Explore every episode of the podcast The Process Driven Designer

Qualifying clients can be a game changer for your business. No one wants to waste time chasing projects that don’t pan out. We also want to do everything we can to work with our ideal clients and refer out anyone that isn’t a good fit for us.

Suggested episodes:

79: Breakingup with a client

76: January Power Moves

73: You are the CEO of your Business

56: Vision for a Better Life

44: Nailing your Niche with Rebecca West

36: Finding New Clients

35: Designing Experiences

27: Confidence and Leading the Design Process

20: Building Brand

9: Defining your Ideal Client

3: Inspiration and Passion- the Design Process

2: Communication of Design

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠& ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠.Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars,courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Ugg, no one wants to fire a client, but sometimes it's best for both of you. Let me walk you through how to objectively look at the situation and prepare yourself if you find yourself in this situation.

Suggested episodes:

60: Time Allocation and Prioritizing for Impact

56: Vision for a Better Life

50: Mental Health and Growth- Kelley Oklesson

49: Kindness is a Super Power – with Kelley Oklesson

43: Updating and Revising your Contracts with Naomi Goodman

40: What’s in a Contract?

27: Confidence and Leading the Design Process

13: Delivering on Expectations

9: Defining your Ideal Client

2: Communication of Design

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠& ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠.Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars,courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Smart Financial Moves for Landscape Designers

This episode explores key financial strategies for landscapedesign business owners. Learn the differences between running your business asa sole proprietor or S Corporation, including how the right choice can impactyour taxes, liability, and overall growth. Real-life experiences illustrate theadvantages of switching to an S corp, such as saving money and gaining clearerinsight into your profits.

We also highlight common pitfalls, like mixing personal andbusiness finances or ignoring unpaid invoices, and offer practical advice: keepaccounts separate, set clear payment terms, and use tools like QuickBooks. Theepisode’s takeaway: understanding your numbers helps you make informeddecisions and build a stable, thriving business. Subscribe and share if youfound this valuable!

Suggested episodes:

76: January Power Moves

75: Yearly Planning- Visual Goals

73: You are the CEO of your Business

68: Tracking and Metrics

52: Money Mindset

14: Year-End Planning

5: Efficiency and Profitability

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠& ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠.Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars,courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

The two most important characteristics for business owners: Resourcefulness and Efficiency. Join me to explore some tips to foster a more resourceful mindset.

Suggested episodes:

73: You are the CEO of your Business

70: Show Garden Update 3 NWFGS

69: Show garden update 2 NWFGS

67: Show Garden Update NWFGS

30: Teamwork

28: The Value of Networking

25: The Creation of a Show Garden

24: Process for Efficiency in Hand Drafting with Sara Meier

16: Collaboration Between Installer and Designer with KevinMonohan

7: Collaborating with a Remote Team

5: Efficiency and Profitability

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠& ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠.Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars,courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Start your year off strong. Here are 4 easy-to-incorporate tasks to set yourself up for a successful year.

Want more? listen to my other planning episodes or grab my yearly planning workbook here!

Suggested episodes:

75: Yearly Planning- Visual Goals

73: You are the CEO of your Business

68: Tracking and Metrics

59: The Power of a Good To-Do List

14: Year-End Planning

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠& ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠.Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars,courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Putting goals and intentions in a visual format and mapping out how they impact my business is my newest addition to my yearly planning process. Join me in creating clarity around your goals and strategy for the upcoming year!

The original planning Episode 14: ⁠Year-End Planning⁠Sign up for a one-on-one coaching session and use code vision10 for a discount

Suggested episodes:

73: You are the CEO of your Business

66: Mommypreneurship

62: Finding Focus

60: Time Allocation and Prioritizing for Impact

59: The Power of a Good To-Do List

58: Finding Balance and Being Present

56: Vision for a Better Life

47: Starting Energy

14: Year-End Planning

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠& ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠.Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars,courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Code conformance may be boring, but your clients are counting on you to understand the rules they don't even know exist.

Suggested episodes:

54: Growing Knowledge and Being Curious

34: Empowering & Educating Designers pt 2 Lisa Nunamaker

33: Empowering & Educating Designers pt 1 Lisa Nunamaker

27: Confidence and Leading the Design Process

21: Site Measurement Process

16: Collaboration Between Installer and Designer with KevinMonohan

13: Delivering on Expectations

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠& ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠.Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars,courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

CEO, CFO, COO, the entire C-suite might be you. How you tackle each role helps you manage and strategize your business.

