Design Biz Survival Guide

Today we welcome back Christina Fluegge of Greige Design and Textiles as part of our "catching up with" series. In this episode we dive into innovation and discovery as it relates to business and life balance. The business of design is moving faster than ever and the opportunity for growth and diversification has never been greater. Christina reveals how she curates for her e-commerce to keep it f...

Today we welcome Mike Reeves of Corbin Reeves Construction . A southern California based home builder specializing in high end custom home construction. In this episode Mike shares their client approach from a builder perspective, how they establish a construction budget, and how design professionals can best contribute to the process. We also discuss how partnering with a quality home builder can...

Today we welcome Brian Paquette to the Podcast. Based in Seattle, Washington - Brian's design business model has reinvented itself over the years in response not only to business goals but also to life priorities. In this episode we discuss how scaling back his business made more room for his passion for design, a book featuring over a decade of his work, and how he made philanthropy a tenet of hi...

Today we welcome Katie Hodges to the Podcast. In this episode we talk about Katie's unexpected path to her design career and how the encouragement of a friend convinced her to abandon the medical field and explore her true calling, design. We also discuss her "construction forward" approach to design, her commitment to her business boundaries, and her strategy to the growth and success of her five...

Today we welcome back Kylie Van Meter as part of our "where are they now" series. Kylie originally joined us in July of 2019 (episode 28) - she was fresh out of design school and in the process of building her design business. A lot has transpired in a year and a half and Kylie shares her experiences in hiring, acquiring office space, learning to delegate, and the value of networking. If you've re...

Today we welcome Rhonnika Clifton of RJ Clifton Designs out of Houston, Texas. In this episode we discuss Rhonnika's detour from Healthcare to Interior Design and her continued passion for improving the quality of people's lives. We also talk about the need for mentorship within the design community and how her program "the educated designer" provides an insider perspective of the business of desi...

Today we welcome Jeanne Candler of Jeanne Candler Design , a Los Angeles based workroom specializing in custom window treatments. In this episode Jeanne explains how her passion and understanding of interior design turned into an opportunity to provide window treatment design services to designers, architects, and developers. We also cover the nuances of some of the basics - like motorization, bla...

Today we welcome Ryan Saghian , a Los Angeles based interior designer who is blazing a trail in the industry with his fresh perspective of business and his fearless approach to design. In this episode we discuss confidence, ego and pushing boundaries. A proud millennial, Ryan is on the forefront of a movement to re-brand the business of design with an emphasis on diversity, self empowerment, and r...

Today we welcome back Naomi Coe of Little Crown Interiors to the podcast. Naomi was our very first featured designer when it all started back in May of 2018 and now she's our first featured designer in our "where are they now" series. We're catching up with some of our favorite guests to see what's new and exciting in their world of design. In this episode we re-visit Naomi's commitment to her des...

Join us as we re-cap each inspiring episode of 2020 and discuss our biggest take aways from the conversations that rang in the new year with optimism, motivated us through uncertainty, and empowered us to band together as a COMMUNITY and rise above unprecedented times. We hope this episode will encourage you to re-visit past episode and inspire you to share with a friend.

Today we welcome Julia Alt - Principal Interior Designer of ALT DESIGN GROUP and the current chapter President of ASID Orange County . In this episode Julia shares how years of involvement in the design community have culminated into an opportunity to lead one of the largest ASID Chapters in the country. We also discuss the correlation between business and leadership, her board's innovative approa...

Today we welcome Joe DeCasperis, owner and designer of his namesake Kitchen and Bath design showroom located in Canyon Lake, California. In this episode Joe breaks down his unique business model with us and demonstrates that there's more than one way to approach the business of design. We also discuss the value of leadership and how his commitment to the industry and his willingness to listen and...

Today we're re-capping the two days of presentations and ah-ha moments from the first ever DESIGN BIZ RETREAT. Our small but mighty group of design professionals and featured speakers tackled the business of design and its many challenges and left with new insight, valuable tools, and new friendships that will benefit their business for years to come. If you're wondering what this program was all...

Today we welcome Carrie Brigham of Carrie Brigham Design based in Naples, Florida. In this episode we discuss how Carrie developed her design firm to be technology forward and how that benefited her business in 2020. We also discuss how some great advice from a design school professor and an aggressive learning curve contributed to the success of her business. Carrie shares so many valuable bits o...

Today we welcome Laguna Beach based Architect, Anders Lasater . His award winning architectural studio specializes in custom homes, restaurants, boutique retail and commercial projects. In this episode we discuss his approach to solution based design, team trust, and how our current state of "working from home" has magnified the value of creative and innovative design.    

Today we welcome Summer Meddock of Meddock Interiors , a full service design firm and retail retail storefront based in Newport Beach, CA. In this episode Summer and I sit down and have a real talk about her journey to launching her design business and the mind set she has adopted to see her way through this uncertain time and remain focused on the future. You know that saying.. "I didn't come all...

Today we welcome Stacey Brown Randall, author, entrepreneur, and business coach. Her concept of "generating business referrals without asking" has inspired entrepreneurs and business owners around the world and she's sharing her top tips with us! Stacey dives into the importance of cultivating relationships and leading with authenticity to generate opportunity. Get ready to take your business to t...

Today we welcome Lauren Czarniecki of CZAR Interiors , a Florida based boutique firm specializing in residential and commercial design. In this episode Lauren shares her path to launching her own firm just four years ago and the growing pains associated with the development of her business and how she overcame them. We also dive into Lauren's perspective on establishing team culture, the value of...

Today we welcome Wendy Yates of Abigail - Elise Design Studio , a Colorado based interior design firm specializing in interiors and merchandising for commercial, hospitality and residential projects. In this episode we discuss Wendy's career path to design and her unique approach to developing a business model that promotes wellness, balance, and adventure. We also talk about the joy and satisfact...

Today we welcome Annette English and Andrea Popkin of Annette English and Associates , a boutique interior design firm based in Los Angeles, California. In this episode, Annette and Andrea discuss their path to partnership and the "why" behind promoting from within. We also discuss team culture, the value of leadership, and what it takes to be a part of their small but mighty team. If you're in th...

He's here! Today we welcome Ray Langhammer of RL Interiors to the podcast. In this episode we chat about Ray's role as Creative Director for a global brand and how that experience has helped pave the way for his next chapter in life and business. At a time when many design professionals are weighing their options for the future of their business, Ray shares his strategy for re-invention and the in...

Today we welcome Michelle Lynne, owner of ML Interiors Group in Dallas, TX and founder of Designed for the Creative Mind - a coaching platform that empowers design professionals to grow more productive and profitable businesses. In this episode we discuss Michelle's business model and her approach to building her own design team with balance and growth in mind. We also discuss her coaching program...

Join us as we continue the conversation about visibility and your business with photographer Karyn Millet . In this episode Karyn shares how years of experience in publishing and PR has contributed to her approach to capturing swoon worthy imagery for the pages of some of our favorite design publications. We also discuss the politics of a photo shoot, pitching your work to editors, and social medi...

Today we welcome Natalie Norcross, CEO and founder of A Design Partnership - a full service communications agency specializing in public relations for the interior design and architectural community. With a background in luxury residential and hospitality design, Natalie speaks the language of design professionals and shares just what it takes to develop an effective PR strategy for your business....

Today we welcome Erik Peterson, founder of PHX Architecture with operations in Scottsdale, AZ and Beverly Hills, CA. In this episode Erik shares how following his passion and saying YES to opportunity led him on a career path that he could have never imagined. We also discuss his approach to expanding his business model and how networking within the design community played a vital role in the evol...