Here is ASID's guide to reducing overhead across five key areas where design firms tend to leak the most money. Facilities Consider sharing space with another designer or noncompeting firm. Or get adjoining spaces that allow you to share a conference room - maybe even a receptionist and support staff. Start out by working from home and renting meeting space only when you need it. Compensate for modest facilities by investing in a great Web site.
Staff Be conservative about full- time hires.
Most new employers significantly underestimate labor costs. When possible, use freelancers, part-time employees and interns instead. By cutting temporary services and their markup, your temps make more, you pay less. You can also build relationships that increase in value over time. Wrestling with them yourself might not be a good use of your time.