“Residential was never my preference. I landed here because I graduated right as the pandemic hit, and the entire industry stalled—except residential.”
Or maybe you’ve caught yourself saying, “I’m bored with residential and want to switch to commercial projects.”
Many interior designers find themselves stuck in residential work—not because it’s their passion, but because it was the most accessible way to start. Yet making the leap into commercial interior design can feel overwhelming when you’re unsure about business operations, contracts, or the technology skills needed to compete.
In this episode, Marcy Sagel shares her journey from residential to commercial design, emphasizing the importance of understanding business operations and leveraging new technologies like Revit to stay ahead. She breaks down the realities of running a design firm, the challenges of transitioning into commercial projects, and the strategies that helped her thrive in a constantly evolving industry. You’ll also hear how she builds strong client relationships, fosters collaboration, and creates her training program, Designer Bank, to help designers sharpen their technical skills.
🎧 Tune in now and learn how to build the commercial design career you’ve been dreaming about.
Featured Guest
Marcy Sagel is the founder and principal of MSA Interiors, a nationally recognized commercial interior design firm specializing in multifamily housing, student housing, senior living, affordable housing, and other complex projects. With over 25 years of experience, she has not only led large-scale design projects but also advised manufacturers in developing product lines to meet evolving market demands. A thought leader and speaker, Marcy blends creativity with business acumen and continues to shape the future of commercial interiors.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✔️ Why the residential to commercial transition is challenging and how to make it smoother
✔️ The importance of understanding business operations, contracts, and financials as a design entrepreneur
✔️ How to adapt quickly to new technologies like Revit and Enscape to stay relevant
✔️ The differences between working with residential clients and large-scale developer teams
✔️ How commercial materials and finishes have evolved to allow for high-end, residential-inspired looks
✔️ Strategies to diversify your revenue streams so your firm can withstand economic downturns
✔️ How mentorship, peer groups, and continuous learning fuel long-term business growth
Read the Blog >>> >>> Smart Way to Transition From Residential to Commercial Design
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
2:32 Marcy’s Journey From Residential to Commercial Design
6:41 Starting Her Own Design Firm and the Lessons Learned in Business Operations
9:07 Why Every Designer Must Know Their Numbers and Margins
12:27 The Power of Mentorship and Entrepreneurial Peer Groups
13:50 Transitioning From Cad to Revit and Why Designers Must Adapt
16:46 Designer Bank: Online Training Modules for Designers
22:59 How to Navigate Commercial Design Projects
30:20 How to Future-Proof Your Design Business
Do you ever feel like you’re running your design business on autopilot—too busy with client deadlines to pause and ask yourself if this is really the life and business you want?
Many interior designers fall into the trap of working nonstop but never taking the time to reflect, reset, and plan ahead. The result? Burnout, scattered focus, missed opportunities for real business breakthroughs, and a business that feels more like a burden than a passion.
In this episode, I sit down with leadership coach Sierra Collins and designer and entrepreneur Cathy Tonks to share what’s in store for the upcoming Sacramento Design Business Collective Thrive Retreat for Interior Designers (SDBC Thrive Retreat). We talk about how Thrive Retreat can help you step away from the grind, increase productivity, step into 2026 with clarity and confidence, and create a balanced life where your business supports your dreams instead of competing with them.
If you’ve been craving clarity, accountability, and a community of designers who truly understand your challenges, this episode will show you why the Thrive Retreat could be the one thing you need.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✔️ Why stepping away from your business is essential for growth and productivity
✔️ The power of DISC and Working Genius assessments in communication and teamwork
✔️ The power of designing a business model that aligns with your life goals
✔️ How procedures, automation, and team building simplify business complexity
✔️ Mindset shifts every designer needs to scale from scarcity thinking to CEO thinking
✔️ The importance of accountability and building supportive design community connections
✔️ How to craft your ideal day and create a 2026 roadmap with intention
Read the Blog >>> >>> Sneak Peek Inside the 2-Day Sacramento Thrive Retreat
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Sign up for the Sacramento Thrive Retreat! Spots are limited to just 20 designers, and registration closes October 24th at midnight.
