Design Curious | Interior Design Career and Business Podcast

Rebecca Ward, CID | Interior Design Mentor and Coach

A show for the curious creatives who want to learn what it takes to become an interior designer.

Welcome to the Design Curious podcast!

Each week, you'll learn practical skills every designer needs to develop regardless of whether you want to work for yourself or someone else. You'll learn secrets from professional interior designers to help you avoid costly mistakes & regrets. You'll be encouraged & empowered to overcome your fears of change, failure & money.

With my 20 yrs of experience, I'll help you on the RIGHT WAY to get started.

Discover if interior design is the career for you!

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202 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes202

Newest first

March 9 · 18 min
181 | How to Capture Stunning Photos of Your Interior Design Projects
Have you ever finished a beautiful project… only to realize you have nothing to show for it? I’ve seen so many talented interior designers pour their heart, time, and creativity into a space — only to walk away without the one thing that helps them book their next client: professional portfolio photos. Without strong website images or scroll-stopping social media visuals, it becomes harder to build trust, showcase your design expertise, and grow your business. In this episode, I’m walking you through how to consistently get portfolio-worthy photos of your interior design projects — even if you're new, working with real-life clients, or unsure how to approach photography contracts, styling, or working with an editorial photographer. Because when you have high-quality interior photography, everything changes — your portfolio strengthens, your brand elevates, and your work finally gets the visibility it deserves. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Secure client permission through photography contracts ✔️ Choose editorial over real estate photographers ✔️ Style spaces for magazine-quality photos ✔️ Capture storytelling photo composition ✔️ Plan photography into project expenses Read the Blog >>> Interior Design Photography Tips for Stunning Portfolio PhotosNEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor⁠ Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction: Why portfolio photos matter 2:16 Getting Client Permission in Your Contract 3:46 Scheduling Photography Early 4:53 Choosing the Right Photographer 7:15 Styling for Photo Shoots 9:58 Using Natural Light and Layered Images 11:05 Capturing Horizontal, Vertical, and Detail Shots 12:16 Organizing and Using Photos 16:02 Photography as a Business Expense
March 2 · 21 min
180 | 5 Biophilic Design Elements That Create Healthier, Calmer Homes With Martha Lowry
Have you ever walked into a space and immediately felt calmer, without knowing why? Or noticed how a room flooded with natural light just feels better to be in? That’s not an accident. It’s your nervous system responding to your environment, and it’s exactly why biophilic design matters more than ever in interior design today. In this episode, I’m sitting down with returning guest and seasoned residential designer Martha Lowry to unpack what biophilic design really is — beyond the buzzword. We’re talking about how bringing elements of the natural environment indoors can dramatically improve emotional well-being, mental health, creativity, and even how clients experience their homes daily. This conversation is especially important for interior designers who want to design spaces that don’t just look beautiful, but truly support the people living in them. If you’ve ever struggled to explain why certain design choices feel right — or you want to add more depth, science, and intention to your client communication — this episode will help you understand how natural light, plants, color psychology, organic shapes, and neuro-aesthetics work together to create homes that heal, calm, and inspire. Biophilic design isn’t about trends. It’s about designing with the human experience in mind. Featured Guest Martha Lowry is a residential interior designer with over three decades of experience and a unique balance of analytical and creative expertise. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, and she is a member of the Design Leaders Collective. Based in North Carolina, Martha’s work focuses on creating emotionally supportive, beautifully intentional homes rooted in biophilic design, neuro-esthetics, and a deep understanding of how people experience space. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ What biophilic design is and why it matters ✳️ How natural light impacts mood, energy, and well-being ✳️ Using plants and materials to bring nature indoors ✳️ Color psychology and emotional responses in interior design ✳️ How designers apply biophilic principles for healthier homes Read the Blog >>> 5 Biophilic Design Elements for Healthier, Calmer HomesNEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor⁠ Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:51 What Is Biophilic Design? 4:54 Impact of Natural Light and Color in Biophilic Design 8:02 Live Plants vs. Silk Plants 9:05 Emotional Connection to Nature and Biophilic Design 12:16 Incorporating Nature-Inspired Elements in Design 16:25 Resources for Learning More About Biophilic Design 17:04 Advice for Designers Incorporating Biophilic Design
February 23 · 20 min
179 | Design Skills Series: 6 Business & Project Skills Interior Designers Need to Execute Projects Confidently
Most interior designers come into this career because they love design. They love creating beautiful spaces, developing a strong design vision, and dreaming up what’s possible for a home. But what many designers don’t realize—until they’re already in it—is that great design alone is not enough to create successful residential projects or happy clients. I see this all the time with newer designers and even experienced creatives who feel overwhelmed, underpaid, or constantly putting out fires. They know how to design, but the execution feels stressful. Projects run long. Budgets get blurry. Contractors feel intimidated. Install days feel chaotic. And suddenly, the career you thought would feel creative and fulfilling starts to feel exhausting. In this episode, I’m breaking down the practical business and project skills interior designers must develop to execute with confidence residential design projects. These are the skills that separate hobbyists from professionals. When you strengthen these areas—project management, pricing strategy, contractor relationships, construction literacy, installation logistics, and leadership—you don’t just survive projects. You lead them with clarity, confidence, and profitability. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why project management separates hobbyists from professionals ✔️ How to build trust with contractors and trades ✔️ Pricing strategies that protect profitability ✔️ Construction literacy every residential designer needs ✔️ How to run smooth, stress-free installations Read the Blog >>> 6 Business & Project Skills Designers Need to Execute NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor⁠ Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction: Why Execution Skills Matter More 3:08 Project Management and Software Tools 5:42 Building Strong Contractor and Trade Relationships 9:17 Pricing Strategy to Protect Profitability 13:26 Construction Literacy and Site Vocabulary 15:51 Managing Installations and Client Expectations 18:32 Leadership Skills Through Project Execution
February 16 · 24 min
178 | 5 Lessons on Building an International Interior Design Career With Elliot James
