Design Biz Survival Guide

Latest Episodes:

159: Andrew Patterson I Building a Legacy Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

Today, we welcome Andrew Patterson, Founder and president of Patterson Custom Homes based in Newport Beach, CA. In this episode, Andrew shares his perspective on the client experience as it relates to custom home building. We dive deep into his commitment to quality and building a trust-based relationship with his clients, partners, and designers.

We also discuss how years of experience and hundreds of builds have contributed to a tried and true process that extends beyond construction and into concierge maintenance services that protect his brand and maximizes his client's investment.

Show Highlights:

Business model and approach of Patterson Custom Homes and how it focuses on client experience and quality
The importance of transparency, upfront planning, and detailed cost data to manage client expectations
Their custom care program to maintain the quality and longevity of the homes they build, and prepaid maintenance services
The factors that have contributed to the growth and success of Patterson Custom Homes — focus on integrity, community involvement, delivering an exceptional client experience, etc.
Benefits of collaborating with interior designers on home renovation projects and how it helps in cost management and product longevity
The need for synergy between designers, architects, builders, and homeowners for successful project outcomes
How Andrew's custom care program extends the client experience beyond project completion by automating home maintenance tasks and keeping the home well-maintained

Notable Quotes:

"The project will always be successful if the client is informed before the project starts, and not just informed on cost, but on the process, how long it takes, and what the actual outcome will be." - Andrew Patterson
"Every time we finish a project, we exponentially grow our process, and we refine it tighter and tighter and tighter." - Andrew Patterson
"It comes at a price to have a good reputation, and every day before nine o'clock, I'm presented with all these invoices of things that have gone wrong...and I just write checks. I'd rather just have everyone be happy and positive than be richer than everyone else." - Andrew Patterson

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Supporting Resources:

Patterson Custom Homes Website: https://pattersoncustomhomes.com/

Patterson Custom Homes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pattersoncustomhomes/

Sponsor Links:

High Point Market: https://www.highpointmarket.org/registerdbsg

Design Manager: https://designmanager.com

158: TANDEM I Special Industry Spotlight Episode Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

This is a special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide. This special format is designed to share brands and partners that support designers both creatively and professionally. This supplemental podcast format is our way of sharing valuable information and resources for your business with you, our loyal listeners.

Today, we're speaking with Renee Bush — Founder and Chief Strategist of TANDEM. Renee and her team are behind the brand development and business strategies of some of the most well-known and loved design businesses in the industry. TANDEM is committed to helping design entrepreneurs define business goals and build effective, strategic steps to achieve them.

Show Highlights:

Renee's background and how she founded her agency TANDEM
TANDEM's customized approach to helping designers develop strategies to grow their businesses, custom branding, websites, and marketing support
Understanding each designer's unique goals, clientele, and creative work style when developing business strategies and solutions
Examples of how TANDEM has helped designers refine their branding, messaging, and marketing to attract their ideal clients
The value of designers clearly communicating their business model and services to referral partners like builders and architects
Key considerations around branding and visibility that designers should keep in mind when trying to attract new clients
Building trust and rapport with clients through different marketing strategies

Notable Quotes:

"Everyone is coming from a different place and headed to a different place. When you're really clear on the type of business you want to build, how you want to do that, and who you want to work with, you're going to get there more effectively." – Renee Bush.

"Trust is not something that they give us. We're not looking for trusting people. It's something we build as a business. And your marketing is what builds that trust." – Renee Bush.

"Follow the fun, what feels the most fun, because that's how we'll get really good results." – Renee Bush.

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

TANDEM Website - https://with-tandem.com/

Renee Bush & Tandem Studio on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/with_tandem/

157: Kali Sudbrook I Launching a Design Build Business in the Fitness Space Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

Today, we welcome Kali Sudbrook of Beachside Interiors to the podcast. Kali is a licensed contractor and interior designer based in Orange County, CA, and specializes in creating health-forward spaces. In this episode, Kali shares her niche approach to design and the joy that she experiences creating fitness spaces. We dive deep into her business model, embracing a design specialty and the benefits of being a B2 Remodeler Contractor. We also discuss Kali's perspective on attitude, mindset, community, and all of the things that influence her design journey.

