A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

1069: Live from KBIS 2025: Richard Anuszkiewicz on Elevating Design, Brand Collaborations & Crafting a Successful Career Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Today With Richard Anuszkiewicz:

Welcome to another episode of A Well-Designed Business! Today, we’re diving into the world of high-end kitchen and bath design with the incredibly talented Richard Anuszkiewicz. As an award-winning designer and industry thought leader, Richard has built a name for himself through his innovative approach, brand collaborations, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

In this episode, we uncover the key ingredients that set luxury design apart and explore how you can apply these principles to your own business. You’ll learn:

The essential elements that define true luxury in design.
How strategic brand partnerships can expand your influence and opportunities.
The mindset shifts needed to position yourself at the top of your niche.

Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting to carve out your space in the industry, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you elevate your business.

LuAnn Nigara and Richard Anuszkiewicz’s Ah-Ha Moments:

"Luxury isn’t just about beautiful products—it’s about crafting an unforgettable experience." – Richard Anuszkiewicz

"The details are what define high-end design. From materials to functionality, every element must be intentional." – Richard Anuszkiewicz

"Excellence in design is about constantly pushing boundaries, staying curious, and never settling for average." – LuAnn Nigara

More About Richard Anuszkiewicz

Highlighted as a top industry innovator by Kitchen & Bath Design News for creative talents and business acumen, Richard T. Anuszkiewicz is a recognized North American kitchen and bath design authority. A 2019 NKBA Insider, 2018 Coverings Emerging Leader, 2017 Modenus Top 10 Design Influencer and Washingtonian Style Setter, Richard graduated from Virginia Tech NKBA accredited Residential Design program and is an alumnus of the NKBA Top 30 Under 30 program in 2013.

Anuszkiewicz is a respected keynote speaker presenting nationally at premier industry events including: Dwell on Design Los Angeles, Design Chicago, Wanted Design New York, DDA Toronto, KBIS Las Vegas and Orlando. Richard has been highlighted in numerous high-profile publications, such as Vanity Fair, Architectural Digest, Traditional Home, House Beautiful, The Washington Post, The Editor At Large, Robb Report, HGTV and more. He enjoys staying up to date with trends and technologies and most recently he was abroad at Salone del Mobile in Milan, Living Kitchen in Cologne and The London Design Festival.

Connect with Richard Anuszkiewicz

Facebook

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by:

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

Book 3:A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Resources:

This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Join AjMadison Pro today!

LuAnn University Intensives - Coming up mid-March!

Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference - April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida!

1068: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: How "Sleeping in Your Guest Room" Can Make You RICH Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

Today With Sandra Funk:

Today with Sandra Funk, we explore the transformative power of client experience in building a thriving interior design business. Sandra shares her pivotal "dark night of the soul" moment when three clients fired her in one day, and how this crisis became the catalyst for completely reimagining her approach to client relationships.

We dive into her philosophy of viewing client partnerships as "mini marriages" that require clear communication, boundaries, and emotional understanding throughout the design journey. Sandra reveals the specific strategies that have made House of Funk so successful, from surprise and delight moments to avoiding nickel-and-diming clients for small changes.

As The Interior Design Standard celebrates five years and 1,000 members, Sandra also shares exciting news about evolving her coaching program into a more intentional, curated community for serious designers who want to level up their businesses.

LuAnn Nigara and Sandra Funk’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“I started looking at it from the client’s point of view. How will it land for them instead of what works for me?” - Sandra Funk

More About Sandra Funk

Sandra Funk is the founder and CEO of the boutique interior design firm, House of Funk. After 20 years as a luxury designer, Sandra is now a business strategist deeply rooted in empowering and educating design entrepreneurs. With her turnkey approach, she welcomes designers into her inner circle, sharing her proven process for a balanced, joy-filled and wildly profitable design firm.

Connect with Sandra Funk

Interior Design Standard

Interior Design Standard Sneak Peek

How to Start an Interior Design Business

Interior Design Pricing

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

#520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here!