What if the fear holding you back isn’t failure—but the thought of never trying at all? In this episode, I sit down with Elliot James, founder of a multi–award-winning international interior architecture studio, to talk honestly about what it takes to build a creative career that spans countries, cultures, and markets. Elliot didn’t follow a traditional path. He didn’t wait until everything felt “safe.” Instead, he followed his curiosity, his ambition, and his passion for design—sometimes with nothing more than a laptop, a website, and a willingness to knock on doors. If you’re an interior designer (or aspiring designer) who dreams of bigger projects, international opportunities, or breaking into luxury residential, hospitality design, wellness-focused environments, or commercial projects—but you’re afraid of getting it wrong—this conversation is for you. We talk about persistence, risk-taking, networking, word-of-mouth referrals, and how adapting to different cultures can open doors you never knew existed. This episode is a reminder that creative careers aren’t built by waiting. They’re built by moving forward—one bold decision at a time. Featured Guest Elliot James is the founder of Elliott James Interiors, a multi–award-winning international interior architecture studio specializing in luxury residential projects, hospitality design, and wellness-focused environments. With studios in Singapore, Dubai, and London, Elliot’s work blends bespoke furniture design, thoughtful client experience, and cultural adaptability to create spaces that function as true sanctuaries. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ How to follow passion without fearing creative failure ✳️ Building an international interior design career strategically ✳️ Networking strategies that lead to word-of-mouth referrals ✳️ Taking smart risks to grow your design business ✳️ Adapting to cultures in luxury and hospitality markets Read the Blog >>> 5 Lessons on Building an International Design Career NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor⁠ Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:05 Elliot’s Creative Background and Early Influences 4:44 Transitioning From Furniture Design to Interior Architecture 6:30 Building the Design Business in Singapore 11:33 Expansion to Dubai and International Markets 13:09 Adapting to Different Cultures and Business Styles 14:18 Wellness, Luxury, and the Future of Residential Design 20:28 Advice for Aspiring Designers
February 9 · 18 min
177 | Design Skills Series: 5 Practical Design Skills You’ll Use on Every Client Project
Have you ever been standing in front of a client, mid-conversation, and suddenly realized you should know the answer—but you don’t feel confident saying it out loud yet? Maybe it’s a color choice, a furniture size, or how to fix an awkward layout. These moments can shake your confidence as an interior designer, especially when you know you have the creative instinct but haven’t fully honed the practical skills yet. In this episode, I’m continuing our design skills series by focusing on the practical skills that actually make your work smoother, your designs stronger, and your client relationships more trusting. These are the skills that allow you to think on your feet, explain your decisions clearly, and create designs that not only look beautiful, but function beautifully too. I’m walking you through the core skills every residential interior designer needs to master, including color theory, space planning, furniture selection, traffic flow, composition, proportion and balance, and lighting plans. More importantly, I’m sharing how to practice these skills intentionally, so they become second nature. When these foundations are solid, you stop second-guessing yourself—and your clients start trusting you more deeply. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ How to practice practical design skills daily ✔️ Why color undertones affect client satisfaction ✔️ How space planning improves traffic flow ✔️ Furniture selection using proportion and balance ✔️ Building client trust through confident design decisions Read the Blog >>> 5 Practical Interior Design Skills for Every Client Project NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor⁠ Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction: Why Practical Skills Matter After Design School 2:41 Color Theory and Understanding Undertones 6:20 Building a Designer's Eye 9:20 Space Planning and Traffic Flow 12:01 Focal Points, Composition, and Lighting Plans 15:00 How to Practice and Sharpen Practical Skills
February 2 · 37 min
176 | A Modern Approach to Feng Shui for Interior Designers With Amanda Gibby Peters
As interior designers, we spend so much time thinking about how a home looks, but what if the real question we should be asking is how a home feels? If you’ve ever walked into a space that was beautiful on paper but somehow felt off, heavy, or uninspiring, this episode is for you. I sit down with feng shui expert Amanda Gibby Peters to explore how interior designers can intentionally work with energy, layout, and environmental cues to create homes that genuinely support their clients’ lives. We talk about why clutter isn’t just visual noise, how bedrooms quietly reveal how someone values themselves, and why the front door might be the most overlooked design opportunity in a home. If you’ve been curious about incorporating feng shui into your interior design process, but worried it would feel too “woo,” too rigid, or too disconnected from modern design, Amanda breaks it down in a way that feels practical, intuitive, and deeply aligned with how designers already think. This episode will help you design spaces that don’t just function well, but feel grounded, supportive, and truly reflective of the people who live there. Featured Guest: Amanda Gibby Peters is the founder of Simply Shui, a modern, mission-driven approach to feng shui that helps people design spaces that support their highest potential. With a master’s degree in professional communication and over two decades of experience, Amanda is known for making feng shui practical, intuitive, and accessible. She is the author of Simply Shui for Every Day and the host of the top-ranked podcast House Therapy. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why feng shui is not about rules, superstition, or “fixing” bad energy ✳️ How interior designers can use feng shui as a filter for prioritizing design decisions ✳️ The three most influential spaces designers should focus on first ✳️ How bedroom design reveals self-worth and impacts daily energy ✳️ Why furniture placement, light, and flow matter more than décor trends ✳️ How to collaborate with clients’ goals using environmental metaphors ✳️ Simple feng shui principles designers can apply immediately in client projects Read the Blog >>> Modern Feng Shui for Interior Designers NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start building a design career with clarity, confidence, and support, 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor⁠ Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:50 Amanda’s Skeptical Path Into Feng Shui 8:36 Feng Shui in Design Projects 11:47 Practical Feng Shui Tips for Designers 21:03 Balancing Energy in Client Spaces 26:39 Common Feng Shui Misconceptions 29:48 The Role of Feng Shui in Modern Design 32:24 Amanda's Resources and Offerings
January 26 · 16 min
175 | Design Skills Series: 6 Skills Interior Designers Need (That Aren’t Taught in Design School)
