Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Design Curious | Interior Design Career and Business Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215 | Starting an Interior Design Career? FAQs Every Design Student Should Know | 02 nov. 2026 | 00:24:16 | |
Are you studying interior design, preparing to graduate, or hoping to land your first job at a design firm? You might already know how to create a beautiful space, develop a floor plan, or put together a portfolio. But do you know what happens between the first client consultation and the final installation? Do you understand how materials are specified, projects are managed, budgets are handled, and client expectations are met? These practical skills help turn your creative education into a successful interior design career. In this episode, I'm answering frequently asked questions from interior design students about how I got started, what I love about the profession, and what I've learned along the way. I'll share what I look for when hiring junior designers, which technical and business skills can help you stand out, how to present your portfolio, and whether professional credentials and design associations are worth pursuing. I'll also explain why communication, networking, curiosity, and a willingness to learn can be just as valuable as your design skills. If you're starting out and getting hired feels overwhelming, know that you don't need to know everything on your first day. You do need to be willing to learn, take responsibility, ask questions, and build experience over time. My goal is to help you understand what the profession actually involves so you can prepare for opportunities, make informed career decisions, and grow into a confident, capable interior designer. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ How to turn your creativity into an interior design career ✔️ Which technical skills help new designers get hired ✔️ How to present a portfolio that explains your design decisions ✔️ Why business skills, communication, and networking matter ✔️ How to build confidence through experience and continuous learning Read the Blog >>> Tips & FAQs for Building a Strong Interior Design Career Foundation NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the webinar waitlist: “Your First Interior Design Client: The Roadmap You Need Before You Say Yes.” 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/firstclientwebinar 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co 📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺
Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction & Webinar Announcement 3:14 How I Discovered Interior Design 5:09 What I Love and Find Challenging 8:57 What Design School May Not Teach You 11:41 CAD Skills and Junior Designer Opportunities 13:09 What I Look for When Hiring Designers 16:09 The Value of Having Credentials or Belonging to Associations 19:49 Hourly Billing, Flat Fees, and Design Rates 20:55 Learning the Complete Design Process | |||
| 214 | Integrating Architecture + Interiors for Better Client Experiences With Sarah Broughton | 26 oct. 2026 | 00:28:08 | |
What if the best interior design solutions don’t come from having all the answers, but from being curious enough to ask better questions? In this episode with Sarah Broughton of Rowland+Broughton, the Colorado-based architecture and design studio, what really stood out to me was the way Sarah approaches design: not as a collection of separate specialties, but as a holistic, collaborative practice. She describes this approach as convergent design—bringing architecture, interior design, landscape, makers, products, and other creative disciplines together rather than treating them as isolated pieces of a project. And at the heart of it all is the client. Great design isn’t simply about creating something beautiful. It’s about listening, anticipating, collaborating, solving problems, and ultimately providing a level of service that creates delight for the person you’re designing for. Featured Guest: Sarah Broughton is a principal and co-founder of Rowland+Broughton, an Aspen- and Denver-based architecture and design studio she founded with her husband, John Rowland, in 2003. A licensed architect and Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Sarah is recognized for her leadership in sustainable design and professional advocacy. Her work spans architecture, interior design, hospitality, residential projects, product design, and civic work, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, place, wellness, and artistic integration. She and John have built a multidisciplinary practice that embraces a convergent approach to design and actively mentors the next generation of designers. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why curiosity makes designers better collaborators ✳️ How convergent design creates a seamless client experience ✳️ Why designers should anticipate client needs ✳️ How iteration strengthens the creative design process ✳️ Why great design is ultimately a service Read the Blog >>> Interior Design as a Collaborative Service NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Get on the waitlist for the Launch Your Business Bootcamp Winter Season 👉 https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/launch-your-business-bootcamp 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co 📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺
Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 3:32 Sarah’s Journey From Architecture to Convergent Design 6:18 The Advantage of Combining Architecture and Interiors 9:38 Building a Multidisciplinary Design Team 14:54 Blending Architecture, Interiors, and Product Design 18:18 Why Progress Matters More Than Perfection 20:13 The importance of mentors 22:40 Getting Unstuck by Returning to the Basics | |||
| 213 | How Design Leaders Collective Helps Interior Designers Build Stronger Businesses With Jodie Carter and Andrea Reordan | 19 oct. 2026 | 00:42:46 | |
Running an interior design business can be incredibly rewarding, but let's be honest: it can also be lonely. You might love the creative work, enjoy transforming homes, and feel passionate about serving your clients, yet still struggle with financial management, project profitability, client challenges, and the many decisions that come with being a business owner. And when things slow down, it's easy to question yourself, wonder whether you're doing something wrong, or feel like you should have everything figured out by now. I've learned that growing a successful interior design business isn't just about having the right skills, creating beautiful spaces, or listening to another business podcast. It's also about surrounding yourself with people who understand what you're going through, who will hold you accountable, and who are willing to give you candid feedback when you need a fresh perspective. That's one of the biggest benefits I've experienced through the Design Leaders Collective (DLC), an international community of interior designers who share their experiences, compare business practices, and help one another grow. In this episode, I'm joined by two of my fellow Design Leaders Collective members, Jodie Carter of Jodie Carter Design in Australia and Andrea Reardon of Andrea Reardon Design in Texas. We talk about how our group evolved from a three-year mastermind into an ongoing community, why financial transparency and accountability matter, and how peer support can help you make better business decisions. If you're an established interior designer looking for accountability partners, candid feedback, and a stronger business perspective, this conversation will help you understand what meaningful professional support can look like. We're also opening the door to new members who are ready to contribute, learn, and grow alongside other design business owners. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why accountability helps interior design businesses grow sustainably ✳️ How financial comparisons improve business management and profitability ✳️ Why candid feedback leads to better business decisions ✳️ How peer support helps designers navigate challenging seasons ✳️ What it takes to join Design Leaders Collective Featured Guests: Jodie Carter is the founder of Jody Carter Design, based near Sydney, Australia. With more than two decades of experience in interior design, she works on high-end residential projects, including beautiful coastal waterfront homes and historic properties. Andrea Reardon is the founder of Andrea Reardon Design, serving the Dallas, Texas, suburbs. She specializes in residential interior design and has increasingly focused on accessibility design, including remodels for families with special needs. Read the Blog >>> How Design Leaders Collective Helps Interior Designers Build Stronger Businesses NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Design Leaders Collective: Contact me at podcast@rwarddesign.com to request membership information and details about the recruitment presentation. 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co 📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺
Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guests Bio 5:48 The Origins of Design Leaders Collective 11:15 Financial Management and Accountability 15:36 Collaborative Benefits and Meetings 19:16 Who Can Join Design Leaders Collective? 30:35 How to Explore Membership Opportunities | |||
| 212 | Brand Positioning for Interior Designers: Stand Out and Get Paid Premium Rates With Jon Czeranna | 12 oct. 2026 | 00:25:48 | |
If you’re an interior designer trying to build a business, you’ve probably heard that you need a strong brand. But what does that actually mean? Is it your logo? Your color palette? The beautiful images on your website? While all of those things can help identify your brand, they aren’t what makes your business different. The more important question is: Why should a potential client choose you over another interior designer? When designers look similar from the outside, clients can easily start comparing portfolios, services, and—eventually—prices. That can make it incredibly difficult for a small business or solopreneur to establish a competitive advantage. In this episode, I talk with Jon Czeranna, co-founder of Wit & Craft and creator of the Brand Lab, about brand positioning for small businesses and interior designers. Jon shares a structured positioning framework that helps you identify your competition, uncover market gaps, understand your ideal client, articulate what makes your business unique, and build a brand story around that difference. And if you’re a newer designer without a large portfolio, Jon shares something that can help you build your online presence right away. Featured Guest Jon Czeranna is the co-founder of Wit & Craft and creator of the Brand Lab. With more than 20 years of experience in advertising, branding, and graphic design, Jon focuses on helping small businesses and solopreneurs uncover and articulate their competitive advantage. Through the Brand Lab, he teaches entrepreneurs how to approach brand positioning, ideal client profiles, brand stories, messaging, and brand voice so they can better connect with customers, differentiate themselves from competitors, and build a stronger foundation for business growth. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why your brand is more than visual identity ✳️ How to identify gaps in your marketplace ✳️ How to define your ideal client profile ✳️ How to articulate your unique positioning ✳️ How to build an online presence without experience Read the Blog >>> Foundation for Building Your Interior Design Brand NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co 📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺
Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:12 Jon’s Journey Into Branding and Positioning 4:26 Where New Designers Should Start With Branding 7:48 The “Only Statement” Positioning Exercise 9:50 Building a Website Without a Large Portfolio 11:31 Identifying Your Ideal Client Profile (ICP) 13:46 The Story Behind the Brand Lab and Its Offer 19:06 One Branding Question Every Designer Should Answer 21:11 Using AI Without Losing Your Brand Voice | |||
| 211 | The Interior Design Software I Use to Run My Business Efficiently | 05 oct. 2026 | 00:26:21 | |
If you’ve ever looked at another interior designer’s business and thought, “Maybe I just need better software,” you’re not alone. There is always a new platform, app, or shiny software promising to make your projects run more smoothly, save you time, or help you make more profit. And with AI becoming part of almost every software platform, it can be even harder to know what you actually need. But after years of running an interior design business, I’ve learned that software is only as effective as the systems behind it. Before you start investing in expensive platforms, you need to understand how you want your business to operate. In the early stages, especially when you have zero or one client, simple spreadsheets can be enough. They can help you learn how you like to manage projects before you invest in more sophisticated interior design software. In this episode, I’m opening up my toolbox and walking you through the software I currently use to run my interior design business—from project management and time tracking to accounting and interior design operations, including drafting, client presentations, client intake, file management, communication, and even AI support. My goal isn’t to tell you there is one perfect software solution. Instead, I want to give you a real-world look at how these tools support my systems and workflows. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why strong systems matter more than software ✔️ How I use Asana for projects and time tracking ✔️ Why Studio Designer supports my design business accounting ✔️ Which software I use for drafting and presentations ✔️ How I manage clients, files, communication, and AI Read the Blog >>> The Interior Design Software I Use to Run My Business Efficiently NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co 📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺
Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction to the Software Behind My Business 4:43 Project Management and Time Tracking 8:02 Accounting and Operations Software 11:42 Design Production and Presentations 16:05 Client Intake and Lead Generation 17:37 Curation and File Management Tools 20:11 Internal Communication and AI Use | |||
| 210 | Bringing Together the Aesthetic and Technical Sides of Interior Design With Jessica Marchant | 28 sept. 2026 | 00:27:14 | |
Interior designers love the beautiful, creative side of the work. They love choosing materials, working with clients, selecting furnishings, and bringing a vision to life. But when a project moves into renovation, remodeling, or new construction, another side of interior design becomes just as important: the technical side. I see this gap often, especially with designers who are moving from decorating and furnishing into more complex residential or commercial projects. You may be confident in your aesthetic skills but feel intimidated by construction documentation, building drawings, space planning, technical details, or understanding how everything will actually be built. And if that technical knowledge wasn't a major focus of your interior design education or career, it can become a real weak spot. In this episode, Jessica Marchand and I talk about exactly why this matters and what you can do about it. Interior design is really two distinct crafts—the aesthetic craft and the technical craft—and great projects happen where those two worlds meet. You don't have to be brilliant at both. But the work does. Featured Guest Jessica Marchant is the founder of Blue-Sky Creative, a technical design firm that partners with interior designers nationwide to provide white-label design support, space planning, build-ready construction documentation, and realistic 3D renderings. Her team helps bridge the gap between interior designers and contractors so designers can confidently execute residential and commercial projects. Jessica is a formally trained interior designer with a master's degree in design management and has experience in kitchen and bath design, construction, themed entertainment, and project management. She also coaches interior designers who are transitioning into more complex renovation and new construction work. Her approach combines technical design expertise with practical business strategy to help creative businesses scale with confidence. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why technical design knowledge matters in complex projects ✳️ How construction documentation protects your design decisions ✳️ When to outsource technical design support ✳️ How to choose the right GC partner ✳️ Why intentional teams help interior designers scale Read the Blog >>> Bringing the Aesthetic and Technical Sides Together of Interior Design NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co 📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺
Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 3:00 Jessica’s Journey Into Interior Design 9:17 Why Designers Often Lack Technical Experience 10:21 The Idea Behind Blue-Sky Creative 13:28 Blue-Sky Creative Services 15:05 Getting As-Built Information for Projects 17:26 Creating Templates and Polished Drawings 19:46 Building a Team and Getting Help 21:41 Managing Construction Partnerships | |||
| Ep209 | 7 Must-Read Books to Help Interior Designers Build a Successful Business | 21 sept. 2026 | 00:25:42 | |
You became an interior designer because you love design. You know how to create beautiful spaces, solve design problems, make thoughtful selections, and bring a client's vision to life. But once you start your own interior design business, you quickly discover that being a talented designer is only one part of the job. Suddenly, you're also responsible for marketing, sales, client experience, project management, finances, systems, leadership, and all the decisions that come with running a business. It can feel overwhelming because nobody necessarily teaches you how to make that transition from skilled creative to confident business owner. One way I've grown my business over the years is through reading. I've read a lot of business and personal growth books over the last 10 years, and some have completely changed the way I think about my career, my clients, my money, and my business. In this episode, I'm sharing seven books that have helped me answer important questions about building an interior design business that is profitable, sustainable, memorable, and capable of growing beyond me. My recommendation: Start with the book that speaks to the question you're asking in your business right now. Sometimes one idea or one important shift in perspective is enough to make an entire book worthwhile. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why your interior design business exists ✔️ How to make your marketing more client-focused ✔️ Ways to create a memorable client experience ✔️ How systems can help your business grow ✔️ How to develop a healthier money mindset Read the Blog >>> 7 Must-Read Business Books for Interior Designers NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co 📗 Check out the best books every interior designer should have here. 📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺
Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction to business books for interior designers 5:10 On Finding Your Purpose 7:18 On Effective Marketing Messaging 10:31 On Giving Exceptional Client Experiences 13:35 On Building Scalable Systems 15:24 On Creating a Business Built to Sell 17:25 On Mastering Money Mindset 19:02 On Managing Business Cash Flow | |||
| 208 | The Real Work of a Professional Interior Designer With Tamera Gamble | 14 sept. 2026 | 00:32:54 | |
What does it really mean to be an interior designer? Is it simply choosing beautiful colors, furniture, and finishes? Or is there something much deeper happening when we step into a client's home and ask them to trust our professional judgment? In this episode, I sit down with Tamera Gamble of Arranged Space, an interior designer, educator, mentor, and longtime design professional whose career has taken her from high-end residential design to commercial, municipal, retail, and residential projects. Her story is a wonderful reminder that interior design is both a creative career and a technical, human-centered profession. I especially loved Tamera's commitment to making good interior design accessible to real people, regardless of their budget. Whether you're working on a luxury residential project, helping a client make a few changes with $1,000, creating construction documents in AutoCAD, or simply solving a difficult space-planning problem, the fundamentals still matter. Your job is to make the space work for the person living in it. And sometimes, doing that means telling a client no. Featured Guest Tamera Gamble is the founder of Arranged Space, an interior design business focused on creating thoughtful, functional spaces that reflect each client's style and budget. Her career in interior design spans residential, commercial, municipal, retail, and historic preservation projects, including work with prominent firms such as Ralph Lauren, Gruzen Sampton, and Goldenstein Hill and West. Tamera earned her BFA from the New York School of Interior Design and has developed a particular passion for space planning, technical drawing, and using design to make everyday spaces work better for the people who live in them. In addition to practicing interior design, she teaches at the New York School of Interior Design and has spent years mentoring aspiring designers, helping them build their skills, confidence, and portfolios. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why interior design requires technical expertise ✳️ How to confidently stand behind your recommendations ✳️ Why continuing education matters throughout your career ✳️ How to make good design accessible ✳️ Ways to build experience and your design portfolio Read the Blog >>> The Real Work of a Professional Interior Designer NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co 📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺
Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:35 How Barbie’s Dream House Sparked Tamera’s Design Career 4:14 Education and Early Career 8:53 The Experience That Led to Business Ownership 11:32 Making Interior Design Accessible to Everyone 14:28 When a Designer Has to Tell a Client No 18:29 Why Design Fundamentals Matter 25:34 The Challenge of Educating Clients 28:53 Career Advice for Aspiring Interior Designers | |||
| 207 | 5 Tips for Managing Construction & Remodel Projects Smoothly as an Interior Designer | 07 sept. 2026 | 00:31:25 | |
Construction and remodel projects can feel intimidating, especially when you’re a new interior designer approaching your first project. You may be wondering how to work with contractors, who should handle permits and engineering, how to respond when a contractor pushes back on your design, or what happens when something unexpected appears after a wall is opened. These are all real concerns—and they’re exactly why understanding construction project management is such an important part of becoming a confident interior designer. In this episode, I’m walking you through how I approach construction and remodel projects, from bringing contractors into the process early to defining responsibilities, managing site visits, documenting decisions, communicating with clients, and building strong relationships with your construction team. My goal is to help you approach construction projects with more confidence instead of fear—and become the project leader your clients need you to be. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Understand your role during construction and remodel projects ✔️ Bring contractors into the design process early ✔️ Define responsibilities before construction begins ✔️ Improve construction communication and document project decisions ✔️ Build stronger relationships with your A-list contractors Read the Blog >>> 5 Practical Tips for Managing Construction and Remodel Projects Smoothly NEXT STEPS: 📋 Get the Remodel Survival Guide: a step-by-step process on the construction side of a remodel project 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co 📺 WATCH FREE WEBINARS 📺
Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction to managing construction projects 4:16 Understanding Your Role as the Designer 5:47 Collaborating with Experts Early 10:10 Defining Roles and Responsibilities 15:01 Client Communication and Contractor Collaboration 18:14 Using Site Binders and Documenting Decisions 21:13 Managing Budgets and Timelines 23:25 Building Professional Relationships | |||
| 206 | 6 Proven Strategies for a Profitable, Sustainable Interior Design–Build Firm With Annie Obermann | 31 août 2026 | 00:29:02 | |
If you're an aspiring interior designer, career changer, or established designer trying to grow a sustainable business, you may feel pressure to know everything before you begin. You may also believe that growth means taking on more projects, hiring more people, or becoming the person who can handle every detail of every project. But Annie Obermann’s journey with Forge and Bow offers a different perspective. Annie and her husband and business partner, Jordan Obermann, didn't start with formal design training or a perfectly structured business plan. They learned through renovating their own homes, working with partners, making mistakes, and eventually building a boutique design-build firm known for thoughtful residential renovation, craftsmanship, and high-end design. This year, Forge and Bow is celebrating its 10th anniversary. In this episode, I talk with Annie about what happens when you are brave enough to start before you know everything—and humble enough to recognize when you need better systems, experienced team members, and outside support. We explore client experience, project management, team communication, hiring, professional development, branding, delegation, and how to build an interior design career that supports both your professional and personal life. Featured Guest Annie Obermann co-leads Forge and Bow, a Colorado-based boutique design-build firm, with her husband and business partner, Jordan Obermann. Together, they have transformed the residential landscape of Northern Colorado through timeless, warm, nostalgic design paired with expert craftsmanship. Annie brings expertise in interior architecture, while Jordan contributes a strong spatial and visionary perspective. Their work includes historic renovations and custom new builds, with a focus on creating cohesive, functional, and elegant homes that reflect each client's unique story. Forge and Bow is celebrating its 10th anniversary and is known for thoughtful problem-solving, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to quality. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ How courage can launch your interior design career ✳️ Why sustainable growth requires strong business processes ✳️ How team communication improves the client experience ✳️ Why competency matters when hiring design professionals ✳️ How delegation creates more freedom and business growth Read the Blog >>> 6 Proven Strategies on Building a Sustainable Interior Design Business NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:57 Annie’s Unconventional Path Into Interior Design 5:09 How HGTV Helped Shape Forge and Bow 7:20 The Story Behind the Forge and Bow Name 8:41 Building a Team and Processes 10:49 Connecting Systems With Client Experience 12:44 Building Strong Team Communication 14:55 Competency Versus Personality When Hiring 19:09 Creating a Culture of Constant Learning 20:30 Future Goals and Business Strategy 24:18 Advice for Aspiring Designers | |||
| 205 | The House Hushing Framework for Beautiful, Soulful Homes With Myquillyn Smith | 24 août 2026 | 00:26:03 | |
As interior designers, we often focus on creating beautiful spaces, but beauty alone isn't always enough. Sometimes a room can have gorgeous furnishings, meaningful décor, and impeccable styling, yet still feel visually loud. When every surface competes for attention, a home stops supporting everyday life and starts demanding energy from the people living in it. That's why I was so excited to sit down with bestselling author Myquillyn Smith, better known as The Nester, to talk about her newest book, House Hushing. Rather than encouraging us to simply own fewer things, Myquillyn introduces a refreshing perspective: great design is about managing visual volume, not just the volume of possessions. Her approach blends interior design, decluttering, quiet decorating, soulful styling, and seasonal simplicity into a practical framework that helps create homes that feel both peaceful and deeply personal. If you're designing for clients—or even creating a home for yourself—this episode will encourage you to think beyond minimalism. You'll discover how thoughtful design decisions can reduce visual noise while preserving warmth, personality, and the lived-in beauty that makes a house truly feel like home. Featured Guest Myquillyn Smith, also known as The Nester, is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, decorating expert, and founder of The Nester. For more than fifteen years, she has encouraged homeowners to embrace their homes—imperfections and all—by creating spaces that reflect their personalities instead of chasing perfection. Her thoughtful approach combines decorating, styling, decluttering, and intentional living, helping thousands of women create welcoming homes with less stress and more meaning. Living in a historic Victorian home in North Carolina has further shaped her philosophy, inspiring her latest book, House Hushing, which introduces a fresh framework for reducing visual noise while maintaining warmth, beauty, and soul. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Understand the four-part House Hushing framework. ✳️ Reduce visual noise without sacrificing personality. ✳️ Style meaningful homes with fewer decorative items. ✳️ Create peaceful interiors through quiet decorating. ✳️ Design homes supporting changing life seasons. Read the Blog >>> The Four Principles of House Hushing NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:27 Myquillyn’s Journey Into Decorating 4:39 Living in a Historic Victorian Home 8:37 What House Hushing Really Means 13:00 Knowing When a Home Needs Hushing 14:34 How Backwards Decluttering Works 17:51 Why Visual Volume Changes Everything 19:56 Quiet Decorating in Action 23:00 Book Launch and Bonus Resources | |||
| 204 | From 779 Doors to HGTV: How to Build a Thriving Interior Design Career With Corey Damen Jenkins | 17 août 2026 | 00:44:05 | |
What does it really take to build a successful interior design business when no one is opening doors for you? If you've ever wondered whether you're talented enough, questioned your career transition, or felt discouraged because clients aren't calling, this conversation is one I want you to slow down and absorb. Too many aspiring interior designers believe success comes from luck, connections, or overnight visibility. Corey Damen Jenkins proves the opposite. His story reminds us that meaningful careers are built through relentless persistence, business discipline, and the courage to keep showing up—even when every door seems to close. In this episode, I sit down with internationally acclaimed interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins, who shares his journey behind his remarkable success. From leaving the automotive industry after the Great Recession to knocking on 779 doors before landing his first major client, Corey shares the mindset shifts, business lessons, and mentorship philosophy that helped him build one of the most respected brands in interior design. Whether you're navigating a career transition, building your client acquisition strategy, or wondering how AI will shape the future of our profession, this conversation will encourage you to build your career with confidence while choosing collaboration over competition. Featured Guest Corey Damen Jenkins is an internationally acclaimed interior designer, bestselling author, MasterClass instructor, television personality, and mentor. His work has been featured by Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, ELLE Decor, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, and numerous leading design publications. He is the author of Design Remix and Design Reimagined, creator of the Design Reimagined YouTube series, and has developed celebrated brand partnerships spanning furniture, textiles, wallcoverings, and lighting. Corey is widely recognized not only for his colorful, timeless interiors but also for his passion for mentoring the next generation of interior designers. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why relentless grit outperforms natural talent. ✳️ Turning career setbacks into business opportunities. ✳️ Protecting your mindset from discouraging voices. ✳️ Building business acumen beyond creative skills. ✳️ Why mentorship strengthens the entire design community. Read the Blog >>> 5 Principles That Turned Rejection Into a Profitable Interior Design Career NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 3:15 Corey’s Passion for Interior Design 5:55 Studying Architecture and Early Career Decisions 11:08 Finding the First Client 15:15 The Grit Required for Entrepreneurship 18:06 Learning Business Without Mentorship 20:56 Why Giving Back Matters 23:05 AI, Industry Standards, and Protecting the Design Profession 26:16 Running a Global Design Brand 30:07 Staying Motivated After Achieving Success 31:54 Design Remix and Design Reimagined 35:05 Advice for New Interior Designers | |||
