Mastering Survival in the Design Industry: Insights from Heather Vercellino
Navigating the design industry can be daunting. Challenges abound, and there’s no shortage of obstacles to overcome. But there’s also no shortage of triumphs and successes to celebrate. Heather Vercellino, the owner and principal designer of Versailles Design, is a testament to this. She shares valuable insights into how to navigate this challenging yet rewarding […]
Redefining Design: The Spalding Brothers’ Journey to Disrupting the Industry
Design is a fascinating and complex industry, filled with both challenges and opportunities. In the midst of it all, some individuals stand out for their innovative approach and determination to redefine the norms. Peter and Alex Spalding, the brothers and co-founders of Daniel House Club, are two such trailblazers. Their inspiring journey is a tale […]
Online Visibility for Your Design Business
Interior design is a creative and rewarding career. However, thriving in the design industry involves more than just a keen eye for aesthetics. It’s a business, and like any other, it requires strategic planning, management, and a solid understanding of marketing. Keri Petersen, the brains behind KP Spaces, has successfully navigated the tricky world of […]
The Journey to Entrepreneurship: The Success Story of Interior Designer Jess Jones
One of the most respected names in the world of interior design is Jess Jones, a Southern California native whose creativity and passion for design have shaped her career for over two decades. Her story is not just about the luxurious boutique designs she creates but also about overcoming obstacles, the importance of a supportive […]
Demystifying CRM for your Interior Design Business
The interior design industry has been evolving rapidly, with new tools and strategies constantly emerging to improve efficiency and productivity. One such strategy is the use of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools, which can streamline operations, enhance client relationships, and help you stay ahead of your competition. Similarly, platforms like Sidemark offer an all-in-one solution […]
Navigating the Evolution of the Design Industry: Insights, Trends, and the Omni-channel Experience
The design industry has always been a dynamic and ever-evolving field. From the rapid advancements in technology to the shift in market trends, the landscape of design is continually changing. With over 130 interviews in the design sector under my belt, I’ve gained invaluable insights into these shifts and what they mean for the future […]
Diversifying Interior Design: Unraveling the Success Journey of Industry Leaders
Interior design is a vast and dynamic field, offering myriad opportunities for growth, diversification, and success. Whether you’re an established interior designer or just starting, it’s important to understand the potential avenues for growth in this industry. In this article, we’ll delve into the diverse pathways of interior design, how to define success, the significance […]
The Road to Financial Mastery in the Interior Design Industry
The world of interior design is not just about creating beautiful spaces. Behind every successful design firm is a meticulous financial management system. Understanding the complexities of financial management within the interior design industry is crucial for business success. This article explores the journey of Peter Lang, founder of Designer CPA, and his insights on […]
The Evolution of Design: Insights from Industry Veteran Gideon Mendelson
The world of interior design is ever-evolving, driven by innovation, creativity, and a passion for transforming spaces. One of the industry’s seasoned experts, Gideon Mendelson, shares his experiences and insights on how the design landscape has transformed over the years and the role his company, Mendelson Group, has played in shaping this evolution. From Drafting […]
Navigating the World of Design with Amber Peterson
The world of design is vast and multi-faceted, offering a plethora of opportunities for those with creativity and passion. One such individual who has expertly navigated this world is Amber Peterson, Director of Store Design and Planning at PIRCH. Dreaming in Design: Amber Peterson’s Journey Amber Peterson’s journey to her current position is an inspiring […]
Conquering Imposter Syndrome and Navigating the Global Interior Design Industry
The world of interior design is complex, encompassing creativity, business management, and cultural nuances. In this article, we explore the journey of UK-based designer Rachel Usher, who transitioned from a career in law enforcement to interior design, and how she overcame the challenges she faced along the way. We delve into how Rachel manages client […]
The Art of Storytelling in Design Leadership: Trust, Success, and the Five Dramatic Demonstrations
As a designer, have you ever considered the impact of storytelling on your leadership? The ability to communicate your vision through stories is essential for establishing trust and showcasing your unique abilities within the industry. In this blog post, we will explore the five dramatic demonstrations that can help you tell the story of a […]
