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/

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/

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/

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

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/

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/

I get to discuss the learning process and motivations in purchasing a business and jumping into the landscape industry with Rodrigo Frias the new owner of Classic Nursery in Woodinville, WA. We discuss how to assess existing systems and when to implement changes and new processes. We even delve into the navigation of managing designers and creatives. Learn more about Classic Nursery at www.classicnursery.com They are also on Pinterest, Houzz, Instagram, Angies List, and Facebook.

This conversation proves that even those outside of our industry that do their research do not know the industry's complexities, it is a common misconception that landscape is easy but as we all know it is not.  

Connected episodes:

29: Switching Careers and Finding Transferable Skills with Courtney Olander

20: Building Brand

16: Collaboration Between Installer and Designer with Kevin Monohan

13: Delivering on Expectations

10: Navigating Sexism with Confidence and the Role of Mentorship

9: Defining your Ideal Client

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/

No matter how big or small your business is, teamwork is a vital ingredient to your success. Even for those of you that are solopreneurs, you may not have a team of employees, but you still have a team of collaborators that make your business run smoothly. There is a lot of business advice out there from seasoned business people wisely advising us to hire out the skills we lack or the tasks we don’t enjoy doing. For most entrepreneurs that can be a difficult thing to pinpoint because most of us think we can do everything and anything. I could do likely do a lot and do well by myself but I would be limited and I know that with a great team around me, we can all achieve so much more and I find that inspiring and exciting. Connected episodes:

28: The Value of Networking

16: Collaboration Between Installer and Designer with Kevin Monohan

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

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/

Join me in talking with Courtney Olander of Olander Garden Design. We discuss everything from shifting careers and how to find transferable skills to making connections and networking. Courtney discusses the importance of composition and imagery in the design industry and how she used those skills from her previous career to kickstart her business. 

Here are some of the designers she is inspired by that were mentioned in the episode

Claire Kennedy Design

Botanica Design

Considered Design

Orca Living

Connected episodes: 28: The Value of Networking

26: Living Seasonally and Designing a Business Seasonally

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

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

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/

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/

They say your potential is influenced by the 5 people you spend the most time with. I won't dispute that there is truth in that, but I also think the net of influence spans more than 5 people. It is often said that entrepreneurship is lonely. It can be but it doesn’t have to be. The kicker is you have to be vulnerable and put yourself out there. 

Connected episodes:

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

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/

Confidence is an important part of your brand and is a key ingredient to success and happiness. Confidence is a state of feeling certain or a feeling of self-assurance arising from one’s appreciation of one’s own abilities or qualities. Confidence is built over time through experience. Each time you do that you grow, and it builds your skills and the inner knowing that you not only can do that thing but that you can step out of your comfort zone and learn new things. I position myself as the leader of the design process by stating the process and leading a client through that process. To be the leader of the process you have to have the confidence to do so. Especially with contractors. Remember, If it is clear that you know the way they will be more inclined to follow you.

Connected episodes:

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

20: Building Brand

19: Deliberate not Perfect-Calming the Voice of Perfectionism

12: Design Presentation

2: Communication of Design

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I think I am most drawn to this idea of living seasonally because I find so much beauty in the natural changes of the seasons and it always brings a sense of anticipation. We are part of the system naturally, we have contrived our own system that runs very separate from the natural seasonal shifts but it's always there in the background and occasionally eeks its way up and through our artificial system. The most significant benefit I see to incorporating the idea of living more seasonally and embracing the fluctuations and flow better is that I see it helping me to be more present and to allow myself better time to rest and rejuvenate to refuel for the next season of production and growth.

Connected episodes:

25: The Creation of a Show Garden

19: Deliberate not Perfect-Calming the Voice of Perfectionism

14: Year-End Planning

8: Workflow- how to stay on track

6: Work-life Balance

3: Inspiration and Passion- the Design Process

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For those of you in the pacific northwest, you know that the annual northwest flower and garden show is coming up. Yes, the gardens and many of the vendor booths are stunning but not many people know what goes into their creation. For those of you who have been part of the creation of a show garden you know what goes into it. the months of planning, the countless late nights, and crossed fingers. It is a lot of work and that experience helps you to admire and appreciate the gardens so much more. Listen to get a glimpse of what it takes to design, construct, and deconstruct a garden at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show

Relevant Links:

Northwest Flower and Garden Show

Terra Sculpture- Kismet Sculpture

Steve Farris Art

Robert Fairfax Art

Diamond Spas

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

Join me for a great conversation with Sara Meier owner of GreenThumb SAM. We discuss everything from the markers she uses and the processes she has in place to create her stunning drawings to balancing life as a mom and business owner. She shares her tips for organization and workflow to maximize efficiency as well as some self-care tips and rules she has in place to keep her on task and loving what she does. Her drawings are truly works of art- if you don't already her Instagram is a must-follow!

Find out more about Sara and see her work at www.greenthumbsam.com or on social media @greenthumbsam

Connected episodes:

23: Credentials and Licenses

22: Incorporating Color into your Deliverables

21: Site Measurement Process

11: Taking the leap into business ownership

8: Workflow- how to stay on track

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/.s/.

In the very broad field of landscape design, there are multiple credentials you will come across. At the end of someone's signature line on their email you will see many different acronyms- Some of them are assigned as being part of an association like APLD or ASLA, and others are for the various credentials, licenses, or certifications they hold. Anyone can call themselves a landscape designer. There is no requirement of experience, education, or aptitude to call yourself a designer or to deliver those services in the residential sector. But boy is there a difference in the range of experience and knowledge amongst landscape designers. I think that the primary reason any of us seek out certification is to distinguish ourselves from the crowd and be able to put a name to the level of experience and skill that we have.