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Other Shows:

#660: Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard”

#753: Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business

#801: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: How Mistakes and Obstacles Led to Growth & Transformation

#845: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Stop Apologizing and Start Communicating

#1010: Overheard: Developing Resilience in Interior Design Business Leadership with Antonio Deloatch Jr, Sandra Funk and Robin Burrill

1067: Run Your Race: Ashley Ross, Muse Noir Interiors Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Today With Ashley Ross:

In this episode of A Well-Designed Business, I sit down with Ashley Ross, the self-taught designer and founder of Muse Noire, to discuss her journey of building a business that defies traditional expectations. Ashley shares how she confidently navigated her second career, blending creativity with strategy to create a design firm that thrives on relationships, bold risks, and staying true to her vision.

You’ll learn how to:

Build a business with confidence, embracing your unique journey.
Focus on the importance of relationships and trust in growing a business.
Take bold, aligned risks to create meaningful growth and success.

Whether you're a new designer or looking to revamp your approach to business, this episode offers actionable insights and inspiration to help you confidently step into your full potential.

LuAnn Nigara and Ashley Ross’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“Sometimes when people are having their second act, they fumble around in the beginning, not realizing that they have transferable skills.” — Ashley Ross

“You can’t be successful until you have defined what success means to you.” — LuAnn Nigara

“Business is about relationships. It’s about how you show up for your clients, how you connect, and how you build trust.” — Ashley Ross

“Take your transferable skills and transfer them immediately. Don’t waste time.” — Ashley Ross

More About Ashley Ross

Muse Noire is a full service design firm with offices in both North Carolina and Texas, yet serving clients throughout the US. We are dedicated to curating contemporary global homes that celebrate culture. Led by founder and principal designer, Ashley Ross, the firm journeys clients to the intersection of their own cultural heritage and Muse Noire’s palatable script of interior wellness. Established in 2019, Muse Noire was born out of Ashley’s desire to create spaces that embrace people of color and make them feel whole when they return home. Recognizing the sacrifices individuals make to fit societal norms, Ashley believes in immersing high-performing BIPOC executives in a timeless and tactile environment where they can truly be seen and heard.

Connect with Ashley Ross

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

This episode is sponsored by:

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

Book 3:A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Resources:

This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

LuAnn University Intensives - Coming up mid-March!

Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference - April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida!

Other Shows:

AWDB #986: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Boundaries and Expectations are a Few of My Favorite Things

AWDB #803: Power Talk Friday: Amber De La Garza: Productivity is Personal – How to Create Systems that Will Work for You!

AWDB #1040: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: 5 Steps to an Exceptional Hire

1066: On Air Strategy Session: Abby Fitzgerald: Planning Your Design Business for Year-Round Success Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

Today With Abby Fitzgerald:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business! In today's on-air coaching session, I'm helping my guest, Abby Fitzgerald of Fitz Haus Interior Design, master the seasonal ebbs and flows of her business–a challenge that every designer faces but few plan for effectively.

Today, we're diving deep into creating a strategic roadmap for her year, tackling everything from revenue planning across quarters to building those crucial financial reserves. After years of managing WindowWorks through seasonal cycles, I'm sharing exactly how to prepare for slower months while maximizing the busy ones.

If you've ever worried about those predictable slow seasons or wondered how to structure your year for consistent success, this episode is your blueprint for action.

LuAnn Nigara and Abby Fitzgerald’s Ah-Ha Moments:

"The difference between success and failure with a proven idea isn't about being first - it's about being the one who actually takes action. Success goes to the person who hears the idea and does something with it." - LuAnn Nigara

"In business, don't waste time deciding what others are doing. Stay in your lane, build your business with respect, maintain the right cadence, and operate from a genuine place. Don't be a pain in the butt - just do your work authentically." - LuAnn Nigara

More About Abby Fitzgerald

Fitz Haus is a full-service interior design studio dedicated to bringing beauty, style, and functionality into your home serving clients in Central Pennsylvania.