If you’ve ever wondered why design school didn’t quite prepare you for the real world of interior design, you’re not imagining it. I hear this all the time—from designers who invested years (and money) into a degree, and from those who skipped school altogether and worry they’re already behind. The truth is, many of the skills required to run a successful interior design business are not taught in the classroom. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what actually matters once you leave school and step into real client work. These are the foundational skills that determine whether your business thrives or struggles. And no, they’re not about picking the perfect sofa or designing custom furniture—although those matter too. My promise is simple: I want to help you identify the other skills you need to develop—skills that design school often overlooks—so you can create a strong foundation, run a profitable interior design business, and enjoy a sustainable, fulfilling career doing what you love. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why business skills are non-negotiable for residential interior designers ✔️ How understanding pricing, margins, and markup protects your profitability ✔️ What it really means to create a luxury client experience ✔️ How technology, AI, and systems can support (not replace) your creativity ✔️ Why branding and storytelling matter more than graphic design alone ✔️ How leadership and decision-making shape client trust and confidence ✔️ The personal skills that help designers manage time, overwhelm, and growth Read the Blog >>> 6 Skills Interior Designers Need That Design School Doesn’t Teach NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join My Design Mentor and start developing the skills that truly set you apart. 👉https://rwarddesign.com/my-design-mentor⁠ Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction 2:54 – Skill #1: Business Skills for Interior Designers 5:10 – Skill #2: Client Experience and Service 6:45 – Skill #3: Technology, AI Literacy, and Systems 9:24 – Skill #4: Marketing, Branding, and Visibility 11:38 – Skill #5: Leadership and Decision Making 13:20 – Skill #6: Personal Skills for Success
January 19 · 28 min
174 | Core Elements Every High-Converting Interior Design Website Needs With Elle Kwan
“A good website really should be qualifying your inquiries and increasing them as well.” Does your website actually do that? Or does it simply exist as a gallery of pretty images while you continue to explain yourself over and over again in emails, DMs, and discovery calls? If you’ve ever hesitated before sending someone your website link, or felt a little cringe when a potential client says they want to “check out your site,” this episode is for you. Today, I’m sitting down with Elle Kwan to unpack what separates a beautiful website from a high-converting interior design website — one that supports your business, filters your inquiries, and reflects the true level of your work. She shares about what should actually be on your website, the most common mistakes designers make with their online presence, and how to know when it’s time for a website redesign. If you want your website to feel like a confident extension of your brand — and a tool you’re proud to share — you’ll want to listen closely. Featured Guest: Elle Kwan is a website designer and copywriter who works with interior designers whose work deserves the spotlight but whose websites aren’t fully reflecting their expertise. With a background in journalism and luxury publishing, Elle brings together strategy, storytelling, and design to create elevated online presences that attract dream clients, larger budgets, and meaningful opportunities. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why most interior design websites fail to convert visitors into inquiries ✳️ The essential criteria of a high-converting website for interior designers ✳️ How storytelling, case studies, and testimonials build trust and authority ✳️ The difference between Instagram marketing and website strategy ✳️ Common website mistakes that create confusion and low-quality leads ✳️ When it’s time for a website redesign and how to recognize the signs ✳️ What questions to ask before hiring a website designer Read the Blog >>> Core Elements Every High-Converting Interior Design Website Needs NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:30 Elle Kwan’s Background 8:01 What Should Be In an Interior Design Website 10:51 How Can Your Website Help You Stand Out as a Designer 16:12 Common Website Mistakes Designers Make 18:39 Signs It’s Time for a Website Redesign 20:33 What to Ask Before Hiring a Website Designer 24:28 Elle’s 3S Framework for Website Consultations
January 12 · 27 min
173 | Design Skills Series: The Soft Skills That Set Successful Interior Designers Apart
Many interior designers spend years honing hard skills like CAD drafting, space planning, and material selection—yet still feel stuck when it comes to client relationships, confidence, or stepping into leadership. I see this all the time, and it can be incredibly frustrating when you know you’re talented, but something still feels like it’s holding you back. The truth is, talent alone rarely sets designers apart anymore. What creates real career longevity and opportunity in interior design is how you show up as a professional—how you communicate, how you handle challenges, and how you lead both clients and projects. That’s where soft skills come in. In this episode, I dive into the soft skills that make the biggest difference in real-world design work, including emotional intelligence, communication techniques, boundary setting, leadership skills, and professionalism. These are often the invisible skills that separate designers who are just getting by from those who are trusted, respected, and thriving in their careers. If you’ve ever felt technically capable but still struggled with difficult clients, miscommunication, burnout, or feeling overlooked in the workplace, this conversation is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why soft skills matter just as much as technical design skills in interior design careers ✔️ How emotional intelligence impacts client trust, presentations, and decision-making ✔️ Communication techniques that improve client relationships and prevent costly mistakes ✔️ How boundary setting protects your time, profitability, and mental well-being ✔️ The role of leadership skills in managing projects, trades, and client expectations ✔️ Why professionalism, enthusiasm, and teamwork set designers apart in the workplace ✔️ How holding space for client transformation leads to deeper trust and better outcomes Read the Blog >>> Design Skills Series: Soft Skills for Interior Designers NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction and New Series 3:47 – What Soft Skills Are and Why They Matter in Interior Design 8:18 – Emotional Intelligence as a Designer’s Superpower 10:30 – Improving Self-Awareness, Empathy, and Self-Regulation 11:32 – Communication Techniques That Build Trust 15:24 – Boundary Setting, Professional Poise, and Saying No Gracefully 19:03 – Leadership Skills in Interior Design Projects 20:27 – Holding Space for Client Transformation 25:50 – Why Soft Skill Development Makes You More Marketable
January 5 · 36 min
172 | How Designers Build Profitable Design Businesses With Donna Hoffman
