Ep. 12: Design Documents & Outsourcing with Interior Designer Ronniesha Rivera of Vetted by Design

What actually separates a “pretty ideas” designer from the one contractors trust, clients respect, and projects run smoothly for?In this episode of Stuff Interior Designers Need To Know, Rebecca West sits down with residential interior designer Ronniesha Rivera, founder of Alder & Stone and Vetted by Design, to talk about the unsexy (but wildly powerful) backbone of a successful design business: documentation.They get into the real, behind-the-scenes role that drawing sets, specs, and systems play—not just in avoiding mistakes, but in building credibility, protecting your time, and positioning yourself as a true professional in an industry that’s still fighting the “fluff pillows” stereotype.Ronniesha shares hard-earned lessons from the field, including how documentation has saved her in high-stakes client situations, how to collaborate with contractors without losing your mind, and why even furnishing projects deserve the same level of detail as full-scale builds.They also dive into outsourcing—what to delegate, when to do it, and how to avoid costly mistakes when hiring support (yes, including the kind that can cost you thousands 💸).If you’ve ever: Wondered how much documentation is actually necessary  Felt frustrated when contractors ignore your plans  Underpriced your work because you didn’t account for the backend effort  Or questioned when (and how) to start outsourcing… This episode is your practical guide and your reality check.Whether you’re new to design or years into running your firm, you’ll walk away thinking differently about how you present your work, protect your projects, and grow your business with intention.You might laugh, you’ll definitely nod, and you’ll probably rethink how you’re doing things behind the scenes—in the best way.Enjoy!--About Ronniesha:Ronneisha Rivera is the Founder of << Alder and Stone Interiors >> *and* << Vetted by Design, >> and also hosts an interior design business podcast << Founders and Friends. >>*Alder and Stone* offers destination design for clients looking for a cottage or cabin rooted in nature and beauty. We help with new builds, remodels, and furniture projects of all sizes.*Vetted by Design* is a platform that helps interior designers find vetted companies to outsource to, helping designers figure out the "WHO?" when it comes to hiring and outsourcing. To connect with Ronniesha, Alder & Stone, Vetted By Design, and the Founders & Friends Podcast:Alder and Stone WebsiteAlder and Stone InstagramVetted by Design WebsiteVetted by Design InstagramFounders & Friends PodcastFounders & Friends Instagram--Looking for Rebecca's Interior Design Business Coaching & Courses?https://seriouslyhappy.comWanna be Interior Design & Expat Insta-Friends?!https://www.instagram.com/beseriouslyhappy/Follow Rebecca's Moving-To-France, Living-In-Paris Expat Adventures:https://bonjhola.buzzsprout.com/And here's where to find Rebecca's book on Interior Design Psychology:Happy Starts at Homehttps://www.amazon.com/