Mastering the Business of Interior Design: Success by Design

Send Katie a Text Message!! What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas — especially when Success by Design gets the inside scoop from the market floor. In this week’s can’t-miss episode, Katie sits down with Diana Ruston on her team and fresh off the plane to unpack the good, the bad, and the downright bizarre from the latest Las Vegas Market. This isn’t just another trends episode. It’s a no-hol...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Interior designers, mark this moment: this is not just another podcast episode—it’s a masterclass in how to lead your business through chaos. In the latest quarterly roundtable, I invited two of the most respected minds in our industry, LuAnn Nigara and John McClain, to sit down and discuss their insights. But not just any shop. We dove into the murky waters of economic...

Send Katie a Text Message!! What if the answer isn’t more ads, more hustle, or more burnout? In this week’s episode of Success by Design , I drop 7 zero-cost, high-impact strategies to attract interior design clients without spending a dime . And no—it’s not just “post more on Instagram.” This episode is the grounded, practical pep talk you didn’t know you needed. Perfect for designers in a season...

Send Katie a Text Message!! As an interior designer, you pour passion, creativity, and dedication into your business every single day. But what happens when the market slows, projects stall, or uncertainty creeps in? It’s not about if—it’s about when. But here's the good news: you don’t have to panic. You can proactively prepare. In this episode, Katie is diving into actionable strategies spe...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Discover how Rachel Ogburn boldly transitioned from real estate to interior design, harnessing clarity, courage, and confidence to build a thriving and fulfilling business. In this episode, Rachel candidly reveals how she overcame deep-seated fears of rejection and uncertainty, leveraging coaching, community support, and self-belief to dramatically transform her career...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Want to boost your creativity, skyrocket your productivity, and reignite your passion for design? It might be time to step away. In this episode, I'm revealing why intentional, strategic rest isn't just nice—it's essential for interior designers aiming for sustainable success. Whether you're running a growing six-figure firm or managing a booming sev...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Ever wonder why some interior design firms seem to glide through the ups and downs of business effortlessly, while others always seem stressed about finances? I've learned the key difference is simple but powerful— knowing your numbers. This week,  I'm sharing exactly how I've structured my business around clear, reliable financial practices. Understandin...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Ever feel like your interior design business runs you, instead of you running it? You're not alone. But what if the secret to effortless growth, standout projects, and loyal clients isn’t found in the latest trends or marketing hacks, but within the core of your business itself? In this episode, I'm revealing the hidden power of transforming your mindset, clar...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Every interior designer has a unique “genetic code”—their style, values, and creative philosophy. But are you consciously tapping into yours to truly stand out and attract your ideal clients? In this episode, we’re diving deep into how your Design DNA can fuel purposeful, profitable, and authentic growth for your practice. Check out the show notes and other resources at...

Send Katie a Text Message!! In an industry constantly evolving with trends, technology, and shifting client expectations, building an interior design business that's both creatively inspiring and strategically sound has never been more critical. But how exactly do you create a design empire that can withstand change, scale sustainably, and flourish over the long haul? In this episode, we’re p...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Interior design is more than stunning blueprints, curated Pinterest boards, and beautifully staged reveals. True design excellence—and sustainable business success—begins when we move beyond surface-level planning and dive deeper into our purpose, passion, and personal values. In this episode, we explore how you can authentically scale your interior design business, ens...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Ever wondered how to attract seven-figure interior design clients? In this episode, I sit down with the talented John McClain, known for mastering high-value, luxury projects. This conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! John reveals how he evolved from accepting "anyone with a heartbeat and a checkbook" to becoming a sought-after designer...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Have you ever felt unsure how to structure your design packages or nervous about raising your prices, even when you know you're worth it? You’re not alone. Katie is exploring exactly how to craft irresistible, premium design packages tailored specifically for high-end residential and commercial clients—those ready and willing to invest significantly in quality and...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Ever wonder why some interior designers effortlessly attract dream clients, while others scramble just to stay busy? The answer might surprise you—it’s all about knowing exactly who your ideal client is and what they truly want. In this week’s episode, Katie dives into how leveraging demographic and psychographic data can dramatically transform your interior design busi...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Are you an interior designer wondering if coaching is right for you? Curious about taking your business from good to great—or perhaps from zero to thriving? Join Katie as she welcomes one of her coaching clients, Zoe Browne, to the podcast. Zoe’s journey is an inspiring example of how transformative the right support can be, even if your business isn't struggling b...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Are tariffs making you anxious? You're not alone. In this must-listen podcast episode of The Table , Katie is joined by industry heavy-hitters Laurie Laizure, Rick Campos, and Dr. Jennifer Chukwujekwe to tackle the tariff turmoil head-on. From staggering markups and shifting vendor dynamics, to managing client expectations and maintaining your profits, our experts...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Think tariffs don’t affect you? Think again. On this episode of Success by Design, Mastering the Business of Interior Design , Katie breaks down exactly why interior designers must care about these seemingly distant policies—and how tariffs quietly ripple through every project, influencing your pricing, timelines, and creative choices. Plus, Katie teases next week'...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Ready to level up your confidence game and finally feel like the expert you already are? In this episode, I'm tackling the surprising psychology behind imposter syndrome, ditching the myth that giant leaps are the only way to build confidence, and showing you how to stop letting perfectionism rule your life (and your rates!). Don’t miss your chance to grab these re...

Send Katie a Text Message!! In this episode, Katie Decker-Erickson is bringing you actionable insights directly inspired by last week's powerful conversation with Rebecca Hay. Get ready to transform uncertainty into opportunity with strategies specifically tailored for interior design businesses facing market slowdowns. Slowdowns are inevitable—but how you respond makes all the difference. Tu...

Send Katie a Text Message!! Feeling the squeeze of a market slowdown? You’re not alone. Interior designers everywhere are navigating shifting client expectations, tighter budgets, and the need to be more strategic than ever. We’re joined by celebrated designer Rebecca Hay to explore exactly how to stay profitable and resilient—even when times get tough. She’s sharing her smartest strategies for we...

Send Katie a Text Message!! In this episode, we break down essential project management strategies to help interior The #1 mistake designers make that leads to project chaos—and how to avoid it. Ready to streamline your projects, increase efficiency, and maximize profits? Don’t miss this power-packed episode—your future self (and clients) will thank you. Pro Tip: Adding project management services...

Send Katie a Text Message!! You’ve likely seen this scenario play out—a homeowner has an idea for their remodel, the GC calls it stupid, and while he has a point, the homeowner’s feelings are hurt and no one’s offered a viable solution. That is precisely where we come in.  As interior designers, we are uniquely able to translate our clients’ ideas to the construction crew who can bring it to life....

Send Katie a Text Message!! In this episode, we’re diving into the marketing strategies you need to attract your ideal clients and scale your business in 2025. If marketing feels overwhelming, don’t worry—this episode breaks it into actionable steps that feel authentic and effective . Grab a notebook and your favorite coffee—this episode is packed with insights to help you position your business f...

Send Katie a Text Message!! For most interior designers, marketing is throwing noodles at the wall and seeing what sticks. A little Instagram here, a little TikTok there, and maybe some paid ads for good measure. But deep down, you know that’s not a great way to run a business, increase visibility, or build brand awareness—let alone get paying clients! Wouldn’t it be great if someone who understoo...

Send Katie a Text Message!! As interior designers, we love being creative and bringing a client’s vision to life. Financials, budgets, and marketing strategies? Not so much. But our firms simply don’t exist without these key elements of business. Between the neverending natural disasters, dramatic economic shakeup, and mounting questions of what to focus on to grow the business—it’s feeling pretty...