If you’re an interior designer who feels deeply creative but secretly anxious about sales, pricing, or talking about your value, this episode is for you. Too many designers believe that great work should “sell itself,” only to find themselves undercharging, overdelivering, and wondering why their business still feels financially fragile. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable talking about money, struggled to raise your design fees, or worried that niching down will limit your opportunities, you are not alone. In this episode, I sit down with interior design business coach Donna Hoffman for a powerful, honest conversation about what it really takes to monetize creativity. We talk about sales strategy for creative brains, why marketing clarity matters more than talent, and how designers can confidently communicate their value without feeling salesy or inauthentic. Donna shares real-world examples from her own seven-figure luxury design firm and explains why selling design is just as important as designing itself. If your goal is to run your design business like a confident CEO while still honoring your creative sensitivity, this conversation will help you take that next step. Featured Guest: Donna Hoffman is a seasoned interior design business coach and the founder of a seven-figure luxury interior design firm launched during the 2008 Great Recession. Known as the “master of words,” Donna specializes in branding, sales strategy, marketing strategy, and mindset support for creative entrepreneurs. Her work helps designers clarify their niche, confidently communicate value, and build profitable, resilient businesses that honor both creativity and well-being. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why interior designers don’t design for a living ✳️ How to niche your interior design business without closing yourself off to opportunities ✳️ The difference between being a generalist and having a compelling point of difference ✳️ How to use a pitch deck to educate clients and increase project scope naturally ✳️ Why creative sensitivity affects pricing confidence and sales conversations ✳️ How to raise your design fees strategically without sabotaging your mindset ✳️ The importance of selling furnishings and products as part of a profitable design business Read the Blog >>> How Designers Build Profitable Design Businesses NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction and Guest Bio 3:55 – Donna’s Story: Launching a Design Business During the 2008 Recession 5:51 – How Sales and Marketing Experience Shaped Donna’s Early Success 7:21 – Why Investing in Business Coaching Matters 9:06 – The Truth About Sales, Niching, and Being a Design CEO 14:24 – How to Sell Your Design Service 15:56 – What a Pitch Deck Is and When to Use It 21:05 – Selling Design Fees and Furnishings With Confidence 26:54 – The Creative Brain, Sensitivity, and Mindset Support 30:54 – Donna's Coaching Program
Dec 29, 2025 · 15 min
171 | How I Reflect, Set Goals, and Choose My Word of the Year for 2026
Every December, I sit down with a cup of coffee, my Full Focus Planner, and a quiet moment to breathe. Because if there’s anything I’ve learned in my 20+ years in interior design, it’s that the goals we don’t set end up shaping our lives just as much as the ones we do. And when you’re building a design business—or simply trying to thrive as a creative human—intentionality matters more than anything. Without direction, it’s easy to slip into survival mode. But when you pause long enough to reflect, plan, and recalibrate, everything begins to feel lighter, clearer, and more aligned. In this episode, I’m walking you through my personal reflection of 2025: what worked, what shifted, the word that guided me through a year of centering and grounding, and how that shaped my business and personal life. I’m also sharing how I’m approaching 2026 with my new Word of the Year—radiant—and how you can choose your own word to anchor your purpose, energy, and growth. If you’ve been feeling scattered, overwhelmed, or unsure of what you want 2026 to look like, this episode will help you slow down, listen inward, and craft a vision that supports both your life and your interior design business. It’s your invitation to step into the year with clarity, confidence, and a sense of grounded intentionality—so you can finally thrive, not just hustle. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ How to conduct an honest reflection of your year—what worked, what didn’t, and what still needs nurturing. ✔️ Why choosing a Word of the Year is a powerful anchor for personal clarity and business direction. ✔️ How my 2025 word, centered, shaped everything from my finances to my creative energy. ✔️ The key elements of creating a meaningful vision board (and how mine helped me manifest my goals). ✔️ Practical steps for planning your 2026 goals in a way that feels grounded and achievable. ✔️ How personal retreat days can transform your focus, productivity, and creativity. ✔️ The mindset shift designers need to embrace to build resilience and financial security in uncertain times. Read the Blog >>> How to Reflect on 2025 and Create Your Vision for 2026 NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the Launch Your Business Bootcamp and start your 2026 with clarity, confidence, and direction. Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 — Introduction and Bootcamp Announcement 1:56 — Why I Reflect and Create a Vision Every Year 4:07 — Achievements and Personal Growth in 2025 9:22 — AI Integration and Staying Relevant as a Designer 11:56 — My 2026 Word of the Year: Radiant 13:01 — How I Choose My Word of the Year 13:46 — Encouragement for Your 2026 Goals
Dec 22, 2025 · 46 min
170 | Secrets to Effective Selling, Pricing, and CEO Mindset With LuAnn Nigara
Have you ever felt uncomfortable talking about money with a client—even when you know your work is worth every dollar? Maybe you’ve said yes when you wanted to say no. Maybe you’ve underpriced a project just to avoid conflict. Or maybe you’ve worked twice as hard for half the pay and wondered why running your interior design business still feels exhausting instead of empowering. In this episode, I’m joined by legendary business strategist and podcast host LuAnn Nigara. We’re having the honest conversation every creative entrepreneur needs to hear about sales, pricing, confidence, and standing fully in your value as a designer. We talk about why so many designers undervalue their work, how unclear processes lead to undercharging, and what it really means to sell your services with integrity and authority. If you’re ready to stop second-guessing your pricing, start documenting your processes, and finally step into your CEO role, this episode is for you. You'll learn how to sell your interior design services with confidence, without feeling pushy, awkward, or salesy. Featured Guest: LuAnn Nigara is a business strategist, speaker, and host of two podcasts: Window Treatments for Profit and A Well-Designed Business, the leading podcast for design professionals with nearly 9 million downloads. A seasoned entrepreneur with 40+ years in the industry and three successful businesses, LuAnn helps creative entrepreneurs lead with confidence, build systems that drive profitability, and finally get out of their own way. Through LuAnn University, she offers practical, high-impact courses taught by industry pros. And for business owners ready for deep transformation, her Chairman of the Board one-on-one coaching provides the clarity and accountability needed to lead at the highest level. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ Why interior designers consistently undervalue their work—and how to shift that mindset ✳️ How documented processes directly impact your pricing, confidence, and profitability ✳️ The difference between employee work and CEO work in an interior design business ✳️ How to respond when clients question your authority or your pricing ✳️ Why selling is not a dirty word—and how to reframe it with confidence ✳️ How to stand firm in your boundaries without damaging client relationships ✳️ The connection between confidence, pricing strategies, and better clients Read the Blog >>> Secrets to Effective Selling, Pricing, and CEO Mindset NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Sign up for the Launch Your Business Bootcamp today and start building your business the right way. Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction: Bootcamp + Guest Bio 3:48 – LuAnn's Journey into the Interior Design Industry 6:20 – LuAnn's Sales Background and Philosophy 9:05 – Reframing Sales for Creatives 14:59 – Why Luann Started Her Podcast 18:32 – Coaching Designers Through Real-World Business Challenges 23:10 – Challenges of Interior Designers 28:07 – Sales Strategy + When to Hold Firm 33:44 – Why Documenting Your Process Changes Everything 38:07 – Luann’s Programs + How Designers Can Work With Her 42:05 – Employee Work vs. CEO Work
Dec 15, 2025 · 13 min
