Design Biz Survival Guide

Latest Episodes:

149: Patrick Ediger | Big Impact, Small Footprint Apr 22, 2024

Show notes

Today we welcome Patrick Ediger — Founder and Principal Designer of the namesake residential design firm based in Los Angeles, California. In this episode, Patrick shares his journey of design from the Hollywood talent industry to launching his own design business eleven years ago. Patrick shares how exploring and discovering resources and artisans in and around Los Angeles helped him develop a unique sustainable approach to design. We also discuss the impact that custom and vintage sourcing has on profit and how Patrick's rule of thirds creates a story behind the design that takes his client experience to a new level.

Show Highlights:

Patrick's journey in design and his design business model
Patrick's experience working in Los Angeles and how it influenced his sustainable design approach
The benefits of utilizing local resources and custom work
Patrick's rule of thirds for sourcing — one-third local, sustainable, vintage
Importance of storytelling and transparency about efforts to clients
Marketing authentically and building trust with clients over time for sustainable growth

Notable Quotes:

"Success is not a tangible thing. It is leaving the space better than you found it." - Patrick Patrick Ediger
"Don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Don't sell yourself short." - Patrick Ediger
"We are the gatekeepers to literally everything that goes into our clients' homes." - Patrick Ediger

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 - https://www.patrickediger.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/patrickediger/

Sponsor Links:

https://danielhouse.club/

https://designmanager.com

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

148: Molly Rose | Creating a Winning Content Campaign for Every Project Apr 08, 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:

Supporting Resources:

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

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

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

Sponsor Links:

https://danielhouse.club/

https://designmanager.com

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

147: House of Morrison I Special Industry Spotlight Episode Apr 01, 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 Rachel Morrison and Andrew Morrison of House of Morrison - a made-to-order furniture manufacturer that caters exclusively to the trade. The Morrison brand is widely regarded for their notable luxury design, with projects throughout Southern California and beyond. Known for their tailored and collected aesthetic, their work has been featured in countless shelter magazines.

In this episode, we discuss the backstory of their furniture manufacturing brand, the role that it plays in their ability to deliver extraordinary design to their clients, and their commitment to being a trusted trade resource to the interior design community.

Show Highlights:

Rachel and Andrew's background and their role in House of Morrison
The backstory of House of Morrison, how it started, and its evolution
HOM's process of designing the furniture collection — sourcing inspiration, sketching, refining ideas, etc
The process of ordering furniture from the HOM
How HOM engages with and supports the design community
Rachel and Andrew's decision to sell exclusively to the trade and the benefits it offers to designers
Type of clients HOM works with
Recommendations for key furniture pieces designers should invest in — sofas, dining tables, etc.

Notable Quotes:

"We wanted to give the designer the tools to be a designer. What we mean by that is that the fabrics, the wood finishes—clients have different needs. And we want to come up with a way where we could meet that objective." - Andrew Morrison
"It doesn't matter if it's a whole home or just a bedroom, a House of Morrison piece should elevate the room. It's that type of quality that we're looking for that's able to be passed down." - Andrew Morrison
"Making the right selections on the key pieces can set the tone in the whole home." - Rachel Morrison

Supporting Resources:

HOM Website - https://houseofmorrison.com/

HOM on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/house_of_morrison/

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146: DuVal Reynolds | Confessions of a Serial Entrepreneur Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

Today we welcome DuVal Reynolds - founder and principal designer of DuVal Design - a full service interior design firm based in Fairfax, Virginia. In this episode, DuVal shares his journey of design from med school to design school and how he learned the inter workings of the business of design before launching his own design business six years ago. We also discuss his personalized approach to marketing and DuVal reveals how he developed a billing strategy that promotes consistency, accountability and most importantly, keeps the revenue flowing.

Show Highlights:

DuVal's journey from medical school to becoming an interior designer and starting his own design business
The challenges DuVal faced when launching his own business—not having a portfolio and figuring out business structures
How DuVal grew his business over 6.5 years and now manages three businesses with a team of 8 people
DuVal's approach to marketing his design business in the early days without a portfolio
DuVal's pricing and billing strategy that promotes consistency, accountability and keeps the revenue flowing
The problems DuVal identified in the kitchen cabinet industry and started his own cabinetry business to provide a better solution
Advice on growing your design business efficiently while keeping overhead costs low

Notable Quotes:

"You should market when you're the busiest, not when you're slow. When business is booming, that's when you really need to put the pedal to the metal and market." - Rick
"Design is based on your perspective. And that's all you have to give." - DuVal Reynolds
"If growth means success to you, in whatever way it's manifesting itself, you're winning." - Rick

