Design Biz Survival Guide

You are not alone if you feel disorganized in your business and finances. It's common for interior designers to attempt to be CPAs for their business which usually results in added stress and anxiety and accomplishes nothing. If you're working remotely, having a structure in place to keep projects organized and on track and hiring people such as a CPA to manage your finances will do wonders for your business, your teammates, your clients, and yourself. Today we welcome Jarret Yoshida, owner and principal designer of Jarret Yoshida Interior Design based in New York. In this episode, Jarrett shares his journey from politics to interior design and the challenges he faced and overcame during the development of his interior design business. We also discuss facing the fear of finances and how the adoption of reliable systems has supported the growth of his team and the diversity of projects he pursues. Listen in to learn how implementing reliable systems can help keep you in your zone of genius. Show Highlights: What Jarret's path from politics to interior design looked like The characteristics Jarret looks for in a client he wants to work with Why you have to trust your instincts when deciding if you want to work with someone The importance of being transparent with clients before a problem occurs How Jarret's team expanded during Covid The internal structures Jarret developed to make remote work possible for his team How staying in your zone of genius is crucial for your success Subscribe and Review We'd appreciate you subscribing to this podcast and leaving an Apple Podcasts review. Reviews help others discover and learn what Design Biz Survival Guide is all about. It only takes a second and helps us out a lot! Supporting Resources: jarretyoshida.com Follow Jarret on Instagram Sponsor Links: pirch.com designmanager.com *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com.

Interior designers have a lot of 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. Today we welcome Alex Brzozowski of Be Organizing, a digital organizing service designed to help businesses go paperless by organizing their digital files. In this episode, Alex shares how her legal career influenced her decision to launch her specialized business model and how her team helps businesses of all sizes become more organized and efficient. If you're sharing digital files with your team, vendors, and clients, you need consistent and comprehensive file organization. We've got you covered! Listen to learn how to go paperless and organize your digital files! Show Highlights: Alex's history of working in law firms where all documents were digital & streamlined Examples of what digital organizing is Alex's top tips for digital organization Alex's process for working with interior designers How to organize your documents for tax purposes Alex's advice on organizing photos Subscribe and Review We'd appreciate you subscribing to this podcast and leaving an Apple Podcasts review. Reviews help others discover and learn what Design Biz Survival Guide is all about. It only takes a second and helps us out a lot! Supporting Resources: beorganizing.com  Follow Be Organizing on Instagram Sponsor Links: pirch.com  designmanager.com

If you frequently work on job sites where there is a general contractor, a floor guy, a plumber, and more, there can be communication errors and other variables that slow down the project. As the interior designer, you already have a lot of say over the project. Why not make the process more streamlined and become a licensed contractor yourself? Today we welcome Candy Barton, principal designer of Barton + Barton Interiors based in Del Mar, CA. In this episode, Candy shares her passion for the construction side of design and her decision to become a licensed general contractor in the state of California. Candy shares the qualification process, things to consider, and the benefits of providing licensed project management and GC services to their clients. We also talk about the business and legal implications associated with adding this new layer of service and responsibility to her design business. Listen in to learn more about becoming a licensed contractor. Show Highlights: Why having a general contractor's license is beneficial The importance of having a mentor What to know before taking the general contractor test Subscribe and Review We'd appreciate you subscribing to this podcast and leaving an Apple Podcasts review. Reviews help others discover and learn what Design Biz Survival Guide is all about. It only takes a second and helps us out a lot! Supporting Resources: bartonandbarton.co Follow Barton + Barton on Instagram Sponsor Links: pirch.com designmanager.com

