Coast to Coast Design

Holding hands, making all kinds of plans, Mrs. Jones has entered our lives and now we've gotta' walk her through the process of being an interior design client. As usual, Garrison and Lisa have some dramatically different approaches to each step of the client journey. But no matter their differences, their professional vibe holds true. Come along with us on this thing we've got goin' on, from initial discovery to a happy Jones home.Points of interest include: the discovery process, when and how to qualify your potential clients, onboarding and expectations, keeping professional boundaries - and much more.NEW SONG ADDED:Me and Mrs. Jones - Billy PaulVisit the Coast to Coast Design Spotify playlist and listen!

You don't gotta' go to work (work, work, work, work, work), but you gotta' put in work (work, work, work, work, work). Okay, we're being silly, but it's true! No matter where you decide to keep your office, you're still the boss. You take your business with you wherever you go. So where do you want it to be? Lisa and Garrison explore all the various angles of this crucial question and recount their own experiences as design professionals working from a home office and eventually getting into a studio of their own. Points of interest: update your Google My Business profile, the professional presentation of your home, strategic partnerships in office spaces, hidden costs both personal and professional - and much more.

Have you ever heard the Lisa feel the color blue? Or asked the grinning Garrison why he grins? Can you paint with all the Colors of the Year? On this episode of Coast to Coast, Lisa Davenport and Garrison Hullinger dig into some official colors of the year and how they feel about them. You also get to hear their own, personal color picks for the year - and, what's this, a brand-new segment?! Points of interest include: Color of the Year (of course), some complementary colors, hanging art: should it match the room, client stories - and much more.

After a much-needed holiday hiatus (or a COVID coffee break, if you will), Lisa Davenport and Garrison Hullinger are back! And they are rearing and ready to round out the remainder of our season, so buckle up. Recorded just after the turn of the New Year, our Coast to Coast hosts (to hosts) with the most (to most) eagerly say a hearty BUH-BYE to 2020 and look forward to 2021 with renewed energy and ambition. Won't you join them? Points of interest include: Bouncing back from 2020, marketing budgets, supporting local and small vendors, vendor reps and new product exposure - and much more.

And we're back. More anecdotes. More wisdom. More ways to be a professional success from two amazing, different people. Points of interest include: qualifying clients, standards and consistency, the kickoff process, commercial work, the office's role in landing a client - and much more.

One of the dirty little secrets of success is that there's actually more than one right way. Every path and every philosophy has its pros and cons, sure, but it's all about finding the right one for you and making it work. After all, what is Coast to Coast if not a celebration of two different people with two different styles making their way through this world as successful, creative professionals? When Lisa and Garrison sat down for this conversation, they came to the table with so much to say that we couldn't resist breaking it into two episodes. Enjoy a heaping helping of anecdotes and wisdom from our favorite transcontinental couple, and stay tuned for even more in our next episode. Points of interest include: more on Lisa's home project, commercial work, smaller projects vs. bigger and more bespoke, talking to clients - and much more.

There are rules that we have to follow, and there are rules that we define and follow ourselves. Set by our own internal compass. A personal code. Character. Where does one begin and the other end? And which should be written down on paper and enforced? Eww, what is this - a college course on Theories of Law? No! Just our two favorite design professionals talking about how contracts and behavior come into play when you're trying to make your way in this world of ours. It's still Lisa and Garrison, kooky as ever! Points of interest include: when are non-competes necessary, how to handle employees that act in bad faith, maturity - and much more.

We're back! Gosh it feels like it's been forever. Has it really been that long - or is it just a 2020 thing? (Our vote is 2020.) Lisa and Garrison were so excited to reconnect and catch up, and we're excited to share that with you. No special topic this week, just two friends getting by as professionals and human people in these modern times. Points of interest include: projects projects projects, the discovery phase, state-by-state, the Andy Griffith Show - and more.

Sometimes you walk into a professional relationship with someone and they already have some pretty strong prejudices in place about what to expect. Maybe they learned it from TV. Maybe they were burned by a previous designer or contractor. Whatever the case, you know that you'll have to go above and beyond to make sure that you really wow them. On this week's Coast to Coast, Lisa and Garrison talk all about the times they've had to pick up the pieces from somebody else's mess. It can be frustrating when it happens, sure, but appropriate damage control can win a good relationship for life. Points of interest include: inheriting a bad situation, how to handle somebody taking credit for your work, raising the bar for yourself and those around you - and much more.