169 | Top FAQs Answered: Launch Your Design Business Bootcamp
Starting your own interior design business sounds exciting… until you sit down to actually do it and wonder, Where do I even begin? Maybe you’ve dreamed about launching your business for years, but the legal setup feels overwhelming. Maybe you’ve done a few side projects, but don’t feel “official” yet. Or maybe you’re terrified of getting your first paid client, pricing your services, or setting up systems that won’t fall apart the moment you take on real work. If that sounds like you, today’s episode will feel like the permission slip—and roadmap—you’ve been waiting for. I’m answering the most common FAQs about my Launch Your Business Bootcamp, an 8-week step-by-step program designed specifically for interior designers who want to build a profitable, structured, and legitimate business from the ground up. If you’ve been dreaming about making design your full-time career—without the guesswork, trial-and-error, or expensive mistakes—this episode will show you how to officially start your business, attract clients, and finally move from “I want to be a designer” to “I run a real design business.” This is your year. And I’m here to guide you every step of the way. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Who the Launch Your Business Bootcamp is best suited for ✔️ Why this program helps you avoid the most common business-killing mistakes ✔️ What you’ll accomplish week-by-week inside the 8-week business launch roadmap ✔️ How the program is delivered and why the format helps you take real action ✔️ What makes this different from other design business courses or mentorships ✔️ How to know if now is the right time to finally launch your interior design business Read the Blog >>> Frequently Asked Questions About Launch Your Business Bootcamp NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Sign up for the Launch Your Business Bootcamp and start the new year with clarity, structure, and a proven step-by-step roadmap Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction and bootcamp announcement 2:12 – Who Is the Bootcamp For 4:16 – What Will You Learn and Accomplish 5:48 – How the Course is Delivered 8:15 – What If I’m Too Busy or Not Ready Yet 9:10 – What Makes This Program Different 10:21 – Cost, Value, and Investment Breakdown 11:10 – How to Join and When It Starts
Dec 8, 2025 · 28 min
168 | 5 Ways to Build a Strong Foundation for Your Design Career With Katie Malik
“I just want to design, but why is this so hard?” I get it! You love creating beautiful spaces, choosing finishes, and watching your vision come to life — but when it comes to running your design business, you suddenly feel lost. Pricing, contracts, permits, marketing, and systems aren’t what you signed up for. You became a designer because you love design, not because you wanted to be an entrepreneur. So many interior designers share that same fear and frustration: I love what I do, but I don’t know how to run a business. In this episode, I sit down with award-winning designer and educator Katie Malik, founder of Interior Design Deconstructed, who shares her honest journey from passion-driven creative to confident business owner. Like so many of us, Katie started her design career thinking her talent alone would be enough—until the reality of entrepreneurship hit. Through mentorship, business coaching, and intentional training, she learned how to build a sustainable practice that honors her creativity and her bottom line. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the business side of design, this conversation will remind you that you don’t have to figure it out alone. With the right guidance, systems, and support, you can transform your passion into a profitable design business. That’s exactly what I help designers do through my Launch Your Business Bootcamp—a step-by-step program designed to walk you through every stage of building a profitable interior design business — one that lets you thrive doing what you love. Featured Guest: Katie Malik is an award-winning interior designer and founder of Interior Design Deconstructed. With a Master’s in Philosophy from Cambridge University and advanced training in house whispering — a psychotherapy of space rooted in feng shui and energy alignment — Katie helps clients create homes and businesses that feel as good as they look. A triple UK Property Awards winner featured in Architectural Digest, Grand Designs, and The Times, she also mentors emerging designers to build profitable, purpose-driven studios. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ How to transition into interior design from another career with confidence ✳️ Why creative passion isn’t enough — and what business skills truly matter ✳️ How investing in mentorship and coaching can fast-track your growth ✳️ The surprising power of networking and community for designers ✳️ What house whispering is and how energy and psychology connect to design ✳️ Why clarity about your business goals helps you grow with ease Read the Blog >>> 5 Ways to Build a Strong Design Career Foundation NEXT STEPS:🎯 Sign up today for Launch Your Business Bootcamp You’ll gain a full year inside My Design Mentor, plus an eight-week program that gives you the roadmap, coaching, and systems to build a business you're proud of. Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction and Guest Bio 2:13 Katie’s Journey From Academia to Interior Design 5:00 Transitioning from Education to Entrepreneurship 7:39 House Whispering and Advanced Feng Shui 11:38 Building and Scaling a Design Business 13:42 The Value of Business Coaching 15:13 How to Learn From Designers Across the Globe 17:18 Lessons Learned From Running a Design Business 21:29 The Power of Systems and Processes 22:11 Katie’s Podcast: Interior Design Deconstructed
Dec 1, 2025 · 19 min
167 | Launch Your Business Bootcamp, the Framework You Need to Build a Profitable Design Biz
Starting your own interior design business can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff—exciting, but also terrifying. You know you’re meant to design beautiful spaces, but when it comes to business setup, contracts, pricing, or branding, everything suddenly feels overwhelming. You may even wonder, “Can I really do this on my own?” Well, you don’t have to! The smartest and most successful designers aren’t those who do everything themselves—they’re the ones who ask for help early. That’s why I created the Launch Your Business Bootcamp—an eight-week, step-by-step coaching program designed to give you the structure, systems, and mentorship you need to fast-track your business launch and set yourself up for long-term profitability. In this episode, I walk you through what you’ll get inside the Bootcamp, how it’s designed to help you avoid common mistakes that lead to business failure, and why having mentorship and community support is the best investment in your future success. If you’ve ever wanted to build a thriving, profitable design firm but didn’t know where to start, this is the episode (and program) you don’t want to miss. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why 20% of new businesses fail in their first year—and how to avoid becoming one of them. ✔️ The importance of mentorship and community when starting your design business. ✔️ What’s included in the eight-week Launch Your Business Bootcamp. ✔️ How to lay the foundation for your brand identity and business purpose. ✔️ The legal documentation and contracts you need to protect your design business. ✔️ The systems and operations you must have in place to run profitable design projects. ✔️ Why coaching investments often bring a 7x return—and how that applies to you. Read the Blog >>> Sneak Peek: Launch Your Business Bootcamp NEXT STEPS: Still unsure if the Bootcamp is right for you? 🎯 Join my free webinar: Learn 5 Money Moves to Start Your Interior Design Business Right - December 3rd at 12p Pacific Time Ready to launch your interior design business? 🎯 Sign up now! Launch Your Business Bootcamp and get access to eight weeks of structured business coaching, plus a full year of My Design Mentor membership. Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 2:09 The Struggle of Starting a Business Without Help 3:50 Why Mentorship and Accountability Fast-Track Your Success 4:48 Inside the Eight-Week Launch Your Business Bootcamp 9:34 How to Avoid the “Unprofitable Designer” Trap 11:41 Why Profitability Matters From Day One 13:25 Building Intentional Change for Your Design Business in 2026 16:21 Free Webinar: From Passion to Purpose