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
02:30 Why Personal and Business Growth Is Non-Negotiable
06:50 How Much Time Designers Lose to Distractions (And How Retreats Reclaim It)
09:40 The Struggle to Honor Personal Time and Why Non-Negotiables Matter
14:15 Day 1 Preview: DISC, Working Genius, the Language for Success
19:40 What Breakout Sessions and Roundtable Discussions Look Like
22:00 Day 2 Preview: Goal Setting, Productivity Hacks, and Preparing for 2026
28:50 Retreat Details: Limited Spots, Payment Plans, and Why This Investment Pays Off
Are you tired of sourcing the same mass-produced furniture pieces your clients can find anywhere?
Imagine offering them something truly unique—a custom furniture solution that not only fits their space perfectly but also reflects their personality and lifestyle.
In this episode, I explore how interior designers can elevate their projects through custom furniture with builder Michael Brinkley. Michael shares how designers can turn client frustrations, like the wrong size, finish, or style in mass-produced pieces, into opportunities by collaborating with a custom furniture maker. He walks us through his creative process, from sketching and 3D modeling to building functional, heirloom-quality pieces that solve real design challenges. Through stories of unique projects, like a dining table made from wine crates and a barn door with a built-in TV, Michael highlights how custom furniture isn’t just a design upgrade; it’s a powerful way for interior designers to stand out in a competitive market.
If you’re an interior designer looking to deliver distinctive, tailor-made solutions for your clients while elevating your business, this conversation will give you the insider’s perspective you need.
Featured Guest:
Michael Brinkley is the owner and master craftsman of Brinkley Furniture, a nationally recognized custom furniture studio in Redding, California. With over 30 years of experience in cabinetry and furniture design, he specializes in creating heirloom-quality, one-of-a-kind pieces that blend timeless design with modern functionality. His work is celebrated nationwide for its craftsmanship, innovation, and ability to bring designers’ and clients’ visions to life.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✔️ How partnering with a custom furniture builder can help you deliver one-of-a-kind solutions for your clients.
✔️ The process of transforming client ideas into functional, beautifully engineered custom pieces.
✔️ Why communication and collaboration between designers and builders are key to a successful project.
✔️ Real examples of standout custom furniture projects.
✔️ Tips on sourcing materials locally and navigating budget-conscious options without sacrificing style.
✔️ How custom furniture can help you differentiate your design business in a competitive market.
✔️ Why investing in custom furniture is a long-term value for clients, offering heirloom-quality pieces.
Read the Blog >>> The Impact of Custom Furniture in Your Interior Design Projects
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Connect with Michael Brinkley and start offering custom furniture solutions that set you apart.
🎯 Join The Sacramento Design Business Collective Thrive Retreat to surround yourself with like-minded designers and learn strategies for growing your interior design business.
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
2:19 How Michael Discovered His Passion for Woodworking
3:47 Transitioning From Cabinetry to Custom Furniture
6:15 Designing and Prototyping Unique Furniture Pieces
8:56 Working With Interior Designers vs. Direct Clients
10:01 The Process of Creating a Custom Furniture Piece for Designers
12:16 The Story Behind the Wine Crate Dining Table
17:52 Building a Barn Door With a Built-in TV for a Smart Home
20:56 How to Connect With Brinkley Furniture
21:28 Why Custom Furniture Is an Investment, Not an Expense
Is your interior design business stuck in the weeds or stagnant? You're not alone! Many interior designers get caught up in client work and admin tasks, leaving little time to grow or dream bigger.
Breakthroughs don’t usually happen when you’re stuck in your to-do list or working late at the office. They come when you intentionally step back, shift your perspective, and surround yourself with the right people who can inspire and challenge you.
In this episode, I’m sharing how designers can find clarity, creativity, and confidence to grow their business without sacrificing their health or burning out.
If you want more freedom, profit, and joy in your design career, this episode offers both inspiration and practical tips to help you get there.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✔️ Why stepping away from your daily routine is essential for a designer's business breakthrough
✔️ The science behind how travel and new environments boost creativity by up to 50%
✔️ The power of proximity: how surrounding yourself with the right peers elevates your results
✔️ Why networking and mastermind groups are critical for business growth
✔️ How to work on your interior design business, not just in it
✔️ Why the most successful design firms don’t work more hours—they work smarter
✔️ How attending an interior design business retreat like The Sacramento Design Business Collective Thrive Retreat can spark lasting change
Read the Blog >>> 3 Proven Keys to Your Designer Business Breakthrough
Related Episodes:
✨ Episode 147: Mindset Shift Series: Design a Career That Supports Your Life
✨Episode 153: Mindset Shift Series #4: Normalizing Imposter Syndrome in Interior Design
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Join The Sacramento Design Business Collective Thrive Retreat to unlock your next designer business breakthrough
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps
01:25 Why You Need to Step Out of Your Daily Routine for Breakthroughs
03:38 The Power of New Environments and Nature
07:49 The Power of Proximity and Who You Spend Time With
08:50 Networking and Building Connections
11:43 The Value of Retreats and Working on Your Business
16:55 How the Design Business Collective Thrive Retreat Can Help You Grow Your Design Business
What if a side project could turn into a full-blown design career?
