Interior Design San Diego - Presented by ASID San Diego – Details, episodes & analysis

Episode 002: 5 Ways to get the most out of ASID

If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of your ASID San Diego membership (or why it even matters), this episode is your guide. Host Rachel Larraine Crawford shares five powerful and practical ways to tap into the full value of ASID—whether you’re a student, emerging professional, or seasoned designer looking to deepen your roots in the design community.

Rachel walks through actionable tips and real-life stories that highlight how ASID can support your career, your confidence, and your connections. If you're feeling disconnected, unsure how to get involved, or just ready to level up in your design journey—this one’s for you.

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Episode 001: Welcome to the Interior Design San Diego Podcast

Welcome to the very first episode of the Interior Design San Diego Podcast, hosted by Rachel Larraine Crawford and brought to you by the ASID San Diego Chapter.

This show was created with one goal in mind: to connect and uplift the San Diego design community. Whether you're a student just starting out, a seasoned designer looking for new inspiration, or an industry partner eager to build deeper relationships, this podcast is for you.

In this kickoff episode, we share:

• Who this podcast is for and how it will support you—no matter where you are in your career
• The types of episodes you can expect, including interviews, solo lessons, industry insights, and student-led conversations
• How this podcast is an extension of the ASID San Diego Chapter’s mission to foster connection, education, and advocacy
• How you can get involved, share your voice, and maybe even step behind the mic as a future guest
• This is a space for real stories, local voices, and honest conversations about what it means to build a design career—and a creative life—in San Diego.

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Welcome to Interior Design San Diego, presented by the ASID San Diego Chapter! This new podcast is designed to educate, inspire, and connect our local design community.

In this short trailer episode, host Rachel Larraine Crawford shares what you can expect from the Interior Design San Diego Podcast. Whether you’re a student just beginning, an emerging designer building your career, a seasoned professional, or an industry partner supporting the community—this podcast is for you. Tune in each week for local designer interviews, industry partner spotlights, chapter happenings, and student-led episodes that bring fresh perspectives to the conversation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Who this podcast is created for and how it will support you
• The types of episodes you can expect—solo lessons, designer interviews, industry insights, and student-led discussions
• How this podcast connects to the ASID San Diego Chapter and community
• Ways to get involved, share your story, or even become a guest

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community

Have you ever walked into a design event and instantly felt like the odd one out?

Yeah… same here.

In this solo episode, Rachel Larraine Crawford shares her own winding journey with ASID San Diego—from feeling like a shy, 22-year-old outsider to becoming Communications Director and building lifelong friendships, powerful collaborations, and a true sense of belonging in the design world.

We’re talking about the real reason community matters—not just for your creativity or career growth, but for your mental health, confidence, and joy. If you’ve ever felt like you’re building your design career on an island, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to do it alone.

• The early days: feeling like an outsider at chapter meetings
• Finding connection in unexpected places (like showrooms and markets)
• Why mentorship and peer community are essential—no matter your career stage
• The human need to belong—and why it’s a business strategy, not just a feel-good bonus
• How ASID San Diego helped spark confidence, creativity, and collaboration
• Specific ways students, emerging pros, and seasoned designers can get involved today

Student → Don't wait to build your network. Start now.

Emerging professional → You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Seasoned designer → Your wisdom is so needed. Your next chapter might start here.

Whether you’re just starting out or decades into your practice, this episode is a reminder that your people are out there—and they’re ready to welcome you in.

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

In this inspiring kickoff to our chapter’s new year, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with incoming ASID San Diego President Kirsten Recce.

As the first Industry Partner to step into the role of Chapter President, Kirsten brings a fresh, inclusive perspective on what it means to lead, support, and reimagine what our local ASID community can be.

From her journey as a lighting showroom owner to her vision for Design Gems (yes, we’re talking international design trips), this episode is packed with insight, heart, and tangible ways to get involved in the year ahead.