| 203 | 5 Rules for Long-Term Success in the Interior Design Business With Jamie Young | 10 août 2026 | 00:31:10 | |
Is talent alone enough to build a successful interior design career? This episode is a powerful reminder that creativity is only one piece of the puzzle. Many aspiring interior designers spend years refining their aesthetic but struggle with the business side—pricing, vendor relationships, execution, and confidently bringing their ideas to life. Without those skills, even the most inspired creative vision can remain just that: an idea. In this conversation, I sit down with Jamie Young, co-founder of Jamie Young Co., to explore how she transformed a lifelong passion for design into a nationally recognized home furnishings company. Jamie shares how her upbringing, education at Parsons School of Design, love of art history, global travel, and willingness to embrace uncertainty shaped both her creative identity and entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're launching your interior design business, developing your own creative process, or learning how to work more effectively with vendors, Jamie offers practical wisdom that reminds us success isn't about having all the answers—it's about combining inspired design with thoughtful business execution, authentic relationships, and the courage to keep moving forward. Featured Guest Jamie Young is the co-founder of Jamie Young Co., a nationally recognized home furnishings company known for its thoughtfully designed lighting, mirrors, furniture, and home accessories. Raised in Los Angeles by an artist and entrepreneur, Jamie developed an early appreciation for design, creativity, and business. After studying at Parsons School of Design, she combined her passion for design, art history, fashion, and global travel with her husband David Jeter's artistic talents to build a brand that has inspired designers for more than 27 years. Today, Jamie Young Co. is celebrated for its approachable luxury, elevated basics, handcrafted products, and commitment to supporting interior designers through exceptional customer service and lasting vendor relationships. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Build business through consistent creative execution. ✳️ Discover your unique creative design DNA. ✳️ Develop stronger vendor relationships from day one. ✳️ Balance design inspiration with profitable decisions. ✳️ Use travel and curiosity to inspire creativity. Read the Blog >>> 5 Rules for Long-Term Success in the Interior Design Business NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 3:34 Jamie Young Company's Founding and Initial Products 7:27 Why Execution Matters More Than Having Ideas 8:01 Learning the Business Side of Creativity 9:34 Scaling From a Garage Startup to Global Manufacturing 11:48 How Global Travel Transformed Product Design 15:51 Behind the Scenes of Product Development and Customer Service 20:27 Why Vendor Relationships Matter 21:55 The Value of Trade Shows and Telling Product Stories 24:31 Balancing Design Trends With Elevated Basics 26:48 What Jamie Would Do Differently if Starting Over | |||
| 202 | Why Learning Revit Can Transform Your Interior Design Career With Marcy Sagel | 03 août 2026 | 00:24:56 | |
Are you intimidated by Revit? I hear from so many interior designers who are curious about commercial design, multifamily housing, student housing, senior living, or hospitality projects, but feel held back because they don’t have the technical skills employers are asking for. And honestly, that hesitation can keep talented designers from pursuing opportunities they’d genuinely love. In this episode, I’m joined by Marcy Sagel, creator of Designer Bank, an online learning platform that helps interior designers strengthen their technical and commercial design skills. Marcy shares why Revit has become one of the most valuable skills a designer can learn, how rendering tools like Enscape can dramatically increase your marketability, and why commercial firms are actively looking for designers who can work confidently in these programs. What I love most about this conversation is that it’s not about becoming a tech expert overnight. It’s about expanding your opportunities. Whether you’re a residential designer curious about commercial projects, a student preparing for interviews, or a designer who feels “rusty” in Revit, this episode will help you see how strengthening your technical skill set can open doors, increase your confidence, and make you more competitive in today’s interior design industry. Featured Guest Marcy Sagel is the creator of Designer Bank, an online learning platform that helps interior designers strengthen their technical and commercial design skills. She is also the founder and principal of MSA Interiors, a leading commercial interior design firm specializing in multifamily housing, student housing, senior living, affordable housing, and other complex commercial projects. With more than 30 years of industry experience, Marcy has built a reputation for creating innovative, functional, and aesthetically compelling spaces that align with her clients’ strategic goals. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why Revit matters for commercial interior design careers ✳️ How rendering skills increase your marketability ✳️ What commercial firms look for when hiring ✳️ How online Revit training fills industry gaps ✳️ Future trends in multifamily and commercial design Read the Blog >>> How Revit Can Make You More Marketable As An Interior Designer NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co/ Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:30 Marcy Sagel's Recent Projects and Courses 3:15 Revit Courses for Interior Designers 4:19 Rendering with Enscape 7:03 University Partnerships and Online Learning 8:02 Choosing the Right Revit Level 10:31 Expanding Course Offerings 13:42 Trends in Multifamily and Commercial Projects 18:51 Transitioning From Residential to Commercial Design 20:47 AI Integration and the Future of Design Technology | |||
| 201 | The Role of Decluttering and Home Organization in Interior Design With Lisa Woodruff | 27 juil. 2026 | 00:35:54 | |
Interior designers naturally focus on aesthetics, layouts, furnishings, and creating spaces that feel beautiful. But what happens when a client's home is filled with clutter, unfinished systems, and daily chaos that no amount of beautiful design can solve? The reality is that even the most stunning space will struggle to function if the foundation of organization isn't in place first. In this episode, I sit down with professional organizer and Organize 365 founder Lisa Woodruff to discuss the critical relationship between organization and interior design. Lisa shares why decluttering and creating household systems should happen before design decisions are made, how mental clutter impacts wellness, and why understanding a homeowner's real-life habits is essential to creating spaces that truly serve them. If you've ever wondered how to design homes that work as beautifully as they look, this conversation will completely change the way you approach your projects. Featured Guest Lisa Woodruff is the founder and CEO of Organize 365, a company dedicated to helping individuals reduce overwhelm, eliminate mental clutter, and create productive household systems. A former teacher turned professional organizer, Lisa has spent more than a decade developing practical solutions for household management, productivity, and organization. She is the host of the highly successful Organize 365 Podcast, which has accumulated more than 24 million downloads, and the author of Escaping Quicksand: 10 Steps to Overcome the Overwhelm of Modern Life. Through her programs, courses, and coaching, Lisa helps people create organized homes and lives that support their goals and well-being. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why organization must happen before design decisions ✳️ How mental clutter affects daily productivity ✳️ Systems that simplify household management ✳️ Creating homes that support real-life habits ✳️ Balancing beauty, function, and family life Read the Blog >>> Designing Homes That Fit Real Life NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:25 Lisa Woodruff's Journey into Professional Organizing 5:01 Challenges of Starting a Profitable Organizing Business 7:34 Balancing Household Management and Career 10:07 The Importance of Systems in Home Organization 12:20 What Interior Designers Should Understand About Organization 15:15 Practical Tips for Effective Home Organization 17:45 Empty Space, Storage, and Household Clutter 22:32 Letting Go of Perfectionism at Home 25:14 Wellness, Mental Clutter, and Digital Overload 28:43 The Sunday Basket System Explained 29:15 Quarterly Planning for Household Management 31:27 Inside Organize 365 What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeTimestamps | |||
| 200 | 4 Secrets to Creating a Strong Employer–Employee Relationship in Interior Design Firms With Lillian Janik | 20 juil. 2026 | 00:46:48 | |
What is it really like to work for an interior designer? And just as importantly, what does it take to build a healthy, balanced employee-employer relationship that lasts? As I celebrate 200 episodes of Design Curious, I wanted to pull back the curtain and share a candid conversation with someone who knows my business better than almost anyone—my employee, Lillian Janik. Lilly has worked alongside me for eight years, and together we've navigated everything from residential interior design projects and company growth to mentorship programs, commercial work, and the everyday realities of running a creative business. If you're an aspiring interior designer wondering whether you should work for a design firm or start your own business, this episode offers valuable insight into the employee-employer relationship. We talk about communication, company culture, leadership, career growth, and the mindset shifts that come with being part of a design team. We also have some fun along the way. Lily turns the tables and interviews me, asking questions about work-life balance, design trends, my personal style journey, and how I manage everything from mentoring designers to running the Sacramento Design Business Community. You'll even get a peek at my love of Art Deco architecture, my obsession with historical plaques, our mission to identify the names of Sacramento alleyways, and how a simple wardrobe redesign became its own creative project. Whether you're building a creative career, growing a design business, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes realities of working in interior design, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and honest reflections. Featured Guest Lillian "Lilly" Janik brings a thoughtful eye, calm presence, and strong design sensibility to the Rebecca Ward Design team. She is a graduate of CSU Sacramento with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. Lillian first joined the studio as an intern during her final semester and quickly became an essential part of the team. Today, as an Associate Designer, she supports projects through design development, sourcing, documentation, and the many details that help each home feel cohesive and complete. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Employee versus entrepreneur mindset differences ✳️ Building strong workplace communication and trust ✳️ Creating a positive company culture in design firms ✳️ Work-life balance strategies for busy creatives ✳️ Finding community through mentorship and networking Read the Blog >>> Secrets to Creating a Strong Employer–Employee Relationship in Interior Design Firms NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Celebrating 200 Podcast Episodes 3:15 Updates After 100 episodes 7:14 Lilly’s Expectations as a New Employee 11:10 Employee vs Entrepreneur Mindset Differences 16:20 Communication and Company Culture Lessons 19:49 Understanding Your Role Within a Design Firm 23:29 Q&A: The Rewards and Challenges of Being A Boss 26:25 Q&A: Art Deco and Emerging Interior Design Trends 29:22 Q&A: Design Leaders Collective and SDBC 34:37 Work-Life Balance Strategies 40:28 Rebecca’s Personal Style Transformation | |||
| 199 | How to Curate Meaningful Artwork for Your Interior Design Projects With Sarah Hurt of Seattle Art Source | 13 juil. 2026 | 00:28:54 | |
Have you ever completed a beautiful interior design project, only to reach the final stage and realize the walls still feel unfinished because the art hasn’t been selected yet? Many designers focus heavily on furniture, finishes, textiles, and architectural details, but art often becomes something clients think about at the very end. In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Hurt, founder of Seattle Art Source, to talk about how interior designers can confidently integrate art into their projects, collaborate with local artists, and create more meaningful spaces for their clients. Sarah shares practical advice on art curation, working with an art advisor, selecting pieces that complement a design vision, and helping clients discover artwork they truly connect with. Whether you are a new designer building your creative career or an experienced designer looking to elevate your client experience, this conversation will help you rethink the role art plays in creating complete, intentional interiors. Featured Guest Sarah Hurt is the founder of Seattle Art Source, a company dedicated to connecting interior designers, clients, and local artists through meaningful art experiences. After starting Seattle Art Source as a second career, Sarah built a bridge between artists and buyers by helping designers curate artwork that enhances everyday life. She works with designers on residential and commercial projects, offering art sourcing, commissions, installations, and advisory support. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why art belongs in the initial design package ✳️ How to confidently curate art selections ✳️ Ways to collaborate with local artists ✳️ How to manage client art preferences ✳️ Building stronger design relationships through art Read the Blog >>> How to Integrate Art Into the Interior Design Process NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:49 Sarah Hurt's Journey into the Art Industry 6:34 How Seattle Art Source Works 8:59 Integrating Art into the Design Process 10:31 Making Art Approachable for Clients 14:23 Handling Client Art Preferences 19:10 Renting Art for Photography 21:21 Building Confidence in Art Selection | |||
| 198 | 4 Ways Interior Designers Can Build a Simpler, Scalable Business With Sallie Ogden | 06 juil. 2026 | 00:30:36 | |
