Coaching | Consulting
Phyllis Harbinger
Strategy | Coaching | Consulting
Phyllis provides personalized consulting, comprehensive coaching, and strategic business development advice to design professionals.
For over three decades, Phyllis Harbinger has shaped not only beautiful spaces but also the businesses and careers of interior design professionals worldwide. Phyllis transforms emerging talent into confident professionals ready to build thriving practices.
Through personalized consulting, comprehensive coaching packages, and strategic business development programs, Phyllis empowers design professionals to scale intelligently, operate efficiently, and lead with authenticity. Her approach combines real-world wisdom gained from building her own award-winning firm with innovative business methodologies tailored specifically for creative enterprises.
Her journey from successful practitioner to sought-after coach and consultant included the publication of The Interior Design Productivity Toolbox (Wiley) — now an essential resource for streamlining operations throughout the design community. This practical guide sparked a natural evolution into Phyllis Harbinger, Design Consulting, where she channels her extensive industry experience into actionable plans and strategies for design and trade professionals.
A nationally recognized speaker and educator, Phyllis delivers IDCEC-approved CEU presentations, including Getting Organized and Streamlining Your Workflow and Representing Your Brand, to firms, conferences, and professional associations. Her leadership extends through significant ASID roles, from NY Metro Chapter President to National Chapter Support Team Chair, where she continues to elevate industry standards and foster professional excellence.
As a tenured Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and instructor at the New York School of Interior Design and Palm Beach State College, Phyllis bridges theory and practice through supportive mentorship and internship programs. She provides students with invaluable hands-on experience in a working design studio, ensuring they graduate with both technical skills and real-world business acumen that employers seek.
Whether nurturing student talent through immersive learning experiences, mentoring a sole practitioner ready to expand, or guiding an established association through transformation, Phyllis brings the same dedication that built her own success: clarity of vision, systematic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to professional excellence.
Solutions That Inspire Growth
We approach consulting differently — with heart, strategy, and deep industry insight. Phyllis Harbinger brings a unique blend of interior design expertise, entrepreneurial savvy, and access to proven tools and resources to help design professionals rise.
Our solutions are bold yet grounded, blending creativity with tested marketing, productivity, and business strategies. Whether you're reimagining your workflow, scaling your firm, or navigating a big decision, we’ll help you uncover the clearest, most confident path forward.
There’s always a solution — and it’s often more powerful than you imagined.
Strategic Brilliance, Built Around You
Phyllis brings clarity to complexity. With decades of experience in design, leadership, and business operations, she helps creative entrepreneurs cut through the noise and focus on what moves the needle.
Every engagement starts with a sharp assessment of where you are, and a smart, streamlined plan to get you where you want to go, quickly, with an added touch of ease and grace, so the process is a positive experience and not a chore.
Her strategic guidance isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s precise, personalized, and purpose-driven — helping you identify the highest-impact areas for growth, eliminate inefficiencies, and create momentum that lasts.
Your Success Is Our Mission.
Let’s Build It Boldly
At Harbinger Design Consulting, we don’t just advise — we partner with visionary designers, creatives, and design/build entrepreneurs to accelerate success. Our consulting services are tailored to the unique challenges and untapped opportunities in your business, from client attraction and marketing to project workflow, profitability, and leadership growth.
We bring deep industry expertise, a sharp strategic lens, and a whole lot of positive energy. Whether you're just getting serious or scaling to your next level, our approach is hands-on, high-impact, and refreshingly fun. Because building a thriving business doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, it can be empowering, exciting, and yes, even joyful.
Let’s turn your passion into momentum, your chaos into clarity, and your goals into results.
Strategy | Coaching | Consulting Articles
Love Letters
"Terrific! Phyllis Harbinger is a powerhouse woman with deep knowledge of the interior design business, coupled with a kind heart and great spirit. In just two hours, she got me focused and helped resolve my concerns with the direction of my interior design practice marketing and outreach. Phyllis has that rare quality of being able to really hear you and then put herself into your business boots to get you to where you need to be."
- Jacqueline Hosford, ASID, NCIDQ
Love Letters
“Your leadership, mentorship, and friendship are truly blessings in my life - professionally and personally. Your impact is profound. You have inspired me in so many ways. Thank you!”
- Melissa, student FIT
Love Letters
“Thank you for such a phenomenal, transformative year. The skills I’ve acquired from you extend beyond the classroom, and for that, I’ll be forever grateful.”
- Rachel, student FIT
Love Letters
“Thank you for always pushing me to do my best and better than I thought I was capable of, and for always believing in me. You have given each person you have taught the best possible foundation. PS - I don’t want to leave you!”
- Emily, student FIT
Love Letters
“Words cannot describe how thankful I am for you. I could not have asked for a better professor or mentor. I will take the lessons, stories, and memories with me wherever I go. I hope to one day be a mentor to someone and impact their life the way you did mine. Thank you for everything.”
- Lexi, student FIT
Love Letters
“It has been a privilege to learn from you and have you as a professor. Thank you for challenging me and always going the extra mile. You have given me such a strong foundation, and I’m excited about what is to come.”
- Lindsey, student FIT
Love Letters
“It meant so much to me that you cared to make sure I was engaged and present to soak up all of the knowledge you shared. You’re truly an amazing professor, interior designer, and person. Thank you for helping me grow into a better designer and for inviting me to design a pop-up shop. I can’t express how grateful I am."
- Julie, student FIT