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

Can stronger systems actually make you more creative as an interior designer? In this episode, Dane Austin hosts a conversation with Sashya Thind about the connection between structure, process, and creativity in a successful interior design business. Many designers fear that systems will limit creativity, but the opposite is often true. When your workflow, scope, and communication are clearly def...

Are you hesitating to make the changes your business needs to grow? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Helen Austen to discuss how decisive action, stronger boundaries, and better systems can transform your interior design business. After beginning her career as a professional organizer, Helen successfully transitioned into running a thriving design firm by making bold decisions quickl...

Are constant client and project decisions draining your energy and confidence? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Nika Kabiri to explore the science behind decision-making and how interior designers can reduce the mental exhaustion that comes from making hundreds of choices every day. From selecting finishes to managing client expectations, decision fatigue can quietly impact productiv...

What does a real day look like behind the scenes of a successful interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon takes listeners through a typical workday—from job sites and fabrication meetings to client communication and production planning—offering an honest look at the pace, pressure, and problem-solving required to run a thriving design firm. This behind-the-scenes episode highlig...

Can you successfully run both a home staging business and an interior design firm? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Leia T. Ward to discuss the transition from home staging to full-service interior design—and what designers need to know before expanding into both worlds. While staging and interior design complement each other creatively, they operate with very different business mode...

What do you do when a client keeps changing their mind—and your process stops working? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Karin Kolb to unpack a challenging client experience and explore what happens when even strong project management systems are tested. From constant second-guessing to endless revisions, some clients can push projects off track despite your best efforts. This honest...

Are you building a profitable interior design business—but neglecting your own financial future? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Danielle Hayden, CEO of Kickstart Accounting, to discuss why interior designers need to think beyond day-to-day income and start building long-term personal wealth. Too many business owners delay investing, believing they’ll start “when the time is right.”...

Is hiring the right team member the key to growing your interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Shelli Warren to break down why hiring should be treated like a structured project—not a rushed decision. As your business grows, the right hire can transform your workload, client experience, and profitability. But attracting, interviewing, and onboarding the right peop...

Do you want a more successful interior design business—but without the chaos behind the scenes? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explains why the polished results clients see are only the “tip of the iceberg.” Behind every successful project and beautiful portfolio is a foundation of strong systems, disciplined processes, and consistent team execution. Great design businesses aren’t built on tale...

Can the same business systems work for both architects and interior designers? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon continues the conversation with Brooke Aitken to explore how Business of Design™ principles apply within an architectural practice—and why strong systems are essential no matter your creative discipline. After nearly giving up on her business, Brooke found renewed clarity and direction...

Are you tracking revenue—but still unsure whether your interior design business is truly profitable? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Danielle Hayden, CEO of Kickstart Accounting, to break down how interior designers can better understand their profit and loss statement—and use financial data to make smarter business decisions. Revenue alone doesn’t tell the whole story. To build a s...

Do you have the support and accountability needed to grow your interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Kelly Tivey, Justine Sterling, and Tracy Dyck to discuss the power of accountability, community, and strategic support in building a successful design firm. Growing a business isn’t about one breakthrough moment—it’s the result of consistent action, strong systems...

Can architects use the same business systems that help interior designers succeed? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Brooke Aitken to explore how Business of Design® principles apply within an architectural practice—and why strong project management systems matter across all creative disciplines. After nearly giving up on her business, Brooke found renewed momentum and clarity through...

Want to get your interior design projects featured in magazines, blogs, and online publications? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Kelli Lamb to discuss how interior designers can successfully pitch their work to editors, gain media exposure, and use publication opportunities to grow their business. While traditional print features still carry prestige, digital media and targeted onli...

Is your interior design portfolio attracting clients—or just generating compliments? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Katie O’Brien to discuss how interior designers can transform their portfolio websites into high-converting marketing tools that turn browsers into paying clients. Your portfolio is one of the most visited pages on your website, but beautiful images alone aren’t enoug...

Feeling overwhelmed by your interior design business, projects, or endless to-do list? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Desi Creswell to explore the causes of overwhelm and how interior designers can recognize the warning signs before stress starts impacting decision-making, productivity, and wellbeing. Whether you have too many projects, not enough support, or challenging client sit...

How can custom furniture elevate your interior design projects—and your client experience? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Frank Eybsen of Buildlane to explore the value of custom furniture design, fabrication, and specification for interior designers. From understanding construction methods and material choices to managing client expectations, this conversation offers practical ins...

Are unclear contracts and pricing practices putting your interior design business at risk? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by construction law specialist Thomas Nation of Harrison Clark Rickerbys to discuss the legal responsibilities interior designers face when managing client relationships, contracts, and money. From disclosure requirements to enforceable agreements, this conversatio...

Are you doing enough to legally protect your interior design business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Jamie Lieberman of Hashtag Legal to discuss practical ways interior designers can reduce legal risk and better protect themselves from potential litigation. There’s no single solution to avoiding legal trouble, but layered protections—strong contracts, proper insurance, clear commu...

Is your interior design contract actually protecting your business? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Mehnaz Malik to discuss one important contract change that can improve clarity, strengthen client understanding, and better protect your design business. Too often, contracts are filled with complicated legal language that clients don’t fully read or understand. This conversation high...

Are you making business decisions based on facts—or just gut instinct? In this repeat episode, originally aired April 20, 2021, Kimberley Seldon is joined by BOD™ CFO Larry Goldberg to discuss why tracking financial metrics is essential for running a profitable, scalable interior design business. The numbers in your business tell a story. When you understand what to measure and how to interpret it...

Are you waiting for permission to raise your interior design rates? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Marylou Sobel to discuss one of the biggest challenges interior designers face: confidently charging what they’re worth. As suppliers, trades, and service providers continue increasing their rates, designers must also evaluate whether their pricing reflects the true value of their exp...

What are you practicing every day in your interior design business—and is it helping you grow? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon challenges designers to think carefully about the habits, behaviors, and communication patterns they repeat daily. Because whether you realize it or not, you become stronger at whatever you practice most. From setting boundaries to standing confidently behind your design...

How can interior designers manage client expectations during ongoing supply chain delays? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Allison Andrew-Harris to discuss how designers can navigate product shortages, shipping delays, and sourcing challenges while still delivering exceptional client experiences. As more homeowners invest in creating comfortable, functional spaces, designers face inc...

How do you create interiors and landscapes that feel authentic, timeless, and deeply connected to the client? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by landscape architect Lanson B. Jones to explore the “3 Ps” of great design: the personality of the client, the personality of the site, and the personality of the architecture. Rather than forcing a style or trend onto a project, Lanson explain...