Design Biz Survival Guide

Latest Episodes:

179: Page Sigband | The Nuances of a Niche Brand Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Page Sigband, founder of Design by Page and Joyride Garage Design, joins the podcast to share how she carved out her place in the design world by specializing in one of the most overlooked spaces—the garage. In this episode, Page walks us through her background in graphic and furniture design, her transition into museum design, and how these experiences uniquely shaped her niche business model. From TV appearances and magazine features to pop-up tents and mechanic shop visits, Page reveals the real marketing strategies that move the needle. We also explore how thoughtful branding, hands-on sales experience, and good old-fashioned networking have fueled her success and brought a fresh perspective to garage design.

Show Highlights:

Page's unique design background in graphic, furniture, and museum exhibit design shaped her storytelling approach and hands-on creativity.
Her pivot into garage design began with transforming her own space during the pandemic and led to a TV opportunity that launched Joyride Garage Design.
Branding was a critical step, including rebranding her business and learning the importance of trademarking the right way from the start.
Old-fashioned networking works best—building relationships at car shows and with auto industry professionals has driven more business than media features.
She values freedom over scale, prioritizing creative satisfaction and personal fulfillment over running a large firm or managing a team.

Notable Quotes

"I just want enough work to satisfy my creative soul."
"The only thing more complicated than the business of design is a niche business of design."
"You can't just flip the open sign and wait for them to come. You've really got to show up for this."
"I don't know anyone who's doing garage design—this could be a really cool niche."
"Branding lesson: talk to a trademark attorney first. It can save you a ton of time and money."

Supporting Resources:

Design by Page Website Joyride Garage Design Website Follow Design by Page on Instagram Follow Joyride Garage Design on Instagram

Sponsor Links:

A bit thank you to our sponsors:

Design Manager – Project management, accounting, and purchasing built for interior designers. Hooker Furnishings – Versatile furniture, decor, and designer support. Daniel House Club – Source from over 150 vendors with exclusive trade pricing.

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178: Paul McClean | The Impact of Design Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Paul McClean, founder of McClean Design, returns to the podcast for an insightful conversation about the evolution of his internationally renowned residential architectural firm since our last interview in 2019. Paul shares how his business has expanded into the global market post-COVID, the challenges and rewards of working internationally, and the nuances of merging cultural traditions with contemporary design. We also dive into the process of developing his second book, Contemporary Living by McClean Design, and his deep appreciation for California's architectural landscape.

In this episode, we discuss:

[00:26] Paul's background and an overview of McClean Design [05:10] How his business model has evolved over the last 25 years [08:39] The impact of COVID on his firm and the industry [12:29] The importance of in-person collaboration in creative fields [15:13] Expanding into international markets and the challenges of working globally [22:57] The process of selecting homes for his latest book [26:08] The balance between honoring architectural history and creating modern spaces [29:39] The impact of California wildfires and the future of rebuilding [33:59] Paul's perspective on leadership, relationships, and business longevity

Notable Quotes

"We were always like, 'You need to come in and work.' Remember how sick we used to come to work? Now it's like, 'No way, stay home.'"
"I think we've been very fortunate to be in business for 25 years now. But for the business to continue, it has to become less about me and more about the team."
"Time zones are the biggest challenge in global design. The Middle East is a full 12-hour difference, and it's really hard to get that to work."
"COVID made people more critical of design. They now think deeply about how they live at home—offices, wellness, fitness spaces. That shift is here to stay."
"The houses we design are the backdrop of people's lives. Let's not make them part of the problem—let's make them part of the solution."

Resources

McClean Design Website Follow McClean Design on Instagram

Sponsor Links

Design Manager – The all-in-one platform for project management, accounting, and purchasing, designed specifically for interior designers.

Hooker Furnishings – A trusted resource offering a versatile portfolio of furniture and decor, with a dedicated design support team.

Daniel House Club – Source from over 150 of your favorite vendors with exclusive trade pricing and personal concierge service.