Consistency is key. In your messaging, your quality, your pricing. All of these (and more) add up to how you're perceived by your clients. To the reputation that precedes you when a photo of your work or the name of your company enters a room. That's your brand, y'all. It's, like, important and stuff. Lisa and Garrison have worked long and hard to build their brands, and learned plenty of lessons from their failures and successes along the way.  Points of interest include: having a brand book/style guide, how your brand shows up in your work, selective partnerships and when to be picky - and a special appearance by The Chaise Lounge host and iMay Media's own Nick May!

We're gonna' keep this one short and simple: It's time to just have some fun, so gather 'round for story time. We've got anecdotes, we've got pranks and silliness. That's it! Listen and enjoy! Points of interest include: Lisa's phone troubles, Garrison gets spooked, Lisa's morning segment - and much more.

The last thing our cross-continental duo wants to do is add to the big pile of bummer that is life in 2020. It's against the whole spirit of how they live their lives. And yet, Lisa and Garrison have felt a little remiss about not exposing more of their vulnerability. Sure we've talked here and there about how COVID has affected us all, profesionally and individually. But there's always been that "stiff upper lip" attitude underlining it all. No true catharsis. Well, get ready for something a bit more raw. We invite you to join us in acknowledging how troubling and confusing things have really been. Moments of shame, fear, disappointment. That stuff we don't always share out loud. And we promise - next week will be a fun one! Points of interest include: Who saw this coming?, feeling out of control, wrestling with self-doubt and disappointment, TV talk?! - and much more. (You may notice some inconsistent audio quality due to the pandemic disrupting our usual setup. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we transition.)

Relationships are important. And if last week's episode didn't stress that enough, well we're here to tell you again. Professional peers, meetup groups, networks, friends, vendors, competitors - all have something to offer. So how do you approach building relationships? When is it worth spending your aleady valuable and limited time? And how do you tell the ones worth keeping? (Hint: People who call you out from time to time are worth their weight in gold.) Join us on this week's Coast to Coast as Lisa and Garrison talk about their experiences and successes (and even a few missteps) on the road to making friends. Points of interest include: joining groups when you're starting out, isolation in success, sharing your story with those who can relate - and much more! (You may notice some inconsistent audio quality due to the pandemic disrupting our usual setup. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we transition.)

Lisa and Garrison are here to help. Why? Well most of us have that story from when we started out. That one time there was a kind soul who took us under their wing, or gave us a piece of free advice, or pitched in when things got tough. Well, if we're lucky. Some of us toughed it out alone. Whatever the road, the value of that support and guidance can't be understated. We've all felt it. We all have to start somewhere. On this week's Coast to Coast, things get a touch more real. What starts as a conversation about mentoring digs a little deeper into the virtues and benefits of self-acceptance, and how important it is to learn to live your best, authentic life. Points of interest include: Lisa won't let Garrison's tardiness slide, life experience matters as much as professional experience, The Faucet Parable, start by loving yourself - and much more!(You may notice some inconsistent audio quality due to the pandemic disrupting our usual setup. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we transition.)

Have you got your Chock full o' Nuts ready? Nestled all cozy into a comfy, comfy chair? That's okay, we'll wait. There's no rush. Okay, good. It's time for some Coffee Talk. No specific theme today, just a veritable potpourri of fun conversation topics with our favourite cross-coastal designers, Garrison Hullinger and Lisa Davenport. Who let all these purple cows in here? Points of interest include: remembering projects past, gift ideas, special sauce and secret weapons - and seriously, where did all these purple cows come from? (You may notice some inconsistent audio quality due to the pandemic disrupting our usual setup. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we transition.)

Too much fab for one episode, Lisa and Garrison are still going strong on their creative and guerilla marketing share sesh in the second half of this two-parter (here's Pt. I) . This time they highlight the importance of turning your relationships into evangelists for your work, differing approaches in how to go about a public portfolio, and have just a whole lot of laughs along the way. Points of interest include: reviews, calls to action, much ado about Houzz - and much more. (You may notice some inconsistent audio quality due to the pandemic disrupting our usual setup. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we transition.)

Grab your coffee and pull up a chair, it's time to listen in to another cross-continental conversation between the lovely Lisa and Garrison! They had so much to say on the subject that we decided to split this one into two episodes! (Stay tuned for Pt. II.) Finding new and creative niches in marketing - particularly ones that yield results - has always been a challenge, but now it's more crucial than ever. Is it truly time to say goodbye to print publishing? (Spoiler: No!) Points of interest include: power partnerships, highlighting your vendors, getting featured in publishing and broadcast media - and much more. (You may notice some inconsistent audio quality due to the pandemic disrupting our usual setup. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we transition.)