Suggested episodes:

71: Baby Steps

68: Tracking and Metrics

63: Marketing Tactics with Mardi Dover

62: Finding Focus

60: Time Allocation and Prioritizing for Impact

59: The Power of a Good To-Do List

56: Vision for a Better Life

53: Hiring the Right Team for Growth

42: Finding Passion and Purpose in Your Work

30: Teamwork

20: Building Brand

14: Year-End Planning

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠& ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠.Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars,courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Knowing when to slow down isn't easy. Often we find ourselves pushing though stress, sickness, doubt, fear... you name it. It serves us well sometimes but there are times when rest is the best for you.

Suggested episodes:

71: Baby Steps

66: Mommypreneurship

60: Time Allocation and Prioritizing for Impact

58: Finding Balance and Being Present

56: Vision for a Better Life

26: Living Seasonally and Designing a Business Seasonally

19: Deliberate not Perfect-Calming the Voice of Perfectionism

6: Work-life Balance

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠& ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠.Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Sometimes big goals can feel scary and overwhelming, identifying and taking action on a single baby step in the right direction is all you need to do to get closer to that goal.

Suggested episodes:

62: Finding Focus

60: Time Allocation and Prioritizing for Impact

59: The Power of a Good To-Do List

56: Vision for a Better Life

47: Starting Energy

44: Nailing your Niche with Rebecca West

42: Finding Passion and Purpose in Your Work

28: The Value of Networking

26: Living Seasonally and Designing a Business Seasonally

19: Deliberate not Perfect-Calming the Voice of Perfectionism

8: Workflow- how to stay on track

6: Work-life Balance

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠& ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠.Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars,courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

The Northwest Flower and Garden Show is complete. Here are my post show thoughts and dont' forget to sign up for the free webinar on how I designed this garden with insights to how you can create clarity of vision for your and your clients' gardens.

All about the Gathering Garden https://kismetdesignco.com/nwfgs/

Suggested episodes:

69: Show Garden Update 2

67: Show Garden Update NWFGS 2025

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠& ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠.Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars,courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Prebuilding and collecting all the elements leading up to the show to make sure the build goes smoothly. Just like life-size legos.

Check out the webpage:https://kismetdesignco.com/nwfgs/

Suggested episodes:

67:Show Garden Update  NWFGS 2025

25:The Creation of a Show Garden

Please be sure tosubscribe and follow⁠@kismetdesignco⁠&⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠.Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars,courses, and other offerings⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Metrics and tracking are super important especially when establishing goals for next year. If you want to dive deeper join me for my next class January 8th 2025 - The Yearly Planning Workshop

Sign up here:

https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/the-designer-shop/

 Discount Code: CAMPFIRE

Suggested episodes:

52: Money Mindset

14: Year-End Planning

8: Workflow- how to stay on track

6: Work-life Balance

5: Efficiency and Profitability

4: Building a Business Through Referrals

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

I am in the middle of designing and planning a display garden at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival for 2025. Join me in the first update on progress and stay tuned for more.

Suggested episodes:

25: The Creation of a Show Garden

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Being a business owner and a parent is no joke. Juggling being a busy sports mom and entrepreneurship has its struggles and triumphs.

Suggested episodes:

60: Time Allocation and Prioritizing for Impact

59: The Power of a Good To-Do List

58: Finding Balance and Being Present

57: Balancing Seasons, Business, and Life with Cindy Funes

56: Vision for a Better Life

51: Balancing New Opportunities and Growing with Sara Meier

32: Pros and Cons to the at Home Office Space

30: Teamwork

26: Living Seasonally and Designing a Business Seasonally

24: Process for Efficiency in Hand Drafting with Sara Meier

19: Deliberate not Perfect-Calming the Voice of Perfectionism

11: Taking the leap into business ownership with Sarah Van Sanden

7: Collaborating with a Remote Team

6: Work-life Balance

5: Efficiency and Profitability

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Well, you never know... I have met clients with some super interesting professions. Today, rather than sharing wisdom or ideas to make your business run smoothly or inspire new ideas, I share a funny story about awkward client interactions.

Share your stories with me! kryssie@kismetdesignco.com ⁠⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠⁠. Suggested episodes:

54: Growing Knowledge and Being Curious

48: My Story

45: Latest Updates and Passions

42: Finding Passion and Purpose in Your Work

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

How you present your designs is critical to your client understanding the design and enjoying the design process.