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Design Firm Website - https://www.duvalreynolds.com/

House of DuVal E Commerce - https://www.houseofduval.com/

Fairfax Kitchen Cabinets - https://www.fairfaxkitchencabinets.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/duvaldesignllc/

Sponsor Links:

https://www.pirch.com

https://designmanager.com

Subscribe to our email list: https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/

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

145: Donna Johnson | The Business of Luxury Design Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

Today, we welcome Donna Johnson of Luxe Design, a luxury interior design firm with offices in Orange County and Las Vegas. In this episode, Donna shares her lifelong passion for interior design and how relationships – both organic and strategic – have fueled the growth and success of her design business. We also discuss the value of continued education, changes in the industry, and the pros and cons of serving the high-end luxury market.

Listen in as Donna shares her experiences working over four decades in the design industry and the rewards and restrictions of working in the high-end market!

Show Highlights:

Donna's background and how she got into interior design
Balancing her design career as a single mom of four and managing two offices
The importance of continuing education and learning new skills for designers
The pros and cons associated with serving the high-end luxury market
The importance of confidentiality in high-end luxury projects
Changes in the design industry over the years and the impact of social media on it
Advice for new designers to focus on business skills, relationships, and continued education

Notable Quotes:

"We always say design is a relationship-based business. It's design, it's technical, it's sales. It's all of those things. But it is also a relationship business. And when you make those connections and nurture them, the potential is just off the charts." - Rick
"Sometimes you really do have to reinvest, go back to school to learn something entirely new, especially at a time when your business might be growing stale." - Rick
"I've been through ups and downs in this business. And the passion that I have for design is what kept me going." - Donna
"You better get great at your business because it's not just design, and it's not all fun and games. You do have to do the paperwork besides having fun with design." - Donna

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Luxury Designer Website - https://luxury-designer.com/

Donna's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/luxedesigner/

Sponsor Links:

https://www.pirch.com

https://designmanager.com

https://www.highpointmarket.org/registerDBSG

Subscribe to our email list: https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/

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

144: Josiah Lilly | Building Integrity-based Relationships in Life and Business Feb 26, 2024

Show notes

Today, we welcome Josiah Lilly—owner of EPIC Ceramic + Stone, a high-end residential tile and stone installation company based in Orange County, CA. In this episode, we discuss Josiah's entrepreneurial journey from age 17 and his steadfast commitment to service and leadership, which has helped him grow his multi-faceted business model.

Josiah candidly shares the pressure of being the youngest build partner on the job site, earning the respect of his peers, and the privilege of impacting the lives of his clients and team members.

Tune in to learn how building a culture of trust and family has taken Josiah's business to new heights while also forging lifelong relationships around the world.

Show Highlights:

Josiah's journey starting his tile and stone installation business
Surrounding yourself with talented people and taking advantage of learning opportunities
Josiah's approach to developing a strong company culture and caring for his employees like family
Defining your niche in the creative industry and knowing who you are as a business
Building trust with clients and delivering excellent craftsmanship through dedicated teamwork
Finding motivation through relationships and love of the craft

Notable Quotes:

"Take advantage of any opportunity you get." - Josiah Lilly
"I think a lot of businesses that have their true identity and know who they are, are the ones that find the most success." - Josiah Lilly
"Success for me is creating lifelong relationships and improving people's lives." - Josiah Lilly

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

Website - https://epicstone.net/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/epicceramicandstone/

Sponsor Links:

https://www.pirch.com

https://designmanager.com

https://www.highpointmarket.org/registerDBSG

Subscribe to our email list: https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/

143: Britney Glass | The Intersection of Coaching and Design Feb 12, 2024

Show notes

Today, we welcome Britney Glass, a transformational interior designer and life coach based in New Jersey. In this episode, Britney shares the evolution of her design business, Glass Touch Interiors, and her holistic approach to uncovering her client's true needs and desires in life and their surroundings. We also discuss her journey of design from the moment she realized that coaching is a natural component of the design process and how a few meaningful questions can unlock the true intention behind the design.

Tune in for an episode packed with laughs, compelling stories, and the kind of insights that might just spark your next big chapter in both design and life.

Show Highlights:

The integration of personal growth with interior design to create spaces that reflect and support clients' true selves.
The importance of understanding clients' deeper needs and the role of coaching in the design process.
Britney's approach to holistic design that focuses on clients' aspirations and personal discovery.
The concept of embodiment in personal and professional growth.
The significance of mindset and intentionality in creating a fulfilling life and successful design career.