In this episode, I chat with Bre Hance, founder and principal designer of InHance, who shares how she went from helping her husband with a few design projects to running her thriving interior design and build firm in Los Angeles. She opens up about the early days of her business—starting without a portfolio or website—and how she found her first clients by showing up, being creative, and believing in her skills.
Bre also talks about what it takes to grow a design business, from hiring a team to learning the hard lessons through expensive mistakes. You’ll hear how she discovered her signature style, Elevated Everyday Living, and how social media, especially Instagram, helped her grow her brand and attract ideal clients. She shares her secrets to avoiding stress and building trust.
If you're an aspiring or new interior designer, Bre’s honest insights and practical advice will leave you inspired, wiser, and ready to take action. 🎧 Tune in now!
Featured Guest:
Bre Hance is the founder and principal designer of InHance, a high-end residential design-build firm based in Los Angeles. With over a decade of experience, Bre has designed more than 200 homes across the U.S. Known for her bold use of color, eclectic luxury style, and her trademarked philosophy, Elevated Everyday Living, she helps clients create beautiful, practical spaces from concept to completion.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
📌 Learn how to create authentic content for Instagram to attract your clients and grow your design brand
📌 Get honest advice on scaling smart and staying true to your values
📌 Avoid mistakes that cost thousands and other common pitfalls
Check out the show notes >>> Mistakes, Difficult Clients & Lessons Learned in Running a Design Biz
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
02:04 Bre's Early Beginnings & How She Got Into Design
06:09 Scaling and Shaping the Business
09:49 Defining Her Signature Style
12:58 Future Dreams: Lifestyle Brand Possibilities
14:09 Impact of the LA Fires and Community Involvement
17:28 Using Social Media to Grow a Design Business
21:58 Mistakes, Difficult Clients & Lessons Learned
31:16 Advice for Aspiring Interior Designers
Do you ever feel like you’re not good enough to be a designer? Have you ever thought, “What if my clients discover that I’m not as skilled as they believe I am?”
In this final episode of the Mindset Shift Series, I discuss the real struggles that new designers face, such as feelings of insecurity and imposter syndrome.
These feelings are completely normal, and even experienced designers go through them.
So, I share simple yet powerful strategies to uplift you when you're feeling down, help shift your mindset, and boost your confidence. Plus, I also share real stories from my own journey.
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t know enough, don’t have a signature style, or wonder why anyone would pay you for your design work, this episode will help you feel seen and supported.
This is also your reminder that you can do hard things, and you don’t have to do them alone. 🎧 Listen now and share it with a designer friend who could use a little encouragement, too!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
📌 Learn how to reframe negative thoughts so you can feel more confident
📌 Leverage community and connection to help you beat burnout and self-doubt
📌 Start seeing your progress even when it doesn’t feel like a straight line
Check out the show notes >>> Normalizing Imposter Syndrome in Interior Design
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
02:13 Common Thoughts and Limiting Beliefs in New Designers
6:49 Age, Comparison, and the Myth of Being "Behind"
08:29 Understanding Imposter Syndrome
11:00 Building Community and Support Network as a Solution
15:19 Tools for Combatting Imposter Syndrome
16:45 Navigating Nonlinear Progress
19:45 Action Steps for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
21:44 Wrap-Up and Invitation to a Designer Retreat
Have you always loved furniture, picking out paint colors, making spaces feel beautiful, or helping friends with their homes, but never thought you could actually get paid for it? That’s exactly how Michelle Lynne felt.
In this episode, she shares how she followed a corporate path, managing restaurants and a recruiting firm, until a turning point pushed her to pursue what she truly loved: interior design. Then she built a 7-figure design business without a degree.
Her story proves that your creative passion isn’t just a hobby. It can become a thriving business with the right mindset and support.
If you’re starting out without formal training, Michelle explains why investing in a coach or mentor is the smartest move you can make. It saves you from years of trial-and-error and gives you the clarity and confidence to run your business like a pro.