Are you working harder, taking on more projects, and increasing your revenue—but still wondering where the profit is going? Many creative entrepreneurs start their interior design business because they love the work, but over time, they find themselves overwhelmed by the administrative side, unpredictable income, and the pressure to constantly create more. In this episode, I’m joined by business strategist Sallie Ogden, founder of Brimm and creator of Brimm Capital, to talk about why more revenue does not always equal more freedom. Sallie shares how shifting your focus from chasing revenue growth to building predictable profit can completely transform the way you run your business. If you want to simplify your interior design business, create stronger business systems, improve operational efficiency, and build a clear plan for long-term profitability, this conversation will help you rethink how you approach scaling. Sallie breaks down why intentional planning, smart automation, AI tools, and niching down can help you grow a sustainable creative career without burning yourself out. Featured Guest Sallie Ogden is a business strategist, founder of Brimm, and creator of Brimm Capital, a framework designed to help female entrepreneurs build real profit—not just revenue. After scaling her own company to multiple seven figures and experiencing the challenges of unsustainable growth, Sallie became focused on helping business owners create smarter systems, predictable profit, and sustainable growth. Through consulting and coaching, she helps entrepreneurs simplify sales, improve operations, leverage AI tools, and build businesses that protect their time while creating wealth. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why profit matters more than revenue growth ✳️ How to build scalable business systems ✳️ Ways AI tools simplify daily operations ✳️ Why niching down creates business growth ✳️ How to create predictable profit plans Read the Blog >>> 4 Ways to Simplify Your Interior Design Business and Create More Profit NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start creating a design career you truly love. 👉https://my-design-mentor.mn.co Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 3:09 From Corporate Law to Founding Her Own Business 5:58 Shift from Chasing Revenue to Protecting Profit 8:02 Brimm Capital’s Profitability Framework 10:04 The Five Pillars of Business Systems 11:19 How Interior Designers Can Use AI 17:34 AI Tool Recommendation for Interior Designers 22:34 Mistakes to Avoid When Scaling a Business 26:48 The Power of Niching Down | |||
| 197 | How to Build a Strong Interior Design Business Foundation from Day One | 29 juin 2026 | 00:23:28 | |
Are you struggling to decide where to spend your time, energy, and money as you build your interior design business? I got you! One of the biggest challenges I see aspiring and emerging designers face is knowing when—and how—to invest in themselves and their business. Many creatives hesitate to spend money on education, systems, coaching, legal support, or professional expertise because it feels risky. But what if not investing is actually costing you more? As interior designers, we regularly ask clients to trust our expertise. We encourage them to invest in professional guidance because we know it saves them time, prevents costly mistakes, and helps them achieve a better outcome. The same principle applies to building a successful design business. If you want clients to value your expertise, you must learn to value expertise yourself. In this episode, I explore the investment mindset that separates hobbyists from serious professionals. I share why adopting a CEO mindset, making intentional investments, and planning for business growth can help you avoid burnout, build client trust, create stronger business systems, and ultimately develop the career and business you've always wanted. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why an investment mindset fuels long-term business growth ✔️ How time investment builds your business foundation early ✔️ Questions to ask before every strategic business investment ✔️ Why NOT investing often costs more long-term ✔️ How professional expertise scales as your business grows Read the Blog >>> Building a Strong Interior Design Business Foundation Through Intentional Investment NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the Summer '26 Launch Your Business Bootcamp 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and lock in the lower rate Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this FREE webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction to Investment Mindset 4:18 Investing Throughout Every Career Stage 8:55 Investing Time Before Investing Money 10:40 Questions to Evaluate Business Investments 12:53 Making Decisions Using Data, Not Emotions 14:05 Why Hiring Experts Accelerates Growth 17:19 The Hidden Costs of Underinvesting 19:30 Developing the CEO Mindset for Success 21:31 Final Call for Summer Boot Camp and Pricing Reminder | |||
| 196 | Cash Flow Management for Interior Designers With Finance Expert Carla Titus | 22 juin 2026 | 00:26:29 | |
If you've ever found yourself staring at your bank account hoping the number magically went up overnight, or waiting until December to figure out what — if anything — you get to pay yourself this year, this episode is going to feel like a direct message just for you. So many of the designers I work with are talented, passionate, and completely in the dark about the financial side of their business. And here's the thing: that's not a character flaw. It's an education gap. But it is your responsibility to close it — and that's exactly what today's conversation is all about. In this episode, I sit down with Carla Titus, a fractional CFO and financial consultant with over 17 years of experience in corporate financial planning and business strategy. Carla breaks down the practical financial planning strategies every interior designer needs, from simple two-week cash flow forecasting to building financial reserves, paying yourself consistently, and knowing exactly when it's time to bring in a fractional CFO. Whether you're just starting or ready to scale, this conversation will shift the way you think about money in your business — and give you real tools to move forward with confidence and financial stability. Featured Guest Carla Titus is a finance expert with more than 17 years of experience in corporate financial planning, analysis, strategy, and online business operations. As the founder of Wealth & Worth Within, she provides Fractional CFO services, financial consulting, bookkeeping support, and strategic financial planning for entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses profitably. Carla's mission is to help business owners achieve financial clarity, improve cash flow, and make confident decisions that support sustainable growth and long-term success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why cash flow is your business's oxygen ✳️ Simple two-week cash flow planning strategies ✳️ How to build financial reserves without overwhelm ✳️ When to hire a fractional CFO ✳️ How to pay yourself consistently and intentionally Read the Blog >>> Cash Flow Management for Interior Designers NEXT STEPS: 🔸 Save your seat! June 24 FREE Webinar: Are You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 🎯 Join the Summer '26 Launch Your Business Bootcamp 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and lock in the lower rate Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 5:43 Cash Flow Explained 7:19 Practical Processes for Maintaining Healthy Cash Flow 10:18 Building Cash Reserves and the “Buckets” System 11:23 When to Consider Hiring a Fractional CFO 13:37 Strategy-First, Numbers-Second Approach to Business Growth 15:14 Common Money Mindset Challenges Business Owners Face 17:38 The “Hoarder” vs. “Spender” Business Owner Spectrum 19:34 How to Create a Habit of Paying Yourself 21:45 About Wealth and Worth Within: The Story and Services 24:01 The Best Time to Seek Fractional CFO Services | |||
| 195 | "Can I Really Do This?" 4 Real-Life Questions About Starting an Interior Design Business | 15 juin 2026 | 00:29:21 | |
Have you been dreaming about starting an interior design career, but keep telling yourself you'll start when the time is right? Maybe you’re balancing a full-time job, raising kids, managing a household, or simply trying to figure out if you’re talented enough to make a creative career shift. I'm here to tell you something important: that perfect season is never coming. And the longer you wait for it, the longer you stay stuck in a career that isn't feeding your soul. In this episode, I’m answering the real-life questions aspiring interior designers ask before making a career change. Questions like: Can I build an interior design business while working another job? Can I start a creative career while raising kids? How much time do I realistically need to invest each week? These are practical concerns, and they deserve honest answers. Whether you’re pursuing interior design as a career shift, launching your first design business, or exploring a more flexible creative lifestyle, this episode will help you understand how to move forward with confidence, professionalism, and purpose. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ How to balance interior design alongside your current job ✔️ Starting a design business while raising your children ✔️ How many weekly hours do you realistically need ✔️ Why intentionality beats hustle culture every time ✔️ How structure actually creates more flexibility in your business Read the Blog >>> 4 Real-Life Questions About Starting an Interior Design Business NEXT STEPS: 🔸 Save your seat! FREE Webinar: Are You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 🎯 Join the Summer '26 Launch Your Business Bootcamp 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and lock in the lower rate Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction: Q&A on Starting a Career or Business in Interior Design 5:19 Can You Start a Design Business While Working Another Job? 11:00 Can You Start a Business While Raising Kids? 15:57 How Much Time Do You Really Need to Get Started? 21:00 How Flexible Is Interior Design as a Career? 24:30 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Start | |||
| 194 | Building Your Interior Design Website? Essential Website Lessons From Robyn White | 08 juin 2026 | 00:37:35 | |
If you’re an aspiring interior designer or you’re still in the early stages of building your business, chances are you’ve asked yourself questions like: Do I really need a professional website yet? Should I invest in custom website design? Or can I just use a template for now? I hear these questions constantly from designers inside my programs, especially when they’re trying to balance launching their business with managing their budget wisely. And honestly? It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options — WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, SEO, branding, copywriting, templates, custom builds… suddenly creating a website feels harder than designing a room. That’s exactly why I invited website designer Robyn White back onto the podcast. In this episode, we unpack what interior designers actually need when it comes to website design, how to know the right level of investment for your stage of business, and what questions to ask before hiring a website designer. We also talk about minimum viable product websites, brand strategy, portfolio photos, AI renderings, website maintenance, and why perfectionism may be holding you back from getting clients. Featured Guest Robyn White is the founder of RDW Design Studio, where she combines luxury market insight with strategic website design for interior designers. With a background working at one of the world’s most prestigious art galleries, Robyn brings a rare blend of strategy, aesthetics, and high-end client understanding to every project. She specializes in helping interior designers elevate their online presence through thoughtful brand strategy, SEO-conscious website design, and customized digital experiences that attract aligned clients and opportunities. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ When to invest in custom website design ✳️ Questions to ask website designers before hiring ✳️ Templates versus custom websites for beginners ✳️ Website platforms: WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace ✳️ Building a portfolio without completed client projects Read the Blog >>> Essential Website Lessons Before Building Your Interior Design Website NEXT STEPS: 🔸 Save your seat! FREE Webinar: Are You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 4:02 Questions to Ask a Website Designer 8:59 SEO, Copywriting, and Branding Explained 11:13 Website Designer vs. Branding Specialist 15:12 Templates vs. Custom Websites 19:52 Minimum Viable Product Websites 22:00 Building a Portfolio Without Client Projects 25:51 On Using Stock Photos 27:01 AI Renderings for Interior Designers 28:25 How to Choose the Right Website Designer 31:12 Website Maintenance After Launch | |||
| 193 | Struggling with Self-Doubt? Overcome Imposter Syndrome in Your Design Career | 01 juin 2026 | 00:31:14 | |
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m not experienced enough to call myself a real interior designer”? Or maybe you scroll through social media, comparing your work to polished projects, and suddenly feel like you don’t belong in this industry at all. That quiet voice of self-doubt—what we call imposter syndrome—can creep in at any stage of your interior design career, especially when you're just starting out. I want you to know something important: feeling like an imposter doesn’t mean you are one. In fact, it’s often a sign that you’re growing, stretching, and stepping into a bigger version of yourself. The truth is, every interior designer—yes, even seasoned professionals—has faced these same thoughts at some point. The difference isn’t whether they feel it… it’s how they move through it. In this episode, I’m walking you through what imposter syndrome really looks like in a creative career like interior design, why it happens, and how you can overcome it. If you’re ready to stop second-guessing yourself and start building real confidence in your design business, this is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why imposter syndrome signals growth, not failure ✔️ How social media fuels designer self-doubt ✔️ Ways to build real, lasting client confidence ✔️ Practical steps to overcome creative career insecurity ✔️ How mistakes strengthen your design expertise Read the Blog >>> Overcome Imposter Syndrome in Interior Design NEXT STEPS: 🔸 Save your seat! FREE Webinar: Are You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 3:47 What Imposter Syndrome Really Means 5:00 The Danger of Comparison on Social Media 9:18 Building Confidence from Within 14:45 Identifying Limiting Beliefs and Patterns 16:20 Learning and Growth Through Action 19:08 Practicing Design in Your Own Home 20:58 Handling Mistakes With Confidence 25:23 Developing a Pioneer Mindset | |||
| 192 | The Biggest Money Mistakes Interior Designers Make (And How to Fix Them) With Lauren Nist | 25 mai 2026 | 00:40:52 | |
Have you ever finished a project and thought… “Wait, where did all the money go?” One of the biggest mistakes creatives make is treating money as something that shows up at the end—rather than something that needs structure from the very beginning. And that mindset? It quietly drains your profit, your energy, and your confidence. In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Nist, a bookkeeping and advisory expert who works behind the scenes with creative businesses. Together, we unpack the most common money mistakes interior designers make—from underpricing and scope creep to poor billing systems—and how to fix them. If you want financial clarity, stronger boundaries, and a business that actually pays you back, this is your starting point. Featured Guest Lauren Nist is a co-founder of Magnolia & Main, a virtual bookkeeping and advisory firm dedicated to helping small business owners gain financial clarity and confidence. With years of experience supporting creative and service-based businesses, Lauren specializes in simplifying the money side of business—from pricing and billing systems to job costing and cash flow management. Her approachable, judgment-free style helps entrepreneurs feel empowered, supported, and in control of their finances. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why creatives struggle with financial structure ✳️ How to protect your cash flow early ✳️ Billing ahead vs. acting like the bank ✳️ Spotting red flags in client behavior ✳️ Simple profit planning for interior designers Read the Blog >>> Interior Design Money Mistakes (And How to Fix Them) NEXT STEPS: 🔸 Save your seat! FREE Webinar: Are You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📺 Watch the Webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:50 Lauren's Journey into Accounting for Creatives 5:32 Common Money Mistakes Creatives Make 7:38 Building a Financial Framework 10:44 Pricing Strategy and Billing Ahead 14:54 Identifying Ideal Clients and Red Flags 18:58 Balancing Job Types and Profitability 21:48 Reviewing Job Costs and Client Feedback 31:06 Habits for Staying Profitable | |||