Upcoming Mini-Class on Lighting Design

Sign Up Here! Podcast listeners can use code podcast24 for a discount!

Suggested episodes:

27: Confidence and Leading the Design Process

15: Virtual Meetings and Presentations

12: Design Presentation

2: Communication of Design

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Marketing tactics and mindsets for landscape designers.

Best place to reach Mardi   https://www.mardidover.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mardi_dover/

Coupon code! MAYBAY50 gets you $50 off your purchase of the marketing masterclass.

https://www.mardidover.com/classes

Suggested episodes:

44: Nailing your Niche with Rebecca West

41:⁠ Maintaining Engagement after Installation with Mardi Dover⁠

36: Finding New Clients

28: The Value of Networking

27: Confidence and Leading the Design Process

20: Building Brand

16: Collaboration Between Installer and Designer with Kevin Monohan

9: Defining your Ideal Client

4: Building a Business Through Referrals

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

The ability to focus on the task at hand and to follow the framework and processes that you have designed is the magic formula for efficiency. Focused work can 2x your available time. I share my 4 key steps to focused work time.

Suggested episodes:

61: Creating Impact

60: Time Allocation and Prioritizing for Impact

59: The Power of a Good To-Do List

58: Finding Balance and Being Present

56: Vision for a Better Life

8: Workflow- how to stay on track

5: Efficiency and Profitability

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

As both a designer and a small business owner your interactions create an impact on those around you. As a business owner, I leave an impact beyond my clients and beyond just the people I work with. How do you leave impact and what does your impact look like?

Class sign-up:

The Landscape Expo Webinar on Site Analysis⁠

⁠Designing with Grades Class- Kismet Design

Suggested episodes:

60: Time Allocation and Prioritizing for Impact

56: Vision for a Better Life

50: Mental Health and Growth- Kelley Oklesson

49: Kindness is a Super Power – with Kelley Oklesson

39: Empowerment and Decision Making from the Client Perspective with Kathleen Burgler

35: Designing Experiences

34: Empowering & Educating Designers pt 2 Lisa Nunamaker

33: Empowering & Educating Designers pt 1 Lisa Nunamaker

28: The Value of Networking

10: Navigating Sexism with Confidence and the Role of Mentorship

6: Work-life Balance

4: Building a Business Through Referrals

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Sometimes it is the smallest tasks that have the greatest impact on your business, your time, and your mental clarity. Let's talk about how to prioritize and dedicate your precious focus on the best and most impactful tasks.

Links:

Eisenhower Matrix

The Landscape Expo Webinar on Site Analysis

Designing with Grades Class

Suggested episodes:

59: The Power of a Good To-Do List

58: Finding Balance and Being Present

56: Vision for a Better Life

45: Latest Updates and Passions

26: Living Seasonally and Designing a Business Seasonally

19: Deliberate not Perfect-Calming the Voice of Perfectionism

8: Workflow- how to stay on track

6: Work-life Balance

5: Efficiency and Profitability

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

I recently had a few great conversations with colleagues on keeping track of clients and workflow. The key is a great to do list!

www.Asana.com

Suggested episodes:

58: Finding Balance and Being Present

57: Balancing Seasons, Business, and Life with Cindy Funes

8: Workflow- how to stay on track

7: Collaborating with a Remote Team

6: Work-life Balance

5: Efficiency and Profitability

2: Communication of Design

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Balance can be tricky and it doesn't look the same for everyone. Balance is found in discipline and in looking at the big picture rather than the finite details.

Contracts class: Sign up HERE!

Suggested episodes:

57: Balancing Seasons, Business, and Life with Cindy Funes

45: Latest Updates and Passions

26: Living Seasonally and Designing a Business Seasonally

8: Workflow- how to stay on track

6: Work-life Balance

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Cindy Funes of Garden Revelry joins me to talk about her business systems and how she balances the seasonality of the container business. Be sure to check out her work and tune into her upcoming course offerings!

gardenrevelry.com

@gardenrevelry

Suggested episodes:

54: Growing Knowledge and Being Curious

53: Hiring the Right Team for Growth

51: Balancing New Opportunities and Growing with Sara Meier

45: Latest Updates and Passions

44: Nailing your Niche with Rebecca West

30: Teamwork

26: Living Seasonally and Designing a Business Seasonally

6: Work-life Balance

5: Efficiency and Profitability

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

It is likely that when you started your business you had a vision for something bigger, something greater, something more fulfilling than what you were doing at the time. Is your business fulfilling that vision?

