If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of Interiors

Building a Business on Your Own Terms: Rebecca Hughes on Leadership, Growth, and Resilience Discover the inspiring story of Rebecca Hughes, who transitioned from a career in advertising to establishing a high-end interior design studio in London. In this episode, she shares insights into her growth, the importance of mentorship, client relationships, and balancing personal life with a thriving bus...

Discover the transformative power of narrative-led design with interior designer Sameena Singh. In this episode, Sameena Singh takes us on a journey through her innovative approach to interior design, where storytelling becomes the cornerstone of creating personalised residential spaces. With over 15 years of global experience in luxury hospitality and high-end residential design, Sameena brings a...

For interior designers looking to expand beyond familiar borders, this episode is a deep dive into why global exposure isn’t just valuable, it’s essential. We explore how engaging with international suppliers, markets, and perspectives can elevate your design work, strengthen your sourcing network, and open doors to entirely new opportunities. At the centre of this conversation is High Point Marke...

Explore how Brian Woulfe transitioned from his rural upbringing in Ireland to establishing a successful interior design studio in London. In this episode, Brian shares his unique career path, business insights, and perspectives on industry collaboration and legacy building. Key Topics Brian’s diverse background: from musician and rural upbringing to interior designer The opportunity that led Brian...

In this episode, Rachel Usher interviews Renée Bush, founder of Tandem, a boutique design agency in the US. They discuss the importance of aligning business strategy with design, focusing on authenticity and emotional deliverables to attract the right clients. Renee spent time crafting the marketing strategy for internationally renowned design studio, Studio McGee so she is able to provide insight...

It was such an honour to welcome Sophie Paterson onto the podcast. Sophie is someone I’ve admired for a long time, not only for her incredible design work but also for the way she has built her business with such clarity and intention. In our conversation, she so generously shares her journey into the world of interiors, from her passion for aesthetics to the strategies that have shaped her succes...

In this episode of If These Walls Could Talk , I sit down with Helen Bygraves and Jenny Weiss, the visionary duo behind Hill House Interiors . From starting as friends with a shared love of design to building a globally recognised studio with offices in London and Dubai, Helen and Jenny share their journey of nearly three decades in the luxury interiors world. We talk about navigating friendship a...

In this engaging conversation, Rachel Usher speaks with Philippa Thorp, a seasoned designer with 40 years of experience in the industry. Philippa shares her unique journey into design, the challenges of building a successful business, and the importance of understanding client relationships. They discuss the dynamics of teamwork, cultural differences in design practices between the UK and the US,...

Summary In this engaging conversation, Rachel Usher interviews freelance copywriter Lucy Banwell, who specialises in the property and interiors industry. Lucy shares her journey from journalism to copywriting, emphasising the importance of understanding client needs, crafting compelling narratives, and connecting imagery with words. The discussion delves into the nuances of targeting ideal clients...

In this engaging conversation, Rachel Usher interviews LuAnn Nigara, a prominent figure in the interior design industry. They discuss the importance of collaboration among designers, strategies for growth, and the necessity of documenting processes for efficiency. LuAnn emphasizes the significance of understanding financial management and revenue streams in design, while also addressing the value...

In episode 24 I am speaking with the wonderful Laura Hammett, founder and creative director of the award-winning and renowned Laura Hammett Interiors. Laura authentically shares her journey of starting her design studio and the challenges that she faced along the way. She emphasises the importance of planning ahead to navigate uncertain economic times and the impact of projects being put on hold a...

I am so grateful that Jude Charles is back for another episode and this time we’re discussing all things marketing!  This time we discuss the importance of storytelling in the interior design industry and how capturing the unpolished version of a project can set designers apart. Jude emphasises the power of showing the behind-the-scenes journey and the challenges that arise during a project....

In episode 22, I am speaking with Jude Charles. Jude is a videographer, documentary and filmmaker from the United States. Jude offers videography captures the unique essence of his client's personal stories. His storytelling technique has been transformative to businesses in the Interior Design world and beyond. He emphasises the power of storytelling and the importance of sharing who you are beyo...