Today we welcome Katie McFarlan of Dakota Design Co., an operations consulting and support service business for interior designers and event planners. In this episode, Katie shares her top three tips to protect your creative business from times of economic uncertainty. Our conversation dives deep into ways to control your expenses, diversify your streams of revenue, and market smarter at a time when messaging is everything. Listen to this episode for recession strategies for your design business. Show Highlights: The number one challenge Katie helps interior designers with Tips to help designers protect themselves from the recession How to know your numbers and control your expenses Tips for diversifying your revenue streams Why you should never stop marketing Katie's secret to survival Subscribe and Review We'd appreciate you subscribing to this podcast and leaving an Apple Podcasts review. Reviews help others discover and learn what Design Biz Survival Guide is all about. It only takes a second and helps us out a lot! Supporting Resources: dakotadesigncompany.com  Follow Dakota Design Company on Instagram Sponsor Links: pirch.com  designmanager.com

Today we welcome Kate Lester, owner of KL Interiors and Kate Lester Home in southern California, to the podcast. In this episode, Kate keeps it super real and shares her design journey and the many realizations she had along the way. From the moment she committed to a career in design, she also committed to creating a profitable and effective business model. Kate shares her top tips for setting a budget and expectations with clients, defining and owning your business model, and the impact that your processes and procedures have on the client experience and your ability to sell with confidence.  Show Highlights: Kate's top tips on handling the business side of design Why you should use software specifically created for designers The importance of standing by your business model Know how much your services cost and charge accordingly The importance of team meetings and setting expectations Kate's secret to design and what has kept her going What Kate wishes she knew when she first started that she knows now Subscribe and Review We'd appreciate you subscribing to this podcast and leaving an Apple Podcasts review. Reviews help others discover and learn what Design Biz Survival Guide is all about. It only takes a second and helps us out a lot! Supporting Resources: Follow Kate on Instagram katelesterinteriors.com katelesterhome.com

Today, we welcome Kate Lester, owner of KL Interiors and Kate Lester Home in southern California, to the podcast. In this episode, Kate keeps it super real and shares her design journey and the many realizations she had along the way. From the moment she committed to a career in design, she also committed to creating a profitable and effective business model. Kate shares her top tips for setting a budget and expectations with clients, defining and owning your business model, and the impact that your processes and procedures have on the client experience and your ability to sell with confidence.  Show Highlights: Kate's top tips on handling the business side of design Why you should use software specifically created for designers The importance of standing by your business model Know how much your services cost and charge accordingly The importance of team meetings and setting expectations Kate's secret to design and what has kept her going What Kate wishes she knew when she first started that she knows now Subscribe and Review We'd appreciate you subscribing to this podcast and leaving an Apple Podcasts review. Reviews help others discover and learn what Design Biz Survival Guide is all about. It only takes a second and helps us out a lot! Supporting Resources: Follow Kate on Instagram katelesterinteriors.com katelesterhome.com

Today we welcome John McClain, Creative Director and CEO of John McClain Interior Design, based in Los Angeles, CA, and Orlando, FL. In this episode, John shares the pivotal moment in his design career that prompted him to implement formal processes and an extensive client agreement into his business model to protect his profits and his sanity. John also shares how that experience helped him develop an office environment of trust, independence, and growth, which has enabled him to pursue other creative endeavors like his new book titled “The Designer Within” – a professional guide to a well-styled home.  Show Highlights: Who is John McClain, and how has history and experience influenced his career? The importance of systems and processes so the team can thrive and the client feels confident. Why John's team values overcommunicating with the client and each other. The moment when John realized who his ideal client was. How John practices “diligent delegating.” The common sense approach that John offers in his teaching style. Giving yourself permission to succeed, fail, or adapt to a new method. Subscribe and Review We'd appreciate you subscribing to this podcast and leaving an Apple Podcasts review. Reviews help others discover and learn what Design Biz Survival Guide is all about. It only takes a second and helps us out a lot! Supporting Resources: johnmcclaindesign.com thedesignerwithin.co Follow John on Instagram *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com.

