Welcome to another episode of Design Biz Survival Guide! Today we welcome Helen and Simon Knox, the husband-and-wife team behind Lewis Knox Interior and Architectural Design based in Cheshire, UK. In this episode, we explore the business of design from a UK perspective.

Helen and Simon share their journey from design school to launching their own design business, and they explain their approach to developing a multi-faceted business model—including the addition of a cabinetry studio. We also discuss the state of the design community in the UK and how their experience at the first Business of Interiors Community Summit has impacted the growth and development of their business.

• Launching a Design Business: The pivotal moment when Helen and Simon took the leap.
• Business Model Evolution: How they integrated cabinetry into their services.
• Challenges & Growth: Lessons learned from building and scaling a design team.
• UK Design Community: The importance of networking, pricing transparency, and industry collaboration.
• The Business of Interiors Summit: Insights gained and why events like these are shaping the UK design landscape.

• “We never set out to run a business together. It just evolved naturally, and when the opportunity presented itself, we had to take the leap.”
• “In the UK, no one teaches you how to run a business. Design school is all about creativity, but figuring out the financials, the processes, and the structure—that was something we had to learn ourselves.”
• “Owning a cabinetry studio allows us to control the quality and timelines, which makes our design process smoother and our clients happier.”

• Learn More About Lewis Knox: Visit Their Website

• Follow Lewis Knox on Instagram: @lewisknox_

• Register for The UK Business of Interiors Community Summit: Event Details & Tickets

A big thank you to our sponsors:

• Design Manager – A comprehensive project management and accounting platform tailored for interior design professionals.
• Daniel House Club – Simplifying the business of design with exclusive trade pricing, concierge service, and commission opportunities.

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Welcome to another episode of Design Biz Survival Guide! Today we welcome Hannah Oravec, founder of Lawless Design—a New England-based residential and boutique commercial interior design studio focused on wellness and sustainability. In this episode, Hannah shares her design journey and the process of launching her own design business. We discuss her perspective on commercial and residential design and her strategy for qualifying projects that best align with her business model and personal design approach. We also dive into the value of expanding your professional circle, and Hannah shares her top networking tips for creative introverts.

• Business Beginnings: Hannah’s journey from commercial design to launching her own studio.

• Finding Your Niche: How wellness and sustainability became central to Lawless Design’s mission.

• Networking for Introverts: Hannah’s tips for creative professionals to make meaningful connections.

• Team Growth: The lessons learned from hiring and building a supportive design team.

• Infusing Joy: How to incorporate passion projects into your business model.

• “Design should be personal. We’re not just giving you a cookie-cutter design; it’s about how our clients live in their homes and what makes them feel good.”

• “I’m very upfront when interviewing clients—I’m not the designer for everyone, and that’s okay. There’s a designer out there for everyone.”

• “Make sure there is an aspect or component of your business that truly brings you joy. You’re the business owner; you have the ability to make joy part of your business.”

• Learn More About Lawless Design: Visit the Website

• Follow Lawless Design on Instagram: @lawless_design

• Book Recommendation: How to Win Friends and Influence People

• Register for The UK Business of Interiors Community Summit: Event Information

A big thank you to our sponsors:

• Design Manager – A comprehensive project management and accounting platform tailored for interior design professionals.

• Daniel House Club – Simplifying the business of design with exclusive trade pricing, concierge service, and commission opportunities.

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Today, we welcome Emily Yeates, CEO and Principal Designer of Urban Revival — a full-service interior design firm based in Paradise Valley. Arizona. In this episode, we discuss Emily’s exposure to design at a young age and her passion for problem-solving, which led to the launch of her own design business. 

Emily shares her lessons learned while growing her team and developing her processes… spoiler alert — it did not happen overnight. We also discuss the importance of a fine-tuned business structure and how it not only allows her to provide extraordinary service to her clients but also allows her to be present for herself, her health, and her family.

Tune in to learn how Emily built a successful design business by creating efficient systems while balancing her professional and personal life!