Fitz Haus Interior Design was founded by me, Abby Fitzgerald, with the intention of creating beautiful spaces while providing a first-class customer experience. I have always had a love for design and had the opportunity to design and build my family home, which sparked my creativity and allowed me to showcase my design skills. I have a unique background in marketing, sales and public relations. I spent years in the corporate world before taking the leap to open my own business and pursue my true passion.

My husband Kerry and I reside in the small town of Carlisle, Pennsylvania with our three children Ryann, Liam and Ava Grae. When we're not travelling or running to and from soccer games we love spending time at home together.

Connect with Abby Fitzgerald

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

Book 3:A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Resources:

This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

2025 Business of Interiors Community Summit - June 23rd and 24th!

LuAnn University Intensives - Coming up mid-March!

Other Shows:

AWDB #453: Carolyn Flannery: Impact Your Pipeline With This One Strategy

AWDB #683: Jessica Matteson: The Client Experience Is #1 in Design

AWDB #1010: Overheard: Developing Resilience in Interior Design Business Leadership with Antonio Deloatch Jr, Sandra Funk and Robin Burrill

1065: Eryn Oruncak: Harnessing Neuroaesthetics: Understanding the Power of Space Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Today With Eryn Oruncak:

Meet Eryn Oruncak, founder of Elan Design | Interior Design & Fine Art. As one of the first designers to achieve SIDC certification in neuroaesthetics, Eryn is leading the way in showing how this cutting-edge science can transform both our industry and our clients' lives.

In this episode, Eryn breaks down how neuroaesthetics - the science of how our environment and artwork affect our brain and nervous system - can help designers articulate their value and create more impactful spaces. She shares powerful insights about how our brains process environments, why custom pieces matter on a neurological level, and how understanding these principles can help you win client trust and defend your design decisions.

LuAnn Nigara and Eryn Oruncak’s Ah-Ha Moments:

"Neuroaesthetics is the way our environment and artwork affect our brain and nervous system." - Eryn

"Neuroesthetics marries your environment to your person." - Eryn

“Lighting is a huge element in a room. Light is life…Light makes you pay attention.” - Eryn

"You don't have to convince 10 people of this. You don't even have to convince anybody. You just have to let the people know who are already thinking this way, already open to it, that you're the answer." - LuAnn

More About Eryn Oruncak

Eryn Oruncak, founder of Elan Design | Interior Design & Fine Art, is known for her presentation of fine art paintings and evocative spaces. Eryn believes that the home is the foundation for your life, your work, and your family. One of the first in the design industry to achieve the SIDC Certification, Oruncak applies neuroaesthetic and biophilic principles to her well-crafted rooms and original artwork.

The customized residences and offices she designs for her clients result in their enhanced performance and optimized health. As a go-to expert, Oruncak is a global speaker on the subject of neuroaesthetics, the science of how our environment and art affect our brain and nervous system, and is an interior design advisor to trade associations on this relatively new discipline. Her work and expertise have been featured in several publications and media outlets around the world.

Connect with Eryn Oruncak

Blog

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

Book 3:A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Resources:

This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

LuAnn University Intensives - Coming up mid-March!

Free Zoom Annual Conference Preview - February 27th!

Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference - April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida!

Other Shows:

AWDB #569: PTF: Mike Peterson: Leveraging Design’s Influence on Health & Wellness to Increase Your Value Proposition

WTFP #260: Disruptor Alert: Life Was Never Meant to Be A Struggle – The Role Window Treatments Play in Our Unconscious Minds

1064: Anna Nelson: Stop Working Against Yourself: Design a Business That Aligns with Your Strengths Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

Today With Anna Nelson:

Today I'm joined by Anna Nelson, a Gallup and ICF certified strengths coach who helps entrepreneurs unlock and unleash their hidden superpowers. Through her diverse background as a marketer, saleswoman, project manager, and business owner, Anna discovered a fundamental truth: success and happiness come from building your business around your authentic strengths. Now she dedicates herself to helping others do the same.