Suggested episodes:

55: Graphics skills to Communicate Design Vision with Lisa Nunamaker

54: Growing Knowledge and Being Curious

50: Mental Health and Growth- Kelley Oklesson

47: Starting Energy

45: Latest Updates and Passions

42: Finding Passion and Purpose in Your Work

29: Switching Careers and Finding Transferable Skills with Courtney Olander

26: Living Seasonally and Designing a Business Seasonally

19: Deliberate not Perfect-Calming the Voice of Perfectionism

14: Year-End Planning

13: Delivering on Expectations

11: Taking the leap into business ownership with Sarah Van Sanden

6: Work-life Balance

4: Building a Business Through Referrals

3: Inspiration and Passion- the Design Process

1: The Process Driven Designer

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Lisa Nunamaker of Paper Garden Workshop joins me once again, this time to discuss her transition full time to Paper Garden Workshop and how she teaches graphics to empower people with the skills to give them confidence to support themselves and follow their dreams.

‘When you feel comfortable drawing your vision then you feel comfortable saying I can actually do this’- Lisa

'Its ok to grow slowly'. Lisa

https://www.papergardenworkshop.com/

Previous episodes with Lisa: 34: ⁠Empowering & Educating Designers pt 2 Lisa Nunamaker⁠

33: ⁠Empowering & Educating Designers pt 1 Lisa Nunamaker⁠

Suggested episodes:

45: Latest Updates and Passions

28: The Value of Networking

27: Confidence and Leading the Design Process

12: Design Presentation

2: Communication of Design

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

I think one of the biggest factors in knowledge growth is curiosity. Curiosity helps motivate me to acquire new knowledge and to ask questions. Here are some of my favorite people to seek new ideas and knowledge from.

Suggested episodes:

45: Latest Updates and Passions

44: Nailing your Niche with Rebecca West

41:⁠ Maintaining Engagement after Installation with Mardi Dover⁠

38: The Power of Environment- Learning Through Osmosis

37: The Power of Education and Where it Falls Short

34: Empowering & Educating Designers pt 2 Lisa Nunamaker

33: Empowering & Educating Designers pt 1 Lisa Nunamaker

31: Business Acquisitions with Rodrigo Frias

23: Credentials and Licenses- What They Mean and are They Worth it

18: Artistry of Design Pt 2 with Lisa Bauer

17: Artistry of Design Pt 1 with Lisa Bauer

3: Inspiration and Passion- the Design Process

Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Finding the right people to help you in your business mission will create growth pathways far beyond what you can do alone. To sign up for the live event on February 29th on Contracts, Billing, and Estimating⁠⁠ go here⁠⁠! Use code podcast24 for a discount!

Suggested episodes:

40: What’s in a Contract?

30: Teamwork

20: Building Brand

13: Delivering on Expectations

7: Collaborating with a Remote Team

5: Efficiency and Profitability

4: Building a Business Through Referrals

  Please be sure to subscribe and follow ⁠@kismetdesignco⁠ & ⁠@ProcessDrivenDesigner⁠. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings ⁠https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Developing a good money mindset is a big part of growing as an entrepreneur and designer. Understanding costs, and billables, and being able to discuss it all confidently is part of the growing up process of your business and you as a professional.

To sign up for the live event on February 29th on Contracts, Billing, and Estimating⁠ go here⁠! Use code podcast24 for a discount!

Suggested episodes:

48: My Story

45: Latest Updates and Passions

43: Updating and Revising your Contracts with Naomi Goodman

40: What’s in a Contract?

13: Delivering on Expectations

5: Efficiency and Profitability

2: Communication of Design

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco & @ProcessDrivenDesigner. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Sara Meier of GreenThumb SAM joins me once again! We discuss setting goals for growth, finding inspiration, and setting boundaries and rules to stay on track. Listen to her previous episode #24 here.

Follow Sara @GreenThumbSAM and check out the list of people and organizations inspiring her below.