| 191 | Why Your Contract Is Your Business Bestie | 18 mai 2026 | 00:28:11 | |
If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to include in your interior design contract—or worse, you’ve avoided contracts altogether because they feel overwhelming—you’re not alone. I see so many designers relying on verbal agreements or vague expectations, thinking things will “just work out” because the client relationship feels good. But that’s exactly where problems begin. Miscommunication, scope creep, late payments, and blurred boundaries can quickly turn a dream project into a stressful experience. The truth is: your contract isn’t just paperwork. It’s your business bestie. It’s the one tool that brings clarity, builds client trust, and protects both you and your client throughout the entire design process. A well-written contract helps you communicate your project scope, payment terms, and expectations clearly—so there are no surprises later on. In this episode, I walk you through how to create a contract that actually supports your interior design business. When done right, your contract becomes the backbone of your professionalism—helping you run a smoother business, create a better client experience, and confidently step into your role as a true design professional. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Create clear expectations with strong interior design contracts ✔️ Build client trust without confusing legal jargon ✔️ Define project scope and avoid scope creep ✔️ Protect your time, money, and intellectual property ✔️ Use contracts to elevate professionalism and credibility Read the Blog >>> Why Your Contract Is Your Best Design Business Tool Resource Mentioned:
NEXT STEPS: 📺 Sign Up: Free Webinar - Are You Ready to Start Your Interior Design Business? How to Know for Sure (and What It Really Costs to Launch) 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 🔸Free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction: Understanding Contracts in Interior Design 3:34 Creating Clarity in Your Design Process 5:00 Defining Project Scope and Payment Terms 12:03 Setting Communication and Client Expectations 13:54 How Contracts Protect Your Business 17:00 Handling Project Changes and Terminations 20:48 Legal Clauses and Contract Review Tips 22:44 Using Contracts to Build Professionalism | |||
| 190 | 5 Principles for Designing Healthier, Happier Homes With Architect Talor Stewart | 11 mai 2026 | 00:41:00 | |
Have you ever designed a space that looked beautiful… but somehow didn’t feel right to live in? As interior designers, we’re trained to focus on the visible—colors, materials, layouts, and architectural elements. But what if the real purpose of design goes deeper than aesthetics? What if the home isn’t the final product—but the medium that shapes human happiness, relationship quality, and overall well-being? In this episode, I sit down with architect Talor Stewart to explore the powerful concept of conscious home design—a framework that goes beyond surface-level beauty and taps into scientific principles, human needs, and the emotional experience of living in a space. If you want to create homes that truly transform your clients’ lives (and elevate your design process), this conversation will change how you approach every project moving forward. Featured Guest Talor Stewart is a licensed architect with over 25 years of experience, specializing in residential architecture and intentional communities. He is the author of Conscious Home Design, a #1 bestselling book in seven countries, and the creator of the Conscious Home Design certification program. His work bridges the gap between design and human well-being, helping architects and designers create homes that support happiness, health, and personal growth. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why homes are a medium, not an end result ✳️ How design impacts human happiness and relationships ✳️ Three relationship types every home should support ✳️ Using Maslow’s hierarchy in design decisions ✳️ Scientific principles that improve home environments Read the Blog >>> 5 Principles for Healthier, Happier Home Design NEXT STEPS: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymoves 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:57 Talor’s Journey Into Architecture 10:44 Designing for Human Happiness 12:50 The Role of Relationships in Home Design 19:07 The Three Types of Relationships Explained 23:34 Designing Homes to Support Relationships 25:49 Core Framework of Conscious Home Design 27:52 Maslow’s Hierarchy Applied to Home Design 30:00 Asking Better Questions for Better Design Outcomes 33:25 Why Clarity Leads to Faster Client Decisions 35:00 Homes as Tools for Personal Growth | |||
| 189 | Design Systems That Create Freedom, Profit, and Business Growth | 04 mai 2026 | 00:22:44 | |
Have you ever felt like your interior design business depends entirely on you—your time, your energy, your creativity? I see many designers start with passion and talent, only to end up overwhelmed, juggling project management, client communication, bookkeeping, procurement, and marketing… all at once. And before long, that dream business starts to feel like a never-ending job. The truth is: burnout isn’t a sign that you’re doing something wrong creatively—it’s a sign that your business systems aren’t supporting you. When you’re constantly reinventing the wheel, skipping steps, or trying to do everything yourself, you’re making your business harder than it needs to be. And that’s where systems come in—not to limit your creativity, but to protect it. In this episode, I walk you through how to build simple, repeatable design systems so you can work smarter, not harder. When your workflows, client experience, and operations are streamlined, you create space for what actually matters: your creativity, your vision, and your growth as a designer. My goal is to help you stop operating like a freelancer and start building a scalable, profitable interior design business. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why design systems don’t limit creativity ✔️ How to create repeatable design workflows ✔️ Key phases every design project should follow ✔️ What to delegate, outsource, and automate ✔️ How systems increase profitability and creative freedom Read the Blog >>> Design Systems for Interior Designers That Drive Growth NEXT STEPS: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymoves 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start working smarter—not harder—today. 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction: Working Smarter With Business Systems 2:48 Why Systems Matter 4:58 Repeatable Design Process Explained 7:07 Design Project Phases and Timelines 12:14 Delegation and Outsourcing Strategies 15:24 Automation Tools for Efficiency 17:13 Financial Systems for Business Growth 19:55 Freedom and Flexibility Through Systems | |||
| 188 | How Interior Designers Sell Premium Services Without Discounting With Miriam Schulman | 27 avr. 2026 | 00:25:28 | |
Have you ever lowered your prices just to get a client? Most interior designers assume that being “more affordable” makes it easier to sell. But what if that belief is actually costing you premium clients—and positioning your work as less valuable? In this episode, I sit down with luxury market messaging and pricing strategist Miriam Schulman to unpack a powerful mindset shift that can completely change how you sell your services. We dive into the belief triad—a simple but transformative framework that helps you move beyond pricing fears and start attracting clients who value taste, certainty, and execution… not discounts. Here’s the truth: your clients aren’t sitting there asking, “Is this designer worth it?” They’re asking something much deeper. And once you understand that, your entire sales process—from your pricing strategy to your presentation—begins to feel easier, more aligned, and yes… more profitable. Featured Guest: Miriam Schulman is a luxury market messaging and pricing strategist for creative entrepreneurs. She is the author of Artpreneur, a step-by-step guide to building a sustainable creative business, and the host of The Inspiration Place podcast, ranked in the top 1% globally. Miriam helps artists, interior designers, and creative entrepreneurs position their work as premium and reassuringly expensive, attracting clients who value quality, taste, and execution over discounts. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why cheaper services are harder—not easier—to sell ✳️ The belief triad and sales process explained simply ✳️ Why clients question themselves, not your pricing ✳️ How to position interior design as a transformation ✳️ Emotional decision-making in luxury client purchases Read the Blog >>> The Belief Triad That Sells Premium Interior Design Services Without Discounting NEXT STEPS: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymoves 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:39 Miriam's Journey to Becoming a Coach 5:16 Common Struggles of Creatives in Sales 5:52 Why Cheaper Is Not Easier to Sell 8:22 Packaging Services for Transformation 10:34 Emotional Decision-Making in Sales 11:00 The Belief Triad Explained 13:19 Client Mindset During High-Ticket Decisions 16:05 Selling Emotion vs. Features 17:47 Understanding the Customer’s “Why” 21:07 Advice for Entrepreneurs and Career Shifters | |||
| 187 | The Real Reasons Interior Designers Struggle to Find Clients (And What Works) | 20 avr. 2026 | 00:20:04 | |
If you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I just need more experience… more projects… a better portfolio…”, I want you to pause right there. Because the truth is, most interior designers don’t struggle with client acquisition because they lack talent. They struggle because they lack structure, clarity, and confidence in how they present their value. I’ve seen incredibly talented designers sit on the sidelines, waiting for clients to come. At the same time, I’ve watched designers with less experience stay fully booked. That gap? It’s not about design ability. It’s about mindset, communication, and how you position yourself in the industry. In this episode, I’m walking you through the real reasons interior designers struggle to get clients—and more importantly, what to do instead. Because once you understand how to shift your thinking, refine your messaging, and step into your role as an expert, everything changes. Your confidence increases, your pricing aligns, and your ideal clients start to see your true value. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why talent alone doesn’t attract design clients ✔️ How imposter syndrome impacts pricing and confidence ✔️ What clients actually value beyond beautiful spaces ✔️ How to communicate design value effectively ✔️ Why mindset shifts improve client perception Read the Blog >>> 7 Reasons Interior Designers Struggle to Get Clients (And What to Do Instead) NEXT STEPS: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymoves 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction: Talent vs. Perceived Value 4:00 Imposter Syndrome & Low Self-Worth 5:37 Selling Beauty vs Real Transformation 7:24 Weak Messaging & Portfolio-Only Websites 8:35 Underestimating the “Science” Behind Design 11:19 HGTV Effect on Client Expectations 16:30 Repositioning Yourself as an Expert | |||
| 186 | Struggling With Paint Colors? Understanding Undertones With Maria Killam | 13 avr. 2026 | 00:27:59 | |
Have you ever stood in front of dozens of paint swatches wondering why two “neutral” colors look completely different on the wall? Understanding undertones is one of the most challenging aspects of interior design—even for experienced designers. Many homes today are filled with gray furniture, gray walls, and gray finishes, yet they still feel flat, cold, or unfinished. The missing piece? A deeper understanding of color theory, undertones, and how to layer color intentionally. In this episode, I sit down with internationally recognized color expert Maria Killam to talk about how interior designers and homeowners can finally make sense of undertones and neutral colors. Maria has spent decades helping people avoid costly renovation mistakes by learning how color actually works in real homes—not just in theory. Her system for understanding undertones helps designers create timeless spaces filled with personality, warmth, and cohesion. If you’re an interior designer who struggles with choosing the right neutral paint colors, selecting finishes that flow from room to room, or bringing life back into a gray room, this conversation will help you see color in a completely new way. Featured Guest Maria Killam is an internationally recognized color expert, design educator, and author known for her groundbreaking system for understanding undertones. Through her blog Color Me Happy, her True Colour Expert Training program, and her design consultations, Maria has taught thousands of designers and homeowners how to choose paint colors, finishes, and materials with confidence. Her mission is to help people avoid costly renovation mistakes and create timeless, joyful homes filled with personality and color. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ How undertones determine the success of neutral colors ✳️ Why gray interiors need color to feel alive ✳️ The difference between warm and cool neutral palettes ✳️ How to identify undertones in paint and finishes ✳️ Simple ways to add color to gray rooms Read the Blog >>> Understanding Paint Undertones NEXT STEPS: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymoves 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:46 Maria’s Journey From Corporate Job to Color Expert 6:48 How Maria Developed Her Undertone System 10:21 Understanding How Color Works in Interior Design 13:48 Creating Timeless Spaces Without Relying on Trends 17:00 Why Trends Can Lead to Costly Renovation Mistakes 20:36 The Importance of Neutral Finishes in Home Renovation 21:22 Why Homeowners Need Color Guidance 23:38 Trends Shifting Away From the White Box Aesthetic | |||
| 185 | Are You Making These Interior Design Business Mistakes? | 06 avr. 2026 | 00:22:35 | |
When most people start an interior design business, they assume the hardest part will be creating beautiful spaces. But in reality, the design isn’t the biggest challenge — the business side of interior design is where many new designers struggle. I've seen talented designers make the same mistakes repeatedly when they first start their businesses. These mistakes don’t happen because they lack creativity or skill. They happen because no one teaches designers the sales guidance, client boundaries, and business structure required to run a profitable design business. In this episode, I’m sharing three common mistakes new interior designers make when starting their design business — mistakes I made in my early days as well. If you understand these pitfalls early, you can avoid wasting time, losing confidence, or creating unnecessary chaos in your projects. My goal is to help you build stronger client relationships, create a clear design process, and run a professional design business from the start. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why designers must lead the client, not follow ✔️ How boundaries build trust and prevent project chaos ✔️ Why interior designers must embrace the salesperson role ✔️ How to reduce client decision fatigue during presentations ✔️ Essential steps to make your design business official Read the Blog >>> Interior Design Business Mistakes New Designers Must Avoid NEXT STEPS: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymoves 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor 📖 Check out the best books every interior designer should have here. Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 2:28 Mistake 1: Letting Clients Drive the Project 4:20 Examples of Client-Driven Projects 7:44 Setting Boundaries and Scheduling 10:54 Mistake 2: Forgetting You Are a Salesperson 14:17 The One Strong Design Solution to Clients 17:53 Mistake 3: Not Making the Business Official 20:00 Essential Business Setup | |||
| 184 | How Coaching Makes Your Interior Design Business More Profitable With Sonia Barney | 30 mars 2026 | 00:33:29 | |