• How Kirsten went from math major to owning a showroom to leading ASID SD
• The services her business, Black Whale Home, offers to support busy designers
• What’s changing in the 2024–2025 ASID San Diego year—and why it matters
• A first look at Design Gems, our new travel + inspiration series (Valle de Guadalupe, Milan, Palm Springs + more!)
• Why collaboration between designers, students, and industry partners is essential—and how you can get involved
• New sponsorship opportunities and what’s coming for industry partners

Nov 2025: Design Gems: Valle de Guadalupe Day Trip

Feb 2026: Modernism Week + Private Tour of the Kellogg House

Apr 2026: Milan + Florence Design Tour

Spring 2026: Iconic Home Tour in LA

• 📧 president@casd.asid.org (ASID inquiries)
• 📧 kirsten@blackwhalehome.com (Showroom/design trade questions)
• 📸 @blackwhalelights on Instagram

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Hey friend — let’s get real for a moment.

Have you ever walked into a room and felt like you didn’t belong there? Like you were somehow “faking it,” even though your experience, talent, and heart were 100% legit?

Same. 🙋🏻‍♀️

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a recent experience that had me deep in imposter syndrome — yes, even after 25 years in the design industry. It was humbling, it was hard, and it taught me a few big lessons I want to share with you today.

Whether you’re just getting started in your design career or you’ve been around the block a few times, I promise this one will feel like a warm hug and a heart-to-heart.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• A real story of a time I questioned if I belonged — even with years of experience
• The sneaky ways imposter syndrome shows up (and how it cost me 10 months of unpaid work 😳)
• Why having a design community like ASID makes all the difference
• My go-to toolkit for getting back in alignment when doubt takes over

📝 Mentioned in this episode:

• The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan + Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Imposter syndrome might pop up from time to time, but it doesn’t get the final say. You’re doing incredible work. You belong here. And this space? It needs what only you can create.

Until next time — keep designing, keep showing up, and remember: you’re enough, just as you are.

Love,

Rachel

In today’s episode, Rachel sits down with Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors, to talk about the evolution of her design business — from freelancing out of her home to leading a full-service firm—and everything that’s required in between: mindset shifts, team building, infrastructure, community, and more.

• Understand the pivotal moment when hiring your first assistant is no longer optional
• Learn how to let go of control without sacrificing quality
• Get a behind‑the‑scenes look at structuring a growing design firm
• Discover ways to connect with clients and the trade through events and showroom strategy
• Hear what’s next for Blythe Interiors and how Jennifer is exploring business coaching for designers

Hiring is your growth lever: When workload becomes unsustainable, the right hire (assistant, purchasing coordinator, etc.) can free you to focus on higher-value design work and growth.

Mindset over minutiae: Trusting your team, relinquishing control, and allowing “good enough” (when the client is happy) are essential for scaling.

Structure with intention: From operations to marketing to design leadership — building a clear org chart helps prevent chaos and burnout.

Flexible brand identity: Blythe doesn’t rigidly prescribe one look. The common thread is client-first, supported by designers who can span aesthetics.

Pause and grow organically: Rather than always chasing the next goal, sometimes growth is about leaning into who you already are, with curiosity and openness.

• Instagram: @blytheinteriors
• Website: blytheinteriors.com

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

This is the second episode in our ASID San Diego Board Member Spotlight Series — and today we’re shining a light on someone who’s all about connection, color, and community: Kendra from K2 Interiors, our current Membership Director.

In this candid convo, Kendra shares her journey from growing up in Baja to launching a vibrant, soulful design business in San Diego. With a style rooted in maximalism, global inspiration, and deeply personal design, she’s the creative match for clients ready to ditch the cookie-cutter.

Kendra also shares what drew her back into the ASID fold, why mentorship matters, and how she’s helping create experiences that speak to every stage of a designer’s career — like the upcoming Design Gems trip to Valle de Guadalupe (you’ll want to grab your seat fast!).

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Kendra rebuilt her design business from scratch — twice
• Why ASID is more than networking — it's a home base for creatives
• How mentorship is evolving for students and emerging professionals
• What makes her short-term rental projects so creatively satisfying
• What to expect on our first-ever Design Gems trip across the border 🍷

What’s New:

• Design Gems: Valle de Guadalupe | November 15
• A one-day architectural + culinary field trip across the border
• Membership questions? DM or email Kendra — she’s your go-to guide
• Mentorship pilot program in the works — stay tuned!

Design Gems Sign-up link.