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:

Website - https://glasstouchinteriors.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/britneycglass/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/britney-glass-the-space-activator/
Clear the Clutter Session - https://theglasstouch.as.me/clearyourclutter

Sponsor Links:

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Episode Credits:

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com.

142: Widell + Boschetti | The Partnership Behind the Brand Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

Today, we welcome Barette Widell and Christina Boschetti, the talented duo behind Widell + Boschetti, a boutique interior design firm based in Moorestown, New Jersey. In this episode, we discuss the partnership that is synonymous with their brand and how they collaborated to launch their interior design business eight years ago. Barette and Christina have paid their dues along the way, and they candidly share the learning curve they had to endure to build their now thriving design business. We also discuss the nuances of partnership and the value of having a best friend in business who you can trust, confide in, strategize, and grow with.

Join us as we uncover the raw beginnings of Widell + Boschetti, where determination met opportunity in a less-than-ideal warehouse space. Despite the leaks, explosions, and lack of amenities, Barette and Christina's positive outlook and gratitude for their early clients shine through. They share invaluable lessons on team building, financial management, and the continuous learning that fuels both personal and business growth.

If you're seeking genuine stories of overcoming challenges and finding success in the design world, this conversation with Barette and Christina is a must-listen.

Show Highlights:

The significance of their friendship and how it played a role in their business success.
Overcoming harsh business conditions, such as starting in a substandard workspace and expanding the team during financial difficulties.
The importance of a supportive team and delegating tasks based on strengths to focus on creative direction and brand growth.
Strategies for handling client expectations, problem-solving within the design industry, and the psychological aspects of client relationships.
Advice for new designers on building a successful business partnership and the essential nature of financial transparency.

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:

Website - https://www.widellboschetti.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/widellboschetti/

Sponsor Links:

Learn more about Design Biz Retreat and Subscribe to the DBSG Email List: https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/design-biz-retreat/

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Episode Credits:

141: Amber Guyton | Behind the Scenes of an E-Design Business Model Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

Today we welcome Amber Guyton, founder and principal designer at Blessed Little Bungalow based out of Atlanta, GA. In this episode, Amber shares her journey from corporate marketing and advertising to design business owner. We discuss the strategy behind her e-design business model, her approach to visibility, and the real demands of running a business and building a brand. Our conversation wouldn't be complete without talking about community and how it has helped empower her to shake the imposter syndrome and keep the entrepreneurial spirit alive.

This episode is not just about the beauty of interior design; it's also about the authenticity and boundaries that define us as professionals and individuals. Join us for an empowering foray into the heart of creative entrepreneurship, where the blueprint for success is uniquely your own.

Show Highlights:

Steps involved in starting a business, from securing domains to navigating the costs of health insurance as an entrepreneur.
The significance of community support in combating imposter syndrome and sustaining entrepreneurial spirit in the design industry.
Amber's emphasis on authenticity and boundaries when working with clients and maintaining personal style in design.
Leveraging social media and personal branding to build a successful interior design business.
The importance of saying no to certain projects and clients to preserve personal integrity and professional values.

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:

Website - http://www.blessedlittlebungalow.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blessedlittlebungalow/

Sponsor Links:

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Episode Credits:

140: Leadership, Culture, and Collaboration Jan 01, 2024

Show notes

Today, we welcome Margaret Donaldson, founder of MDI Interior Design based in Charleston, South Carolina. In this episode, Margaret shares her 35-year journey of design from the birth of her business and first child almost simultaneously to the evolution of her design studio, which is currently 17 team members strong.

We also discuss the value of team culture and the importance of collaboration among peers and Margaret shares some valuable examples of how she has created a work environment for her team that is a place of trust and learning.

We wrap up with a teaser about the fifth annual Design Biz Retreat, promising more insights and industry tips for our design community! Don't miss out on this episode that shines a light on the heartbeat of a thriving design business – its people.

Show Highlights:

The importance of creating a family-like work culture that fosters growth, learning, and support among team members.
Embracing "The Ideal Team Player" virtues.
"Sip and See" tradition, a post-project reflection that celebrates teamwork and informs future projects with lessons learned.
The shift in workforce dynamics and the need for continuous training and adaptation to retain young talent.
Margaret's advice on team building, leadership, and the significance of providing a safe, nurturing, and educational work environment.

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:

Sponsor Links:

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