Today we welcome Ashley Clark to the podcast – owner and principal designer of SKOUT Interior Design. In this episode Ashley shares how when “life happened” in 2020 for her, she leaned on the dedication of her team and the strength of her business model to allow her to focus her attention on family. Ashley […]

Today we welcome Kate Saunders – owner of The Designers Collab, a resource for busy interior design professionals who are looking to scale their business without increasing their overhead. In this episode Kate shares how her 20 years of experience in design and construction, fueled by curiosity, led her to a place of supporting the […]

Today we welcome Kate Saunders – owner of The Designers Collab, a resource for busy interior design professionals who are looking to scale their business without increasing their overhead. In this episode Kate shares how her 20 years of experience in design and construction, fueled by curiosity, led her to a place of supporting the […]

Today we welcome interior designer, author, and business coach Melissa Galt to the podcast. In this episode Melissa shares her design journey from the classroom to creative entrepreneur and the ah-ha moment that converted her life of chaos into a balanced, profitable design business. We also discuss Melissa's perspective on “Attracting Affluent Clients” and what […]

Today we welcome interior designer, author, and business coach Melissa Galt to the podcast. In this episode Melissa shares her design journey from the classroom to creative entrepreneur and the ah-ha moment that converted her life of chaos into a balanced, profitable design business. We also discuss Melissa's perspective on “Attracting Affluent Clients” and what […]

Today we welcome Diana Paulson of LINEA Photo to the podcast. The Michigan based photographer with roots in California specializes in residential and commercial interior photography. In this episode Diana shares how she discovered her passion for interiors, pursued a formal education in design, and worked in hospitality until a move to Michigan changed everything. […]

Today we welcome Diana Paulson of LINEA Photo to the podcast. The Michigan based photographer with roots in California specializes in residential and commercial interior photography. In this episode Diana shares how she discovered her passion for interiors, pursued a formal education in design, and worked in hospitality until a move to Michigan changed everything. […]

Today we welcome Killy Scheer, founder of Scheer & Co – a high end residential and commercial boutique interior design firm based in Austin, TX. In this epode Killy shares her career path which led to the launch of her design business in 2013. In doing so,  Killy discovered an entirely new and challenging side […]

Today we welcome Killy Scheer, founder of Scheer & Co – a high end residential and commercial boutique interior design firm based in Austin, TX. In this epode Killy shares her career path which led to the launch of her design business in 2013. In doing so,  Killy discovered an entirely new and challenging side […]

Today we welcome author and business coach Nancy Ganzekaufer to the podcast. Nancy provides guidance, leadership, and inspiration to business owners helping them build the life and business they have always wanted. In this episode we dive into her book “Respond with Confidence – The Business Owner's Blueprint for Handling Difficult Situations” and we discuss […]

Today we welcome author and business coach Nancy Ganzekaufer to the podcast. Nancy provides guidance, leadership, and inspiration to business owners helping them build the life and business they have always wanted. In this episode we dive into her book “Respond with Confidence – The Business Owner's Blueprint for Handling Difficult Situations” and we discuss […]

Today we welcome Damari Gold, owner of The Gold Standard Accounting and Tax Firm based in Huntington Beach, California. Damari and her team are not your typical accounting firm and in this episode Damari shares how being a first generation American and business owner influenced her commitment to inform and empower clients of all levels […]

Today we welcome Damari Gold, owner of The Gold Standard Accounting and Tax Firm based in Huntington Beach, California. Damari and her team are not your typical accounting firm and in this episode Damari shares how being a first generation American and business owner influenced her commitment to inform and empower clients of all levels […]

In this special Las Vegas Market re-cap episode we checked in with three of our “must see” showrooms to see what's new to market this Summer. First we sit down with Ken Bassman of Bassman and Blaine and he shares how their team of outside sale representatives support  multiple showrooms at market and how they […]

In this special Las Vegas Market re-cap episode we checked in with three of our “must see” showrooms to see what's new to market this Summer. First we sit down with Ken Bassman of Bassman and Blaine and he shares how their team of outside sale representatives support  multiple showrooms at market and how they […]

Today we welcome Shaun Crha of Wrensted Interiors and Rebecca Plumb of Studio Plumb to the podcast. What started out as an Instagram friendship quickly blossomed into a designer bestie situation and the launch of their own podcast “Hot Young Designers Club”. In this episode we chat about our mutual goals of producing a podcast […]