📬 Connect with Kendra:

• Instagram: @k2interiors
• Email: Membership@casd.asid.org
• Website: www.k2deco.com

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

In this episode of Interior Design San Diego, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with the incredible Anjum Razvi, founder and principal of Razvi Design Studio, to explore her dynamic 40+ year design journey from architecture in India to boutique hospitality design in San Diego.

Anjum shares how motherhood, resilience, and a passion for creative freedom shaped the evolution of her studio—and how a single ASID showcase bathroom led to her biggest project to date: the iconic Sofia Hotel. If you’ve ever wondered how small residential jobs can lead to big opportunities, or what it takes to transition into hospitality design, this episode is for you.

1. Anjum’s early spark: Following her architect cousin on site visits in India
2. Finding design footing: Navigating identity, licensing, and inspiration in a new country
3. From freelance to founder: How flexibility and intuition shaped her firm’s growth
4. Landing the Sofia Hotel: A career-defining opportunity born from an ASID showcase
5. Hospitality design today: Tech integration, sustainability, and business-minded creativity
6. Teaching and mentorship: Why sharing knowledge gives just as much as it gets

1. Design exposure matters – Participating in ASID showcases directly led to Anjum’s hospitality work.
2. Hospitality is business – Great design must align with guest experience and the owner's bottom line.
3. Stay adaptable – Whether designing 200 unique hotel rooms or shifting to tech-integrated spaces, flexibility is key.
4. Your background is a strength – Anjum’s architectural foundation and global perspective set her apart.
5. Mentorship multiplies impact – Teaching at NewSchool and mentoring ASID members keeps her connected and inspired.

About Anjum Razvi

President | Founder. Anjum Razvi has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, is a professional member of ASID and is certified by CCIDC and NCIDQ. Her design firm provides interior design services that include residential properties, hospitality properties, commercial businesses and office spaces.

Razvi Design Studio specializes in guiding clients through the endless decisions required for new home construction or an extensive architectural remodel. The designers skillfully detail materials and furnishings to create a unique finished style that is both functional and beautiful. Design expertise includes whole homes, kitchens, baths, custom built-ins, material specifications and more. The design firm provides aesthetic and pragmatic design solutions for public areas and guest rooms of boutique hotel properties, both historical and new. No matter what type of project, they specialize in the intelligent integration of architecture and interior design to create an extraordinary environment.

Additionally, Anjum has been an adjunct professor at The New School of Architecture and Design in their Interior Architecture program since 2019. She is the recipient of several awards for both service to ASID as well as for design excellence competitions and has been widely published in magazines and coffee table books over the years.

WEBSITE: www.razvidesign.com

EMAIL: arazvi@razvidesign.com

instagram.com/designerar

Stay Connected:

1. Sign Up for Our Newsletter
2. ASID San Diego Website
3. LinkedIn
4. Follow us on Instagram
5. Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
6. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
7. Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
8. Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

In this solo episode, host Rachel Larraine Crawford pulls back the curtain on one of her favorite community-driven events: ASID San Diego’s Spring Spruce Up. Now in her third year of participating, Rachel shares how this one-hour consultation event has helped her generate real leads, deepen community ties, and give back in a meaningful way.

Whether you're a seasoned designer or just stepping into the field, this episode is packed with practical advice for making the most of your Spruce Up experience—from tools to bring, how to prep, and the key to turning consultations into long-term clients.

What You'll Learn:

1. What the Spring Spruce Up is (and why it matters)
2. Rachel’s tried-and-true prep and follow-up strategy
3. What types of consultations to expect (spoiler: it’s not all paint picks!)
4. How AI tools like Plaud can streamline your follow-ups
5. The power of bringing students along for the ride

Key Takeaways:

1. 20% of Rachel’s consultations have turned into full projects
2. Following up within 24 hours makes all the difference
3. Tangible tools like paint kits and business cards go a long way—especially with older clients
4. Recording your sessions (with permission!) can simplify your follow-up workflow
5. It’s a fundraiser—but also a powerful lead generator

ASID Spring Spruce Up Requirements:

1. Must be an ASID member in good standing
2. Minimum of 3 years of professional design experience
3. Available March 1 – April 31, 2026
4. Sign up deadline 1/31/26
5. Sign up link.

Stay Connected:

1. Sign Up for Our Newsletter
2. ASID San Diego Website
3. LinkedIn
4. Follow us on Instagram
5. Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
6. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
7. Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
8. Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com