Business of Design® Podcast | Grow a Profitable Interior Design Business with Kimberley Seldon

Business of Design® is celebrating 15 years of helping interior designers build stronger, more profitable businesses. In this special episode, Kimberley Seldon reflects on some of her favorite Design Intervention™ moments from the BOD™ Podcast and shares the mindset shifts, pricing strategies, and business lessons that continue to transform design firms around the world. From raising rates to buil...

How can interior designers create healthier spaces that support well-being and improve quality of life? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon begins a two-part conversation with healthy building expert Allan Lopes about the growing role of wellness in interior design and how thoughtful design decisions can positively impact physical and emotional health. From lighting and materials to our innate conne...

How do interior designers build the kind of client trust that leads to smoother projects, stronger relationships, and long-term referrals? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Alex Gourlay about the critical role trust plays in every successful interior design project. From setting clear boundaries to honoring timelines and building reliable systems, Alex explains how trust is earned grad...

How can custom furniture help interior designers stand out, increase profitability, and create a stronger client experience? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Frank Eybsen and Heather Zeilman about the evolving custom furniture industry and why designers who embrace systems and innovation are better positioned for long-term success. Business of Design® teaches that strong business syst...

What does it take to leave a large design firm and successfully build your own interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Jaime Galapo about her transition from a large corporate design firm to launching a successful boutique practice in South Florida. Jaime shares practical lessons on business growth, relationship-building, networking, and creating a strong team to su...

How can interior designers build meaningful relationships that lead to more referrals, stronger industry connections, and long-term business growth? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Tania Bell about the power of networking and why relationship-building is one of the most valuable skills an interior designer can develop. From connecting with trades and suppliers to staying in touch wit...

How does the media shape public perceptions of interior designers—and what important parts of the story are often left out? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores how television shows, magazines, and social media often celebrate the finished results of design projects while overlooking the expertise, systems, and problem-solving required to achieve them. Kimberley explains why designers must t...

How can interior designers overcome setbacks, charge what they're worth, and build a business on their own terms? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Weston and Cristy Blankenship about their journey from financial hardship and homelessness to building a successful creative business. Their story highlights the mindset shifts that helped them move beyond fear, reclaim control of their fut...

How can interior designers balance creativity, craftsmanship, and the pressure to get everything perfect? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Eric Gorges, master craftsman and host of A Craftsman's Legacy, about the value of slowing down, trusting the creative process, and letting go of perfectionism. In an industry driven by deadlines and expectations, Eric shares why embracing creativi...

How can interior designers confidently guide clients toward better decisions without overwhelming them with options? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Lori Steeves about the importance of leadership, confidence, and clear recommendations in the design process. While clients hire designers for expertise and guidance, many designers hesitate to make strong suggestions out of fear of reje...

Can mindfulness help interior designers become more productive, focused, and effective with clients? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores her personal journey with mindfulness and the practical ways it can improve both business performance and client relationships. From reducing distractions and managing stress to helping clients navigate clutter and emotional attachments, mindfulness offers...

What can running a busy household teach us about running a successful interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Lindsay Kjellberg, an interior designer and mother of five, about the surprising parallels between parenting and business leadership. From creating systems and setting expectations to establishing healthy boundaries, Lindsay shares practical strategies that...

What if some of the best business advice for interior designers came from your suppliers and industry partners? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Layers and Layers about common mistakes interior designers make—and how trusted suppliers and specialists can help avoid them. From presenting projects more effectively to leveraging expert knowledge, this conversation highlights the value of...

What does it take to grow an interior design firm beyond the point where everything depends on you? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Jessica Geller and Virginia Toledo of Toledo Geller about hiring, delegation, and creating the systems necessary to scale a design business. They share practical lessons on building a team, documenting processes, and letting go of tasks so owners can foc...

Why do so many interior designers feel prepared to design projects—but unprepared to run a business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Sarah Vermunt about the realities of entrepreneurship and the lessons most designers never learn in design school. From finding career direction to setting boundaries and avoiding overwhelm, Sarah shares practical insights for designers at every stage o...

What are some of the most important business lessons interior designers often overlook? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares a collection of insights, observations, and hard-earned lessons that didn't fit neatly into other podcast episodes—but are too valuable not to share. From overcoming fear and embracing accountability to building a strong professional network, these ideas can help designe...

What are some of the most important business lessons interior designers often overlook? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares a collection of insights, observations, and hard-earned lessons that didn't fit neatly into other podcast episodes—but are too valuable not to share. From overcoming fear and embracing accountability to building a strong professional network, these ideas can help designe...

What can your first client teach you about building a successful interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon reflects on her very first design client and the valuable business lessons that emerged from that experience. Looking back with the benefit of hindsight, Kimberley shares insights about value, professionalism, client expectations, and the importance of establishing yourself...

How do you build a successful interior design business when you're starting with no clients and no formal design training? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Sara Malek Barney about the strategies that helped her launch and grow a thriving design firm. Drawing on lessons from the entertainment industry and her experience as a Business of Design™ member, Sara shares practical tactics for...

Could a shared workspace or buying group help interior designers increase profitability, collaboration, and business growth? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with LeAnne Bunnell and Swati Goorha about the advantages of cooperative workspaces and collective buying groups for interior designers. From creating a professional environment for clients to sharing resources, ideas, and industry kn...

What happens when an interior designer creates a clear vision for where they want their business to be in five years? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Stephanie Poore about how a long-term business plan helped guide her growth from startup to success. Stephanie shares practical lessons on networking, hiring, financial management, and defining your ideal clients as your business evolve...

Why do some interior designers attract their perfect clients while others struggle to stand out? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Darla Powell about the power of branding, authenticity, and defining your ideal client. Darla explains why trying to appeal to everyone often weakens your message and how a focused brand can help attract the clients who are the best fit for your business. F...

Could a cooperative workspace help interior designers grow their business, expand their network, and create a stronger client experience? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores the growing trend of cooperative workspaces designed specifically for interior designers. Featuring insights from Tawni Peterson, Martha Rosellini, and Carly Nemtean, this conversation examines the benefits and challeng...

When should an interior designer walk away from a project? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares a candid story about breaking one of her own business rules—and paying the price. What began as a promising project ultimately resulted in a loss, but also reinforced valuable lessons about boundaries, decision-making, and recognizing warning signs before problems escalate. For interior designers, k...

What does it take to transition from a corporate career to a thriving full-time interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Adam Scougall about his journey from the corporate world into professional interior design and the business lessons he learned along the way. Adam shares how implementing the Business of Design® 15 STEP Project Management Strategy helped him create...