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

Thinking about writing a design book? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Dallas-based designer Courtney Warren to share what it really takes to get published—from writing and deadlines to promotion and business impact. Because publishing a book isn’t just a creative project—it’s a strategic move that can elevate your brand and authority in the industry. If you’ve ever considered becomi...

Want to give back—but not sure how it fits into your business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Susan Wintersteen to explore how interior designers can approach philanthropy with intention. Because giving back isn’t just about generosity—it can also strengthen your network, build confidence, and create meaningful impact. If you’ve been unsure when or how to say yes to charitable oppo...

What if stress in your business isn’t the problem—but the signal? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores how tension can actually serve as a powerful tool for interior designers. Instead of avoiding discomfort, she reframes it as an indicator that something needs attention—whether it’s a decision, a process, or a shift in direction. If you’ve been feeling pressure or uncertainty in your busine...

Thinking about working with a business partner—or wondering how to strengthen your client relationships? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by husband-and-wife team Mary Lou and Marc Fulson to explore how collaboration, clear roles, and strategic thinking can elevate your interior design business. From choosing the right clients to understanding how your business truly makes money, this c...

What if your entire business was built around truly prioritizing the client? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Aashita Chadha, who shares how she transformed frustration with poor industry practices into a design firm centered on exceptional client experience. From communication to transparency, this conversation highlights how putting clients first can differentiate your business and...

Great design doesn’t happen alone—it takes a strong, reliable team. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Michelle Burbidge to explore how interior designers can build and lead an A-Team of trades and suppliers. Because your ability to deliver exceptional results depends on the people you bring to the project—and how you manage them. If you want smoother projects, better collaboration, an...

Hiring the right person can make—or break—your interior design business. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by recruitment expert Jessica Harling to break down how to hire with confidence. Because finding great talent isn’t luck—it’s the result of a clear, repeatable process. If you’ve ever rushed a hire or struggled to find the right fit, this episode will help you build a smarter approa...

Want to grow your interior design business—and your personal wealth? It starts with understanding your numbers. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by financial expert Audrey Faust to break down how designers can use financial data to make smarter decisions, reduce debt, and build long-term wealth. Because profitability isn’t just about revenue—it’s about what you keep and how you grow it....

Can the way you design a space impact your client’s wellbeing—and even their success? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Patricia Lohan to explore how Feng Shui can be applied in modern interior design. This ancient practice focuses on harmonizing energy within a space to promote balance, wellbeing, and prosperity. If you’re looking to add deeper meaning and impact to your designs, thi...

Are you busy all day—but still not moving your interior design business forward? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Robin Wycherley to explore how interior designers can take control of their time, increase focus, and intentionally design a business that supports both profit and personal goals. By auditing past projects and understanding where your time and attention actually go, you c...

Struggling to clearly explain what you do—and why it matters to your ideal client? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Ericka Saurit for part two of this conversation on refining your brand story as an interior designer. If you’ve ever felt unsure how to articulate your value, this episode will help you communicate with clarity, confidence, and impact. Great design isn’t enough—clients...

Are you struggling to explain your value in a way that truly connects with clients? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Ericka Saurit for part one of a two-part series on crafting a powerful brand story for your interior design business. Because no matter how beautiful your work is, if you can’t clearly communicate your value, you risk being overlooked. In today’s competitive market, wo...

What can three real project emails teach you about running a better interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon randomly selects three emails from her inbox and shares what they reveal about project management, client communication, and decision-making in an active design firm. From high-stakes requests to trade updates and important details hiding in plain sight, this episode is a...

Are you doing more work than you’re paid for—and calling it “good service”? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Melissa Morris to tackle one of the most common profitability problems in interior design: overdelivering. What often starts as a desire to exceed expectations can quickly turn into unpaid work, scope creep, and burnout. The root issue isn’t generosity—it’s a lack of clearly d...

Are fear and self-doubt holding you back from growing your interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Tina Ramchandani to explore the very real fears designers face—around pricing, marketing, client reactions, and decision-making—and how to move forward despite them. Fear is part of the job, but reacting impulsively can lead to poor decisions and missed opportunities....

Have you ever considered growing your interior design business beyond traditional services? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Michelle and Brandon Burbidge to explore how expanding into a design-adjacent business—like custom lighting—can open new revenue streams and elevate your brand. By leveraging their existing design expertise, Michelle and Brandon successfully launched a lighting...

How can interior designers create spaces that truly support clients through every stage of life? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Jennifer Bertrand—HGTV Design Star winner—to explore how interior designers can incorporate social responsibility into their work through accessible, inclusive design. From aging in place to designing for clients with special needs, Jennifer shares how tho...

What separates interior designers who lead successful projects from those who feel constantly challenged? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Ekaterina Solomeina to explore the leadership mindset required to run a thriving interior design business. From managing clients and trades to guiding your team, strong leadership is the foundation of consistent, profitable results. The good news?...

Do you know which of your interior design projects are actually profitable? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Julia Nikishina to break down one of the most important metrics in your business: profit per project. Without clear visibility into your numbers, it’s impossible to make confident decisions about pricing, sourcing, or growth. Whether you charge hourly or flat fees, understandi...

Are you undervaluing your work—and unintentionally limiting your business growth? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Andrea Liebross to explore how your beliefs about your worth directly impact your pricing, client relationships, and overall success as an interior designer. When your value feels unclear, it shows up in hesitation, undercharging, and missed opportunities. Learn how to s...

Are you constantly chasing your next project instead of confidently signing clients? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Cheryl Horne to break down how interior designers can build a consistent, reliable client pipeline that drives steady revenue and long-term business growth. The most successful design businesses don’t wait for work to show up—they create systems that attract, nurture,...

Do you know how to respond confidently in the moment with clients? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Mairlyn Smith to explore how improv training can help interior designers think on their feet, communicate more effectively, and handle client interactions with greater ease. From presentations to problem-solving on site, your ability to stay present and respond thoughtfully can shape t...

Are you treating lighting as an afterthought in your interior design projects? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Genevieve Wild to explore why intentional lighting design is essential to creating high-impact, professional interiors—and why leaving it to the electrician can compromise your entire vision. Lighting has the power to transform a space, adding depth, mood, and character tha...

Are you attracting the right clients—or saying yes to the wrong ones? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Porsche Williams to explore how a structured client intake process can elevate your interior design business, improve client experience, and protect your time. Your intake process is more than just a first conversation—it’s your opportunity to position your value, set expectations,...

Is disorganization holding you back from growing a more profitable interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Helen Austen to explore how interior designers can build the systems, structure, and habits needed to run a more organized—and more successful—business. Creativity and disorganization often go hand in hand, but without clear systems in place, it’s easy to feel...