About the Authors Mary V. Knackstedt, ASID, IFDA, is an acclaimed speaker, a prolific author, and a much-sought consultant on the business of interior design. She is also founder and president of two highly successful design firms. As a consultant, Knackstedt has helped organize many new businesses and developed strategies that have reversed failing businesses. Her own firms, Knackstedt Inc. and Business Design Inc. of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and New York City, have handled hundreds of projects ranging from small offices and residences to institutional complexes with more than a hundred buildings. Knackstedt is a contributing editor and columnist for Interiors & Sources magazine and is the author of two previous books, Interior Design for Profit and Profitable Career Options for Designers. She is the producer of Design Business Monthly, an audio-cassette service on current business practices. Laura J. Haney is a former editor and writer for The Designer, Upholstery Industry, Professional Office Design, and Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazines who develops and edits books on design.