Build a Six-Figure Referral System for Your Interior Design Business

If you’ve ever dreamed of landing $100K design projects without burning yourself out chasing leads, you’re not alone.

Every designer I talk to wants that—the ease of consistent, well-paying projects that come from people who already trust you. The kind that lets you focus on the creative work, not just the client hunt.

But here’s what most designers never realize: those big, dreamy, six-figure projects rarely come from social media or ads.

They come from relationships.

From builders and trades who love working with you.
From clients who feel so taken care of they can’t stop referring you.
From a process that makes every single person who connects with you during the project think, “I want to work with her again.”

That’s what I call a six-figure referral system, and today, I’m walking you through how to build yours.

(And if you want to go deeper, I share the behind-the-scenes version of this story in my free private podcast, The Referral Reboot.)

What’s a “Six-Figure Referral System”?

It’s not a fancy marketing funnel.

It’s a repeatable process that builds trust, showcases your professionalism, and turns every business relationship into a source of future business.

Here’s what it usually includes:

• Builder and trade relationships
  
  
• A project experience that’s smooth from start to finish
  
  
• Organized documentation (hello, Spec Book!) that makes everyone’s job easier
  
  
• A follow-up plan that keeps you top of mind long after the final reveal
  
  

The result? A business that grows steadily behind the scenes through relationships that compound over time.

Because a six-figure referral system isn’t about asking for referrals.
It’s about earning them.

Step 1: Create a Five-Star Experience for Clients and Builders

When your projects feel effortless for everyone involved—clients, trades, and builders—you stop needing to chase referrals. They just happen.

That starts with clarity.

Builders love working with designers who make communication easy. Clients love working with designers who stay organized. When you can deliver both, you become unforgettable.

Make sure your next design project includes these:

• Clear expectations at project kickoff.
  
  
• Documentation to reduce confusion and costly mistakes.
  
  
• Communication that keeps everyone in the loop. No surprises means happy builders and clients (and not costly mistakes).
  
  
• Follow up with gratitude at the end of every project.
  
  

And yes, send a handwritten thank-you card (bonus points for adding in a coffee card too) to every trade you interacted with during the project. This small gesture gets you remembered as many designers overlook the tradespeople, and they are an incredible source of referrals.

Step 2: Build the Right Relationships 

If you don’t already have a strong referral network, start with one person.

One builder.
One trade partner.
One previous, happy client.

I grew my multi-six-figure interior design business through one strong relationship at a time.

Start by identifying who aligns with your values. You can meet them at local supplier events, trade shows, or through your own projects. You can even search for local professionals on Instagram.

Once you meet them, the key is to show genuine curiosity about their business. What do they need most from designers? What makes their job easier?

Stay focused on what you can do for them rather than what you can get out of the conversation.

Yes, I know we’re talking about getting referrals but relationships come first, and the referrals will follow.

One builder relationship can change everything. For me, it became the difference between chasing projects and booking them months in advance.

Step 3: Document Everything (Because Systems Build Trust)

You can’t have a referral-worthy business without systems.

Builders and trades (and clients) want to know exactly what’s happening and when. That’s why I created my Spec Book System, a clear, organized way to communicate every detail of a project.

A good Spec Book (or whatever you call your documentation) tells your builder, “You can trust me. I’ve got this handled.”

It’s not glamorous work, but it’s the quiet backbone of a business that runs smoothly. It’s also one of the biggest reasons builders refer me again and again.

If you’re curious how to set yours up, I break down my entire Spec Book process inside my course, Five-Star Builder Relationships. I even give you all the templates you need to create your own Spec Book for your next interior design project.

Step 4: Follow Up Like a Pro

Referrals don’t happen the day a project ends.
They happen the day after, when you follow up.

Most designers skip this step, but it’s one of the simplest ways to stay top of mind.

Try this:

• Check in with your builder and client 30 days after completion.
  
• Ask how things are holding up or what’s next on their plate.
  
• Send your thank-you gifts.  
• Get curious and ask the builder how you could better support them next time. Use every project as an opportunity to improve the experience of the next one.
  
  

Following up is key to nurturing your relationships, so include these touchpoints in your project workflow. Note, this is just the beginning of nurturing relationships post-project. 

Be Known for Being Easy To Work With 

The designers who get the best referrals are the ones builders, trades, and clients love working with…the ones who show up prepared, respectful, and communicative.

You can’t fake that experience. You prove it over the entire design project by being the kind of interior designer who’s easy to work with and clear in your process.

You also want to be known for being collaborative when things do go sideways on a project, rather than pointing fingers at another person. Trades always remember the designers who throw them under the bus. Don’t be that person.

When you show up as a reliable, supportive part of the team, you’ll find yourself surrounded by other professionals who want you on every project. And that’s when your referral system starts working for you, even while you sleep.

Ready to Build Your Own Six-Figure Referral System?

If you’re ready to move from unpredictable income to consistent, six-figure projects that come from people who already trust you, start by listening to my free private podcast, The Referral Reboot.

Each of the five short episodes walks you through how I built my referral network from scratch and how you can do the same.