Michelle also talks about her signature program which offers step-by-step systems designed to help you grow a design business with confidence and profit. Plus, she introduces Sidemark, a powerful tool that saves you time and money by replacing multiple apps with one easy-to-use platform made just for designers.
Ready to stop guessing and start growing? Tune in now and take your next step today.
Featured Guest:
Michelle Lynne is the owner of ML Interiors Group, a successful interior design firm based in Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas. She is also the founder of The Design Bakehouse, formerly known as Designed for the Creative Mind, where she teaches interior designers and decorators how to run a profitable and systemized design business.
Her signature program, The Interior Design Business Bakery, has helped hundreds of designers scale to multiple six figures with confidence and clarity.
She also hosts the Designed For The Creative Mind podcast and organizes the annual Interior Design Business Success Summit. Through all her ventures, Michelle is passionate about helping other designers skip the trial-and-error and grow businesses they love—while staying true to themselves.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
📌 Discover the benefits of investing in a coach or mentor to fast-track your growth and avoid common mistakes in the interior design industry
📌 Find out how using the right tools, like Sidemark, can simplify your business, save you time, and help you stay organized as you grow
📌 Overcome your self-doubt and gain confidence and clarity
Check out the show notes >>> Build a Thriving Interior Design Business Without a Design Degree
Related Episode:
✨ Episode 132: Stress-Free Framework to Attract Clients to Your Design Business With Ben Rutledge
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction & Michelle Lynne's Bio
01:44 Michelle’s Unconventional Journey into Design
05:07 Transition From Home Staging to Interior Design
07:05 The Struggles of Building a Design Business
08:56 Introduction to the Design Business Bakery
14:17 The Story Behind the “Bakery” Branding
16:19 Authentic Branding and Lessons Learned
20:16 Inside ML Interiors Group & Studio Works Co-Op
26:22 Sidemark: Software for Designers
29:29 Advice for Aspiring Designers
“I’m not a numbers person!”
“I just want to design, not run a business!”
Does this sound like you?
Many interior designers have a passion for dreaming up beautiful spaces, but stepping into the role of a CEO can feel uncomfortable, like wearing a hat that doesn’t quite fit. I understand—I've felt the same way before.
In this episode, I share how I changed my mindset and embraced the CEO role, and how you can do the same. My goal is to help you avoid burnout, ensure you’re charging what you’re worth, and prevent chaos behind the scenes.
I break down the mental barriers that hold designers back from realizing their leadership potential and explain how understanding business fundamentals can supercharge your creative success.
I also guide you through the four CEO mindsets that helped me build a business I love: visionary thinking, confident decision-making, strong leadership, and financial ownership.
Being a CEO doesn’t mean losing your creativity; it’s about building a strong foundation that supports and enhances your design talents.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your existing practice, this episode will help you transform from a hesitant creative into a powerful business leader.
Tune in now and take the first step towards becoming the CEO of your business!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
📌 Overcome your mindset blocks so you can stop avoiding the business side and start leading with confidence
📌 Get practical tips to reduce chaos, avoid burnout, and run a well-oiled design business
📌 Be empowered to take back control and create a business that supports the life you love
Check out the show notes >>> Mindset Shift Series #3: Step Into Your Power as a Creative Business Owner
Related Episodes:
✨ Episode 146: How to Build Your Dream Design Team Without the Headache With Ronniesha Rivera
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction: Mindset Shift from Creative to CEO
03:05 Why Creatives Resist the CEO Role
05:48 4 Core CEO Mindsets to Adopt
12:31 Practical Shifts for Stepping Into the CEO Role
15:11 Final Reminders
16:33 Challenge for the Week
Do you ever wonder if it’s really possible to switch careers and succeed in interior design—even without a design degree?
In this 150th episode, I chat with Caron Woolsey, a self-taught designer who left her job in oil and gas to follow her love for design. What started as decorating her own home turned into a growing business, CW Interiors, with a strong and creative team behind it.
Caron shares how she faced fear, built confidence, and turned a passion project into a full-time career. She gives helpful tips on knowing when it’s time to hire, how to build a strong team, and what to look for in new designers.
If you're not sure whether you can make interior design your real job, Caron’s story will inspire you to take that first brave step even if you're scared.
🎧 You don’t need a degree to get started—just courage, creativity, and a willingness to learn. Listen now to get the boost you need to start your own design journey.