Nov 24, 2025 · 31 min
166 | Scaling & Rebranding Your Design Business + Job-Site Confidence With Nicole Roe
When you're first stepping into the interior design world, choosing a business name can feel like the defining decision of your entire future. Many designers freeze because they feel pressure to land on the “perfect” name—one that will carry them for decades. But here's the real truth most new creatives don't hear: you grow, and your business grows with you. Your brand name should have room to grow too. In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Roe, the founder and creative force of R. Nixon Interiors, a construction-savvy designer behind a fast-scaling boutique design firm. Nicole shares how she evolved from running “Nicole Roe Design” as a one-woman show to rebranding into a strong and scalable company identity… and why she will never rebrand again! We dive into the realities of choosing a brand name, the emotional and logistical hurdles of rebranding, and the importance of a name that empowers your team—not just your personal portfolio. If you’ve been questioning whether to use your name or create a standalone brand—or if you feel paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong—this episode gives you clarity. We also explore how construction knowledge, hands-on learning, and confidence on job sites can transform your role as a designer making you a trusted partner to contractors and clients alike. Featured Guest: Nicole Roe is the founder and creative director of R. Nixon Interiors, a boutique interior design studio known for blending bold luxury with real-life functionality. With a degree in building construction from Georgia Tech and over 15 years of experience across construction and interior design, Nicole brings unmatched technical expertise to every project. She leads a growing team, operates her own receiving warehouse, and hosts the podcast Highly Affected By Her Surroundings. Nicole is passionate about empowering designers, embracing functional luxury, and pushing the boundaries of boutique residential design. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ How Nicole transitioned from a personal-name brand to a scalable firm identity ✳️ Signs it's time to rebrand—and how to avoid common rebranding pitfalls ✳️ Advantages of having a flexible brand name ✳️ How construction knowledge strengthens client trust and contractor relationships ✳️ The importance of practicing design and problem-solving in your own home ✳️ Team structure ideas that support growth in your interior design business ✳️ Tips on stepping confidently into leadership roles in male-dominated spaces Read the Blog >>> Scale & Rebrand Your Design Business + Job-Site Confidence NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business Bootcamp You’ll gain a full year inside My Design Mentor, plus an eight-week program that gives you the roadmap, coaching, and systems to build a business you're proud of. Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 2:26 Nicole's Journey to Becoming an Interior Designer 6:49 Early Career and Initial Projects 8:23 Rebranding: Nicole Roe Design to R Nixon Interiors 10:33 The Challenges and Realities of Rebranding 12:50 Tips for Managing Google Listings During a Rebrand 14:10 Masculine vs Feminine Energy in Design + Job-Site Confidence 17:09 The Value of Doing Projects at Home 20:49 Team Structure and Roles Inside R Nixon Interiors 23:05 Expanding Studio & Warehouse Spaces 24:24 Podcast & Brand Growth Beyond Interiors 27:28 Final Advice for New Designers
Nov 17, 2025 · 21 min
165 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #4: Key Systems Every Interior Designer Needs to Run a Professional Business
Starting your interior design business can feel like pure chaos. You’re excited to finally design for real clients, but behind the scenes, you’re juggling endless tasks: client emails, project notes, contracts, invoices, and oh—remembering who said what about that sofa fabric. Without systems, it’s easy to feel disorganized and unprofessional. The truth is, having solid business systems doesn’t box in your creativity—it frees it. When your client management, communication, and project processes are organized, you show up polished and confident. That consistency builds credibility and trust, allowing you to focus on what you do best—designing beautiful spaces. In this episode, I’m walking you through the four key systems that form the foundation of a professional interior design business. If you want to look polished, even if you’re brand new, this episode will show you how to set up systems that create smoother client experiences, save you time, and give you more creative space. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why creative designers need structure—and how systems actually give you more freedom ✔️ The four key systems every interior design business needs to look professional ✔️ How a client management system (CRM) can simplify your communication and improve consistency ✔️ The project management tools that keep tasks and timelines on track ✔️ How to track your time and finances for smarter pricing and less stress ✔️ Tips for organizing your communication and file systems to save hours every week ✔️ Why systems make your client experience more consistent, polished, and referral-worthy Read the Blog >>> Key Systems Every Interior Designer Needs for a Pro Business NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business Bootcamp I’ll walk you step-by-step through setting up your client management, project tracking, and communication systems—so you can handle clients with confidence and clarity. Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 2:10 Benefits of Having Business Systems 3:46 The Four Key Systems You Need to Set Up 4:47 Client Management System (CRM) 7:05 Project Management System 08:45 Time Tracking System 13:07 Financial Management Systems 14:28 Communication and File Systems Management 16:56 Wrapping Up: How Systems Protect Your Creativity 19:07 Invitation: Launch Your Business Bootcamp
Nov 10, 2025 · 22 min
164 | Turning Remodel Problems Into Design Opportunities With Julie Stevens
