The Design Dialogues Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Tara Debozorghi and Laure Bebbington, the dynamic duo behind Residence Studio. Despite being "chalk and cheese", they've built a thriving design business by leveraging their complementary strengths. From their partnership origin story to their approach to team building and client management, Tara and Laure share candid insights about what it takes to run a successf...

In this episode, I reveal why knowing your strengths and building the right support team is essential for a sustainable design business. Learn how to identify which tasks drain your energy, determine what type of support to hire first, and make the mindset shift from doing everything yourself to leading a team that complements your unique abilities. Plus, discover why "Control Freak" isn't a perso...

https://www.findabledigitalmarketing.com/newsletter/ In this episode, I sit down with Daniela Furtado from Findable Digital Marketing to discuss why most interior designers aren't seeing results from their social media efforts. Daniela reveals why campaign marketing outperforms "always on" posting, explains the limitations of Instagram, and shares practical strategies for creating marketing that a...

In this episode, I address the reality that running an interior design business can sometimes feel overwhelming, frustrating, or just plain hard. Learn why these challenging periods don't mean you're doing it wrong or that you're not cut out for business ownership. Discover practical strategies for navigating tough times and how your response to difficulties can transform your studio's trajectory....

In this episode, I share a recent fee proposal story that highlights why having a structured process for converting inquiries to clients is essential for interior designers. Learn how to handle fee proposals efficiently, build strong B2B referral relationships, and why asking for feedback when you don't get a project can be the most valuable business intelligence you'll receive. Hope you enjoy the...

In this episode, I reveal the critical mindset shift that separates designers who are constantly overwhelmed from those who run thriving studios. Learn why stepping into leadership isn't about ego but ownership, the common mindset blocks holding designers back, and practical steps to start thinking like a studio leader rather than just a designer in your business. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth x...

In this episode, I sit down with Jacinta Woods and Sonia Warner, the dynamic duo behind Woods and Warner, to celebrate their 18-year partnership in interior design. From starting their business during the GFC to building a thriving studio with a team of six, they share candid insights about partnership dynamics, overcoming challenges with staff, and evolving their distinctive design style. Their j...

In this episode, I reveal the key signs it's time to hire your first team member and how to make this transition successfully. Learn how to identify what tasks to delegate, who to hire first, and why having systems in place before bringing someone on is absolutely critical for success. This episode is perfect for designers who are feeling overwhelmed and considering growing their team. Hope you en...

In this episode, Kelly Donougher of 13 Interiors shares her remarkable journey from mining superintendent to successful interior designer with studios in both Perth and Melbourne. Learn how she manages a thriving business across two cities, builds a cohesive team, and creates systems that allow her designers to see projects through from concept to completion. I hope you enjoy the episode. Beth xx...

In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest decisions you'll face as your design business grows: when to move out of your home office and into a dedicated studio space. Learn the key signals that it's time to make the move, how to budget for this significant investment, and why a studio space can transform both client perception and team dynamics. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx Episode Notes...

In this episode, I break down the different pricing models for interior designers and how to choose the right approach for your studio. From hourly rates to fixed fees, percentage-based pricing to hybrid models, learn how to charge appropriately for your work and make markup a sustainable, clear, and ethical income stream. I hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx Why Pricing Matters If you're not char...

Being good with money isn't about being stingy or sacrificing creativity—it's about creating a business that sustains you. Financially savvy designers understand that a profitable business gives them more freedom to be creative, not less. I hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx I share a story about working with a designer who had been charging about $180 an hour for years without analysing how that...

In this episode, Michelle Canny of Michelle Canny Interiors shares her approach to designing spaces with neurodiversity in mind. Learn how she creates environments that consider sensory needs, particularly for her son who is on the autism spectrum, and discover practical tips for incorporating sensory awareness into any design project. I hope you enjoy the episode. Beth xx Episode Highlights: • Mi...

In this milestone 100th episode, I reflect on the journey of creating Design Dialogues and shares the most valuable lessons I've learned from conversations with designers across 100 episodes. From the importance of clear communication to building resilience, these insights have not only shaped the podcast but transformed how I approach my own design business. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx Cel...

In this episode, marketing expert Mia Fileman of Campaign Del Mar explains why campaign marketing isn't just for big brands with big budgets. Learn how small businesses can create high-impact, low-cost marketing campaigns that deliver real results, and why relying solely on "always on" social media marketing often leads to frustration and minimal returns. I hope you enjoy the episode. Beth xx Mia...

The Reality of Design Business Finances • Why even the most talented designers can struggle financially  • Common ways money slips through the cracks in design businesses  • The mindset shift from "hobby" to "profitable business" Cashflow Tracking Essentials • How to set up proper accounting systems (Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB)  • The importance of weekly cashflow reviews  • Identifying patterns in yo...

Why Most Portfolios Fall Short • The problem with showing only final images  • Why a portfolio of just "after" photos is like "showing a wedding photo album to explain what marriage is like"  • How clients view your portfolio differently than you might think Your Portfolio as a Communication Tool • How to bridge the knowledge gap between designers and potential clients  • Why process-driven storyt...

Every interior designer knows the chaos of managing multiple projects simultaneously—design concepts to finalize, orders to place, client emails to answer, and site visits to attend. Without a centralized system, important details slip through the cracks, deadlines are missed, and stress levels rise. A well-structured project tracker gives you a bird's eye view of every project. So at any moment,...

In this week's episode, Nikki McGar shares her journey from Airbnb host to sought-after interior designer. Learn how she creates memorable vacation rental experiences through storytelling, incorporates vintage pieces with modern design, and builds a thriving design business in the Geelong area. I hope you enjoy the episode. Beth xx Episode Highlights: • The transition from teaching to interior des...

In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest stress points for interior designers: project timelines. If you've ever had a client ask "When will this be done?" or "Why is this taking so long?", you know how frustrating timeline confusion can be. Learn how a clear, structured timeline doesn't just keep clients happy - it keeps you in control. I hope you enjoy this episode Beth xx Episode Highlights...

In this episode of Design Dialogues, I sit down with two experienced interior designers - Daryl Wark from Interiors by Daryl Wark and Sarah James from Greenwoods Home. This candid conversation reveals the realities of running a successful interior design studio and offers invaluable insights for both new and established designers. I hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx Episode Highlights: Career Tra...

Most client frustrations don't come from bad design - they come from unclear communication. In this episode I provide actionable communication strategies to prevent problems before they start. I hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx Three Key Communication Strategies: • Proactive updates that prevent client anxiety  • Clear boundaries that protect your time  • Transparent pricing that builds trust Pr...

Every interior designer will face indecisive clients at some point. This episode provides a structured approach to managing client indecision without endless back-and-forths or project delays. I hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx Download your free Client Decision Guide here Why Clients Struggle with Decisions: • Decision fatigue from too many choices  • Fear of making the wrong choice  • Emotiona...

In this episode, we tackle scope creep - that slow, sneaky project killer that eats away at your profit, burns you out, and leaves you resenting even your best clients. Learn practical scripts and strategies to maintain clear boundaries while preserving great client relationships. I hope you enhoy the episode Beth xx Episode Highlights: • Why scope creep happens (hint: it's rarely because clients...

Building a Successful Interior Styling Career | A Conversation with Bea Lambos This week I am joined by Bea Lambos from Bea & Co. as she shares her journey from kitchen design to becoming a sought-after interior stylist. With refreshing honesty, Bea reveals how networking, relationship building, and embracing the practical side of design shaped her career. I hope you enjoy the episode. Beth xx Epi...