Featured Guest:
Caron Woolsey is the founder of CW Interiors, a design studio based in The Woodlands, Texas. After a 16-year career in the oil and gas industry, she discovered her true passion for interior design while building her own home. What began as a creative hobby soon grew into a thriving business. Today, Caron leads a talented team and partners with homeowners, builders, and developers to create timeless, storytelling homes across The Woodlands, Houston, and Conroe areas.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
📌 Get real talk on starting without a design degree
📌 Learn powerful lessons on growing a team the right way
📌 Be empowered, especially the non-traditional design professionals, to take the first step
Check out the show notes >>> Building a Design Business From the Ground Up
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
02:59 Caron’s Career Path to Design
04:38 Taking the Leap Into Business
05:24 Early Business Struggles
07:10 Learning Without a Mentor
08:28 Team Growth and Dynamic
10:04 When and How to Start Hiring
13:11 What She Looks for in a Hire
14:47 Balancing Business and Creativity
16:34 Establishing Mission and Values
19:34 Team Communication
21:42 With Degree vs Without Degree When Hiring
22:29 Advice for Aspiring Designers
Do you feel nervous, unsure, or even a little awkward before meeting your first design client? You're not alone!
Many new interior designers feel pressure to prove themselves; they fear they won’t be taken seriously or worry about saying the wrong thing. Some try to be extra helpful—giving away too many ideas or avoiding money talk—just to impress the client.
While these feelings are completely normal, especially for beginners, new designers can present themselves as confident, trusted guides and position themselves as experts, even if they are just starting out.
In this episode, I share how to shift your mindset from trying to impress your client to confidently leading the consultation. I provide practical strategies for setting the right tone from the beginning, including guiding clients through the consultation, asking powerful questions, and demonstrating your value without giving away free work. I also walk you through creating structure, building trust, and positioning yourself as the solution to your client's design challenges.
Ready to level up your client consultation skills and stop feeling like an amateur? Tune in and learn how to turn that first meeting into your moment of authority. Then, share this episode with a fellow designer and tag me with your favorite takeaway!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
📌 Discover how to take control of the meeting and show up as the expert your client needs
📌 Avoid common mistakes new designers make during consultations
📌 Get a simple, step-by-step flow to guide your meetings, build trust, and turn consultations into actual paid projects
Check out the show notes >>> Show Up as the Expert During Client Consultation
Related Episodes:
👉 Episode 144: How to Rewire Your Money Beliefs to Increase Profits in Your Design Business With Audrey Faust
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
02:39 Mindset Shift #1: Don’t Work for Free (The Importance of Paid Consultations)
04:48 Mindset Shift #2: Take the Lead With Confidence
06:55 Consultation Process: Confidence Through Clarity & Consistency
08:00 Confidence Through Asking Strong Questions
08:33 Confidence Through Setting Expectations Around Budget and Process
10: 03 Common Pitfalls to Avoid During Consultations
13:12 Language Framing: How To Sound Like the Expert
15:26 Recap + Mindset Check
Do you feel stuck in your current job, wondering if it is too late to follow your dream of becoming an interior designer?
In this episode, you will hear how Steve Said made a bold career switch after 30 years as a lawyer and found his passion in hospitality design. Now leading the design team at Furnished Quarters, Steve shares how he designs beautiful, livable spaces for corporate travelers who stay for weeks—or even years—at a time.
Steve's story proves it is never too late to start fresh, and that design does not have to follow a traditional path. So, if you are unsure about how to make the leap or where your design career could lead, this episode gives you real answers and encouragement.
💡 If Steve can do it, so can you! Tune in now to learn how to start your path into interior design—no matter your background.
✨ Want help starting your design career? Check out My Design Mentor!
Featured Guest:
Steve Saide is the Executive Vice President of Interior Design at Furnished Quarters, a company that provides stylish, fully furnished apartments for corporate travelers. After a 30-year career as a lawyer, Steve made a bold career shift into interior design. His eye for creativity and passion for functional, home-like spaces now help shape the unique design style of the company’s long-term stay residences.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
📌 Be inspired on how to pivot into interior design even after a long career in another field
📌 Get insights on where real design inspiration comes from (hint: not always magazines!)