• Emily’s early exposure to design and the path to launching her own business

• Hiring the right people for your business and why more designer is not the solution when growing your business

• Developing a strong business structure with the help of her operations manager, Meredith

• How having clear and repeatable processes made her business run smoothly

• Tools and platforms that Emily’s team uses for efficiency and communication – Asana, Loom, DesignFiles, etc

• How the business was able to thrive during Emily’s cancer treatment

• Emily’s “Business Edit” program and how it helps other designers succeed

• The importance of furniture profit margins and wholesale ordering

Notable Quotes:

• “I refuse to live in an ugly place. I grew up around beautiful things. I wanted a beautiful place, and I was going to make it happen.” - Emily Yeates
• “The pinnacle of success is having a business that can run when I step away, and it keeps going.” - Emily Yeates
• “Profit margin is a really big deal to me. And furniture is the way that I’m able to do that.” - Emily Yeates
• “Implementing processes and structure allows you to put your business on autopilot in times when you need it.” - Rick

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Urban Revival Website - https://urbanrevivalphx.com/urban-revival

Emily Yeates on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/urbanrevivalphx/

Sponsor Links:

James and James: https://carpenterjames.com/pages/trade-program?ad=DBSG

Design Manager: https://www.designmanager.com/

Today we welcome Susan Thiel of Susan Thiel Design to the podcast. Susan launched her full service interior design business in 2008 which specializes in new construction and major remodels. In this episode we discuss Susan’s decision to transition her design business from a traditional office space to Orange County’s premiere co-working space exclusively for interior design professionals, Studio 88. Susan also shares her perspective on community, mentorship, and paying it forward.

Today we welcome Anderson Somerselle to the podcast. In this episode we discuss Anderson’s namesake showroom SOMERSELLE and how he designed what he has dubbed “the new showroom experience” from the inside out with the needs of design professionals in mind. Anderson shares how he’s made a career of being of service to interior designers and how he plans to reinvigorate the connection between designers and showrooms. We also discuss one of my favorite topics, community over competition, and how sharing and supporting is truly the foundation of our industry.

Today we welcome our sales tax guru Amy Monroe to the podcast! Amy specializes in sales tax consulting and audit defense for businesses big and small. In this episode we discuss some sales tax basics and how they relate specifically to the business of design. We also dig a little deeper and discuss strategies to keep your business organized and compliant. Amy is one of our featured speakers this Fall at DESIGN BIZ RETREAT so if this conversation fires you up and you want more - hop online and resigner today.

Today we welcome Hawlie Ohe of White Sands Design Build - a full service construction, development and design firm located in the South Bay Area of Los Angeles. In this episode we discuss the benefits of having the entire design build process under one roof, how it streamlines the creative process, and how the business approach takes service and communication to the next level. Hawlie also shares her approach to marketing and the role that messaging and targeted demographics has played in their business.

Today we welcome back Christina Fluegge of Greige Design and Textiles as part of our “catching up with” series. In this episode we dive into innovation and discovery as it relates to business and life balance. The business of design is moving faster than ever and the opportunity for growth and diversification has never been greater. Christina reveals how she curates for her e-commerce to keep it fresh and in demand and she shares her passion for textile design and the role that it’s playing in the evolution of her design business.

Today we welcome Mike Reeves of Corbin Reeves Construction. A southern California based home builder specializing in high end custom home construction. In this episode Mike shares their client approach from a builder perspective, how they establish a construction budget, and how design professionals can best contribute to the process. We also discuss how partnering with a quality home builder can lower your stress level, reduce your liability, and make time for design.

Today we welcome Brian Paquette to the Podcast. Based in Seattle, Washington - Brian’s design business model has reinvented itself over the years in response not only to business goals but also to life priorities. In this episode we discuss how scaling back his business made more room for his passion for design, a book featuring over a decade of his work, and how he made philanthropy a tenet of his business model.

Today we welcome Katie Hodges to the Podcast. In this episode we talk about Katie’s unexpected path to her design career and how the encouragement of a friend convinced her to abandon the medical field and explore her true calling, design. We also discuss her “construction forward” approach to design, her commitment to her business boundaries, and her strategy to the growth and success of her five year “new” design business.