It's a new season, baby! Garrison and Lisa are back, they've got their caffeine, and they're excited to talk to eachother about all the learning and growing they've been doing these last few months. Particularly on the subject of client expectations, and how they're changing in response to the new landscape. Points of interest include: getting more involved with your projects, The Three F's, preppers and planners, respecting the rules of high rises - and much more. (You may notice some inconsistent audio quality due to the pandemic disrupting our usual setup. We appreciate your patience and understanding while we transition.)

Garrison and Lisa just couldn't stay away, and had plenty more to say on the subject of where things are at. What they've learned about themselves these last few months, more effects of working from home, and even a little light prognostication. So before our hiatus kicks off again in earnest, we'd like to bring you another conversation of humble, authentic hope and love between two extremely different interior designers that just can't get enough of eachother. Points of interest include: Remote works, funkytown, social media, working differently with teams - and much more.

Oh, hi there! Since most of Season 4's conversations were recorded mostly before the pandemic, Lisa and Garrison really wanted to reconnect and talk about how their lives have been these last couple months. No doom and gloom, we promise. Just some lively conversation between friends that takes a look at the same world we all live in right now. Hardships, adjustments, expectations. That sort of thing. Points of interest include: Working from home, how to deal, what's the plan, taking smaller jobs - and much more.

We all make mistakes. No early career is without its share of diving headfirst into exciting new opportunities. (And others kind of fall in.. or trip in!) The trick is to pay attention. To mindfully assess what happened and why, so that we can grow from it. If you're doing it right, the longer you're in business, the more mistakes you've made - and the more you've learned from them all. Lisa and Garrison have learned so many lessons, which suggests they've each made a mistake somewhere along the road. Maybe even two! From the importance of a solid contract to learning the kind of clients that just aren't a good fit. These lessons were hard-learned. This wisdom hard-won. And we're all the better for it. Points of interest include: Dialing for dollars, a brief kitchen check-in, how hard it is to be a sensitive person in business, navigating and finding the right partnerships - and much more.

Our exciting KBIS coverage continues, this time joined by The Chaise Lounge's Nick May! Still hype from their last discussion, Garrison and Lisa dig into the various reasons they feel it's important to come to the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (almost) every year - or to send your junior designers along at the very least. With Nick in the mix, our transcontinental crew reminisces about their hilariously-storied histories, and bring their combined decades of varied expertise to the table. Points of interest include: Garrison's 54th floor Las Vegas view, how important is it to come to KBIS, the value of relationships, how important it is to handle mistakes well, a special tease of Garrison's hometown project - and much more.

The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS)- held in Orlando, FL back in February - highlights "product innovations from leading kitchen and bath brands". It's our pleasure to bring you an on-location episode. Recording together, in person for the very first time, are our lovely hosts Garrison and Lisa, who just gush and gush over all the cool things they saw. Points of interest include: Garrison's blister and Lisa's boots, being more conscious of product sourcing, thermally modified hardwood, fave after fave - and much more.

Rules are important. As we first started making our way in this world, coloring inside the lines helped us understand certain boundaries and why they were put there. As we got older, more experienced, and eventually made a return to childhood silliness - well, we realized that "oh my gosh", there are just so many rules that we can break. To surprising and wonderful effect! Join Lisa and Garrison as they go over a dizzying number of their favorite design go-to's, including ones that just don't follow the rules. Points of interest include: antiquing, faux plants, reflections, every space having something to read - and much more.

Let's be frank. The world looks a lot different now than it did a month ago - much less back in December when this episode was recorded. On the one hand, it can feel a little disorienting to hear a conversation from a time when our thoughts and habits were in another place entirely. On the other, it can also be a reminder of normalcy. So, on that note, we'd like you to join us as we revisit a time when we were looking forward. We can chuckle together at the plans we made. (What's the old saying? "When mortals make plans, the gods laugh.") Points of interest include: Donation vs. consignment, Garrison's special project, not just another brewery, the people you surround yourself with, client shopping surprises - and much more. Be safe out there!

And we're back! With everything going on in the world, we're incredibly appreciative that you took a moment to join us this week. Our episode this week focuses on expectations and honesty, cornerstones of any relationship - including professional ones. Points of interest include: Chock full o'Nuts, Palm Springs, taking care of every detail, mistakes and how to handle them, budget creep - and much more. Be safe out there!

Welcome to week 2 with our new, dynamic, design duo! Recorded way, way back in a holiday season of yesteryear, Garrison and Lisa share a little bit about the craziness of the time before turning their attention to social media and messaging. The challenges, their insights and habits, all that fun stuff. Points of interest include: Sneak peeks (not giving it all away), social media habits, does your messaging reflect your brand, getting emotionally invested in clients and projects - and much more.