Today we welcome Shaun Crha of Wrensted Interiors and Rebecca Plumb of Studio Plumb to the podcast. What started out as an Instagram friendship quickly blossomed into a designer bestie situation and the launch of their own podcast “Hot Young Designers Club”. In this episode we chat about our mutual goals of producing a podcast […]

Today we welcome Joshua Smith, owner and principal designer of Joshua Smith Inc., a Vermont based design firm specializing in full service residential interior design with an emphasis on bringing greater joy and meaning to daily living. In this episode Joshua shares how his “love of home” and years of listening to clients as a […]

Today we welcome Joshua Smith, owner and principal designer of Joshua Smith Inc., a Vermont based design firm specializing in full service residential interior design with an emphasis on bringing greater joy and meaning to daily living. In this episode Joshua shares how his “love of home” and years of listening to clients as a […]

Today we welcome producer, author, and storyteller Jude Charles to the podcast. Over the past 15 years Jude has produced documentaries and stories for Google, Steve Harvey, and dozens of visionary CEOs. Jude is the author of Dramatic Demonstration – a roadmap that teaches you how to dig deep to find compelling stories that no […]

Today we welcome producer, author, and storyteller Jude Charles to the podcast. Over the past 15 years Jude has produced documentaries and stories for Google, Steve Harvey, and dozens of visionary CEOs. Jude is the author of Dramatic Demonstration – a roadmap that teaches you how to dig deep to find compelling stories that no […]

Today we welcome co-owner and principal designer of Thomas Guy Interiors, Lance Thomas. In this episode Lance shares how his HGTV debut rekindled his love for interior design and prompted the development of his Louisiana based design firm. We also discuss how the firm's simple yet effective pricing structure allows them to work on large projects […]

Today we welcome co-owner and principal designer of Thomas Guy Interiors, Lance Thomas. In this episode Lance shares how his HGTV debut rekindled his love for interior design and prompted the development of his Louisiana based design firm. We also discuss how the firm's simple yet effective pricing structure allows them to work on large projects […]

Today we welcome Julie Katcherian, owner and founder of KATCH Design Collective based in Costa Mesa, CA. In this episode we discuss biophilia – the human inclination to connect with nature – and how it influences our design decisions as well our clients response to the built environment. Julie shares how so many of our […]

Today we welcome Julie Katcherian, owner and founder of KATCH Design Collective based in Costa Mesa, CA. In this episode we discuss biophilia – the human inclination to connect with nature – and how it influences our design decisions as well our clients response to the built environment. Julie shares how so many of our […]

Welcome everyone to our 4 year anniversary episode and you know what that means… podcast takeover! This has become a really fun tradition here at Design Biz Survival Guide and I am especially excited to announce this year's guest host… the queen of design business podcasts, Luann Nigara.  With over 700 episodes of her own […]

Welcome everyone to our 4 year anniversary episode and you know what that means… podcast takeover! This has become a really fun tradition here at Design Biz Survival Guide and I am especially excited to announce this year's guest host… the queen of design business podcasts, Luann Nigara.  With over 700 episodes of her own […]

Today we welcome Samantha Gallacher, co-founder of Miami based interior design firm IG Workshop and founder of bespoke rug company Art + Loom. In this episode Samantha shares how her background in textile and rug design complimented her interior design approach and later contributed to an expansion of her business and her network of industry […]

Today we welcome Samantha Gallacher, co-founder of Miami based interior design firm IG Workshop and founder of bespoke rug company Art + Loom. In this episode Samantha shares how her background in textile and rug design complimented her interior design approach and later contributed to an expansion of her business and her network of industry […]

Today we welcome Leader, Community Builder, and Culture Creator Natasha Hogan. Natasha is the Vice President of Marketing and Development for Dugally Oberfeld, a premiere  luxury home builder based in Los Angeles, California. In this episode, Natasha shares her journey in the luxury residential market and how she built a community along the way. We […]

