My Story
I’m Jo. Developer, interior designer and founder of Margin By Design.
I help small scale developers avoid the stress, cost escalation and uncertainty that can derail a project, because I’ve lived those challenges myself.
I run my own small scale property development company and I spent years working as an interior designer prior to embarking in business on my own. In my own development company I focus on commercial conversions and refurbishments. In my interior past, I have designed a variety of projects from homes to schools and hospitals, both new build and refurbishments. And while the completed projects looked strong, getting there wasn’t always smooth.
Like most developers, I’ve experienced all of these things. And it all happened even though I knew what I was doing. Even with experience, confidence and preparation, the chaos still crept in. And every time, I kept coming back to one core realisation:
Lack of design clarity is one of the biggest hidden costs in development.
When delays compound the margin starts to shrink
Interiors aren’t the “pretty bit at the end.” They are a build strategy, a cost-control mechanism, and a sales tool. When the design direction is done early, properly, cohesively and with the build in mind, everything stabilises.
Because I’ve been the developer standing on site, trying to make quick decisions to keep the builder moving. I’ve opened cost reports to find line items inflated by uncertainty and provisional sums. I’m responsible for pushing launch dates, only to realise the design solutions weren’t ready.
Lock in costs early
Clear decisions mean fewer provisional sums, fewer surprises and tighter control of your budget. It aligns the thinking across the team, making the approach collaborative while protecting the numbers.
Keep your build moving smoothly
Your contractor and your team have clarity from the outset of the project. Your contractor can price more confidently. You get fewer questions. The project stays aligned and on track financially and on time.
Lead to faster, more confident sales
A cohesive scheme elevates desirability, improves photography and connects instantly with buyers. This isn’t about making things “look pretty.” It makes development easier, more predictable and more profitable.
I know how heavy development can feel, especially when uncertainty creeps in. I also know the difference that cohesive design direction can make, not just to the build and the budget, but to your confidence as a developer.
Margin By Design exists to help you build smarter, design with purpose and sell faster, with clarity from start to finish. I’m the interface, your partner in clarity, design and strategy. While my team supports the technical detail behind the scenes, including drawings and admin.
Work With Me
Ready to bring more control and cohesion to your next project?