Show Highlights:

Kali's background and transition from a career in academia and fitness to designing specifically for fitness spaces
The importance and challenges of niching down early in her business
Kali's journey to becoming a B2 remodeler licensed contractor and how that has given her more control and flexibility in her design projects
The importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive team and leveraging your network
Kali's approach to launching her own design business and the motivation behind it
The role of leadership in design and how Kali has embraced that responsibility
The value of having a supportive partner and building a community of like-minded people and trade partners

Notable Quotes:

"Messy action is better than inaction." - Kali Sudbrook.
"You always have to bring value no matter what you do." - Kali Sudbrook.
"One of my strengths is I've never been afraid to ask for help." - Kali Sudbrook.
"Leadership is being a leader when you give away all of the credit when something goes well. And you take all the blame when something goes not good." - Simon Sinek.
"You do not need high heels and a Louis Vuitton bag to walk into a room of designers and have valuable conversations and make real connections." - Rick.

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Beachside Interiors Website: https://beachsideinteriorsremodeling.com/

Kali Sudbrook on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalithecontractor/

Beachside Interiors Design & Remodeling on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beachsideinteriors_oc/

Sponsor Links:

Daniel House Club: https://danielhouse.club/

Design Manager: https://designmanager.com

156: Jackie Green I Business Acumen for Employees Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

Today, we welcome Jackie Green - Founder, CEO, and Chief Strategist of Behind the Design. In this episode, we focus on the employee perspective of the business of design and the value of empowering them with business knowledge and acumen. Jackie explains the basics that every design employee should understand about time billing, overhead, and productivity. If you're a team member of a design firm and want to have a bigger impact on the business, this episode is for you.

Show Highlights:

Business acumen and the importance of interior design employees to understand it
The need for employees to know things like how much time is budgeted for projects, what the company's expenses are, and how profits are made
Questions that employees can ask their leaders to understand the big-picture strategy and how they can contribute
How leaders can educate employees on different business functions like accounting and purchasing
The importance of working as a team and understanding each other's roles
The importance of employee retention and how open dialogue between leaders and employees can help with retention
Taking ownership of work and commitment to the team

Notable Quotes:

"I think we forget that as leaders, your employees might actually have really good ideas." - Jackie Green.

"Nobody wants to do a crappy job. Your employees are here because they want to succeed. So the more information you can give them to succeed, they're going to feel better about it, and they're going to work harder." - Jackie Green.

"The better we educate our teams and let them know how the business operates, the more amped they get on board and be like, 'Yes, I want to go out there and build better relationships with clients. I want to offer more services when I'm out networking.' Because if the business does better, so do I." - Jackie Green.

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Behind the Design Website - https://www.behindthedesignco.com/

Behind the Design on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/behindthedesignco/

Sponsor Links:

https://danielhouse.club/

https://designmanager.com

155: Marcia Bryan I Multi-Generational Design Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

Today, we welcome Marcia Bryan, owner of Bryan Design Group based in San Diego, California. In this episode, Marcia shares her design journey from model homes to full-service residential and senior living design. Marcia shares how a chance opportunity evolved into a design niche for her business model and how the nuances of senior living design influence and enhance her residential design projects in a practical and meaningful way. Adding new disciplines of design requires continued education, and Marcia shares her approach to expanding her design knowledge by leveraging her network of experts and mentors.

Show Highlights:

Marcia's design journey from model homes to founding her own firm
How designing for senior living is different than other design
Things to consider for designing senior living spaces – accessibility, ADA rules, how aging people see and hear, etc
The importance of continued education and learning from experts
How Marcia's exposure to senior living influenced her approach to residential projects
Marcia's experience of starting her own business and the challenges she faced
Marcia's first hire and the importance of balancing different strengths within the team
How focusing on residential and senior living helps Marcia's business stand out from other designers

Notable Quotes:

"It's the scariest thing in the world and the most exciting thing in the world to open your own business." - Marcia Bryan.
"For all designers out there that are doing it on their own, kudos to them. But honestly, I think they could be happier, relying on the strengths of others as well as their own." - Marcia Bryan.