In episode 21, I had the pleasure of speaking with Karen Howes, CEO and founder of Taylor Howes. Karen candidly shares her journey in the interior design industry. From her nomadic childhood to her early experiences in the art world, Karen developed a passion for creating safe and beautiful spaces. She discusses the different arms of her business, including Taylor Howes (high-end residential desig...

In episode 20 I am chatting with Elliot Barratt of Elliot James Interiors. Elliot shares his journey of becoming an Interior Designer and establishing his business in Singapore. He grew up surrounded by design and craftsmanship, which sparked his passion for the industry. After studying furniture design and interior architecture, he started his own furniture business and later transitioned into in...

In this episode I am interviewing Tom and Andy of Fettle Design, a global design studio that focuses on high-end projects in the hospitality industry, including restaurants, hotels, members clubs and many more. They have a narrative and conceptually driven design process, with a strong emphasis on client relationships and enjoyment in their work. Tom and Andy share their journey of building their...

In episode 18, I’m speaking to Alistair McCauley and Paul Simmons, the creative minds behind the fabric and wallpaper brand Timorous Beasties. One of the things I enjoy the most about this podcast is that the conversations I have with my guests are with utterly brilliant and authentic people. I've started to realise that there's a commonality between my guests and that's probably because these peo...

In episode 17 I am talking with Fameed Khalique. Fameed shares his journey from aspiring airline pilot to becoming a prominent figure in the Interior Design industry. He started his career in fashion shows and PR, then worked in publishing and logistics before joining his brother's company, Alma Leather, where he learned about the interior design community. After five years, he left and started hi...

In episode 16, I am interviewing Aoife Tobin, the founder and director of Style So Simple, which is an Irish interior architecture studio. Aoife's design aesthetic is classic and timeless, and Aoife's story is perhaps not dissimilar to many designers here in the UK, but it has a slight twist in some of the nuances of the Irish market. I'm really pleased to welcome my first Irish guest. Connect wit...

In episode 15 I am speaking with Carmen Reitnour, a sales representative for Romo Fabrics. Carmen shares her journey from being a librarian to working in the design industry and how she navigated this career change. She also discusses the importance of building relationships with designers and how reps can provide valuable support and save designers both time and money. Carmen hass a fabulous ener...

In episode 14 I am speaking with Amy Dalrymple. Amy and her husband, Hewie, together run Dalrymple Studio, which is a London -based interior design and architecture practice. Amy and Hewie have crafted a design aesthetic that is timeless and classic, and also believe in the values of being accessible, sustainable and crafting a bespoke approach that has allowed them to work on some really beautifu...

In episode 13 I am speaking with Samantha Pope, founder of Samantha Pope Interiors. Samantha candidly shares her journey of starting her own practice and the challenges she faced along the way. She emphasises the importance of learning business skills and the need for designers to understand the financial and administrative aspects of running a company. Samantha also highlights the significance of...

In episode 12 Rachel interviews Grant Pierrus, founder of Pierrus Agency and the Interior Style Hunter. Grant candidly shares his journey from starting a blog to building a successful luxury marketing agency that is aimed at serving the design community. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the industry, including the need for designers to focus on sustainability and define their brand...

In episode 11 Rachel interviews Emma Sims Hilditch. Emma runs the immensely successful design studio Sims Hilditch, which is just outside of Bath and has grown a large team and a hugely successful brand through her application of being purely consistent in both her vision and her ability to offer a clear aesthetic that is rooted in a timelessness and has absolute enduring appeal. Emma has an even...

In Episode 10, I’m going to be speaking with James Horwitz. James is the founder of London based design studio, Two Times Elliot. For over a decade, James's studio has been a leading contributor towards the global conversation of design and creativity. James is the type of person that's willing to ask difficult questions and he's prepared to shift paradigms and explore alternative approaches and w...