We’ve all been there — you start a remodel excited and full of vision, and then reality hits. A wall isn’t where you thought it was, a material is delayed, or something totally unexpected pops up once construction begins. Suddenly, your dream design feels like it’s slipping away. In this episode, I chat with the multi-passionate designer and entrepreneur Julie Stevens, whose creative journey spans interior design, product design, and entrepreneurship. Julie has designed everything from high-end interiors to patented products and even launched an award-winning cocktail brand, BeTini Spirits. What makes her story special isn’t just her creativity, but her resilience and mindset when things don’t go according to plan. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by design challenges or wondered how to stay calm and creative in the middle of chaos, this episode will help you reframe those tough moments. You’ll learn how to approach setbacks as opportunities, balance multiple creative passions, and design spaces that are truly functional, personalized, and full of purpose. Featured Guest: Julie Stevens is a designer, inventor, and entrepreneur who’s built a career around merging beauty with function. From creating custom furniture and consumer products to launching her award-winning cocktail brand, BeTini Spirits, she continues to inspire with her creativity and innovation. Her latest passion project, River Sound, is a historic theater-turned-music venue designed to nurture creativity in her Colorado community. Recognized by JP Morgan Chase as one of the 100 Women to Know in America, Julie embodies what it means to lead with imagination and purpose. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ How to develop a mindset that thrives through design challenges ✳️ Why creativity thrives when you combine beauty with function ✳️ How to turn design roadblocks into fresh opportunities ✳️ The key to balancing multiple creative passions without burning out ✳️ Why listening deeply to your clients transforms your designs ✳️ How dual-purpose design can make spaces more functional and beautiful ✳️ The mindset shift that helps you grow through every project (not just survive it) Read the Blog >>> Turning Remodel Problems Into Design Opportunities NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business Bootcamp Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction & Guest Bio 1:48 Julie’s Creative Beginnings and Early Influences 2:49 Transition Into Interior Design and Product Design 3:48 Inspiration and Design Process 7:31 Designing Dual-Purpose Furniture Pieces 10:18 Balancing Multiple Design Projects 13:39 Challenges Faced During COVID and Lessons Learned 15:19 The Right Mindset for Unexpected Remodeling Challenges 17:30 Advice for New Designers Entering the Industry 19:27 Eco-Conscious Design and Her Upcoming Creative Projects
Nov 3, 2025 · 25 min
163 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #3: Essential Steps to Set Up Your Design Business Legally
Does the business side of design intimidate you? Many creatives dream of launching their own interior design business but freeze when it comes to legal paperwork, contracts, licenses, or financial planning. It feels complicated—almost like a foreign language that wasn’t covered in design school. The truth is, understanding the legal and financial setup isn’t as scary as it sounds. When you have a clear checklist and guidance, you can turn your creative passion into a legitimate business that clients trust. In this episode, I’m breaking down the non-negotiable legal and financial must-haves to help you build your business on a solid foundation. From your EIN and business license to contracts and bookkeeping systems, you’ll have a clear checklist for setting up your design business legally and professionally—so you can stop second-guessing yourself and finally take confident action. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✔️ The essential legal steps for launching your interior design business ✔️ How to apply for an EIN and why it protects your privacy ✔️ Choosing the right business structure: LLC, S-Corp, or Sole Proprietor ✔️ The importance of licenses, permits, and business insurance ✔️ Why contracts are non-negotiable for every client relationship ✔️ Setting up business banking and payment systems for clean finances ✔️ How to shift your mindset from hobbyist to confident CEO Read the Blog >>> Essential Steps to Set Up Your Design Business Legally NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business Bootcamp Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 1:34 How Rebecca Bootstrapped Her Business Setup 5:26 Benefits of Setting up a Business Legally 7:55 How to Get Your Ein 9:51 How to Choose Your Business Structure 11:02 Required Licenses and Permits 12:09 The Importance of Having Business Insurance 14:38 Why Contracts Are Your Business Backbone 16:54 Business Banking and Financial Setup 18:15 Bookkeeping and Hiring Help 22:40 Mindset Shift: Viewing the Business as a Profitable Entity
Oct 27, 2025 · 36 min
162 | LLC or S Corp? How to Choose the Right Business Entity for Your Interior Design Business With Jonathan Feniak
Starting an interior design business is exciting—but if you’re like most designers, the legal side of things can feel overwhelming. Should you stay a sole proprietor, form an LLC, or register as an S Corp? What does any of that even mean for your taxes, liability, or peace of mind? In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Feniak, attorney and co-founder of LLCAttorney.com, to talk about how to choose and form the right business entity for your interior design business. Jonathan breaks down the legal side of starting and running a design firm, explaining how to protect yourself with the proper business structure and why liability protection and insurance are essential for every designer. He also walks us through the natural progression many creatives take, from sole proprietorship to forming an LLC or S Corp, and how to know when it’s time to make that shift. Whether you’re just starting your design journey and ready to set up your business the right way, or you’re an established designer questioning whether your current setup still fits, this episode will help you get clear and confident. You’ll walk away knowing exactly how to protect your assets, stay legally compliant, and make smarter financial decisions for your interior design business. Featured Guest Jonathan Feniak is the lead attorney behind LLCAttorney.com, a company dedicated to making quality legal guidance accessible to small business owners. Specializing in LLC formation, business compliance, and asset protection, Jonathan helps entrepreneurs create strong legal foundations that empower their businesses to thrive. With decades of experience across finance, operations, and law, he combines real-world business insight with expert legal advice to simplify complex legal decisions for creatives and entrepreneurs. What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✳️ The difference between a sole proprietorship, LLC, and S Corp—and how each affects your taxes and liability ✳️ Why insurance often matters more than your business entity when you’re just starting out ✳️ How to know when it’s time to switch from a sole proprietor to an LLC or S Corp ✳️ Why forming an LLC can make your design business look more professional and credible ✳️ The most common mistakes designers make when setting up their businesses legally ✳️ Simple steps to stay compliant and protect your personal assets ✳️ How to avoid piercing the corporate veil and losing your liability protection Read the Blog >>> >>> LLC or S Corp? How to Choose the Right Business Entity for Your Interior Design Business NEXT STEPS: 🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business Bootcamp Check out our Designer's Playlist! *️ Start Your Interior Design Journey *️ From Newbie to Confident Designer *️ Switching Gears to Interior Design Grab your freebies: 📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Connect With Me: 📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com 🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign 🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Jonathan Feniak and His Background 06:35 The Typical Path of Interior Designers: From Hobby to Sole Proprietor 07:40 How to Evaluate Your Risk Before Forming a Business Entity 10:45 When Insurance Is More Important Than an LLC 12:50 What an LLC Really Is and How It Protects You 16:56 Understanding S Corp Tax Classification and When It Makes Sense 21:00 Why Most Designers Should Start With an LLC Instead of a Corporation 24:00 Using DBAs (Doing Business As) For Multiple Design Brands 25:20 How to Sign Contracts Properly to Protect Yourself Legally 26:00 The Importance of Separating Business and Personal Finances 28:30 Keeping Records and Exercising Business Judgment to Stay Compliant 30:00 Why Having a Lawyer-Drafted Contract Is Essential as You Grow