📌 Discover what makes hospitality design different from regular home design
Check out the show notes >>> How a Lawyer Became a Designer and Found His Dream Career
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction & Redefining Hospitality Design
03:13 Steve Said's Career Transition from Law to Interior Design
09:00 About Furnished Quarters
10:30 Approach to Design for Corporate Apartments
12:10 Quantity and Design Execution
14:30 Design Limitations & Smart Solutions
17:30 Keeping Up with Trends
18:30 Impact of COVID and Economic Uncertainty
24:55 Creative Inspiration Sources
27:25 Advice for Aspiring Hospitality Designers
Imagine starting your mornings without stress—just coffee, a quick workout, maybe a quiet moment with your kids—before diving into focused work hours you set. Your calendar feels manageable because you’ve planned ahead: 🗓️ client meetings on Tuesdays and Thursdays 🎨 creative work (like mood boards or sourcing) on Wednesdays ✍️ admin or content creation from home on Mondays 🚙 Fridays off or just light work so you can hit a yoga class, run errands, or unwind.
You love what you do.
You’ve got time for family.
And you still get to pour into your creative passion.
Feels pretty amazing, right?
Well, it’s possible. You can create a career that supports the life you actually want, not the one the industry tells you to chase.
In this episode, I’ll show you how to build a business that aligns with your values, goals, and lifestyle.
🎧 If you’re ready to ditch the hustle and define success on your own terms, hit play now. Let’s start designing a life you love.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
📌 Learn how to design your design career or business like a project, with purpose and clarity
📌 Identify your non-negotiables so you can set a schedule that works for you
📌 Break free from hustle culture and redefine success on your own terms
Check out the show notes >>> Mindset Shift Series: Design a Career That Supports Your Life
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
01:52 Default vs. Designed Career Paths
02:30 Intentionality in Career Planning (Plan with the End in Mind)
05:07 Rebecca’s Personal Work Schedule
07:45 Ideal Week and Lifestyle Alignment
09:30 Reverse Engineering Your Business Model
11:04 Common Mindset Blocks
12:26 Action Steps To Design a Career with Purpose
Have you ever wasted hours searching for the right help for your interior design business, only to feel frustrated and stuck? What if there was an easier way to find the right people who truly understand interior design?
In this episode, I chat with Ronniesha Rivera, an interior designer and founder of Vetted By Design—a free centralized platform for interior designers to connect with highly vetted professionals without stress.
Ronniesha shares her painful story of hiring the wrong bookkeeper early in her business, which cost her thousands of dollars. From that mistake came a brilliant idea: a one-stop, trusted place where interior designers can find reliable pros who understand the industry, like 3D renderers, bookkeepers, lawyers, virtual design assistants, social media managers, and more.
If you are starting your design business or growing your team, this episode will give you a smart solution to save time, avoid costly mistakes, and build a team you can trust.
🎧 Tune in now to learn how Vetted by Design can help you grow your business with less stress and more support.
Featured Guest:
Ronniesha Rivera is the founder and CEO of Vetted By Design (VBD). He passion for VBD stems from her challenges as an interior designer. After years in the industry, she grew frustrated with endlessly searching through Facebook groups and Google just to find the right professionals to hire. She knew there had to be a better way—a centralized platform where designers could easily connect with vetted businesses that cater to our industry. And that’s exactly why Vetted By Design was created.
Ronniesha believes Vetted By Design can help any designer at any stage of their business.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
📌 Learn how to avoid costly hiring mistakes and build a reliable team
📌 Discover a free tool to find highly vetted professionals across various specialties faster, easier, and stress-free
📌 Grow and scale your interior design business more effectively
Check out the show notes >>> How to Build Your Dream Design Team Without the Headache
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction and Overview of Vetted by Design (VBD)
02:15 Ronniesha’s Journey into Interior Design
04:23 Hiring Mistakes and Painful Lessons
06:42 The Birth, Concept, and Mission of Vetted by Design
11:05 Categories and Coverage
12:41 The Vetting Process
16:20 How Designers Use the Platform and Pro Qualifications
22:13 Future Plans and Expansion
Is the interior design industry evolving too quickly, and are you prepared for it?
Or maybe you are questioning whether pursuing a career as an interior designer is still a wise decision in today's landscape.
In this episode, I take you through how the interior design industry has changed over the past 15 to 20 years, and what that means for you today.
From pandemic ups and downs, to social media trends, to working with AI, you'll learn how the industry has grown and where it’s going next.
If you’re wondering what skills and services clients need now, this episode gives you clear answers. I share what services clients are looking for, which skills matter most, and how you can stand out. The career is always changing, but that means more opportunities if you're ready to adapt.
Tune in now to stay confident and creative in a changing world.
