case study to demonstrate the project process from beginning to end
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An activity to review the process of spatial planning
Weekly Group Coaching Sessions
Each week culminates in a 1.5 hour group coaching session to further accelerate your learning and reinforce the principles.
Here we will answer your questions about how the new learnings might apply to you and your work situation. This is your chance to bring us real life scenarios that you may be struggling with and get on-the-spot coaching.
No question is too small (or big) in these sessions that are ALL ABOUT YOU.
Your Coach
Andrew Mitchell
Andrew is the director of MR. MITCHELL, a successful interior design practice based in Melbourne and Byron Bay. He has previously taught at Mercer School of Interior Design and was contracted to set up systems and processes for a national interior design company with more than 90 designers.
Over the years of his business, Andrew has experienced many highs and lows and made many mistakes. As a sole operator, there were often times of feeling isolated, so much so that he was driven to the edge of quitting. However, it is those very mistakes that are now the foundation of the successful systems and processes that have guided his business to considerable success.
Testimonials
Danielle Langlois
(Danielle Langlois Design)
2022 BOOTCAMP MEMBER
TDC gave me the tools required to get the processes out of my head and onto paper. Walking through the steps of a project in the course helped clarify questions I had, but with no one to ask!
It was a great touch point to tighten up my existing process and add in additional steps to help prevent fee & scope issues I was experiencing.
Overall it has given me the confidence to move forward as a better business woman & not just a designer.
Sarah Elshaug
(The Retreat Stylist)
2022 BOOTCAMP MEMBER
Brilliant and empowering! The Design Coach Bootcamp has given me the tools, insights and confidence to improve and grow my business.
Most importantly with the client journey at the heart of all Andrew teaches, I feel empowered to provide my clients with an exceptional level of service, design expertise, project management and joy in creating their interiors. The detailed video content delivered via a seamless online platform was outstanding, along with the tools/templates and summaries provided.
Seeing Andrew's business operations through the client case studies he shared demonstrated the power of embedding the 9 step TDC Design Process in my business. Thank you!
Michelle Walker
(Michelle Walker Architects)
2021 BOOTCAMP MEMBER
I was very impressed with TDC’s Business Bootcamp. It was a great opportunity to learn more about managing and improving my architectural practice.
Andrew’s advice and guidance is so relevant, as it's based on his wisdom as a well-established and experienced designer, backed up with real design scenarios, examples and tools. It was a great forum to meet other designers as well, and get the benefits of their perspectives.
I highly recommend the Business Bootcamp to any designer or architect who is looking to improve how they practice, communicate with clients and deliver their projects. A wonderful and worthwhile experience all round.
Caroline Roberts
(Cove Design Studio)
2021 BOOTCAMP MEMBER
THANK YOU so much for the Business Bootcamp. Your insights, coaching and encouragement have inspired me and given me new energy for my business.
The professionalism and polish of The Design Coach are exemplary. A long list of superlatives springs to mind when I think of the Business Bootcamp and Andrew, The Design Coach. By far the standout word for me is generous.
Andrew, no wonder you have done so well in business and will continue to do so. Your generosity in sharing your knowledge and empowering other designers is so apparent. It's this generosity that makes you so human - a key attribute for a great Interior Designer as ultimately it's all about people in their spaces.
In the Fees and Margins class on Saturday, you asked us to nominate our dream salary as Interior Designers. I'm upping my bid now as I feel so much more empowered and I have a new goal - to attend a full Bootcamp and the Byron Retreat - what a carrot to strive for.
Who is this suitable for?
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Members of the TDC community
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Interior Designers, Architects, Interior Architects, Interior Decorators and Stylists
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Design professionals who have established business practices and are looking to refine their processes and learn new skills
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New business owners, students and graduates looking to set up solid systems from the outset
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Members of the design community ready to commit to a powerful new way of working!
