Success by Design: Mastering the Business of Interior Design – Details, episodes & analysis

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In this Success by Design Strategy Session, we’re diving into the marketing strategies you need to attract your ideal clients and scale your business in 2025. If marketing feels overwhelming, don’t worry—this episode breaks it into actionable steps that feel authentic and effective.

Grab a notebook and your favorite coffee—this episode is packed with insights to help you position your business for success.

Grab all the links and resources mentioned in this episode at

https://successbydesign.coach/podcast/b/Proven-Strategies-to-Attract-Dream-Clients

Want to Go Deeper?

Book a 1:1 strategy session with Katie to customize your marketing approach and build a business that works for you in 2025.

📲 Connect with Katie:
Subscribe to our premium channel
Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers
Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm
LinkedIn
Website

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

Send Katie a Text Message!!

For most interior designers, marketing is throwing noodles at the wall and seeing what sticks. A little Instagram here, a little TikTok there, and maybe some paid ads for good measure. But deep down, you know that’s not a great way to run a business, increase visibility, or build brand awareness—let alone get paying clients! Wouldn’t it be great if someone who understood your industry could tell you exactly which marketing strategies you needed?

Meet Jason Lockhart! He’s an architect and digital marketing strategist who understands the interior design industry. He joins me today to discuss the best marketing channels for designers, the importance of understanding your most ideal client, website SEO best practices, and mistakes to avoid with paid ads. There is so much practical advice packed into this conversation! And even more nuggets in this week’s Coaching Corner. Let’s dive in!

Grab all the links and resources mentioned in this episode at

https://successbydesign.coach/podcast/b/digital-marketing-strategy-for-interior-designers

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design. 

📲 Connect with Katie:
Subscribe to our premium channel
Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers
Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm
LinkedIn
Website

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

Send Katie a Text Message!!

‘Tis the season for the Fall High Point Market of 2024! We know you’re here for the tips, tricks, trends, and everything we learn at market every time we go. And this time is no different—except we’re switching things up a bit! Di normally goes to market and gives us a recap on what’s trending in lighting, furniture, and textures. This time? Katie’s in the guest chair, sharing what she’s learned and experienced. And there’s still a Coaching Corner, so don’t miss those nuggets!

Grab all the links and resources mentioned in this episode at https://www.colorworks.coach/podcast-library/b/fall-2024-high-point-market-trends

Connect with Di:
Instagram

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design. 

📲 Connect with Katie:
Subscribe to our premium channel
Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers
Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm
LinkedIn
Website

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

Send Katie a Text Message!!

Creative burnout hits even the best of us. And Jennifer Bertrand (that’s right, of HGTV’s ‘Design Star’) is here to share her story with us from not-the-right-fit clients to sources of inspiration to how she’s been able to sustain her current level of creativity—Jennifer’s baring it all! Tune in, and don’t miss today’s Coaching Corner.

Grab all the links and resources mentioned in this episode at https://www.colorworks.coach/podcast-library/b/creative-burnout-and-inspiration-for-interior-designers

Connect with Jennifer:
Website

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design. 

📲 Connect with Katie:
Subscribe to our premium channel
Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers
Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm
LinkedIn
Website

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

Send Katie a Text Message!!

Finances, in general, are a scary thing. Finances in your business, well, they can be even scarier. So how do you get over that? And what are the key skills and habits that business owners need in order to break through and reach that magical 7-figure number? Whether you run a 6-figure interior design firm and are wanting to get those magical 7-figures or are just thinking about launching your own firm and are petrified—you will not want to miss this conversation as we tackle those very questions! If you are running a six-figure design business but can't crack the nut on 7-figures… stick around for the Coaching Corner as I share how we shattered the 6-figure ceiling and accelerated to multiple 7-figures!

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Discover which 4 business financial reports you need to review and how often.
2. Uncover why your why is so important to the success of your interior design business.
3. Learn which 2 things must be in place in order for you to take your 6-figure business to 7-figures. 

Full Show Notes Here!

👉 Mentioned Resources
The Studio
Coaching Strategy Session

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design. 

📲 Connect with Katie:
Subscribe to our premium channel
Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers
Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm
LinkedIn
Website

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

Send Katie a Text Message!!

Even if you are a company of 1, it’s critical to think about the company culture you want to build! Which includes way more than just values and beliefs you post to your About page. But maybe you have questions like… how do you design a company culture? And how do you actually put it into action? Welcome Josh Dykstra back to the podcast! He’s diving into all things company culture—how it directly impacts your ROI, the exact steps to take to create your guidelines, and even how to involve contractors. Be sure to stay for this week’s Coaching Corner where I share my journey with company culture!

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Discover how to define and design your company culture.
2. Learn how your company culture is directly tied to your ROI.
3. Uncover how to get contractors to buy into your company culture.

Full Show Notes Here!

👉 Mentioned Resources
The Studio
Coaching Strategy Session
Ep 10 w/ Josh

📲Connect with Josh:
Website
Instagram
LinkedIn

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design. 