👉 Need help launching your interior design business step-by-step? Join the Launch Your Business Bootcamp —doors are still open!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
🎨 Find out which tools, tech, and mindset shifts are helping designers succeed today, even without a degree or traditional experience
💡 Get insights into growing trends like e-design, content creation, niche services, and how you can use them to stand out and reach more clients
🏷️ Review your existing business model and pricing structures to determine the best approach for your interior design practice
Check out the show notes >>> The State of Interior Design in 2025
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Join the Launch Your Business Bootcamp and launch your design business this summer
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
01:37 Pandemic’s Impact on the Industry
03:37 Rise of Work-From-Home and Home Office Design
03:58 Sustainable Design Trends
04:59 Social Media’s Influence
06:15 Tariffs & Economic Uncertainty
07:42 Career Trends in Interior Design
10:19 Virtual & E-Design Opportunities
10:50 Rise of Design Content Creation
12:21 Niche Specializations and Digital Tools
14:07 Job Opportunities in 2025
14:37 Education and Licensing Trends
15:41 Impact of AI and Business Model Shifts
17:20 The Future of Interior Design
"You have to work hard for money" or "Money doesn't grow on trees" are just a few of the money beliefs that many of us grew up with. These childhood beliefs may be quietly hindering your design business.
In this episode, I chat with expert CFO and money mindset coach Audrey Faust who explains how your early experiences with money shape your current success, often without you even realizing it.
As a creative professional, you’re trained in design, not finance. But to grow a profitable business, you need both. Audrey shares how to shift your thinking and set up smart financial systems that support your success. She explains how your subconscious mind—where 95% of your thoughts live—might be running the business, and how to retrain it to support growth, confidence, and profit.
If you're ready to stop undercharging, feel more confident with your money, and start building a design business that thrives, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now and grab Audrey’s free Profit Accelerator Workbook to take the first step toward mastering your money and your mindset!
Featured Guest:
Audrey Faust is an expert CFO and money mindset authority who helps entrepreneurs create the financial strategies they need to scale their businesses for increased profit and growth.
Through her unique blend of financial expertise and mindset coaching, Audrey empowers her clients to master their financial data with clarity and confidence. Her signature approach goes beyond numbers, instilling a strategic money mindset that fuels growth, boosts profitability and enables entrepreneurs to make empowered, forward, focused decisions.
Audrey's best selling book, She Grows Rich, further explores these transformative principles, offering women actionable steps to become financial powerhouses.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
📌Learn how to overcome limiting money beliefs and start believing in your value as a designer
📌Get simple, clear steps to separate business and personal finances and avoid common financial mistakes designers make
📌Stop stressing over money (aka pricing) and start making empowered, confident decisions
Check out the show notes >>> How to Rewire Your Money Beliefs to Increase Profits in Your Design Business
Links Mentioned:
💡 12 Secrets from an Expert CFO: Free Profit Accelerator Workbook
💡 She Grows Rich for personal financial inspiration and business insights
NEXT STEPS:
🎯Join the Launch Your Business Bootcamp and launch your design business this summer
Grab your freebies:
🔖Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction: Money Mindset and the Creative Professional
03:05 Audrey’s Background and Path to Coaching
04:51 The Role of Money Mindset in Sustainable Growth
08:20 How to Reprogram Limiting Beliefs
10:07 First Financial Steps for New Designers
12:39 Sweat Equity and the Timeline to Profitability
15:11 Pricing Strategies and Profitability
18:01 Overcoming Money Blocks When Pricing Projects
21:08 Handling Project Issues and Reserves
22:21 Final Takeaways for Financial Success
Are you stuck thinking "What if I mess up?" or "What if I don't sound like I know what I'm talking about?" when calling yourself an interior designer?
You're not alone.
Many talented people with a natural eye for design stay stuck because they're waiting for someone to give them permission to start their careers. But here's the truth: you don't need anyone's permission except your own.
In this episode, I talk about why you don’t need permission from anyone to become an interior designer—you already have what it takes. I share stories from my journey and common fears many new designers have, like not knowing enough or worrying they’ll make mistakes.
You will learn how to move forward despite your fears, and understand why your “why” is most important. I also provide three simple steps to start your interior design career immediately!
Creativity is personal, and being an interior designer means being brave enough to try. Whether you want to change your niche, charge for your work, or say yes to something new, this episode gives you the permission to begin.
