Design Biz Survival Guide

Paul McClean, founder of McClean Design, returns to the podcast for an insightful conversation about the evolution of his internationally renowned residential architectural firm since our last interview in 2019. Paul shares how his business has expanded into the global market post-COVID, the challenges and rewards of working internationally, and the nuances of merging cultural traditions with cont...

Jamie Gasparovic, founder and principal designer of Studio Gaspo, joins us to share the evolution of her business model over the past seven years. About four years in, Jamie experienced an introspective moment that led to a bold rebrand centered around intention and authenticity. We discuss how confidence and leadership shape the business of design, allowing her to take risks, carve her own path,...

Welcome to this special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide! This supplemental format highlights brands and partners that support designers both creatively and professionally. Today, we're speaking with Brittany Bowen and Ava Vienneau, also known as The Girls at Flourish—a luxury photography firm specializing in interior design, real estate, and the home industry. Brittany and...

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

Welcome to another episode of Design Biz Survival Guide! Today we welcome Hannah Oravec, founder of Lawless Design—a New England-based residential and boutique commercial interior design studio focused on wellness and sustainability. In this episode, Hannah shares her design journey and the process of launching her own design business. We discuss her perspective on commercial and residential desig...

Today, we're thrilled to host Julia Bocchese of Julia Renee Consulting , a firm specializing in SEO and Pinterest strategies for creative businesses, including interior designers. In this episode, Julia breaks down the unique power of Pinterest and shares actionable ways design professionals can use the platform to expand visibility, drive traffic to their websites, and strengthen their brand mess...

Today, we welcome Molly Rose – a professional interior photographer and public relations partner for interior designers and architects. In this episode, Molly breaks down her 10-step strategy to help you create project campaigns that support your overarching brand and provide content throughout the design process. We discuss how a combination of micro storytelling, DIY photography, and a structure...

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome back Meredith Huck of House of Huck , a full-service design studio based in Milford, Connecticut. In this episode, we revisit our original conversation with Meredith from Episode #92, where she shared her newly launched design business and the strategy behind its success. Fast forward three years, Meredith walks us through her thriving business today, les...

Today we welcome Terri Brien, owner and principal designer of Terri Brien Interiors based in San Clemente, CA. In this episode Terri shares her experience working with a residential home builder for over nineteen years and the many lessons learned about design and business that influenced her current business model like detailed processes, time management, and problem solving. We also talk about t...

Welcome to this special industry spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide! In this format, we showcase brands and partners that empower interior designers, both creatively and professionally. Today, we're excited to feature Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsay, co-founders of AI for Interiors , a platform helping interior designers embrace the power of artificial intelligence. In this episod...

Today we welcome Renee Biery, owner of Devignier Design based in Wilmington Delaware and host of the The Only Girl on the Job site Podcast. In this episode Renee shares her journey of design and how she developed a niche expertise in managing large scale construction from renovations to new builds. We dive deep into the benefits of embracing the construction side of design and the nuances of contr...

In this episode, we sit down with Marc Halaby, owner of Halaby Restoration and Painting , a renowned artisan-based restoration and painting company in Southern California. Marc shares his journey as a third-generation craftsman, the legacy of his family's artistry, and how his team collaborates with top designers, architects, and builders to create stunning, high-end residential projects. With a p...

This is a special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide. This supplemental format is designed to share brands and partners that support designers both creatively and professionally. This is our way of sharing valuable information and resources for your business with you, our loyal listeners. Today, we're speaking with Kevin Lee, CEO of Design Manager, and Staci Davidson, owner of...

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

This is a special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide. This supplemental format is designed to share brands and partners that support designers both creatively and professionally. This is our way of sharing valuable information and resources for your business with you, our loyal listeners. Today, we're speaking with Jason Voorhees, founder and president of Cantara – a full-serv...

Today, we welcome Kate O'Hara, CEO and Creative Director of O'Hara Interiors — a full-service interior design firm specializing in high-end commercial and residential projects. In this episode, Kate shares her journey from a career in education to taking the helm of the family design business. We discuss her role in the business and the delicate balance of leading, delegating, and empowering a gro...

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

Today, we welcome Deborah Flate, founder of Dialogue Consulting. Deborah is the voice of sales techniques and strategies that inspire the sales teams of some of our favorite design brands and showrooms in the industry. In this episode, Deborah shares some of her core sales principles with us because, at the end of the day, your design business is a sales organization, too. We dive deep into sellin...

Today, we welcome Kamala Nair, a professional copywriter and voice brand expert for interior design professionals. In this episode, Kamala shares how her time as a copywriter at Elle Decor introduced her to the world of interiors and the importance of storytelling in order to support and elevate the beauty of interior design. Get your notepad ready because Kamala shares her top three strategies fo...

Today, we welcome Andrew Patterson, Founder and president of Patterson Custom Homes based in Newport Beach, CA. In this episode, Andrew shares his perspective on the client experience as it relates to custom home building. We dive deep into his commitment to quality and building a trust-based relationship with his clients, partners, and designers.  We also discuss how years of experience and hundr...

This is a special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide. This special format is designed to share brands and partners that support designers both creatively and professionally. This supplemental podcast format is our way of sharing valuable information and resources for your business with you, our loyal listeners. Today, we're speaking with Renee Bush — Founder and Chief Strategi...

Today, we welcome Kali Sudbrook of Beachside Interiors to the podcast. Kali is a licensed contractor and interior designer based in Orange County, CA, and specializes in creating health-forward spaces. In this episode, Kali shares her niche approach to design and the joy that she experiences creating fitness spaces. We dive deep into her business model, embracing a design specialty and the benefit...

Today, we welcome Jackie Green - Founder, CEO, and Chief Strategist of Behind the Design. In this episode, we focus on the employee perspective of the business of design and the value of empowering them with business knowledge and acumen. Jackie explains the basics that every design employee should understand about time billing, overhead, and productivity. If you're a team member of a design firm...

Today, we welcome Marcia Bryan, owner of Bryan Design Group based in San Diego, California. In this episode, Marcia shares her design journey from model homes to full-service residential and senior living design. Marcia shares how a chance opportunity evolved into a design niche for her business model and how the nuances of senior living design influence and enhance her residential design projects...

Today, we welcome Niki Landry, founder of Hatch Creative Co. - a consulting firm focused on supporting small to mid-level design businesses. In this episode, Niki shares her design journey and how a moment of need at the commercial design firm that she was working at triggered the leader within and culminated in her transition from design to operations. We discuss the value of recruiting and promo...