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177: Jamie Gasparovic I Building an Intentional Brand Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Jamie Gasparovic, founder and principal designer of Studio Gaspo, joins us to share the evolution of her business model over the past seven years. About four years in, Jamie experienced an introspective moment that led to a bold rebrand centered around intention and authenticity. We discuss how confidence and leadership shape the business of design, allowing her to take risks, carve her own path, and be a true disruptor in the industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

[00:26] Jamie's background and journey into interior design
[05:49] How her business model has evolved over the years
[09:57] Early mistakes and lessons learned when launching her firm
[13:09] The power of confidence and leadership in growing a design business
[17:21] Jamie's disruptive approach to design and why it matters
[22:04] Why confidence and clarity are essential in leading clients
[27:58] Hiring a senior designer as her first full-time employee
[33:14] How refining her brand identity helped her attract better clients
[39:17] Jamie's definition of success and how it ties to freedom

Notable Quotes

"If you're hiring a designer, you probably want something that's very customized to you. Your home shouldn't look like everyone else's."
"I think a lot of designers are missing confidence. If you feel confident, your clients will too. If you don't, they won't trust you."
"The thing you think is weird about you is probably your superpower. Stop trying to hide it."
"I don't want a million leads—I want the right leads. I intentionally designed my business to focus on quality, not quantity."
"Boundaries are the secret to my survival. If you don't stick to them, they don't exist."

Resources

Studio Gaspo Website Follow Jamie on Instagram Register for The UK Business of Interiors Community Summit

Sponsor Links

Design Manager – The all-in-one platform for project management, accounting, and purchasing, designed specifically for interior designers.

Daniel House Club – Source from over 150 of your favorite vendors with exclusive trade pricing and personal concierge service.

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176: Girls at Flourish, Special Industry Spotlight Episode Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to this special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide! This supplemental format highlights brands and partners that support designers both creatively and professionally.

Today, we're speaking with Brittany Bowen and Ava Vienneau, also known as The Girls at Flourish—a luxury photography firm specializing in interior design, real estate, and the home industry. Brittany and Ava share how professional photography can position design professionals as leaders and experts in their field. They also walk us through their thoughtful approach to capturing designers in their element and creating an experience rooted in trust.

Show Highlights:

The Role of Branding Photography – Why designers need high-quality images of themselves, not just their work.
Photography for Marketing & Visibility – How to use professional photos to attract high-end clients.
The High Point Market Experience – Their exclusive photo sessions designed for interior designers.
Curating the Perfect Image – How Girls at Flourish helps designers create strategic, on-brand imagery.
Overcoming Camera Anxiety – Tips for feeling confident in front of the camera.

Notable Quotes:

"Designers are realizing they need their faces out there—clients want to see the person behind the brand."
"Photography should be intentional. It's not just about looking good—it's about visually communicating who you are and where you want to take your business."
"You can't just compete on design alone anymore. The thing that makes someone hire you is trust, and your personal brand is the key to building that."

Supporting Resources:

Learn More About Girls at Flourish: Visit Their Website
Follow Girls at Flourish on Instagram: @girlsatflourish
Schedule Your Photo Shoot at Spring High Point Market: Book Here

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

175: Helen & Simon Knox | UK Perspectives Feb 10, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of Design Biz Survival Guide! Today we welcome Helen and Simon Knox, the husband-and-wife team behind Lewis Knox Interior and Architectural Design based in Cheshire, UK. In this episode, we explore the business of design from a UK perspective.

Helen and Simon share their journey from design school to launching their own design business, and they explain their approach to developing a multi-faceted business model—including the addition of a cabinetry studio. We also discuss the state of the design community in the UK and how their experience at the first Business of Interiors Community Summit has impacted the growth and development of their business.

Show Highlights:

Launching a Design Business: The pivotal moment when Helen and Simon took the leap.
Business Model Evolution: How they integrated cabinetry into their services.
Challenges & Growth: Lessons learned from building and scaling a design team.
UK Design Community: The importance of networking, pricing transparency, and industry collaboration.
The Business of Interiors Summit: Insights gained and why events like these are shaping the UK design landscape.

Notable Quotes:

"We never set out to run a business together. It just evolved naturally, and when the opportunity presented itself, we had to take the leap."
"In the UK, no one teaches you how to run a business. Design school is all about creativity, but figuring out the financials, the processes, and the structure—that was something we had to learn ourselves."
"Owning a cabinetry studio allows us to control the quality and timelines, which makes our design process smoother and our clients happier."

Supporting Resources:

Learn More About Lewis Knox: Visit Their Website
Follow Lewis Knox on Instagram: @lewisknox_
Register for The UK Business of Interiors Community Summit: Event Details & Tickets

Sponsor Links:

A big thank you to our sponsors:

Design Manager – A comprehensive project management and accounting platform tailored for interior design professionals.
Daniel House Club – Simplifying the business of design with exclusive trade pricing, concierge service, and commission opportunities.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

174: Hannah Oravec | Building a Passion-Based Business Model Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of Design Biz Survival Guide! Today we welcome Hannah Oravec, founder of Lawless Design—a New England-based residential and boutique commercial interior design studio focused on wellness and sustainability. In this episode, Hannah shares her design journey and the process of launching her own design business. We discuss her perspective on commercial and residential design and her strategy for qualifying projects that best align with her business model and personal design approach. We also dive into the value of expanding your professional circle, and Hannah shares her top networking tips for creative introverts.