Links:

Apld

Predeaux Design

Pangea Express

Topophyla

Kanvas Design

Lusan Landscaping

Cascade Gardens

Fredrickson Landscape

Whole Gardens NW

Banyon TreeDesign

Botanical Living

Beewise Gardens

Paper Garden Workshop

Gardens everyone talks about

Ardent Gardener

Groundsmith Collective

SVS Landscape Design

Adam Grant- Hidden Potential

Suggested episodes:

50: Mental Health and Growth- Kelley Oklesson

49: Kindness is a SuperPower – with Kelley Oklesson 45: Latest Updates and Passions

34: Empowering & Educating Designers pt 2 Lisa Nunamaker

33: Empowering & Educating Designers pt 1 Lisa Nunamaker

28: The Value of Networking

24: Process for Efficiency in Hand Drafting with Sara Meier

8: Workflow- how to stay on track

6: Work-life Balance

4: Building a Business Through Referrals

3: Inspiration and Passion- the Design Process

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Part 2 of my conversation with Kelley Oklesson, owner of Groundsmith Collective dives into growing as a business owner and designer and taking charge of mental health. She shares her struggles and how she supports emerging professionals and becomes the bridge for them to take their desires and ideas into reality and craft a career that will support them and the growing landscape design community. She strives to leave a positive mark on the profession through mentorship and harnessing her power of kindness and empathy.

References from the episode:

Podcasts:

Design Matters

Hidden Brain

Ted Radio Hour

On Being

99% Invisible

Freakonomics

How I Built This

The Landscape Nerd

Divine Unmuted

Books

In the Company of Women

Atomic Habits

Wonder Drug - Stephen Trzeciak, M.D.

The Human Element

Originals - Adam Grant

"innovation, creativity, and systemic solutions grow in the gaps between the disciplines"

Mickey Fern, Former Deputy Director of the National Park Service

Follow and connect with Kelley! ⁠https://groundsmithcollective.com ⁠

Instagram ⁠@groundsmithcollective⁠

Kelley Oklesson the owner of Groundsmith Collective and I discuss the power of mentorship, and how she leads her team and mentors upcoming design professionals with kindness, empathy, and positivity. She unlocked the secret to combatting the loneliness of entrepreneurship by becoming the mentor we all needed when we were starting out. Tune back into part 2 as we dive into mental health, finding inspiration, and leaving a positive mark on the profession.

Quotes

"young people are the antidote to hopelessness...they believe the world is a changeable place."

Jason Reynolds, Author

Follow and connect with Kelley! https://groundsmithcollective.com

Instagram @groundsmithcollective

Everyone starts as a beginner at some point. Here I share with you my path to where I am today, the experiences I got along the way, and how I started my design business.

Suggested episodes:

45: Latest Updates and Passions

42: Finding Passion and Purpose in Your Work

38: The Power of Environment- Learning Through Osmosis

37: The Power of Education and Where it Falls Short

36: Finding New Clients

30: Teamwork

29: Switching Careers and Finding Transferable Skills with Courtney Olander

28: The Value of Networking

27: Confidence and Leading the Design Process

20: Building Brand

11: Taking the leap into business ownership with Sarah Van Sanden

9: Defining your Ideal Client

6: Work-life Balance

4: Building a Business Through Referrals

1: The Process Driven Designer

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

The new year brings with it some magical energy of new beginnings and fresh starts. What are you going to do with that energy? I've got some big plans with mine!

Want the latest class or download? Use code podcast24 for 10% off!

Suggested episodes:

45: Latest Updates and Passions

44: Nailing your Niche with Rebecca West

43: Updating and Revising your Contracts with Naomi Goodman

42: Finding Passion and Purpose in Your Work

26: Living Seasonally and Designing a Business Seasonally

14: Year-End Planning

11: Taking the leap into business ownership with Sarah Van Sanden

8: Workflow- how to stay on track

6: Work-life Balance

5: Efficiency and Profitability

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Join me in talking to Paul Balint the owner of Structure and Tree Outdoor Lighting. We discuss tips and tricks for better lighting design and installation in addition to some of our favorite fixures.

Find out more about Structure and Tree on their website or on social @Structure_and_Tree

Suggested episodes:

35: Designing Experiences

28: The Value of Networking

3: Inspiration and Passion- the Design Process

2: Communication of Design

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

I have some really exciting new offers as well as some gratitude to share with all of my fellow designers.

Check out the Designer Shop for offerings and use the code podcast23 for a discount.

