Photo by Chelsie Lopez
After more than two decades in the design industry, Stephanie Goldfarb has learned that success is about more than the finished space—it’s also about how you get there. This month, the Lakeville-based designer behind The Divine Living Space is sharing six simple, yet powerful ways to make projects run more smoothly, from clarifying contracts and setting communication boundaries to outsourcing what doesn’t serve you. Her advice is aimed at fellow professionals across the trade who are looking to save time, strengthen client relationships, and create space for the work that matters most.
Tip No. 1: Create a Clear Client Onboarding Plan
SG: One simple shift that has made a huge difference in my day to day was creating a clear client onboarding workflow using a shared Google Drive folder. Everything lives in one place—questionnaires, inspiration photos, design contracts, and mood boards. But here’s the real secret sauce: I also create a dedicated, secret Pinterest board for each client. As I find the perfect pieces, I pin them right there in real time. That way, when it’s time to build out their mood board or pull together selections, I’ve already curated everything in one easy-to-access spot. No scrambling, no lost links. It has saved me so much time and energy, and makes the design process feel seamless (and way less stressful) for both me and the client.
Tip No. 2: Maintain Clear Contracts
SG: A small shift that has made an impact on how I manage projects is a crystal-clear contract that spells out everything—from how and when clients can reach me and my working hours to the exact scope of work and what’s included (and what’s not). It sounds simple, but setting those boundaries upfront has helped avoid so many midproject surprises. I’ve had more than a few clients share past experiences where they were hit with unexpected fees or were promised things verbally that never materialized. That’s exactly why I make sure everything is in writing—from deliverables to communication timelines. It keeps everyone on the same page and builds trust from the start. No guesswork, no gray areas—just clear expectations and smoother projects all around. So, practice setting up expectations early on. Your future self will thank you!
Tip No. 3: No Project-Related Texting
SG: One boundary that has been a total game-changer? No project-related texting. I kindly ask clients to keep all communication—especially anything about selections—through email only. Details get lost in text threads way too easily, and I need a paper trail I can reference when building mood boards, ordering, or revisiting decisions. This isn’t about being rigid—it’s about being thorough. It’s all clearly laid out in my contract, and I always follow up in writing after in-person conversations to recap what we discussed. It protects everyone and keeps things running smoothly with less room for miscommunication.
Tip No. 4: Outsource What You Need To
SG: On the delegation side, I’ve started outsourcing all visual renderings and drawings for my projects. When I first started in this industry 23-plus years ago, everything was done by hand—more sketchpad, less screen time. But as the tech side of design has grown, I’ve realized that trying to keep up with every program and platform isn’t where I thrive. I still love a good old pencil-and-paper brainstorm, though, so handing off the digital side to someone who loves that part (and is way more efficient at it) has been such a smart shift. It frees up my time and lets me focus on what I do best: creating beautiful, personalized spaces for my clients.
[Stop] trying to do everything [yourself.] Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Outsourcing or delegating doesn’t make you less capable—it makes you more intentional with your time and energy.
Photo by Spacecrafting
Tip No. 5: Change Course When it ‘Stops Feeling Good’
SG: How do you know when a process or task is no longer serving you—and it’s time to pivot? When it stops feeling good. If something that once sparked excitement now feels like a chore, that’s your sign. Yes, this is your job—but it’s also a creative one. You’re allowed to evolve. Give yourself permission to step away, shift gears, or reimagine how you work when it no longer fuels your passion.
Tip No. 6: Protect Your Peace
SG: Say no to the projects that don’t align. Walk away from the ones that drain you. I’ve learned I thrive on larger-scale remodels and new builds—spaces where I can fully dive in. Smaller projects? Not where my gifts shine, and I’ve stopped saying yes to those. The result? More joy, more creativity, and more of the right kind of work. You don’t need to be everything to everyone—you just need to be you, doing the kind of work that lights you up.
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