Show Highlights:

Business Beginnings: Hannah's journey from commercial design to launching her own studio.
Finding Your Niche: How wellness and sustainability became central to Lawless Design's mission.
Networking for Introverts: Hannah's tips for creative professionals to make meaningful connections.
Team Growth: The lessons learned from hiring and building a supportive design team.
Infusing Joy: How to incorporate passion projects into your business model.

Notable Quotes:

"Design should be personal. We're not just giving you a cookie-cutter design; it's about how our clients live in their homes and what makes them feel good."
"I'm very upfront when interviewing clients—I'm not the designer for everyone, and that's okay. There's a designer out there for everyone."
"Make sure there is an aspect or component of your business that truly brings you joy. You're the business owner; you have the ability to make joy part of your business."

Supporting Resources:

Learn More About Lawless Design: Visit the Website
Follow Lawless Design on Instagram: @lawless_design
Book Recommendation: How to Win Friends and Influence People
Register for The UK Business of Interiors Community Summit: Event Information

Sponsor Links:

A big thank you to our sponsors:

Design Manager – A comprehensive project management and accounting platform tailored for interior design professionals.
Daniel House Club – Simplifying the business of design with exclusive trade pricing, concierge service, and commission opportunities.

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

173: Julia Bocchese | Let's Talk Pinterest Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

Today, we're thrilled to host Julia Bocchese of Julia Renee Consulting, a firm specializing in SEO and Pinterest strategies for creative businesses, including interior designers.

In this episode, Julia breaks down the unique power of Pinterest and shares actionable ways design professionals can use the platform to expand visibility, drive traffic to their websites, and strengthen their brand messaging. From Pinterest's role as a visual search engine to its ability to enhance SEO, this episode is packed with insights and strategies you won't want to miss.

Show Highlights:

The Pinterest Advantage: Why Pinterest is a visual search engine, not just another social media platform.
Boosting Visibility: Strategies for using Pinterest to drive meaningful traffic to your website.
SEO Synergy: How Pinterest activity can directly enhance your website's SEO rankings.
Public vs. Private Boards: The best way to use both to build relevance and showcase your style.
Content Strategy: Tips for creating Pinterest-friendly content, from keywords to graphics.

Notable Quotes:

"Pinterest is a search engine. It's not about followers or likes; it's about using the right keywords and connecting with people actively searching for what you offer."
"If someone pins your image, it's automatically linked back to your website. That's a huge benefit for driving traffic and boosting your SEO."
"Instagram posts disappear in 24 to 48 hours, but a good pin can drive traffic for months or even years."
"Think of Pinterest as an extension of your portfolio. It's a way to share your vision for styles that may not yet be in your online portfolio."

Supporting Resources:

Learn More About Julia Bocchese: Visit Julia's Website
Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliareneeconsulting

Sponsor Links:

Design Manager https://www.designmanager.com
Daniel House Club https://danielhouse.club/pages/dbsg

Follow & Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

172: ENCORE EPISODE: Molly Rose - Creating a Winning Content Campaign for Every Project Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

Today, we welcome Molly Rose – a professional interior photographer and public relations partner for interior designers and architects. In this episode, Molly breaks down her 10-step strategy to help you create project campaigns that support your overarching brand and provide content throughout the design process. We discuss how a combination of micro storytelling, DIY photography, and a structured posting schedule can truly enhance your messaging and your PR strategy for each project.

Heads up – have your iPhone ready for a camera settings tutorial that will change the game for you!

Show Highlights:

Molly's experience interviewing Rick in EP78 of Design Biz Survival Guide Podcast
Molly's 10-step strategy for creating project campaigns
Tips for using a phone camera effectively for interior photography
How to document and share content from the inquiry phase of a new project
Linking content together from different project phases
Organizing and utilizing content across various social media platforms
Documenting client reactions and the design reveal
The role of media in validating designers and their work
How to use AI to promote your design style

How to use your phone for interior photography:

Settings → Search camera → Enable Apple ProRAW → Ensure grid and lens correction are on → Open camera → Portrait mode → Click the upward arrow to adjust exposure → Drag exposure down to -1.0 to -1.3 → Adjust aperture (F) between 5.0 to 5.6 for wide shots, 2.0 to 2.8 for detail shots.