Today we welcome Leader, Community Builder, and Culture Creator Natasha Hogan. Natasha is the Vice President of Marketing and Development for Dugally Oberfeld, a premiere  luxury home builder based in Los Angeles, California. In this episode, Natasha shares her journey in the luxury residential market and how she built a community along the way. We […]

Today we welcome Rozit Arditi, Founder and Creative Director of New York based design firm, Arditi Design. In this episode we go there… yes, we talk finances. Rozit is a numbers girl and she shares with us the value of knowing your numbers from how it helps you keep a handle on budgets to understanding […]

Today we welcome Rozit Arditi, Founder and Creative Director of New York based design firm, Arditi Design. In this episode we go there… yes, we talk finances. Rozit is a numbers girl and she shares with us the value of knowing your numbers from how it helps you keep a handle on budgets to understanding […]

Today we welcome Catie Bouchard – founder of Pen + Napkin, a 501c3 Non Profit design community that furnishes and decorates homes for families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness. In this episode Catie shares how a budding career in industrial design was sidelined by an ah-ha moment that re-defined her life passion. We also […]

Today we welcome Catie Bouchard – founder of Pen + Napkin, a 501c3 Non Profit design community that furnishes and decorates homes for families and individuals transitioning out of homelessness. In this episode Catie shares how a budding career in industrial design was sidelined by an ah-ha moment that re-defined her life passion. We also […]

Today we welcome Lindsay Stokes Kennedy and Alexandra Cole – the dynamic duo behind the brand Kennedy Cole Interior Design. In this episode Lindsay and Alex share their partnership in the business of design and the benefits of collaboration and how it influences their overall client experience. We also discuss the value of clear and […]

Today we welcome Lindsay Stokes Kennedy and Alexandra Cole – the dynamic duo behind the brand Kennedy Cole Interior Design. In this episode Lindsay and Alex share their partnership in the business of design and the benefits of collaboration and how it influences their overall client experience. We also discuss the value of clear and […]

Today we welcome Meredith Huck, owner and principal designer of House of Huck based out of Milford, Connecticut. In this episode Meredith shares how a home renovation triggered a creative spark that evolved into her newly launched interior design business. We also discuss the many resources that Meredith credits to the development of her business. […]

Today we welcome Meredith Huck, owner and principal designer of House of Huck based out of Milford, Connecticut. In this episode Meredith shares how a home renovation triggered a creative spark that evolved into her newly launched interior design business. We also discuss the many resources that Meredith credits to the development of her business. […]

Today we're re-capping our recent trip to Las Vegas Market. We checked in with our “must see” showrooms to see what's new to market this year.  We even “hit record” and sat down with Leigh Kalvelage of MOE's Home Collection and Wes Stewart of Sunset West Outdoor Furnishings to discuss the current state of availability […]

Today we're re-capping our recent trip to Las Vegas Market. We checked in with our “must see” showrooms to see what's new to market this year.  We even “hit record” and sat down with Leigh Kalvelage of MOE's Home Collection and Wes Stewart of Sunset West Outdoor Furnishings to discuss the current state of availability […]

Today we welcome Ann Ueno – owner and lead designer of her full service design firm based in Miami, FL. In this episode we discuss how years of experience in digital marketing in the hospitality industry opened the door for a new career in interior design. Ann shares her journey of learning critical design skills, […]

Today we welcome Ann Ueno – owner and lead designer of her full service design firm based in Miami, FL. In this episode we discuss how years of experience in digital marketing in the hospitality industry opened the door for a new career in interior design. Ann shares her journey of learning critical design skills, […]

Today we welcome Kate Pourhassanian, COO and self proclaimed “director of everything else” at Unscripted Interior Design. Kate is co-principal of the Colorado Based design firm along with her sisters Kari and Kasey. In this episode Kate shares how an ah-ha moment among sisters turned into a thriving design business built upon a foundation of […]