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Bryan Design Group Website - https://www.bryandesigngroup.com/

Marcia Bryan on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bryandesigngroup/

Sponsor Links:

https://danielhouse.club/

https://designmanager.com

154: Niki Landry I Cultivating Growth from Within Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

Today, we welcome Niki Landry, founder of Hatch Creative Co. - a consulting firm focused on supporting small to mid-level design businesses. In this episode, Niki shares her design journey and how a moment of need at the commercial design firm that she was working at triggered the leader within and culminated in her transition from design to operations. We discuss the value of recruiting and promoting from within and her strategy for identifying hidden leaders among your team. If you're in growth mode - this episode is for you!

Show Highlights:

Niki's business model and her design journey
Niki's transition from design to operations role
The importance of looking internally first when you want to expand your design team
Asking employees questions to understand their interests, strengths, and problems
Providing training to employees on both soft skills like managing and hard technical skills
Using a mentoring approach and gradually increasing responsibilities to prepare staff for promotions

Notable Quotes:

"Your best resources are already under your roof. They understand your culture, they understand your business model, they understand the game." - Rick.

"If firms want to be successful, grow sustainably, and have a team that truly knows the business, they should look internally. Bring those people along on the upward journey, build that team, and create the company that you want." - Niki Landry.

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

HATCH CREATIVE Website: https://www.hatchcreativeco.com/

HATCH Creative Co. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hatch.consulting/

HATCH Creative Consulting on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hatch-creative-consulting/

Sponsor Links:

https://danielhouse.club/

https://designmanager.com

153: 6-Year Anniversary Episode I Podcast Takeover with Rona Graf Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

Today, we welcome Rona Graf of Grace Blu Interior Design as our PODCAST TAKEOVER host! In this episode, Rona puts Rick in the hot seat and asks him her burning questions about life, business, and community. We discuss Rick's recovering interior design status and what prompted the pivot into podcasting and coaching. Rick also shares a few of his biggest ah-ha moments from the podcast, who's on his interview bucket list, and what the next five years looks like for Design Biz Survival Guide.

Show Highlights:

Rick's pivot from interior design to podcasting and coaching
Finding fulfillment through helping and connecting with other people
The highs and lows of Rick's business model
Gaining clarity on your personal definition of success and making sure it aligns with how you want to build your business
Dealing with the pressure of comparing himself to others
Whether formal education is necessary for success in the design industry
Advice to designers who feel they need to know everything before starting their own business
Book recommendations that will help you with running a successful design business

Notable Quotes:

"You don't have to know everything. You learn things as you go. If you're waiting to know it all before you start, you're never going to start." - Rick

"Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. That's how you learn. That's how you grow." - Rick

"Validation – a lot of times you don't know that you need it until you experience it." - Rick

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Grace Blu Interior Design Website - https://www.graceblu.com/

Rona Graf on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/graceblu/

Buy the Books:

Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

Start with WHY by Simon Sinek

Believe IT by Jamie Kern Lima

The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick M Lencioni

Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

Sponsor Links:

https://danielhouse.club/

https://designmanager.com

152: Melissa Muszynski | Re-discovering your Definition of Success May 20, 2024

Show notes

Today we welcome Melissa Muszynski, founder of MBM Design based in Wethersfield, Connecticut. In this episode, Melissa shares how an unexpected injury and a lengthy recovery helped her realize the impact that the home environment has on the healing process. This realization shifted her priorities and prompted her to say goodbye to corporate and launch her own interior design business. We also discuss the transferable skills that helped Melissa get the business off the ground and her slow and strategic approach to scaling.