Are you building your interior design business in a bubble? If you’re anything like I was in my early years, you probably assumed the hard part was the design. You thought, “If I can create beautiful spaces, the rest will fall into place.” But what no one tells you is this: guesswork is expensive. Shooting from the hip on markups, contracts, pricing, and processes can cost you years of profitability—and a whole lot of stress. In this episode, I sit down with award-winning interior designer and business educator Sonia Barney, founder of the Kaivari platform, to talk about why business support is not optional if you want a sustainable, profitable design firm. We unpack the role of coaching, personalized growth, business systems, and strategic mentorship in helping creative entrepreneurs skip years of trial and error. If you’re starting out—or feeling overworked and underpaid—this conversation will help you see why investing in business education and the right coach can completely transform your creative career. Featured Guest: Sonia Barney is an award-winning interior designer, business educator, and founder of the Kaivari platform. With over 20 years in the interior design industry and more than a decade as the owner of Sonia Barney Design, she has seen firsthand how many creatives struggle with the business side of their firms. Known for her analytical, systems-driven approach, Sonia teaches design business strategy through LuAnn University and is passionate about helping designers connect with the right coaches, resources, and community network to support personalized growth and long-term profitability. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why guesswork kills interior design profitability ✳️ How coaching accelerates personalized business growth ✳️ When to hire different types of coaches ✳️ The power of community for creative entrepreneurs ✳️ How vetted mentorship reduces costly business mistakes Read the Blog >>> The Role of Coaching and Business Education in Your Design Business NEXT STEPS: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymoves 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 3:45 Sonia’s Design Business Journey 6:09 The Turning Point: Investing in Coaching 8:16 Different Coaches for Different Growth Stages 11:29 Building a Team 14:58 The Inspiration Behind Kaivari Platform 16:53 The Role of Coaches and Business Education 19:45 The Importance of Finding the Right Coach 22:16 Kaivari's Features and Future Plans | |||
| 183 | Key Steps That Help Interior Designers Attract Dream Clients | 23 mars 2026 | 00:16:34 | |
If you’ve ever said, “I’ll take any client I can get,” you’re not alone. Most interior designers start there — saying yes to every project, every personality, and every request… even when it drains their time, energy, and confidence. But here’s what I want you to know: dream clients don’t just appear because you’re talented. They’re attracted to clarity, confidence, and structure. And without clear boundaries, a professional contract, and a strong onboarding process, even the most exciting project can quickly turn into one you resent. In this episode, I’m walking you through how to identify and attract your dream clients — not by chasing them, but by designing your business in a way that naturally draws them in. When you shift your money mindset, define your non-negotiables, and confidently communicate your process, you stop attracting bargain shoppers… and start attracting aligned clients who respect your expertise and value interior design as a professional service. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Define dream clients with clarity and boundaries ✔️ Build a structure before landing your first client ✔️ Strengthen money mindset to attract aligned clients ✔️ Use niching to attract ideal projects ✔️ Leverage networking for warm referrals Read the Blog >>> Key Steps to Attracting Your Dream Interior Design Clients NEXT STEPS: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymoves 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 02:56 Building Dream Clients 3:48 Setting Non-Negotiables and Client Expectations 6:24 Money Mindset and Pricing Confidence 8:25 Recognizing Aligned Dream Clients 10:54 Networking for Referrals 13:00 Acting Like Your Future Designer Self | |||
| 182 | How to Build Financial Confidence as the CEO of Your Design Business With Danielle Hayden | 16 mars 2026 | 00:26:49 | |
The moment you file your LLC… the moment you accept your first client payment… the moment you start working with vendors or contractors… You are no longer “just a creative.” You are the CEO of your business. As Danielle Hayden and I discuss in this episode, one of the biggest mistakes interior designers make is thinking they can outsource their financial understanding to bookkeeping services, financial automation, or even AI tools like QuickBooks integrations or ChatGPT. Here’s the truth: AI is powerful, but it cannot replace CEO responsibility. With automation and financial tech, many designers assume their systems are handling everything correctly. But inaccurate bookkeeping, duplicated transactions, or improperly reconciled accounts can quietly damage your financial health — and no AI tool will raise a red flag. Instead, it will confidently analyze flawed data and give you misleading conclusions. If you want sustainable business growth, better business decisions, and long-term business protection, you must understand your numbers. In this episode, Danielle shares a powerful framework to help you step into your CEO role with clarity — without doing everything yourself. Featured Guest Danielle Hayden is the co-founder and CEO of Kickstart Accounting Inc., a bookkeeping and accounting firm dedicated to helping female entrepreneurs understand their financials through bookkeeping, financial analysis, and strategic support. With a background as a CFO, Danielle’s mission is to equip business owners — from six figures to beyond — with the tools and insights they need to build profitable and sustainable businesses. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why CEOs must understand their business financials ✳️ AI limitations in financial analysis and decision-making ✳️ Hidden risks inside QuickBooks financial automation systems ✳️ Danielle’s framework for deciding when to become an S Corp ✳️ Four essential roles for a strong money team Read the Blog >>> Financial Confidence for Design CEOs with Danielle Hayden NEXT STEPS: 📺 Watch this free webinar, "From Passion to Profit," and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right 👉https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/5moneymoves 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:51 The Hidden Risks of Financial Automation and QuickBooks 6:27 Why AI Cannot Replace Financial Expertise 9:45 Embracing Your Role as CEO 10:14 3-Step Framework for Becoming an S Corp 13:42 When to Hire Bookkeeping Services 15:08 The 4 Essential Roles on Your Money Team 20:00 The CEO Dashboard and Financial Clarity 21:33 Building a Sellable Business 23:29 Getting the Right Support as a Business Owner | |||
| 181 | How to Capture Stunning Photos of Your Interior Design Projects | 09 mars 2026 | 00:18:28 | |
Have you ever finished a beautiful project… only to realize you have nothing to show for it? I’ve seen so many talented interior designers pour their heart, time, and creativity into a space — only to walk away without the one thing that helps them book their next client: professional portfolio photos. Without strong website images or scroll-stopping social media visuals, it becomes harder to build trust, showcase your design expertise, and grow your business. In this episode, I’m walking you through how to consistently get portfolio-worthy photos of your interior design projects — even if you're new, working with real-life clients, or unsure how to approach photography contracts, styling, or working with an editorial photographer. Because when you have high-quality interior photography, everything changes — your portfolio strengthens, your brand elevates, and your work finally gets the visibility it deserves. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Secure client permission through photography contracts ✔️ Choose editorial over real estate photographers ✔️ Style spaces for magazine-quality photos ✔️ Capture storytelling photo composition ✔️ Plan photography into project expenses Read the Blog >>> Interior Design Photography Tips for Stunning Portfolio PhotosNEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction: Why portfolio photos matter 2:16 Getting Client Permission in Your Contract 3:46 Scheduling Photography Early 4:53 Choosing the Right Photographer 7:15 Styling for Photo Shoots 9:58 Using Natural Light and Layered Images 11:05 Capturing Horizontal, Vertical, and Detail Shots 12:16 Organizing and Using Photos 16:02 Photography as a Business Expense | |||
| 180 | 5 Biophilic Design Elements That Create Healthier, Calmer Homes With Martha Lowry | 02 mars 2026 | 00:21:42 | |
Have you ever walked into a space and immediately felt calmer, without knowing why? Or noticed how a room flooded with natural light just feels better to be in? That’s not an accident. It’s your nervous system responding to your environment, and it’s exactly why biophilic design matters more than ever in interior design today. In this episode, I’m sitting down with returning guest and seasoned residential designer Martha Lowry to unpack what biophilic design really is — beyond the buzzword. We’re talking about how bringing elements of the natural environment indoors can dramatically improve emotional well-being, mental health, creativity, and even how clients experience their homes daily. This conversation is especially important for interior designers who want to design spaces that don’t just look beautiful, but truly support the people living in them. If you’ve ever struggled to explain why certain design choices feel right — or you want to add more depth, science, and intention to your client communication — this episode will help you understand how natural light, plants, color psychology, organic shapes, and neuro-aesthetics work together to create homes that heal, calm, and inspire. Biophilic design isn’t about trends. It’s about designing with the human experience in mind. Featured Guest Martha Lowry is a residential interior designer with over three decades of experience and a unique balance of analytical and creative expertise. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, and she is a member of the Design Leaders Collective. Based in North Carolina, Martha’s work focuses on creating emotionally supportive, beautifully intentional homes rooted in biophilic design, neuro-esthetics, and a deep understanding of how people experience space. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ What biophilic design is and why it matters ✳️ How natural light impacts mood, energy, and well-being ✳️ Using plants and materials to bring nature indoors ✳️ Color psychology and emotional responses in interior design ✳️ How designers apply biophilic principles for healthier homes Read the Blog >>> 5 Biophilic Design Elements for Healthier, Calmer HomesNEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:51 What Is Biophilic Design? 4:54 Impact of Natural Light and Color in Biophilic Design 8:02 Live Plants vs. Silk Plants 9:05 Emotional Connection to Nature and Biophilic Design 12:16 Incorporating Nature-Inspired Elements in Design 16:25 Resources for Learning More About Biophilic Design 17:04 Advice for Designers Incorporating Biophilic Design | |||
| 179 | Design Skills Series: 6 Business & Project Skills Interior Designers Need to Execute Projects Confidently | 23 févr. 2026 | 00:20:57 | |
Most interior designers come into this career because they love design. They love creating beautiful spaces, developing a strong design vision, and dreaming up what’s possible for a home. But what many designers don’t realize—until they’re already in it—is that great design alone is not enough to create successful residential projects or happy clients. I see this all the time with newer designers and even experienced creatives who feel overwhelmed, underpaid, or constantly putting out fires. They know how to design, but the execution feels stressful. Projects run long. Budgets get blurry. Contractors feel intimidated. Install days feel chaotic. And suddenly, the career you thought would feel creative and fulfilling starts to feel exhausting. In this episode, I’m breaking down the practical business and project skills interior designers must develop to execute with confidence residential design projects. These are the skills that separate hobbyists from professionals. When you strengthen these areas—project management, pricing strategy, contractor relationships, construction literacy, installation logistics, and leadership—you don’t just survive projects. You lead them with clarity, confidence, and profitability. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why project management separates hobbyists from professionals ✔️ How to build trust with contractors and trades ✔️ Pricing strategies that protect profitability ✔️ Construction literacy every residential designer needs ✔️ How to run smooth, stress-free installations Read the Blog >>> 6 Business & Project Skills Designers Need to Execute NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction: Why Execution Skills Matter More 3:08 Project Management and Software Tools 5:42 Building Strong Contractor and Trade Relationships 9:17 Pricing Strategy to Protect Profitability 13:26 Construction Literacy and Site Vocabulary 15:51 Managing Installations and Client Expectations 18:32 Leadership Skills Through Project Execution | |||
| 178 | 5 Lessons on Building an International Interior Design Career With Elliot James | 16 févr. 2026 | 00:24:43 | |
What if the fear holding you back isn’t failure—but the thought of never trying at all? In this episode, I sit down with Elliot James, founder of a multi–award-winning international interior architecture studio, to talk honestly about what it takes to build a creative career that spans countries, cultures, and markets. Elliot didn’t follow a traditional path. He didn’t wait until everything felt “safe.” Instead, he followed his curiosity, his ambition, and his passion for design—sometimes with nothing more than a laptop, a website, and a willingness to knock on doors. If you’re an interior designer (or aspiring designer) who dreams of bigger projects, international opportunities, or breaking into luxury residential, hospitality design, wellness-focused environments, or commercial projects—but you’re afraid of getting it wrong—this conversation is for you. We talk about persistence, risk-taking, networking, word-of-mouth referrals, and how adapting to different cultures can open doors you never knew existed. This episode is a reminder that creative careers aren’t built by waiting. They’re built by moving forward—one bold decision at a time. Featured Guest Elliot James is the founder of Elliott James Interiors, a multi–award-winning international interior architecture studio specializing in luxury residential projects, hospitality design, and wellness-focused environments. With studios in Singapore, Dubai, and London, Elliot’s work blends bespoke furniture design, thoughtful client experience, and cultural adaptability to create spaces that function as true sanctuaries. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ How to follow passion without fearing creative failure ✳️ Building an international interior design career strategically ✳️ Networking strategies that lead to word-of-mouth referrals ✳️ Taking smart risks to grow your design business ✳️ Adapting to cultures in luxury and hospitality markets Read the Blog >>> 5 Lessons on Building an International Design Career NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:05 Elliot’s Creative Background and Early Influences 4:44 Transitioning From Furniture Design to Interior Architecture 6:30 Building the Design Business in Singapore 11:33 Expansion to Dubai and International Markets 13:09 Adapting to Different Cultures and Business Styles 14:18 Wellness, Luxury, and the Future of Residential Design 20:28 Advice for Aspiring Designers | |||
| 177 | Design Skills Series: 5 Practical Design Skills You’ll Use on Every Client Project | 09 févr. 2026 | 00:18:01 | |