Connected episodes:

20: Building Brand

13: Delivering on Expectations

Relevant Links:

CLARB: Landscape Architects Registration Exam

APLD: Association of Professional Landscape Designers

WSNLA: Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association

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

Each design you deliver is a work of art. In my opinion, color is what brings a plan to life. it doesn’t matter if you hand draft or use a cad program. Color is what really makes your drawings have a wow factor. Color can be incorporated in a few different ways. Let's discuss the options for process, deliverables, and the cost associated with your time and the cost of printing.

Connected episodes:

2: Communication of Design

3: Inspiration and Passion- the Design Process

5: Efficiency and Profitability

12: Design Presentation

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

Site measurements are an inevitable part of our jobs but there are many different ways to gather the information. I will take you through my process although in thinking about this I have realized that there are pieces I won’t be able to show the way I want without video. Therefore, I will also offer a live webinar with demonstrations of what we will be reviewing today and more- be sure to sign up on my website www.kismetdesignco.com. In this episode, I cover what is in my measurement bag and the step-by-step process I go through to gather all the site information.

Connected episodes:

5: Efficiency and Profitability

4: Building a Business Through Referrals

1: The Process Driven Designer

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

Building a brand is so much more than just a logo and a color scheme. Brand is what you stand for and why you do what you do. The passion you have is the driving force in building your brand. Whether you are a business owner or an employee, as a creative anything, you bring a critical piece to the brand that you serve and sell. Most of my colleagues are solopreneurs meaning they run a business of 1.  Their business brand is also their personal brand. They are selling themselves as much as they are selling the service. One cannot be distinctly separated from the other. Most creative fields regardless of business size are like this. Just as your life and career are a journey and an evolution, brand is as well. With each step you take each new layer of growth and experience evolves the brand of your business.

Connected episodes:

19: Deliberate not perfect- Calming the Voice of Perfectionism

14: Year-End Planning

13: Delivering on Expectations

12: Design Presentation- a valuable tool in the design process

5: Efficiency and Profitability

4: Building a Business Through Referrals

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

For a long time, I embraced perfectionism as a badge of honor as many of you likely have at some point. But I found myself asking at what cost perfectionism was worth. I still hold myself to very high standards, yet I no longer strive for perfection. The weight of the expectation of perfect is a bit much. The design industry runs on the constant chase of beauty and beauty and perfection are placed on a pedestal that we all look up at in awe. Striving to be perfect can be very stressful and can breed a lot of critical self-evaluation. I do not have the power to change societal expectations, but I can change my own. For me, goal setting is often framed around balancing my ambition and expectations.

Connected episodes:

14: Year-End Planning

13: Delivering on Expectations

6: Work-Life Balance: Saying No Means Getting to Say Yes

Please be sure to subscribe and follow @kismetdesignco. Please 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/

Lisa Bauer is a landscape designer, certified professional horticulturalist, and the owner of Chartreuse Landscape Design. We discuss design process and inspiration along with our favorite plants, the use of natives and the common misnomer regarding hardy tropicals in the PNW. Her designs play with the composition of clean crisp lines of the hardscape elements contrasted with big bold lush foliage. Listen in to hear how she brings it all together.

Find out more about Lisa and see his work at www.chartreuselandscape.com or on social media @chartreuslandscapedesign

Connected episodes:

3: Inspiration and Passion- the Design Process

16: Collaboration Between Installer and 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/.

Lisa Bauer is a landscape designer, certified professional horticulturalist, and the owner of Chartreuse Landscape Design. We discuss design process and inspiration along with our favorite plants, the use of natives and the common misnomer regarding hardy tropicals in the PNW. Her designs play with the composition of clean crisp lines of the hardscape elements contrasted with big bold lush foliage. Listen in to hear how she brings it all together.

Find out more about Lisa and see his work at www.chartreuselandscape.com or on social media @chartreuslandscapedesign

Connected episodes:

3: Inspiration and Passion- the Design Process

16: Collaboration Between Installer and 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/.

Kevin Monohan is the owner of Avalon NW a premier landscape installation company in Seattle. We discuss the contractor's perspective on the role of the designer through the installation of a landscape and his evolution of business. Construction is often a very high pace, high-stress endeavor. I found his insight into finding a balance of schedule, services, and crew size to achieve a comfortable balance point inspiring. Kevin and I also discuss the importance of saying no to make yourself available to say yes and building trust by being of value and offering help to colleagues and collaborators.

Find out more about Kevin and see his work at www.avalonnw.com and on Instagram.

Connected episodes:

6: Work-life balance: Saying no means getting to say Yes!

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/.

In this episode, I will take you through how I modify my typical presentation process for a virtual meeting. With the pandemic, we all got thrown into virtual meetings whether we liked it or not. For me it was a great thing- now that life is more normal I don’t conduct a lot of virtual meetings anymore but I am delighted to offer them, especially for those clients that are not always able to coordinate time away from work to meet with me. the conference room on their lunch break gives them more flexibility to meet with me to review plans within my working hours. I had thought of it for years but never had the need to make it happen until the pandemic. Silver linings!

Connected episodes:

2: Communication of Design,

12: Design Presentation- a valuable tool in 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/.

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