Project Management for DIYers - A practical, no-nonsense course led by PMP certified Designer Karen Mackay

Project Management for DIYers is a practical, no-nonsense course led by PMP certified & internationally experienced Interior Designer Karen Mackay. It teaches you how to plan, budget, schedule, and confidently manage your renovation or build from concept to completion—using professional project management strategies tailored specifically for hands-on homeowners.

A perfect follow on from our Course 1 - Design DIY 101

Welcome to our DesignIY Course 2 - "Project Management for DIYers"

1. Plan Smarter. Spend Better. Build with Confidence.

The course that helps you plan, manage and deliver your renovation — without blowing the budget or your sanity.

"Whether you’re renovating a home, extending, restoring a heritage property or managing your own new build, this course gives you professional project management skills you need — explained clearly, practically and without industry jargon." - Karen Mackay

2. THE ISSUE: Taking on a Design/Build Project

You might be here because…

• You have just purchased a property and want to manage the project yourself

• You have great design ideas but don’t know how to manage the process

• You’re worried about costs spiraling out of control, you've heard plenty of horror stories of renovations and builds that have gone off the rails

• Trades are speaking a language you don’t fully understand, they don't show up or when they do, the work isn't getting done the way you anticipated

• You feel pressure to make decisions quickly — and fear getting them wrong

• You want to stay hands-on without being overwhelmed

• You want to get ahead of issues by planning and tracking progress from the beginning.

Truth bomb:

"Most renovation stress doesn’t come from design — it comes from poor planning and unclear decision-making." - Karen Mackay

3. THE SOLUTION 

This course teaches you how to think like a Project Manager — even if you’ve never managed a Build or Home Renovation before. If you are properly prepared you can actually enjoy the process!

Built specifically for Design DIYers, homeowners and self-builders, this course blends:

• Professional project management principles

• Real-world design & build experience

• Practical tools you can actually use on your own project

No fluff. No scare tactics. Just clarity.

4. WHY LISTEN TO ME? 

'Hi, I’m Karen Mackay. I’m a PMP®-certified Project Manager, Interior Designer, MBA graduate, and the founder of design, retail and property consulting businesses.

• Managed renovations and builds in Ireland, the Channel Islands and the USA for private clients as an Interior Designer and Project Manager for over 23 years;

• Have renovated derelict Heritage-listed properties from a South County Dublin townhouse; a Mayo based cottage into a boutique B&B; a concept flagship store in St Helier; and numerous other residential and rental properties.

•  Founded a coastal-Inspired lifestyle brand that sold online and POS for 9+ years (Wildatlantique.com)

• Real Estate Agent - Coldwell Banker Preview International - Darien, Connecticut USA advising clients on purchase, renovation assessment, staging and sales.

• Have years of experience working with carpenters, plumbers, architects, builders, engineers and suppliers. (Former LEED certified, former ASID member in US).

• Current Member - The Interiors Association of Ireland, Institute of Project Management - Ireland, The Irish Georgian Society

• Have seen what goes wrong — and why, and can help you find the answers to what will work best!

This course is everything I wish homeowners were taught before they start.

5. WHO THIS COURSE IS FOR

This course is for you if:
✔ You’re planning a renovation, extension or self-build or interested in doing so in future
✔ You want control — not chaos
✔ You value good design and good decision-making
✔ You want to avoid costly mistakes
✔ You’re willing to plan properly before you start

"This course is not about only doing the work yourself — it’s about managing it properly!" - Karen Mackay

6. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN (Module Snapshot)

✔ How to define scope so projects don’t creep
✔ How to build a realistic budget
✔ How to schedule trades properly
✔ How to communicate confidently with professionals
✔ How to manage risk, changes and decisions
✔ How to finish strong and protect your investment

7. COURSE STRUCTURE

• 5 structured 60 minute modules

• Short, practical live online (Zoom) presentation lessons

• Downloadable workbook, budget template & checklist

• Real examples from Irish, US & Channel Island projects

• Live Interactive courses with Q&A:  45 minutes each plus 15 min Q&A to get your questions answered.

8. CALL TO ACTION

Stop guessing. Start managing.
👉 Enroll in Project Management for DIYers