In this illuminating discussion, I get my own CliftonStrengths assessment analyzed by Anna as she breaks down how understanding your natural talents can transform client selection, team building, and business operations. Having worked with many interior designers from our community, Anna brings unique insights into how you can leverage your strengths to create a more profitable, enjoyable business.

LuAnn Nigara and Anna Nelson’s Ah-Ha Moments:

"Don't ever say yes to being on a panel that you don't know your stuff with that thing, because it's just not necessary. You don't serve yourself." - LuAnn

"The more confident people doing the things that they are extremely good at, we need that. This world is so hard right now and we need people who are really confident, really good at what they do and who can go out and make a difference in someone's life." - Anna

"If you can do your life's work living in your strengths, I mean, that is the home run, right? That is the home run." - LuAnn

More About Anna Nelson

Anna Nelson is a Gallup and ICF certified strengths coach, who works with entrepreneurs, executives, working professionals, to unlock and unleash their hidden strengths.

But that’s not where she started—not even close. She’s been a marketer, a saleswoman, a project manager, and an MBA student. She’s owned multiple businesses, including a boutique handmade undergarment service. (Yes, really. And she can still whip up one heck of a custom bra.)

But one day, she realized a hard truth: If you don’t build your career, business, and life around your authentic, natural strengths, there will always be a ceiling on your success…and your happiness.

And her natural strength? It's helping other people find theirs, so they can confidently move forward in any area of life. She works with her clients to identify and unleash the superpowers that they didn’t even know they had so they find the confidence, clarity, and affirmation they need to take that next big step forward in life—whatever it may be.

Connect with Anna Nelson

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

Book 3:A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Resources:

This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Other Shows:

#1040: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: 5 Steps to an Exceptional Hire

#901: Power Talk Friday: Anna Nelson: The Power of Being a Strengths-Based Entrepreneur

#892: Sharon L. Sherman: Decoding Personality Types for Successful Client Outcomes

#589: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Scaling from 2 Million to 5 Million

#363: Power Talk Friday: Eileen Hahn: Building An Exceptional Interior Design Team

1063: Abigail M. Horace: Overcoming Biases and Stereotypes in the Interior Design Industry Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Today With Abigail M. Horace:

Join me this week as I sit down with Abigail M. Horace, founder of Casa Marcelo. As a Black Latina designer, Abigail found herself surprised and frustrated to repeatedly see a lack of representation in the industry, even within a diverse area like New York City. She founded her firm in part to break away from stereotypes and biases—but she also had to navigate significant challenges along the way. Tune in to hear Abigail share her story and her insights on how to thrive and build success in an industry that doesn’t always offer a level playing field.

LuAnn Nigara and Abigail M. Horace’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“Others need to see people like them doing these things, right? The 10th grader and the 5th grader needs to see designers of color and architects of color and gay architects and all of the things so that they go, ‘oh, there's a place for me here.’” -LuAnn

“I feel like we're always silenced in being ourselves or being confident. And so that's something that I'm kind of working on right now—being more confident and being more straightforward with people.” -Abigail

More About Abigail M. Horace

Abigail M. Horace embarked on her Interior Design journey during her teenage years, inspired by shows like Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. After obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Technology in 2010, she embarked on a distinguished 10+ year career in high-end residential design in New York City. In 2020, Abigail founded Casa Marcelo as a response to creative burnout and a lack of representation and work-life balance in the NYC Interior Design industry.

As she transitioned into entrepreneurship, Abigail reignited her passion for Interior Design, infusing her work with boundless creativity and a commitment to superior customer service. Her favorite aspect of design lies in envisioning the potential of a home through meticulous sourcing, particularly at the inception of a project.

Abigail draws inspiration from various sources including nature, historical architecture encountered during her travels, and her family. A dedicated wife and mother to two young sons, aged 6 and 2, she cherishes moments spent with her family, indulges in travel, relishes 'me-time', and delights in discovering new music.

Connect with Abigail M. Horace

Facebook

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

Book 3:A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Resources:

This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Mydoma Studio: get 20% off your first three months!