Detailed Processes and Documentation for the WIN
Ali Faulkner is the owner of AEF Interiors, a full-service design studio based in Costa Mesa, California. Ali’s systems and documentation are top-notch from the first interaction with the client to the very end. Everyone involved is always aware of the next step of the process and is prepared to move forward, eliminating room for […]
The Reasons People Don’t Follow Up
Wanda Allen is an international speaker, coach, and author. She is also an expert in helping entrepreneurs, business owners, and sales professionals increase pipelines, improve sales performance and strengthen relationships by developing strong follow-up skills. In a recent podcast episode, we discussed how our mindset impacts lead generation and follow-up, the role that perseverance plays […]
Gina Hacken I From Designer to Design Business Owner
Gina Hacken is the principal designer and owner of Gina Lauren Interiors. We recently had a conversation about work-life balance, where she shares how she leveraged years of experience in the industry to ultimately launch her own design business to be there for her family and fulfill her passion for design on her own terms. […]
Building a Diversity-Based Business
In episode 122 of the Design Biz Survival Guide, we welcomed Hillary Kaplan and Miriam Silver Verga – principal designers of Mimi & Hill, a full-service interior design firm based in Westfield, New Jersey. Hillary and Miriam shared how they met, their passions, their distinct differences, and how their relationship culminated into a design business. […]
Master the Art of Hiring
We recently welcomed Jamie Van Cuyk, Owner and Lead Strategist of “Growing Your Team,” a consulting firm specializing in mastering the art of hiring, on the podcast. In the episode, Jamie shared her process of identifying candidates, developing an effective interview, and evaluating personality and fit. Jamie started hiring while working in operations leadership at […]
Balancing Residential, Commercial, and Hospitality Design
We recently welcomed Garrison Hullinger, founder and principal designer of Garrison Hullinger Interior Design, on the podcast. The Portland-based firm has been recognized as one of the 100 fastest-growing businesses in Oregon and SW Washington, but the design journey for Garrison has been one of patience, self-discovery, and reinvention. In the episode, we discuss the […]
The Evolution of a Business and a Brand
Heidi Callier did not follow the typical design route to get where she is today. Yet, she is incredibly successful and well-known for her unique style. We recently had Heidi on the podcast, where we discussed the evolution of her widely respected brand and the impact that becoming a brand has on the continued growth […]
10 Lessons Learned After a Decade in the Biz with Michelle Dirkse
In Episode 118 of Design Biz Survival Guide, we welcomed Michelle Dirkse – owner and Creative Director of her namesake interior design studio. The Seattle, Washington-based design business is celebrating their 10-year anniversary, and Michelle pulled back the curtain to reveal some valuable lessons learned along the way. We all know how scary, overwhelming, and […]
Implementing Reliable Systems To Keep You in Your Zone of Genius
Jarret Yoshida is the owner and principal designer of Jarret Yoshida Interior Design, based in New York. Jarrett was recently on the podcast and shared his journey from politics to interior design and the challenges he faced and overcame during the development of his interior design business. We also discussed facing the fear of finances […]
Three Tips for Better Digital Organization in 2023
Interior designers have many documents to keep track of, from emails, invoices, shopping receipts, pictures, and more. A lot of the time, they are saved in multiple locations on a computer and phone or in physical folders. Files are lost, which adds stress to our lives, whether we realize it or not. We recently chatted […]
Top Three Recession Strategies for Your Design Business
Do you know your design business well enough to have a plan to protect yourself during a recession? Luckily, there are steps you may follow to ensure your business is safe, and you can make any necessary pivots to stay afloat during tighter times. Katie McFarlan is the owner of Dakota Design Co., an operations […]
The Details are in the Data with Kate Lester
From the moment Kate Lester of KL Interiors and Kate Lester Home committed to a career in design, she also committed to creating a profitable and effective business model. She’s had many realizations along the way and keeps it super real with her clients and on Instagram. By sticking to her business model, her employees […]
Why Processes and Transparency are Important for Your Interior Design Business with John McClain
John McClain is the Creative Director and CEO of John McClain Interior Design, based in Los Angeles, CA, and Orlando, Fl. John has built his successful interior design business on a foundation of processes and transparency. John experienced a pivotal moment in his design career that prompted him to implement formal processes and an extensive […]