Today we welcome back Kylie Van Meter as part of our “where are they now” series. Kylie originally joined us in July of 2019 (episode 28) - she was fresh out of design school and in the process of building her design business. A lot has transpired in a year and a half and Kylie shares her experiences in hiring, acquiring office space, learning to delegate, and the value of networking. If you’ve recently launched your design business or if you’re planning to do so, this open and honest conversation with Kylie may be just what you need to prepare you for reality and motivate you to go for it.

Today we welcome Rhonnika Clifton of RJ Clifton Designs out of Houston, Texas. In this episode we discuss Rhonnika’s detour from Healthcare to Interior Design and her continued passion for improving the quality of people’s lives. We also talk about the need for mentorship within the design community and how her program “the educated designer” provides an insider perspective of the business of design and is helping emerging design professionals build stronger and more profitable businesses.

This is a special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide. This supplemental format is designed to share brands and partners that support designers both creatively and professionally. This is our way of sharing valuable information and resources for your business with you, our loyal listeners.

Today, we’re speaking with Jason Voorhees, founder and president of Cantara – a full-service home technology integration agency based in Costa Mesa, California. In this episode, Jason shares the history of the brand, his passion for home technology, and how his team of experts collaborates with designers, builders, and architects to enhance the beauty and function of extraordinary homes throughout Southern California and beyond.

• The meaning behind the name Cantara and the history of the brand

• Jason’s role as the founder and president of Cantara 

• Working with Cantara from a designer’s perspective and the importance of integrating technology early in the design process

• How the home technology industry has grown beyond just audio and video systems

• Different departments in Cantara – lighting design, window treatments, audio/video systems, home automation, etc

• How Cantara maintain long-term relationships with clients even after the project is complete

• Jason’s involvement in the Dream World documentary and its impact on the industry

• The potential of AI in home technology and how it can make homes smarter and more beautiful

Notable Quotes:

• “Our industry is unique in that we need to be great at designing and be world-class at building, installing, and finishing the job.” - Jason Voorhees
• “It’s important that we do a good job as an industry to start reframing and redefining what it is that we do so that people realize, ‘Oh yeah, there’s so much more driven by technology in these houses these days.’” - Jason Voorhees
• “We hope that our clients stop time, remove themselves from the moment, just for a second, and look around and think, ‘Wow, this is the perfect evening. My home is singing for me right now.’” - Jason Voorhees

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Cantara Website: https://www.cantaradesign.com/

Cantaradesign on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cantaradesign/ 

Guild Integrators Alliance: https://www.guildintegratorsalliance.org/

Dream World Documentary: https://www.dreamworldfilm.com/

Today we welcome Jeanne Candler of Jeanne Candler Design, a Los Angeles based workroom specializing in custom window treatments. In this episode Jeanne explains how her passion and understanding of interior design turned into an opportunity to provide window treatment design services to designers, architects, and developers. We also cover the nuances of some of the basics - like motorization, black out, and COM and how a real understanding of the process can expand your offerings to your client and increase your bottom line.

Today we welcome Ryan Saghian, a Los Angeles based interior designer who is blazing a trail in the industry with his fresh perspective of business and his fearless approach to design. In this episode we discuss confidence, ego and pushing boundaries. A proud millennial, Ryan is on the forefront of a movement to re-brand the business of design with an emphasis on diversity, self empowerment, and raw talent. If you’re a young designer struggling to be taken serious in the industry, this episode is for you. Ryan breaks down his journey honestly, from the heart, and with a fire that will motivate you to persevere and succeed.

Today we welcome back Naomi Coe of Little Crown Interiors to the podcast. Naomi was our very first featured designer when it all started back in May of 2018 and now she’s our first featured designer in our “where are they now” series. We’re catching up with some of our favorite guests to see what’s new and exciting in their world of design. In this episode we re-visit Naomi’s commitment to her design niche, we discuss her response to the recent shift in the market, and she share’s her experience of writing her very first book. If you’re thinking about adding “author” to your list of things to accomplish in the new year, grab a pad and pen because this episode is filled with nuggets of advice and inspiration.