Jessica Bantom’s book: Design for Identity

Black Artisans and Designer’s Guild Lab (BADG) Cooper Hewitt Exhibition

Other Shows:

AWDB #908 Jessica Bantom: How to Be a Culturally Competent Design Activist & Why You Want to Be One (Part 1)

AWDB #912 Jessica Bantom Continued: Take Action With the Six Habits of Culturally Competent Designers

1062: 9 Years of A Well-Designed Business®—How Vision & Bold Action Can Grow Your Business Feb 14, 2025

Show notes

Today With LuAnn Nigara:

Vision, Intuition & Taking Bold Action in Your Business. 9 years. Over 1,000 episodes. More than 9 million downloads.

Today, A Well-Designed Business® celebrates a major milestone—and I could spend this episode reflecting on the journey. But if you know me, you know we’re going deeper than that. This isn’t just a celebration episode. It’s a conversation on vision, intuition, and action—the three pillars that drive every successful business. Over the years, I’ve learned that having a vision isn’t enough. You need to listen to your onside voice, make bold decisions, and—most importantly—act on them. This very podcast is proof of that.

So today, I’m sharing:

How A Well-Designed Business® started as a vision—and how it grew beyond my wildest dreams.
The key difference between hesitation and intuition (and how to know when to act)
Why some entrepreneurs stay stuck—and the mindset shift that will move you forward.
My step-by-step process on how I validate my big ideas and turn them into reality

This episode is for you if:

You’ve had an idea lingering in your mind, but you’re unsure if it’s the right move
You struggle to trust your intuition in business decisions
You’re ready to stop overthinking and start doing

It’s time to step into your next chapter. Are you ready?

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

Book 3:A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Resources:

This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!

AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design

Other Shows:

AWDB #1000: 1000th Episode! LuAnn Nigara is Interviewed by Jude Charles!

1061: Amhad Freeman: Beyond the Man Cave—Carving a Niche in Luxury Interiors for Single Men Feb 11, 2025

Show notes

Today With Amhad Freeman:

Today on A Well-Designed Business, I’m sitting down with Amhad Freeman, an incredibly talented interior designer who has built a thriving business by focusing on a very specific niche—designing for high-level single men and developers. Now, if you’re wondering how niching down that specifically can lead to success, trust me, you’re going to want to hear this conversation.

Amhad shares how he discovered his niche, crafted a brand that speaks directly to his ideal clients, and structured his pricing and processes to keep his business streamlined and profitable. His approach to branding, messaging, and business operations is something we can all learn from—whether you’re working with single men, families, or another market entirely.

If you’ve ever thought about narrowing your focus but weren’t sure how, or if you’re looking for ways to make your business run more smoothly, Amhad has so much wisdom to share.

In this episode, we talk about:

How Amhad identified and refined his niche in the interior design industry
The strategies he uses to market his expertise and attract high-level clients
Why a clear, upfront pricing structure is key to working with busy professionals
The importance of staying on top of your business finances daily
How branding and messaging can set you apart and create demand for your services

This is one of those conversations that will get you thinking differently about your own business and how you show up for your ideal clients. So, hit play, take some notes, and let’s dive in!

More About Amhad Freeman

As a black-owned interior design firm based in Chicago and Nashville, Owner Amhad Freeman sets new standards of luxury and elegance with design packages from kitchen and bathroom design, complete home renovations, and complete new-build construction.

Amhad’s style is a balanced combination of modern, contemporary and traditional elements where form follows function and where understated elegance conjures a sense of tranquility. Residential designs are entirely tailored to our client’s requirements and needs. AFI focuses on a bespoke and detailed approach aimed at creating elegant, and comfortable homes that never go out of style.

Amhad Freeman Interiors believes that a project should be a direct expression of its client’s needs and identity and is passionate about developing a brief into luxury design with a gentlemen’s touch. The aim is to transform client’s homes into bold retreats that are enhanced by exceptional design.

Connect with Amhad Freeman

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara