Design Curious | Interior Design Career and Business Podcast

Do you feel stuck in your current job, wondering if it is too late to follow your dream of becoming an interior designer? In this episode, you will hear how Steve Saide made a bold career switch after 30 years as a lawyer and found his passion in hospitality design. Now leading the design team at Furnished Quarters, Steve shares how he designs beautiful, livable spaces for corporate travelers who...

Imagine starting your mornings without stress—just coffee, a quick workout, maybe a quiet moment with your kids—before diving into focused work hours you set. Your calendar feels manageable because you’ve planned ahead: 🗓️ client meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays 🎨 creative work (like mood boards or sourcing) on Wednesdays ✍️ admin or content creation from home on Mondays 🚙 Fridays off or just...

Have you ever wasted hours searching for the right help for your interior design business, only to feel frustrated and stuck? What if there was an easier way to find the right people who truly understand interior design? In this episode, I chat with Ronniesha Rivera, an interior designer and founder of Vetted By Design —a free centralized platform for interior designers to connect with highly vett...

Is the interior design industry evolving too quickly, and are you prepared for it? Or maybe you are questioning whether pursuing a career as an interior designer is still a wise decision in today's landscape. In this episode, I take you through how the interior design industry has changed over the past 15 to 20 years, and what that means for you today. From pandemic ups and downs, to social me...

"You have to work hard for money" or "Money doesn't grow on trees" are just a few of the money beliefs that many of us grew up with. These childhood beliefs may be quietly hindering your design business. In this episode, I chat with expert CFO and money mindset coach Audrey Faust who explains how your early experiences with money shape your current success, often without yo...

Are you stuck thinking "What if I mess up?" or "What if I don't sound like I know what I'm talking about?" when calling yourself an interior designer? You're not alone. Many talented people with a natural eye for design stay stuck because they're waiting for someone to give them permission to start their careers. But here's the truth: you don't need anyo...

Are you drowning in design project chaos, juggling emails, texts, and scattered communication that's driving you crazy? You're not alone! Today's guest has been there too. I interview Erinn V , a luxury interior designer and the founder of StyleRow , a powerful platform made to help designers like you stay organized, save time, and run your business better. Erinn shares how she grew fr...

Interior designers often get confused about whether to hire an employee or an independent contractor because the decision involves several complex factors—legal, financial, and practical—that aren't always clear at first glance. In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of both options, including cost, commitment, legal rules, and how much control you have. I also share my real-life expe...

Interior designers have the ability to shape experiences through their work. Whether it's helping a family feel more connected at home, creating a more uplifting environment in a senior living space, or reducing stress in a healthcare setting, their contributions go beyond merely making spaces look beautiful. They play a vital role in improving people's lives. In this inspiring episode, I...

Is it possible to become an interior designer without going back to school? If you're dreaming of a second career in interior design but don’t have the time or money for a two- or four-year degree, this episode is for you. I share practical ways you can use the skills you already have to get hired in a design firm—even if you’ve never worked in interior design before. You'll learn what sma...

Have you ever wondered if it’s too late to pursue your dream of becoming an interior designer? In this episode, you’ll meet Alison Geise, a former dietitian and law school grad who took the scenic route to interior design and built a thriving business doing what she loves. If you’re thinking about switching careers, Alison’s story will show you it’s possible. Alison shares how her love for decorat...

Are you worried about getting through those tough first two years of your interior design business? Most new businesses fail in this critical period, but yours doesn't have to! In this episode, I share practical strategies to help you become profitable more quickly. I walk you through actionable steps for building a strong network, creating an impressive portfolio even with no prior experience...

Wondering how some designers turn their passion for history into a thriving business? In this episode, I sit down with Anika Schachtler, who has carved out an exciting niche restoring and redesigning historical homes from the 1800s and early 1900s in Quebec. Anika shares her journey from design school graduate to successful business owner, revealing how she built a network of skilled craftspeople...

What makes turnkey interior design services unique, and how do they differ from full-service design? In this episode, I break down turnkey styling—the extra layer of service that transforms an empty house into a completely livable home. Learn the difference between standard full-service design (which includes mood boards, floor plans, and furnishings) and turnkey services that add those final touc...

Struggling to make your interior design business stand out in a crowded market? In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Lashae Ben, a design strategy expert who reveals how interior designers and product manufacturers can boost their brand awareness and revenue. Nicole shares her journey from watching HGTV as a middle schooler to creating Thrive in Design, a company that helps creative professiona...

Are your designs ready for the future? As people age, their homes should remain safe, comfortable, and stylish. But designing for aging in place requires more than just grab bars and wider doorways—it’s about creating a home that supports independence and well-being. In this episode, I talk about how you can integrate aging-in-place principles into your interior design projects and introduce a pro...

"I don't know where to start!" Marketing overwhelms you, with so many platforms (Instagram, Pinterest, SEO, email, ads). You struggle to create a clear strategy and wonder which efforts will bring results. "I hate self-promotion—I don’t want to sound salesy!" You love creating beautiful spaces but dislike talking about yourself. You worry about coming across as pushy instea...

Are you exhausted from juggling client demands, endless decisions, and late-night work sessions? You're not alone. Burnout is a common struggle for solopreneurs and interior designers, but it doesn’t have to be your reality. I completely understand how burnout feels; I experienced it myself early in my career. Thankfully, I've learned effective strategies to manage it. I’m happy to say I’m...

Are you struggling to generate consistent, high-quality leads for your interior design business? Many designers rely on social media and word of mouth, but these methods alone may not bring in steady, high-quality leads. In this episode, Porsche Williams, CEO of The Prototype, shares her expert strategies for building a stress-free, scalable lead generation system that nurtures relationships and d...

What does luxury really mean in interior design? Many designers say they offer a luxury service, but what makes a design truly high-end? In this episode, I explain what it means to be a luxury interior designer and how to attract the right clients. I also share how to communicate the value of high-end design, price your expertise confidently, and provide a white-glove experience that clients are h...

Have you ever wondered if you need a design degree or a perfect career plan to become an interior designer? Think again! In this episode, I sit down with Stef Johnson , founder of Stef Johnson Design , who shares her inspiring journey from growing up around design to running a successful interior design studio. Stef’s path wasn’t straight—she explored event planning, worked in real estate, and eve...

What happens when things don’t go as planned in your design projects? A contractor gets sick, a supplier raises prices, or a hidden problem adds unexpected costs—these surprises can cause major stress and financial loss. Uncertainty is inevitable, but with the right preparation, you can stay in control and keep your business running smoothly. As an interior designer, you need to be ready for the u...

Are you wondering why, despite having a beautiful website, you are not attracting your ideal clients? As interior designers, we often prioritize the visual aspects of our websites, such as design and imagery, while overlooking important functional and strategic elements. While a stunning website is important, if it doesn’t guide visitors toward taking action, you may be missing out on valuable inq...

"How can I show what I can do if no one gives me a chance?" This is a question I often hear from young designers struggling to find paid internships or get clients to take a chance on them. It’s frustrating, discouraging, and can leave you feeling stuck. You know you have the passion and potential to succeed, but without experience, it feels like you’re standing at a locked door, waiting...

Fear, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs are the three major obstacles that can leave an interior designer feeling stuck, unsure of their path, and questioning how to build confidence as they begin their interior design career. In this episode, I sit down with Diamond Drip, a business strategist and personal growth expert, who shares how understanding your unique Human Design can help you overcome f...