A new year. A new host. A new Coast to Coast. Joining Garrison in our cross-country game of telephone is Lisa Davenport! In this episode we get to know our new host and her journey, while also making stops for important vistas along the way. Points of interest include: The importance of visualizing success, what goes into relocating a business, having consistent systems, time management - and much more.

This week's episode of Coast to Coast design is bittersweet. Your hosts Garrison and Catherine talk about how they started out and grew their businesses to where they are today and talk about where they're going in the near future. For Catherine, that's away from this show. After a brief hiatus, a new East coast designer will be joining Garrison on the show. As always, if you have questions, comments or benedictions for Catherine in her new endeavors, DM Coast to Coast Design on Instagram @coasttocoastdesign..

This week, Catherine and Garrison discuss what kinds of projects they have on their plates and what challenges each of them brings. And these projects range all the way from multi-year new construction all the way to working on your own home. Make sure to follow Coast to Coast Design @coasttocoastdesign on Instagram and DM your questions and comments.

This week, Garrison and Catherine dive deep into research about how much designers charge all over the country in fees and how much different regions mark products up

This week, Catherine and Garrison talk about those special things and people that they could not live without. Even though they've built their businesses on their own talents and abilities, but there are things they need to use them to their fullest and people they need to do the things they can't.

This week, Garrison and Catherine take a half hour to toot their own horns a little and appreciate what aspects of designer life they excel in. They have different experiences and different talents, so they explain where they get their strengths from and how they contribute to their respective businesses.

Welcome back to Coast to Coast Design. On the first episode of the new season, Catherine and Garrison chat about making choices alongside clients and making choices in spite of clients thinking they want something else. If you want to reach out to your hosts, message them on Instagram @coasttocoastdesign.

This week on Coast to Coast Design, Catherine and Garrison talk about the different workloads, expectations and troubles associated with taking on projects that involve construction compared against projects that are about only decorating.

On Coast to Coast Design this week, your hosts discuss how they feel about trends on their way in or out, and what trends they would like to see gain some traction. And a special surprise guest joins Garrison and Catherine to contribute their two cents.

This week, Garrison and Catherine talk about their respective clienteles and how much of them is made of repeat clients. The compare the experience of repeat clients with first time clients and jointly appreciate the value of building a working relationship with clients over time.

This week, Catherine and Garrison discuss the beginnings of their careers and the strange jobs they took to get the ball rolling.

This week, Garrison and Catherine discuss the possibilities a newer designer might have available to them to generate attention, network and get broad experience.

Today on Coast to Coast Design, Garrison and Catherine chat about photographers. How do you pick one? How do you decide which shots to get? Drapes always open, right? All these questions and more get answered in this episode. If you want to add more questions to the conversation, got to @coasttocoastdesign on Instagram and ask your own questions.

This week on Coast to Coast Design, Garrison and Catherine talk about work life balance, whether it's possible and how they each attempt to get there, whether it's by setting standards that match company culture or hiring a consultant to create a structure to balance on. If you want to connect with your hosts, follow @coasttocoastdesign on Instagram and DM questions and comments.

This week, Garrison and Catherine talk all about how they manage their time or how they wish they could manage their time.

This week, Catherine and Garrison spitball about how they brand their businesses. What kind of swag is best? Who do you send it to? Do people know what Catherine means by "Bespoke Fine Interiors?" All these questions and more on Coast to Coast Design.

This week on Coast to Coast Design, Garrison and Catherine discuss times in their careers when projects went left and how they fixed the problems that arose.

On this week's episode of Coast to Coast Design, Catherine and Garrison discuss all the qualities they like to see in designers, skills they think designers need and how combinations of those traits can get a designer ahead in their career.

Welcome back from the Coast to Coast off-season! Garrison and Catherine have returned from their many travels, including High Point Market back in April. This week's episode is all about what they got up to in High Point.

This week on Coast to Coast Design, Garrison and Catherine talk about what projects they have going on right now. Comparing volume, oddities and basic, everyday concerns.

This week, Catherine and Garrison are on their way to High Point Market in North Carolina. So they got to talking about other work travel they've had to do to work on out-of-town projects. Concerns include: what kind of contractors work around the project and are they any good and what materials are readily available in the area?

This week, on Coast to Coast Design, Garrison and Catherine discuss all the differences they've discovered in their travels away from their home bases and compare understandings of what wall finishes are even called.

This week on Coast to Coast Design, Catherine and Garrison talk about who they'll let turn their designs into reality, who they don't want to help with that and why they have these preferences.

This week, Garrison and Catherine chat about the best trade events for interior designers and what they each try to get out of the ones they attend.