Remember to tag @theprocessdrivendesigner on your Instagram post 'When I was a newbie'

Suggested episodes:

42: Finding Passion and Purpose in Your Work

34: Empowering & Educating Designers pt 2 Lisa Nunamaker

33: Empowering & Educating Designers pt 1 Lisa Nunamaker

29: Switching Careers and Finding Transferable Skills with Courtney Olander

28: The Value of Networking

27: Confidence and Leading the Design Process

26: Living Seasonally and Designing a Business Seasonally

21: Site Measurement Process

19: Deliberate not Perfect-Calming the Voice of Perfectionism

14: Year-End Planning

11: Taking the leap into business ownership with Sarah Van Sanden

10: Navigating Sexism with Confidence and the Role of Mentorship

3: Inspiration and Passion- the Design Process

1: The Process Driven Designer

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Rebecca West is an Interior Designer, Author, and Business Coach. She joins me to discuss how designers regardless of industry can really hone in and best communicate to their clients what their niche and services are.

find out more and follow Rebecca at https://seriouslyhappy.com/about/

Get the Nail Your Niche Handout Here!

Suggested episodes:

42: Finding Passion and Purpose in Your Work

40: What’s in a Contract?

36: Finding New Clients

20: Building Brand

9: Defining your Ideal Client

4: Building a Business Through Referrals

 Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Contracts are an integral part of our businesses. It is not only essential to have but also to review and revise on a regular basis. Naomi Goodman of Firecracker recently went through the process of updating her contracts and shares the approach she took and the key elements she advises all designers to look at for their contracts.

Find out more about Naomi here: http://www.firecrackerdesignstudio.com/http://www.firecrackerdesignstudio.com/ and follow her on social @firecrackerdesignstudio

Suggested episodes:

40: What’s in a Contract?

28: The Value of Networking

14: Year-End Planning

5: Efficiency and Profitability

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

What is it that you love the most about what you do? For me, the creation and problem-solving really excite me, but I find the most joy in the outcome. The feedback from a client that they love spending time in their garden is what feels the best. My latest project that has me super excited is the Designer Shop on the courses page of my website where I have downloadable worksheets, webinars, and other resources.

Visit the Designer Shop Use discount code podcast23 for $5 off your first purchase

Suggested episodes:

41: Maintaining Engagement after Installation with Mardi Dover

20: Building Brand

14: Year-End Planning

6: Work-life Balance

3: Inspiration and Passion- the Design Process

1: The Process Driven Designer

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Maintaining engagement is so much more than follow-up, it creates opportunities to continue to serve our clients and provide value. Continually showing up in a consistent manner builds trust and develops lasting relationships. Mardi Dover founder and principal of Gardens by Mardi shares her process and some great insight into being of exceptional service to her clients and maintaining engagement.

Find out more about Mardi here https://www.gardensbymardi.com/ https://www.mardidover.com/ and on social @gardensbymardi

Suggested Episodes:

39: Empowerment and Decision-Making from the Client Perspective with Kathleen Burgler

35: Designing Experiences

32: Pros and Cons to the at Home Office Space

20: Building Brand

13: Delivering on Expectations

6: Work-life Balance

4: Building a Business Through Referrals

2: Communication of Design

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Contracts- What are the common methods for presentation and what elements should be included? Most important is when to get an attorney involved to ensure your contract is written properly and provides you with the legal coverage you are looking for.

Relevant Episodes:

13: Delivering on Expectations

5: Efficiency and Profitability

2: Communication of Design

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes

Join me in discussing the design process from the client's perspective. Kathleen and I talk about process, empowerment, decision-making, and values. Kathleen is a fellow business owner and one of my clients. She runs a divorce coaching business and draws some great connections between the role of a coach and a designer.

Find Kathleen here: https://kathleenburgler.com, instagram @katburglerwellness , Linkedin: Kathleen Burgler and Ticktok: @Katburgler

Related episodes:

35: Designing Experiences

34: Empowering & Educating Designers pt 2 Lisa Nunamaker

33: Empowering & Educating Designers pt 1 Lisa Nunamaker

27: Confidence and Leading the Design Process

26: Living Seasonally and Designing a Business Seasonally

20: Building Brand

13: Delivering on Expectations

9: Defining your Ideal Client

4: Building a Business Through Referrals

2: Communication of Design

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco.

Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Well, we all know that you unfortunately cannot learn through osmosis but you can set up your environment to get exposure to many learning opportunities. Setting up your physical and mental environment for success can boost productivity and inspiration. The power of influence that the people you surround yourself with also impacts your everyday life. Suggested episodes:

37: The Power of Education and Where it Falls Short

30: Teamwork

28: The Value of Networking

11: Taking the leap into business ownership with Sarah Van Sanden

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes

First things first - Go Cougs! ....The role of education is to teach us the foundational basics and teach us the tools to put to use in practice. There is a reason that many certified or licensed professions require both education and professional practice to become certified. You spend a few years learning the foundations principles and tools then you go out into the real world and have to prove that you can put those skills to use effectively.

Suggested episodes:

34: Empowering & Educating Designers pt 2 Lisa Nunamaker

33: Empowering & Educating Designers pt 1 Lisa Nunamaker

28: The Value of Networking

23: Credentials and Licenses- What They Mean and are They Worth it

21: Site Measurement Process

12: Design Presentation

10: Navigating Sexism with Confidence and the Role of Mentorship

6: Work-life Balance

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes

Just starting out? business a little slow? not sure where to look to find new clients... I have found there are 2 reliable ways to build exposure and bring in new work.

Related episodes:

29: Switching Careers and Finding Transferable Skills with Courtney Olander

28: The Value of Networking

25: The Creation of a Show Garden

24: Process for Efficiency in Hand Drafting with Sara Meier

20: Building Brand

11: Taking the leap into business ownership with Sarah Van Sanden

9: Defining your Ideal Client

4: Building a Business Through Referrals

1: The Process Driven Designer

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes

A landscape design is more than just creating a space for aesthetics- the space needs to function and provide a valuable experience for years to come. My recent visit to the stunning garden of artist Robert Fairfax inspired me to think about the journey and experience in a garden more. Follow me on Instagram to see photos of the garden!

Connected episodes:

27: Confidence and Leading the Design Process

25: The Creation of a Show Garden

13: Delivering on Expectations

3: Inspiration and Passion- the Design Process

2: Communication of Design

1: The Process Driven Designer

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco.Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Here is a sneak peek of my upcoming webinar through The Landscape Expo.

Sign up here to join me for this webinar on June 15th, 11am PST

https://thelandscapeexpo.com/tle-academy/webinars/process-of-landscape-design

I hope to see you there!

Part 2 as Lisa Nunamaker joins me to discuss how she got into the landscape industry, her perspectives on teaching and empowering designers, and so much more. She delves into some of her favorite resources and some people who inspire her.

Follow Lisa here:⁠ www.papergardenworkshop.com⁠ @paper.garden.workshop

Inspiring people:

Part 1 of the conversation with Lisa Nunamaker

Other Relevant Episodes:

27: Confidence and Leading the Design Process

23: Credentials and Licenses- What They Mean and are They Worth it

22: Incorporating Color into your Deliverables

19: Deliberate not Perfect-Calming the Voice of Perfectionism

12: Design Presentation

10: Navigating Sexism with Confidence and the Role of Mentorship

3: Inspiration and Passion- the Design Process

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes

Lisa Nunamaker joins me to discuss how she got into the landscape industry, her perspectives on teaching and empowering designers, and so much more. My favorite quote from this first segment of our conversation is 'It's your imperfections that make your work really cool'! We talk about getting over perfectionism and owning who you are as well as learning to say what you are thinking and not being afraid to speak up regardless of your experience level compared to the remainder of the room. Her work and perspectives are so inspiring. please find out more by visiting her website and be sure to tune in for part 2.

Follow Lisa here: www.papergardenworkshop.com @paper.garden.workshop

Connected episodes:

27: Confidence and Leading the Design Process

19: Deliberate not Perfect-Calming the Voice of Perfectionism

10: Navigating Sexism with Confidence and the Role of Mentorship

3: Inspiration and Passion- the Design Process

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/

Most if not all solopreneurs work from home. There are many benefits to having a home office but on the flip side of that, there are some great benefits to having a dedicated (out of your home) office as well. One of the most compelling perks of a home office is not having the rent expense of office space. What does your ideal workspace look like?

Connected episodes:

30: Teamwork

26: Living Seasonally and Designing a Business Seasonally

24: Process for Efficiency in Hand Drafting with Sara Meier

15: Virtual Meetings and Presentations

8: Workflow- how to stay on track

7: Collaborating with a Remote Team

6: Work-life Balance

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please also sign up for my newsletter to be notified of upcoming webinars, courses, and other offerings https://kismetdesignco.com/classes/