Show Highlights:

Melissa's previous career and the incident that made her want to start a new career in design
How her background in PR and project management helped her in the design business
Melissa's business model, typical project type, team size, etc
Challenges she faced launching her business during the COVID-19 pandemic and how she overcame them
The role of a positive mindset for success in the interior design industry
Importance of building up your community that will help you and collaborate with you
Melissa's slow and strategic approach to scaling the business

Notable Quotes:

"We think we have to take it all on and save the world every single day. But we forget, we have to first worry about saving ourselves." - Melissa Muszynski.
"The secret to survival is believing in yourself, and knowing there's no competition other than yourself." - Melissa Muszynski.
"Not everyone will do something the way you want it to be done." - Melissa Muszynski.

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

MBM Design Website: https://www.mbmdesignco.com/

MBM Design on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissambmdesign/

Sponsor Links:

https://danielhouse.club/

https://designmanager.com

151: RDW Design Studio | Special Industry Spotlight Episode May 13, 2024

Show notes

Today, we're speaking with Robyn White — the owner and founder of RDW Design Studio. RDW Design Studio specializes in creating captivating websites and SEO strategies for Interior Designers and the Home Industry. Robyn's meticulous attention to detail, streamlined process, and ability to provide impeccable service makes RDW Design Studio the go-to resource for design professionals ready to step into their next level of success.

Show Highlights:

The services RDW Design Studio provides for interior designers
Robyn's background and how she became a part of the interior design community
How Robyn helps interior designers attract clients through strategic website design
Influence of Robyn's experience working at an international art gallery on her approach to website designing
Robyn's four phase process for website development
Things that designers need to prepare to work with Robyn
The differences between website platforms like WordPress, Wix, and Squarespace
Tips and strategies for website designing, including photographs, marketing, etc
RDW Design Studio now offers SEO services for all websites, not just the ones they designed

Notable Quotes:

"Your website is your number one strategic marketing tool." - Robyn White
"Everything that is going into your website needs to strategically give the visitor the information they need through your website, to guide them to convert to contact you." - Robyn White
"Designers don't neglect your website, it really is your calling card." - Rick

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

RDW Design Studio Website - rdwdesignstudio.com

Robyn on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rdwdesignstudio/

150: Breegan Jane | The Intersection of Preparation and Opportunity May 06, 2024

Show notes

Today, we welcome Designer, TV Host, and Philanthropist – Breegan Jane. In this episode, we take a guided tour of Breegan's multi-faceted design business, and we explore how a combination of vision and preparation has made her one of the most recognizable brands in the industry. We discuss ideal clients and setting expectations, and Breegan breaks down her pricing model then and now and why it works for her business. We also discuss the team and strategy behind the brand and what it really takes to keep all of the plates spinning. Her secret weapon for getting things done may or may not surprise you.

Show Highlights:

Breegan's design journey and background in modeling and acting
The evolution of her business from fashion to interior design
Breegan's current multi-faceted business model — design, TV appearances, and licensing products
How Breegan balances client work with TV commitments
Pricing challenges for creative professionals
Breegan's monthly retainer pricing model for her design services
Structure of her team and outsourcing work instead of having full-time employees
Advice for designers pursuing visibility for their brand — prioritize consistency over perfection

Notable Quotes:

"I always knew that the creative arts could be something that was a prestigious way to take care of your family." - Breegan Jane.
"I value being a business owner who wants to give my business the best. And I found that outsourcing to people who also like owning their own business, we tend to be of like minds, who are trying to create the best possible outcome." - Breegan Jane.
"The closer you get to your dreams, the harder it is to blindly follow them." - Breegan Jane.
"Consistency overrules perfection. Visibility is your preparation for the opportunity. Don't let perfection get in the way of your visibility. Show the world who you are." - Breegan Jane.

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Breegan Jane's Website - https://breeganjane.com/

Breegan Jane on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/breeganjane/

Sponsor Links:

https://danielhouse.club/

https://designmanager.com

Link to Business of Interiors Community Summit UK - https://www.thebusinessofinteriors.co.uk/design-summit