Notable Quotes:

"Approach your work with the best intentions. It will get in front of somebody who will love it, and their appreciation might surprise you. And who doesn't like it also might surprise you. But don't be too worried about conforming to a certain approach because one size doesn't fit all. Everyone has a place at the table." – Molly Rose
"Use AI to show stuff that you would do. Generate images to show stuff that you would do." – Molly Rose

Follow and Review:

We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Feature Guest Website – http://mollyrosephoto.co/

Design Stories Workbook – http://mollyrosephoto.co/stories

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mollyrose.photo/

Sponsor Links:

James and James Trade Program

Design Manager

171: Efficiencies with Meredith Huck Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome back Meredith Huck of House of Huck, a full-service design studio based in Milford, Connecticut. In this episode, we revisit our original conversation with Meredith from Episode #92, where she shared her newly launched design business and the strategy behind its success.

Fast forward three years, Meredith walks us through her thriving business today, lessons learned, and the hacks that make her operation both efficient and profitable. From process development to pricing strategies and marketing for visibility, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for building a successful design business.

Show Highlights:

Strategic Launch: How Meredith's year-long launch strategy set the foundation for success.
Efficient Systems: The power of templates, structured scheduling, and repeatable processes.
Working with Trades: Building reliable trade relationships and the value of clear communication.
Profitable Sourcing: Transitioning from retail to a streamlined sourcing model for higher profitability.
Marketing Mastery: Tips on putting out the right content and leveraging local vendor relationships.

Notable Quotes:

"Put out what you want to receive. If you want a new build and you don't have a new build, okay, I'm not suggesting that you lie about it. Absolutely not. But do your best to try. If you have one project that can even just appear to be a little bigger...try and hone in on that."
"Time freedom is the ultimate success. It's the ability to create my own schedule. There are some weeks that are really hard, but being able to look at my calendar and say, 'Next Tuesday, I don't have anything. Maybe I'll work, maybe I won't. Maybe I'll pick up my kid early.' That's why I started my business."
"Efficiency is not just about systems. It's about relationships, trust, and maintaining a streamlined workflow with everyone you work with."

Supporting Resources:

Learn More About House of Huck: Visit Meredith's Website
Follow Meredith on Instagram: @houseofhuck
Register for the Design Biz Power Course: Sign Up Here
EP92 with Meredith Huck

Sponsor Links:

A big thank you to our sponsors:

James and James Trade Program – Makers of solid hardwood furniture, supporting the design trade with quality craftsmanship and customization.
Design Manager – A comprehensive project management and accounting platform for interior design professionals.

Follow & Review:

Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more valuable insights to the design community.

170: Terri Brien | Leveraging Transferable Skills Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

Today we welcome Terri Brien, owner and principal designer of Terri Brien Interiors based in San Clemente, CA. In this episode Terri shares her experience working with a residential home builder for over nineteen years and the many lessons learned about design and business that influenced her current business model like detailed processes, time management, and problem solving. We also talk about the many ways that as a now solopreneur Terri has relied on our design community to build a network of trusted allies and resources to help her navigate the ever complex business of design.

Show Highlights:

From Corporate to Solopreneurship: How Terri transitioned from a design management role to starting her own firm.
The Power of Process: Why process mapping is essential for client satisfaction and team collaboration.
Community & Networking: Building relationships with industry peers and leveraging shared knowledge.
Lessons from Residential Builders: Insights from working on 50-70 homes per year and the impact on her design philosophy.
Client-Centric Design: Understanding clients' true needs through communication and material knowledge.

Notable Quotes:

"Getting out of my own way was the biggest challenge. I realized I already had a strong foundation; I just needed to trust it."
"Mapping your process isn't just for efficiency—it's about identifying pain points for clients, trades, and yourself and finding ways to make the entire experience better."
"It's our job as designers to look beyond what clients say they want and dig into what they truly need for long-term happiness."

Supporting Resources:

Learn More About Terri Brien Interiors: Visit Terri's Website
Follow Terri on Instagram: @terri.brien.interiors
Register for the Design Biz Power Course: Sign Up Here

Sponsor Links:

A big thank you to our sponsors:

James and James Trade Program – Makers of solid hardwood furniture, supporting the design trade with quality craftsmanship and customization.
Design Manager – A comprehensive project management and accounting platform for interior design professionals.

Follow & Review:

Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more valuable insights to the design community.

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