Have you ever been standing in front of a client, mid-conversation, and suddenly realized you should know the answer—but you don’t feel confident saying it out loud yet? Maybe it’s a color choice, a furniture size, or how to fix an awkward layout. These moments can shake your confidence as an interior designer, especially when you know you have the creative instinct but haven’t fully honed the practical skills yet. In this episode, I’m continuing our design skills series by focusing on the practical skills that actually make your work smoother, your designs stronger, and your client relationships more trusting. These are the skills that allow you to think on your feet, explain your decisions clearly, and create designs that not only look beautiful, but function beautifully too. I’m walking you through the core skills every residential interior designer needs to master, including color theory, space planning, furniture selection, traffic flow, composition, proportion and balance, and lighting plans. More importantly, I’m sharing how to practice these skills intentionally, so they become second nature. When these foundations are solid, you stop second-guessing yourself—and your clients start trusting you more deeply. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ How to practice practical design skills daily ✔️ Why color undertones affect client satisfaction ✔️ How space planning improves traffic flow ✔️ Furniture selection using proportion and balance ✔️ Building client trust through confident design decisions Read the Blog >>> 5 Practical Interior Design Skills for Every Client Project NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction: Why Practical Skills Matter After Design School 2:41 Color Theory and Understanding Undertones 6:20 Building a Designer's Eye 9:20 Space Planning and Traffic Flow 12:01 Focal Points, Composition, and Lighting Plans 15:00 How to Practice and Sharpen Practical Skills | |||
| 176 | A Modern Approach to Feng Shui for Interior Designers With Amanda Gibby Peters | 02 févr. 2026 | 00:37:15 | |
As interior designers, we spend so much time thinking about how a home looks, but what if the real question we should be asking is how a home feels? If you’ve ever walked into a space that was beautiful on paper but somehow felt off, heavy, or uninspiring, this episode is for you. I sit down with feng shui expert Amanda Gibby Peters to explore how interior designers can intentionally work with energy, layout, and environmental cues to create homes that genuinely support their clients’ lives. We talk about why clutter isn’t just visual noise, how bedrooms quietly reveal how someone values themselves, and why the front door might be the most overlooked design opportunity in a home. If you’ve been curious about incorporating feng shui into your interior design process, but worried it would feel too “woo,” too rigid, or too disconnected from modern design, Amanda breaks it down in a way that feels practical, intuitive, and deeply aligned with how designers already think. This episode will help you design spaces that don’t just function well, but feel grounded, supportive, and truly reflective of the people who live there. Featured Guest: Amanda Gibby Peters is the founder of Simply Shui, a modern, mission-driven approach to feng shui that helps people design spaces that support their highest potential. With a master’s degree in professional communication and over two decades of experience, Amanda is known for making feng shui practical, intuitive, and accessible. She is the author of Simply Shui for Every Day and the host of the top-ranked podcast House Therapy. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why feng shui is not about rules, superstition, or “fixing” bad energy ✳️ How interior designers can use feng shui as a filter for prioritizing design decisions ✳️ The three most influential spaces designers should focus on first ✳️ How bedroom design reveals self-worth and impacts daily energy ✳️ Why furniture placement, light, and flow matter more than décor trends ✳️ How to collaborate with clients’ goals using environmental metaphors ✳️ Simple feng shui principles designers can apply immediately in client projects Read the Blog >>> Modern Feng Shui for Interior Designers NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:50 Amanda’s Skeptical Path Into Feng Shui 8:36 Feng Shui in Design Projects 11:47 Practical Feng Shui Tips for Designers 21:03 Balancing Energy in Client Spaces 26:39 Common Feng Shui Misconceptions 29:48 The Role of Feng Shui in Modern Design 32:24 Amanda's Resources and Offerings | |||
| 175 | Design Skills Series: 6 Skills Interior Designers Need (That Aren’t Taught in Design School) | 26 janv. 2026 | 00:16:03 | |
If you’ve ever wondered why design school didn’t quite prepare you for the real world of interior design, you’re not imagining it. I hear this all the time—from designers who invested years (and money) into a degree, and from those who skipped school altogether and worry they’re already behind. The truth is, many of the skills required to run a successful interior design business are not taught in the classroom. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what actually matters once you leave school and step into real client work. These are the foundational skills that determine whether your business thrives or struggles. And no, they’re not about picking the perfect sofa or designing custom furniture—although those matter too. My promise is simple: I want to help you identify the other skills you need to develop—skills that design school often overlooks—so you can create a strong foundation, run a profitable interior design business, and enjoy a sustainable, fulfilling career doing what you love. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why business skills are non-negotiable for residential interior designers ✔️ How understanding pricing, margins, and markup protects your profitability ✔️ What it really means to create a luxury client experience ✔️ How technology, AI, and systems can support (not replace) your creativity ✔️ Why branding and storytelling matter more than graphic design alone ✔️ How leadership and decision-making shape client trust and confidence ✔️ The personal skills that help designers manage time, overwhelm, and growth Read the Blog >>> 6 Skills Interior Designers Need That Design School Doesn’t Teach NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start developing the skills that truly set you apart. 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction 2:54 – Skill #1: Business Skills for Interior Designers 5:10 – Skill #2: Client Experience and Service 6:45 – Skill #3: Technology, AI Literacy, and Systems 9:24 – Skill #4: Marketing, Branding, and Visibility 11:38 – Skill #5: Leadership and Decision Making 13:20 – Skill #6: Personal Skills for Success | |||
| 174 | Core Elements Every High-Converting Interior Design Website Needs With Elle Kwan | 19 janv. 2026 | 00:28:36 | |
“A good website really should be qualifying your inquiries and increasing them as well.” Does your website actually do that? Or does it simply exist as a gallery of pretty images while you continue to explain yourself over and over again in emails, DMs, and discovery calls? If you’ve ever hesitated before sending someone your website link, or felt a little cringe when a potential client says they want to “check out your site,” this episode is for you. Today, I’m sitting down with Elle Kwan to unpack what separates a beautiful website from a high-converting interior design website — one that supports your business, filters your inquiries, and reflects the true level of your work. She shares about what should actually be on your website, the most common mistakes designers make with their online presence, and how to know when it’s time for a website redesign. If you want your website to feel like a confident extension of your brand — and a tool you’re proud to share — you’ll want to listen closely. Featured Guest: Elle Kwan is a website designer and copywriter who works with interior designers whose work deserves the spotlight but whose websites aren’t fully reflecting their expertise. With a background in journalism and luxury publishing, Elle brings together strategy, storytelling, and design to create elevated online presences that attract dream clients, larger budgets, and meaningful opportunities. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why most interior design websites fail to convert visitors into inquiries ✳️ The essential criteria of a high-converting website for interior designers ✳️ How storytelling, case studies, and testimonials build trust and authority ✳️ The difference between Instagram marketing and website strategy ✳️ Common website mistakes that create confusion and low-quality leads ✳️ When it’s time for a website redesign and how to recognize the signs ✳️ What questions to ask before hiring a website designer Read the Blog >>> Core Elements Every High-Converting Interior Design Website Needs NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:30 Elle Kwan’s Background 8:01 What Should Be In an Interior Design Website 10:51 How Can Your Website Help You Stand Out as a Designer 16:12 Common Website Mistakes Designers Make 18:39 Signs It’s Time for a Website Redesign 20:33 What to Ask Before Hiring a Website Designer 24:28 Elle’s 3S Framework for Website Consultations | |||
| 173 | Design Skills Series: The Soft Skills That Set Successful Interior Designers Apart | 12 janv. 2026 | 00:27:55 | |
Many interior designers spend years honing hard skills like CAD drafting, space planning, and material selection—yet still feel stuck when it comes to client relationships, confidence, or stepping into leadership. I see this all the time, and it can be incredibly frustrating when you know you’re talented, but something still feels like it’s holding you back. The truth is, talent alone rarely sets designers apart anymore. What creates real career longevity and opportunity in interior design is how you show up as a professional—how you communicate, how you handle challenges, and how you lead both clients and projects. That’s where soft skills come in. In this episode, I dive into the soft skills that make the biggest difference in real-world design work, including emotional intelligence, communication techniques, boundary setting, leadership skills, and professionalism. These are often the invisible skills that separate designers who are just getting by from those who are trusted, respected, and thriving in their careers. If you’ve ever felt technically capable but still struggled with difficult clients, miscommunication, burnout, or feeling overlooked in the workplace, this conversation is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why soft skills matter just as much as technical design skills in interior design careers ✔️ How emotional intelligence impacts client trust, presentations, and decision-making ✔️ Communication techniques that improve client relationships and prevent costly mistakes ✔️ How boundary setting protects your time, profitability, and mental well-being ✔️ The role of leadership skills in managing projects, trades, and client expectations ✔️ Why professionalism, enthusiasm, and teamwork set designers apart in the workplace ✔️ How holding space for client transformation leads to deeper trust and better outcomes Read the Blog >>> Design Skills Series: Soft Skills for Interior Designers NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction and New Series 3:47 – What Soft Skills Are and Why They Matter in Interior Design 8:18 – Emotional Intelligence as a Designer’s Superpower 10:30 – Improving Self-Awareness, Empathy, and Self-Regulation 11:32 – Communication Techniques That Build Trust 15:24 – Boundary Setting, Professional Poise, and Saying No Gracefully 19:03 – Leadership Skills in Interior Design Projects 20:27 – Holding Space for Client Transformation 25:50 – Why Soft Skill Development Makes You More Marketable | |||
| 172 | How Designers Build Profitable Design Businesses With Donna Hoffman | 05 janv. 2026 | 00:36:44 | |
If you’re an interior designer who feels deeply creative but secretly anxious about sales, pricing, or talking about your value, this episode is for you. Too many designers believe that great work should “sell itself,” only to find themselves undercharging, overdelivering, and wondering why their business still feels financially fragile. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable talking about money, struggled to raise your design fees, or worried that niching down will limit your opportunities, you are not alone. In this episode, I sit down with interior design business coach Donna Hoffman for a powerful, honest conversation about what it really takes to monetize creativity. We talk about sales strategy for creative brains, why marketing clarity matters more than talent, and how designers can confidently communicate their value without feeling salesy or inauthentic. Donna shares real-world examples from her own seven-figure luxury design firm and explains why selling design is just as important as designing itself. If your goal is to run your design business like a confident CEO while still honoring your creative sensitivity, this conversation will help you take that next step. Featured Guest: Donna Hoffman is a seasoned interior design business coach and the founder of a seven-figure luxury interior design firm launched during the 2008 Great Recession. Known as the “master of words,” Donna specializes in branding, sales strategy, marketing strategy, and mindset support for creative entrepreneurs. Her work helps designers clarify their niche, confidently communicate value, and build profitable, resilient businesses that honor both creativity and well-being. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why interior designers don’t design for a living ✳️ How to niche your interior design business without closing yourself off to opportunities ✳️ The difference between being a generalist and having a compelling point of difference ✳️ How to use a pitch deck to educate clients and increase project scope naturally ✳️ Why creative sensitivity affects pricing confidence and sales conversations ✳️ How to raise your design fees strategically without sabotaging your mindset ✳️ The importance of selling furnishings and products as part of a profitable design business Read the Blog >>> How Designers Build Profitable Design Businesses NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction and Guest Bio 3:55 – Donna’s Story: Launching a Design Business During the 2008 Recession 5:51 – How Sales and Marketing Experience Shaped Donna’s Early Success 7:21 – Why Investing in Business Coaching Matters 9:06 – The Truth About Sales, Niching, and Being a Design CEO 14:24 – How to Sell Your Design Service 15:56 – What a Pitch Deck Is and When to Use It 21:05 – Selling Design Fees and Furnishings With Confidence 26:54 – The Creative Brain, Sensitivity, and Mindset Support 30:54 – Donna's Coaching Program | |||
| 171 | How I Reflect, Set Goals, and Choose My Word of the Year for 2026 | 29 déc. 2025 | 00:15:54 | |
Every December, I sit down with a cup of coffee, my Full Focus Planner, and a quiet moment to breathe. Because if there’s anything I’ve learned in my 20+ years in interior design, it’s that the goals we don’t set end up shaping our lives just as much as the ones we do. And when you’re building a design business—or simply trying to thrive as a creative human—intentionality matters more than anything. Without direction, it’s easy to slip into survival mode. But when you pause long enough to reflect, plan, and recalibrate, everything begins to feel lighter, clearer, and more aligned. In this episode, I’m walking you through my personal reflection of 2025: what worked, what shifted, the word that guided me through a year of centering and grounding, and how that shaped my business and personal life. I’m also sharing how I’m approaching 2026 with my new Word of the Year—radiant—and how you can choose your own word to anchor your purpose, energy, and growth. If you’ve been feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or unsure of what you want 2026 to look like, this episode will help you slow down, listen inward, and craft a vision that supports both your life and your interior design business. It’s your invitation to step into the year with clarity, confidence, and a sense of grounded intentionality—so you can finally thrive, not just hustle. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ How to conduct an honest reflection of your year—what worked, what didn’t, and what still needs nurturing. ✔️ Why choosing a Word of the Year is a powerful anchor for personal clarity and business direction. ✔️ How my 2025 word, centered, shaped everything from my finances to my creative energy. ✔️ The key elements of creating a meaningful vision board (and how mine helped me manifest my goals). ✔️ Practical steps for planning your 2026 goals in a way that feels grounded and achievable. ✔️ How personal retreat days can transform your focus, productivity, and creativity. ✔️ The mindset shift designers need to embrace to build resilience and financial security in uncertain times. Read the Blog >>> How to Reflect on 2025 and Create Your Vision for 2026 NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the Launch Your Business Bootcamp and start your 2026 with clarity, confidence, and direction. Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 — Introduction and Bootcamp Announcement 1:56 — Why I Reflect and Create a Vision Every Year 4:07 — Achievements and Personal Growth in 2025 9:22 — AI Integration and Staying Relevant as a Designer 11:56 — My 2026 Word of the Year: Radiant 13:01 — How I Choose My Word of the Year 13:46 — Encouragement for Your 2026 Goals | |||
