DESIGN BIZ SURVIVAL GUIDE

A COMMUNITY platform for Interior Design Professionals​

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SEPTEMBER 9-10TH, 2024

VEA RESORT - NEWPORT BEACH, CA

*** THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT ***

Join us this September for a two-day gathering of design visionaries and industry experts where we’ll demonstrate the true meaning of COMMUNITY and how it is re-defining the way interior design professionals are building stronger and more profitable businesses.

This year we’ll feature our “CIRLCE OF MENTORS”, a select group of experienced design professionals, to deliver valuable presentations that will empower you to expand your business model. Design Biz Retreat has been specifically developed to deliver valuable business strategies to elevate your business in an environment that promotes vision, trust, and support.

We believe that a strong mind and spirit is vital to a growing business  and wellness will be a re-occuring theme throughout RETREAT. Our sunrise yoga is back along with a few other surprises. This time together is as much about personal development as it is about business development.

We can’t wait to see you!

What they’re saying…

“Design Biz Retreat exceeded my expectations!  From the camaraderie with colleagues to the informative and lively presentations it was fantastic.  I commend Rick on what he has created.”
Anne Michaelsen Yahn
Anne Michaelsen Design, Inc.
"Rick has a genuine way of building community in the design industry through his connections and approachable demeanor.  His passion for building others up is refreshing and admirable.  The format of his retreat is designed in a way that makes even an introvert feel like part of the group.  There is value for any design business owner of any level and any amount of experience to attend.  I was pleased by how giving the other attendees were when sharing their struggles as well as giving insight to what worked well for their businesses.  I look forward to attending again next year.” 
Caitlin Campbell
Symmetry Designs
“Design Biz Retreat should be mandatory for EVERY design business owner!  Rick has created a very unique and safe place to learn and feel validated.  It was so incredible to be able to share and learn from others experiences- to learn from others success and even failures.     It was incredibly validating to hear from design pros that they have similar struggles and issues in their businesses as well.    The community that Rick is creating is really something special and I am so glad to have been able to experience it!”
Ashley Clark
SKOUT Interior Design
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Retreat Itinerary & Pricing

*** THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT ***

Ticket Price: $2400.00

Note: Because of the interactive format of this event, Design Biz Retreat is limited to 24 attendees so we encourage you to secure your spot early as this event will sell out.

Your retreat registration includes:
Two full days of informative and inspiring lectures from Industry Experts, Break Out Sessions, Daily Breakfast and Networking Lunch.

Hotel Accommodations are not included in your registration. A group rate has been secured for a limited number of rooms on a first come first served basis. A reservation link will be sent to you with your registration confirmation.

To register click the “RESERVE NOW” button below which will open an eail to me. Submit your Name, Company Name, Address, and Contact Number. A quickbooks invoice will be sent via a secure link which you can pay by credit card or ACH. Seats will be filled in the order in which requests and full payment is received.

Tickets are non-refundable. However, tickets are transferrable. All arrangements are the responsibility of the ticket holder and transferee.

"featured speakers"
CHECK OUT our 2024 CIRCLE of mentors!

Max HUMPHREY & RAILI clasen

Brand Collabs + Publishing + Visibility

Presented by: Daniel House Club

In this collaborative presentation Max & Raili will share their strategy to developing meaningful brand partnerships that compliment their business ethos, boost their visibility, and attract press. They will also walk us through the process of courting publishers and creating their own individual design chronicles from concept and photography to copy and editing.  While brand partnerships may look easy from an outsider’s perspective, Max & Raili are pulling back the curtain to share the business behind the collaborations. 

RONA GRAF

Project Onboarding + Budget Development

Presented by: BRIZO and PIPELINE

Rona is the owner and principal designer of Grace Blu Interior Design and a charter attendee of Design Biz Retreat – she’s been to every single one. This year we’re taking Rona from the audience to the stage to share her tried and true Project Onboarding Process. From discovery call and consultation to the client questionnaire and budget matrix. This step by step presentation will detail her process of qualifying clients, determining an investment threshold, and setting realistic expectations all before the contract is even signed. 

JOHN MCCLAIN

Your Design Services Agreement

In this valuable and informative presentation John will reveal the top 10 clauses in his design contract that he can’t do business without. John learned the hard way that a hand shake and a credit card is not a design agreement. That experience taught John the value of having a detailed and comprehensive contract and in true “community over competition” fashion John is sharing his lessons learned with us. From revisions and site visits to payment terms and final sales, this lesson in expectations will help you refine your contract and protect your business. 

KATE LESTER

E-Commerce + Brick & Mortar

Presented by: DESIGN MANAGER

Every designer’s dream is to have a beautiful storefront that shows off their style and taste but what does the launch of a brick & mortar retail boutique really look like behind the scenes and how does retail and e-commerce play a role in the growth of a design business? Kate Lester is the rock star behind Kate Lester Interiors and KL Home and she’ll share the pros and cons of retail and the hustle required to balance design clients, contractors, employees, and store hours all in the name of design. If you know Kate, you know that she’s bringing it straight and unfiltered – and that is why we love her! 

Design build panel

Denise Morrison, Chris Brandon, and
Andrew Patterson

Hear first hand how the principals of Morrison Interiors, Brandon Architects, and Patterson Custom Homes collaborate to design and execute some of the most notable homes in Orange County and beyond. You’ll learn the architect’s role and their influence on the selection of the designer and builder. You’ll hear builder expectations and what it truly takes to execute the construction of a high end custom home. You’ll also learn the critical role that designer produced plans, illustrations, and documentation play in the successful implementation of the collective design vision.

TBD

To be Announced

Check back as we will be updating our featured speakers as they confirm. 

What they’re saying…

“Rick knows how to create community and created a safe place full of knowledgable speakers and attendees to learn from. I really needed to carve out some time to think in depth about various aspects of my business and all the presenters hit on all of my current pain points. Thank you Rick for being a friend to so many of us in the industry!”
Rebecca Plumb
Studio Plumb
“Participating in the Design Biz Survival Retreat not only provided a wealth of information to help me run my business better, but the intimate and safe space that Rick created during the Retreat made room to share with my fellow design professionals at a level of openness that I have never experienced at any other conference or event. That level of connection was paramount to the health of both my business and myself.”
Dorian Bolick
Red Door Living
"Design Biz Retreat has quite possibly been the most enlightening professional experience of my design career."
Rachel Usher
Rachel Usher Interior Design

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