📲 Connect with Katie:
Subscribe to our premium channel
Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers
Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm
LinkedIn
Website

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

Send Katie a Text Message!!

For art to not remain an afterthought with interior and commercial designs, we must incorporate art into the conversation early. As designers, we have a unique ability to propel up-and-coming artists forward while also inspiring more clients to bring incredible pieces of art into their spaces. But art isn’t just an important cornerstone to design, it also greatly impacts our nervous systems. For this in-depth roundtable conversation, I have Mandy Theis and Dr. Stacey Denise joining me! You’ll hear the artist’s perspective, the designer’s perspective, and a physician’s perspective. And stay til the end for the Coaching Corner!

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Discover the role of neuroaesthetics and psychology in art and design.
2. Uncover strategic ways to connect with the best artists in your area.
3. Learn the importance of bringing art into the design conversation early. 

Full Show Notes Here!

👉 Mentioned Resources
The Studio
Coaching Strategy Session
Christie’s & Sotheby’s
Canvas.io
Oklahoma City Artist Registry
Apollo Art

📲 Connect with  Dr. Stacey Denise:
Instagram
Website

📲 Connect with Mandy Theis:
Instagram
Website

This episode is brought to you by Nello Marelli - Nel Colore Color Trend Book

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design. 

📲 Connect with Katie:
Subscribe to our premium channel
Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers
Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm
LinkedIn
Website

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

Send Katie a Text Message!!

Whether your design firm is new or not, it’s high time you learn how to make money and run a profitable business! No more free consultations. No more asking for permission to raise your rates. And certainly no more burying your head in the sand and not looking at your numbers. Award-winning designer and fellow podcaster, Laura Thornton joins me for this conversation! She’s sharing about time tracking, money management, offer pricing, intuition, and SO much more in this episode. You’re gonna need at least one notebook for this one. Be sure to stay for this week’s Coaching Corner!

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Discover how to make money and become profitable as an interior designer. 
2. Uncover the benefits of tracking your time each week.
3. Learn what questions to answer so you start tracking your numbers efficiently.

Full Show Notes Here!

👉 Mentioned Resources
Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
The Profit Academy for Interior Designers (use code: KATIECOLOR10)
Colorworks Cares
Guide to Choosing Your Pricing Model

Related Episodes:
Hire a CPA
Target Market
Corporate Give Back

📲Connect with Laura:
Website
Instagram
Podcast

This episode is brought to you by Nello Marelli - Nel Colore Color Trend Book

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design. 

📲 Connect with Katie:
Subscribe to our premium channel
Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers
Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm
LinkedIn
Website

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

Send Katie a Text Message!!

It’s Las Vegas Summer Market recap time! Our favorite visual merchandiser, Diana Rushton, is here to tell all. From textures and color palettes to furniture and lighting—we’re talking all about what’s trending. Is gray gone for good? How about Farmhouse style? And when it comes to choosing which market you go to for your design firm, how do you make the best decision? All that and more is heading your way when you press play! Oh, and don’t miss this week’s Coaching Corner where I reveal how I’ve found trends valuable.

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Discover what differences Di saw from the High Point to Vegas summer market.
2. Uncover what took Di by surprise at the summer 2024 Vegas market.
3. Learn how to make the best decision about which market you go to and when. 

Full Show Notes Here!

👉 Mentioned Resources
The Studio & Coaching Strategy Session
Vegas Market Trends
High Point Market 2024

📲 Connect with Diana
Instagram

This episode is brought to you by Nello Marelli - Nel Colore Color Trend Book

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design. 

📲 Connect with Katie:
Subscribe to our premium channel
Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers
Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm
LinkedIn
Website

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.

Send Katie a Text Message!!

Your design business will grow faster, go further, and be more successful when you embrace 2 things: collaborations and technology. You may not want to admit it, but AI is here to stay! It can even have a positive impact on your firm—if you let it. And that’s just one collaboration you can engage in! There’s also the opportunity to join professional organizations which can keep you inspired, get you out of creative burnout, or provide educational resources. If you're curious about how collaboration and technology can benefit your business, you will not want to miss this episode with Jenny Cano! Stick around for the Coaching Corner where I’m sharing my own insecurities around collaboration and competition. Enjoy the conversation!

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Discover how a collaborative mindset is propelling designers to become 7-figure business owners.
2. Uncover the best way to move past the fear of technology for the sake of your firm.
3. Learn how to strategically use collaboration and technology tools to grow your business. 

Full Show Notes Here!

👉 Mentioned Resources
The Studio & Coaching Strategy Session
WSJ: AI & Design article
Interior Design Society
Interior Designers Pricing & Project Estimation with Michelle Lynne Pant

📲Connect with Jenny:
Instagram
LinkedIn

This episode is brought to you by Nello Marelli - Nel Colore Color Trend Book

Thanks so much to our sponsors at Plumtree.it - where they bring specialized technological solutions to interior design. 

📲 Connect with Katie:
Subscribe to our premium channel
Business Strategy Sessions for Interior Designers
Free Resources for scaling your interior design firm
LinkedIn
Website

This podcast is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.