Join us as we re-cap each inspiring episode of 2020 and discuss our biggest take aways from the conversations that rang in the new year with optimism, motivated us through uncertainty, and empowered us to band together as a COMMUNITY and rise above unprecedented times. We hope this episode will encourage you to re-visit past episode and inspire you to share with a friend.

Today we welcome Julia Alt - Principal Interior Designer of ALT DESIGN GROUP and the current chapter President of ASID Orange County . In this episode Julia shares how years of involvement in the design community have culminated into an opportunity to lead one of the largest ASID Chapters in the country. We also discuss the correlation between business and leadership, her board’s innovative approach to membership activities, and how perseverance in a time of adjustment has set the tone for the coming year.

Today we welcome Joe DeCasperis, owner and designer of his namesake Kitchen and Bath design showroom located in Canyon Lake, California. In this episode Joe breaks down his unique business model with us and demonstrates that there’s more than one way to approach the business of design. We also discuss the value of leadership and how his commitment to the industry and his willingness to listen and learn from the advice of others has placed this young designer on the fast track to success.

Today we’re re-capping the two days of presentations and ah-ha moments from the first ever DESIGN BIZ RETREAT. Our small but mighty group of design professionals and featured speakers tackled the business of design and its many challenges and left with new insight, valuable tools, and new friendships that will benefit their business for years to come. If you’re wondering what this program was all about, listen in and then mark your calendar because we already have DESIGN BIZ RETREAT 2021 on the books for October 4, 5th as well as our first ever LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE in the works for May7th. We’re taking COMMUNITY to a whole new level - join us!

Today we welcome Carrie Brigham of Carrie Brigham Design based in Naples, Florida. In this episode we discuss how Carrie developed her design firm to be technology forward and how that benefited her business in 2020. We also discuss how some great advice from a design school professor and an aggressive learning curve contributed to the success of her business. Carrie shares so many valuable bits of advice, you’re gonna need a pad and pen for this one!

Today we welcome Laguna Beach based Architect, Anders Lasater. His award winning architectural studio specializes in custom homes, restaurants, boutique retail and commercial projects. In this episode we discuss his approach to solution based design, team trust, and how our current state of “working from home” has magnified the value of creative and innovative design.

Today we welcome Summer Meddock of Meddock Interiors, a full service design firm and retail retail storefront based in Newport Beach, CA. In this episode Summer and I sit down and have a real talk about her journey to launching her design business and the mind set she has adopted to see her way through this uncertain time and remain focused on the future. You know that saying.. “I didn’t come all this way to leave now”, well Summer and I bring life and perspective to that statement and we’re sharing it all with you!

Today, we welcome Kate O’Hara, CEO and Creative Director of O’Hara Interiors — a full-service interior design firm specializing in high-end commercial and residential projects. In this episode, Kate shares her journey from a career in education to taking the helm of the family design business. We discuss her role in the business and the delicate balance of leading, delegating, and empowering a growing team of creatives. Kate also shares the pros and cons of maintaining two offices, one in Minneapolis and one in Austin, and she shares her perspective on boundaries, community, and communication.

• Kate’s background and transition from teaching to running her family design business

• The unique dynamics of working in a family business

• The pros and cons of maintaining two office locations

• The importance of communication, delegation, and empowering your team

• Having clarity in processes and decision-making to enable team members to work efficiently and creatively

• The importance of intentionally setting boundaries and maintaining a work-life balance

Notable Quotes:

• “Be intentional about having balance, especially as we started working from home. Everything bleeds together.” - Kate O’Hara
• “If you’re going to run multiple offices successfully, there have to be clear lines of decision-making and communication.” - Kate O’Hara
• “I’d much rather be effective than be busy.” - Kate O’Hara
• “Knowing when and how to communicate decisions and intentions as you go really leads to a lot of the success of a company.” - Kate O’Hara

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

O'Hara Interiors Website - https://oharainteriors.com/

O'Hara Interiors on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ohara_interiors/?hl=en

Sponsor Links:

James and James: https://carpenterjames.com/pages/trade-program?ad=DBSG

Design Manager: https://www.designmanager.com/

Today, we welcome Errol Dejager, founder of Dejager Design - a full-service interior design firm specializing in luxury residential design. In this episode, Errol shares his journey from South Africa to Southern California in pursuit of his passion for design. We discuss his biggest influences and mentors that guided him on his path to launching his own design business and the development of his holistic design process. Errol also shares a pivotal moment in his life and career that redefined the evolution of his design business.