Design Curious | Interior Design Career and Business Podcast

181 | How to Capture Stunning Photos of Your Interior Design Projects

180 | 5 Biophilic Design Elements That Create Healthier, Calmer Homes With Martha Lowry

179 | Design Skills Series: 6 Business & Project Skills Interior Designers Need to Execute Projects Confidently

178 | 5 Lessons on Building an International Interior Design Career With Elliot James

177 | Design Skills Series: 5 Practical Design Skills You’ll Use on Every Client Project

176 | A Modern Approach to Feng Shui for Interior Designers With Amanda Gibby Peters

175 | Design Skills Series: 6 Skills Interior Designers Need (That Aren’t Taught in Design School)

174 | Core Elements Every High-Converting Interior Design Website Needs With Elle Kwan

173 | Design Skills Series: The Soft Skills That Set Successful Interior Designers Apart

172 | How Designers Build Profitable Design Businesses With Donna Hoffman

171 | How I Reflect, Set Goals, and Choose My Word of the Year for 2026

170 | Secrets to Effective Selling, Pricing, and CEO Mindset With LuAnn Nigara

169 | Top FAQs Answered: Launch Your Design Business Bootcamp

168 | 5 Ways to Build a Strong Foundation for Your Design Career With Katie Malik

167 | Launch Your Business Bootcamp, the Framework You Need to Build a Profitable Design Biz

166 | Scaling & Rebranding Your Design Business + Job-Site Confidence With Nicole Roe

165 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #4: Key Systems Every Interior Designer Needs to Run a Professional Business

164 | Turning Remodel Problems Into Design Opportunities With Julie Stevens

163 | From Dreaming to Designing Series #3: Essential Steps to Set Up Your Design Business Legally

162 | LLC or S Corp? How to Choose the Right Business Entity for Your Interior Design Business With Jonathan Feniak