| 170 | Secrets to Effective Selling, Pricing, and CEO Mindset With LuAnn Nigara | 22 déc. 2025 | 00:46:36 | |
Have you ever felt uncomfortable talking about money with a client—even when you know your work is worth every dollar? Maybe you’ve said yes when you wanted to say no. Maybe you’ve underpriced a project just to avoid conflict. Or maybe you’ve worked twice as hard for half the pay and wondered why running your interior design business still feels exhausting instead of empowering. In this episode, I’m joined by legendary business strategist and podcast host LuAnn Nigara. We’re having the honest conversation every creative entrepreneur needs to hear about sales, pricing, confidence, and standing fully in your value as a designer. We talk about why so many designers undervalue their work, how unclear processes lead to undercharging, and what it really means to sell your services with integrity and authority. If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your pricing, start documenting your processes, and finally step into your CEO role, this episode is for you. You'll learn how to sell your interior design services with confidence, without feeling pushy, awkward, or salesy. Featured Guest: LuAnn Nigara is a business strategist, speaker, and host of two podcasts: Window Treatments for Profit and A Well-Designed Business, the leading podcast for design professionals with nearly 9 million downloads. A seasoned entrepreneur with 40+ years in the industry and three successful businesses, LuAnn helps creative entrepreneurs lead with confidence, build systems that drive profitability, and finally get out of their own way. Through LuAnn University, she offers practical, high-impact courses taught by industry pros. And for business owners ready for deep transformation, her Chairman of the Board one-on-one coaching provides the clarity and accountability needed to lead at the highest level. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why interior designers consistently undervalue their work—and how to shift that mindset ✳️ How documented processes directly impact your pricing, confidence, and profitability ✳️ The difference between employee work and CEO work in an interior design business ✳️ How to respond when clients question your authority or your pricing ✳️ Why selling is not a dirty word—and how to reframe it with confidence ✳️ How to stand firm in your boundaries without damaging client relationships ✳️ The connection between confidence, pricing strategies, and better clients Read the Blog >>> Secrets to Effective Selling, Pricing, and CEO Mindset NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Sign up for the Launch Your Business Bootcamp today and start building your business the right way. Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction: Bootcamp + Guest Bio 3:48 – LuAnn's Journey into the Interior Design Industry 6:20 – LuAnn's Sales Background and Philosophy 9:05 – Reframing Sales for Creatives 14:59 – Why Luann Started Her Podcast 18:32 – Coaching Designers Through Real-World Business Challenges 23:10 – Challenges of Interior Designers 28:07 – Sales Strategy + When to Hold Firm 33:44 – Why Documenting Your Process Changes Everything 38:07 – Luann’s Programs + How Designers Can Work With Her 42:05 – Employee Work vs. CEO Work | |||
| 169 | Top FAQs Answered: Launch Your Design Business Bootcamp | 15 déc. 2025 | 00:13:12 | |
Starting your own interior design business sounds exciting… until you sit down to actually do it and wonder, Where do I even begin? Maybe you’ve dreamed about launching your business for years, but the legal setup feels overwhelming. Maybe you’ve done a few side projects, but don’t feel “official” yet. Or maybe you’re terrified of getting your first paid client, pricing your services, or setting up systems that won’t fall apart the moment you take on real work. If that sounds like you, today’s episode will feel like the permission slip—and roadmap—you’ve been waiting for. I’m answering the most common FAQs about my Launch Your Business Bootcamp, an 8-week step-by-step program designed specifically for interior designers who want to build a profitable, structured, and legitimate business from the ground up. If you’ve been dreaming about making design your full-time career—without the guesswork, trial-and-error, or expensive mistakes—this episode will show you how to officially start your business, attract clients, and finally move from “I want to be a designer” to “I run a real design business.” This is your year. And I’m here to guide you every step of the way. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Who the Launch Your Business Bootcamp is best suited for ✔️ Why this program helps you avoid the most common business-killing mistakes ✔️ What you’ll accomplish week-by-week inside the 8-week business launch roadmap ✔️ How the program is delivered and why the format helps you take real action ✔️ What makes this different from other design business courses or mentorships ✔️ How to know if now is the right time to finally launch your interior design business Read the Blog >>> Frequently Asked Questions About Launch Your Business Bootcamp NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Sign up for the Launch Your Business Bootcamp and start the new year with clarity, structure, and a proven step-by-step roadmap Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction and bootcamp announcement 2:12 – Who Is the Bootcamp For 4:16 – What Will You Learn and Accomplish 5:48 – How the Course is Delivered 8:15 – What If I’m Too Busy or Not Ready Yet 9:10 – What Makes This Program Different 10:21 – Cost, Value, and Investment Breakdown 11:10 – How to Join and When It Starts | |||
| 168 | 5 Ways to Build a Strong Foundation for Your Design Career With Katie Malik | 08 déc. 2025 | 00:28:24 | |
“I just want to design, but why is this so hard?” I get it! You love creating beautiful spaces, choosing finishes, and watching your vision come to life — but when it comes to running your design business, you suddenly feel lost. Pricing, contracts, permits, marketing, and systems aren’t what you signed up for. You became a designer because you love design, not because you wanted to be an entrepreneur. So many interior designers share that same fear and frustration: I love what I do, but I don’t know how to run a business. In this episode, I sit down with award-winning designer and educator Katie Malik, founder of Interior Design Deconstructed, who shares her honest journey from passion-driven creative to confident business owner. Like so many of us, Katie started her design career thinking her talent alone would be enough—until the reality of entrepreneurship hit. Through mentorship, business coaching, and intentional training, she learned how to build a sustainable practice that honors her creativity and her bottom line. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the business side of design, this conversation will remind you that you don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right guidance, systems, and support, you can transform your passion into a profitable design business. That’s exactly what I help designers do through my Launch Your Business Bootcamp—a step-by-step program designed to walk you through every stage of building a profitable interior design business — one that lets you thrive doing what you love. Featured Guest: Katie Malik is an award-winning interior designer and founder of Interior Design Deconstructed. With a Master’s in Philosophy from Cambridge University and advanced training in house whispering — a psychotherapy of space rooted in feng shui and energy alignment — Katie helps clients create homes and businesses that feel as good as they look. A triple UK Property Awards winner featured in Architectural Digest, Grand Designs, and The Times, she also mentors emerging designers to build profitable, purpose-driven studios. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ How to transition into interior design from another career with confidence ✳️ Why creative passion isn’t enough — and what business skills truly matter ✳️ How investing in mentorship and coaching can fast-track your growth ✳️ The surprising power of networking and community for designers ✳️ What house whispering is and how energy and psychology connect to design ✳️ Why clarity about your business goals helps you grow with ease Read the Blog >>> 5 Ways to Build a Strong Design Career Foundation NEXT STEPS:🎯 Sign up today for Launch Your Business Bootcamp You’ll gain a full year inside My Design Mentor, plus an eight-week program that gives you the roadmap, coaching, and systems to build a business you're proud of. Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:13 Katie’s Journey From Academia to Interior Design 5:00 Transitioning from Education to Entrepreneurship 7:39 House Whispering and Advanced Feng Shui 11:38 Building and Scaling a Design Business 13:42 The Value of Business Coaching 15:13 How to Learn From Designers Across the Globe 17:18 Lessons Learned From Running a Design Business 21:29 The Power of Systems and Processes 22:11 Katie’s Podcast: Interior Design Deconstructed | |||
| 167 | Launch Your Business Bootcamp, the Framework You Need to Build a Profitable Design Biz | 01 déc. 2025 | 00:19:49 | |
Starting your own interior design business can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff—exciting, but also terrifying. You know you’re meant to design beautiful spaces, but when it comes to business setup, contracts, pricing, or branding, everything suddenly feels overwhelming. You may even wonder, “Can I really do this on my own?” Well, you don’t have to! The smartest and most successful designers aren’t those who do everything themselves—they’re the ones who ask for help early. That’s why I created the Launch Your Business Bootcamp—an eight-week, step-by-step coaching program designed to give you the structure, systems, and mentorship you need to fast-track your business launch and set yourself up for long-term profitability. In this episode, I walk you through what you’ll get inside the Bootcamp, how it’s designed to help you avoid common mistakes that lead to business failure, and why having mentorship and community support is the best investment in your future success. If you’ve ever wanted to build a thriving, profitable design firm but didn’t know where to start, this is the episode (and program) you don’t want to miss. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why 20% of new businesses fail in their first year—and how to avoid becoming one of them. ✔️ The importance of mentorship and community when starting your design business. ✔️ What’s included in the eight-week Launch Your Business Bootcamp. ✔️ How to lay the foundation for your brand identity and business purpose. ✔️ The legal documentation and contracts you need to protect your design business. ✔️ The systems and operations you must have in place to run profitable design projects. ✔️ Why coaching investments often bring a 7x return—and how that applies to you. Read the Blog >>> Sneak Peek: Launch Your Business Bootcamp NEXT STEPS: Still unsure if the Bootcamp is right for you? 🎯 Join my free webinar: Learn 5 Money Moves to Start Your Interior Design Business Right - December 3rd at 12p Pacific Time Ready to launch your interior design business? 🎯 Sign up now! Launch Your Business Bootcamp and get access to eight weeks of structured business coaching, plus a full year of My Design Mentor membership. Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 2:09 The Struggle of Starting a Business Without Help 3:50 Why Mentorship and Accountability Fast-Track Your Success 4:48 Inside the Eight-Week Launch Your Business Bootcamp 9:34 How to Avoid the “Unprofitable Designer” Trap 11:41 Why Profitability Matters From Day One 13:25 Building Intentional Change for Your Design Business in 2026 16:21 Free Webinar: From Passion to Purpose | |||
| 166 | Scaling & Rebranding Your Design Business + Job-Site Confidence With Nicole Roe | 24 nov. 2025 | 00:31:13 | |
When you're first stepping into the interior design world, choosing a business name can feel like the defining decision of your entire future. Many designers freeze because they feel pressure to land on the “perfect” name—one that will carry them for decades. But here's the real truth most new creatives don't hear: you grow, and your business grows with you. Your brand name should have room to grow too. In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Roe, the founder and creative force of R. Nixon Interiors, a construction-savvy designer behind a fast-scaling boutique design firm. Nicole shares how she evolved from running “Nicole Roe Design” as a one-woman show to rebranding into a strong and scalable company identity… and why she will never rebrand again! We dive into the realities of choosing a brand name, the emotional and logistical hurdles of rebranding, and the importance of a name that empowers your team—not just your personal portfolio. If you’ve been questioning whether to use your name or create a standalone brand—or if you feel paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong—this episode gives you clarity. We also explore how construction knowledge, hands-on learning, and confidence on job sites can transform your role as a designer making you a trusted partner to contractors and clients alike. Featured Guest: Nicole Roe is the founder and creative director of R. Nixon Interiors, a boutique interior design studio known for blending bold luxury with real-life functionality. With a degree in building construction from Georgia Tech and over 15 years of experience across construction and interior design, Nicole brings unmatched technical expertise to every project. She leads a growing team, operates her own receiving warehouse, and hosts the podcast Highly Affected By Her Surroundings. Nicole is passionate about empowering designers, embracing functional luxury, and pushing the boundaries of boutique residential design. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ How Nicole transitioned from a personal-name brand to a scalable firm identity ✳️ Signs it's time to rebrand—and how to avoid common rebranding pitfalls ✳️ Advantages of having a flexible brand name ✳️ How construction knowledge strengthens client trust and contractor relationships ✳️ The importance of practicing design and problem-solving in your own home ✳️ Team structure ideas that support growth in your interior design business ✳️ Tips on stepping confidently into leadership roles in male-dominated spaces Read the Blog >>> Scale & Rebrand Your Design Business + Job-Site Confidence NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business Bootcamp You’ll gain a full year inside My Design Mentor, plus an eight-week program that gives you the roadmap, coaching, and systems to build a business you're proud of. Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 2:26 Nicole's Journey to Becoming an Interior Designer 6:49 Early Career and Initial Projects 8:23 Rebranding: Nicole Roe Design to R Nixon Interiors 10:33 The Challenges and Realities of Rebranding 12:50 Tips for Managing Google Listings During a Rebrand 14:10 Masculine vs Feminine Energy in Design + Job-Site Confidence 17:09 The Value of Doing Projects at Home 20:49 Team Structure and Roles Inside R Nixon Interiors 23:05 Expanding Studio & Warehouse Spaces 24:24 Podcast & Brand Growth Beyond Interiors 27:28 Final Advice for New Designers | |||