• Errol’s journey from South Africa to the United States and starting his own design business

• The influence of his mentors and how they shaped his approach to interior design

• The event that made him re-evaluate his approach to both life and business

• Saying “NO” and being more selective about the clients and projects

• Errol’s strategies for serving a high-end, luxury clientele

• Utilizing technology like 3D modeling and virtual reality to engage clients and move them from a place of fear to love during the design process

• Keeping his portfolio private to respect client confidentiality and how it impacted his business

Notable Quotes:

• “The first and most important thing is to listen... You’ve got to listen to your clients. They’ll tell you what they want.” - Errol Dejager.
• “No is a complete sentence.” - Errol Dejager.
• “Reframe your overhead. Instead of it being a liability, it’s an asset.” - Errol Dejager. 

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Dejager Design Website - https://www.dejagerdesigninc.com/

Errol Dejager on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/erroldejager/

Books Mentioned:

The Gap and the Gain - Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy: amazon.com/Gap-Gain-Achievers-Happiness-Confidence

Sponsor Links:

James and James: https://carpenterjames.com/pages/trade-program?ad=DBSG

Design Manager: https://www.designmanager.com/

Today, we welcome Deborah Flate, founder of Dialogue Consulting. Deborah is the voice of sales techniques and strategies that inspire the sales teams of some of our favorite design brands and showrooms in the industry. In this episode, Deborah shares some of her core sales principles with us because, at the end of the day, your design business is a sales organization, too. We dive deep into selling with confidence, what questions to ask, what information to listen for, and how to leverage showrooms and sales reps to support your sales process.

Tune in to learn how to master the art of selling in your design business!

• Deborah’s background and her transition from interior design to sales

• Deborah’s business model and training she provides to design brands, showrooms, and the design community

• The importance of sales techniques and mindset for designers, even though many may not see themselves as salespeople

• The questions designers should ask their clients to understand their needs and priorities

• The role of showrooms and sales reps in supporting the sales processes of designers and how to leverage their product knowledge and expertise

• The importance for designers to develop strong product knowledge and utilize the resources and information provided by sales teams

• Advice for designers on prioritizing their resources and product lines 

Notable Quotes:

• “You can be the most talented designer, the most talented person in the world, but if you don’t know how to sell and the techniques of how to sell, it’s going to be really hard for you to succeed.” - Deborah Flate.
• “We are all salespeople, whether we want to think so or not. Convincing a person to go to a movie is selling them. Convincing them the color you want to paint your home is selling them.” - Deborah Flate.
• “Design business owners need to embrace the fact that their business is also a sales organization. You need to incorporate that into it because it is a really big part of the picture.” - Rick.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Dialogue Consulting Website - https://dialogue-consulting.com/

Dialogue Consulting on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dialogueconsulting

Deborah Flate on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahflate/

Books Mentioned:

Leveling Up with GUSTO by Debora Flate: amazon.com/Leveling-GUSTO

 To Sell is Human by Daniel H. Pink: amazon.com/Sell-Human-Surprising-Moving-Others

Sponsor Links: 

Daniel House Club: https://danielhouse.club/

High Point Furniture Market: https://www.highpointmarket.org/registerDBSG

Today we welcome our very first featured architect to the podcast, Paul McClean. Paul’s ten person architectural firm specializes in contemporary residential architecture in and around Southern California and abroad. In this episode we talk about the “design team” dynamic from an architect’s perspective. We discuss how architecture promotes community, the pros and cons of architectural guidelines, and the state of the design industry as it relates to architects, builders, and designers.