Stop waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect skills. Your design career starts the moment you decide to believe in yourself. Listen now and give yourself permission to become the interior designer you've always wanted to be – because I am officially giving you that permission right here, right now.
If you need help getting your business off the ground and running, join the Launch Your Business Bootcamp. Classes start in July.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:👉 Overcome your fear-based thoughts and start believing in your own design abilities
👉Get official permission to start your interior design career today, with or without a degree or a perfect plan
👉Learn the 3 simple steps you can take this week to launch your design business
Check out the show notes >>> Stop Waiting for Permission and Start Your Interior Design Career Now
NEXT STEPS:🎨 Join the Launch Your Business Bootcamp and launch your design business this summer
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
02:07 Personal Reflection on Waiting for Permission
03:12 Common Mindset Blocks
03:58 Core Principle: Expertise Comes From Starting
04:39 Signs You're Ready to Start
06:24 Affirmations and Mindset Shifts
09:40 Direct Permission Statement
10:00 Practical Steps to Get Started
11:49 Overcoming the Starting Hurdle
Are you drowning in design project chaos, juggling emails, texts, and scattered communication that's driving you crazy? You're not alone! Today's guest has been there too.
I interview Erinn V, a luxury interior designer and the founder of StyleRow, a powerful platform made to help designers like you stay organized, save time, and run your business better.
Erinn shares how she grew from decorating her apartment to designing homes for celebrities and creating a tool that solves the very problems she faced in her own business.
StyleRow solves the biggest headaches designers face: scattered communication, complicated client presentations, and time-consuming administrative tasks. The software allows designers to centralize project communication, create easy-to-navigate client dashboards, and save up to two-thirds of their back-office time - all while providing a seamless experience for clients.
If you're ready to get more done without the stress, tune in now and learn how StyleRow can help you work smarter, not harder.
Featured Guest:
Erinn Valencich is an entrepreneur who began her career at a young age. She graduated from high school early, choosing to forgo college to enter the workforce immediately. At 24, she founded her design firm, Erinn V Design Group (EVDG). She later established a furniture brand, Erinn V, and most recently became a software visionary by creating StyleRow, a platform designed to help designers communicate, present, and design, as well as discover the best offerings in the luxury design world.
EVDG has designed projects worldwide, alongside a wide array of home and lifestyle products including door & cabinet hardware, Hollywood Hills by ERINN V. for Baldwin Hardware, furniture with Universal Furniture and Ambella Home, rugs with Creative Touch and Mehraban, lighting with Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting and window coverings with Hartmann & Forbes, alongside more collaborations to come.
Her work has been featured in Elle Décor, Architectural Digest, Town & Country, and House Beautiful, among other publications.
Erinn has four horses and resides with her husband in the Santa Rosa valley.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
Check out the show notes >>> The Tool That Helps Interior Designers Stay On Track and Save Time
Links Mentioned:
NEXT STEPS:
Grab your freebies:
Connect With Me:
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
2:37 Erinn V's Background and Early Career
06:44 Getting Her First Clients
07:44 Transitioning to Luxury Design
11:33 Developing a Furniture Brand
15:55 The Birth of StyleRow
21:05 Features and Benefits of StyleRow
29:36 Erinn's DIY Courses
30:57 Advice for Aspiring Designers
Interior designers often get confused about whether to hire an employee or an independent contractor because the decision involves several complex factors—legal, financial, and practical—that aren't always clear at first glance.
In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of both options, including cost, commitment, legal rules, and how much control you have. I also share my real-life experience of hiring interns and contractors to full-time employees, and explain why shifting your mindset from fear to strategy is key to sustainable growth.
I also talk about setting up your business as an S-Corp, protecting your work with contracts, and why thinking like a CEO is key to building a business that lasts.
Tune in now and start building a business that supports your growth.
And if you need help getting your business off the ground and running, join the Launch Your Business Bootcamp. Classes start in July.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
NEXT STEPS:
Grab your freebies:
Connect With Me:
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction: Why Hiring Help Becomes Necessary
(02:48) Fears and Misconceptions About Hiring Employees
(04:16) Low-Risk/Low-Reward of Contractors vs. High-Risk/High-Reward of Employees
(04:54) Rebecca's Journey into Hiring
(08:23) Benefits of Becoming an S-Corp
(13:15) Advantages of Hiring Employees Over an Independent Contractor
(16:47) Legal Considerations (Especially in California)
(18:58) Mindset Shift and Strategic Hiring
(20:37) Practical Tips for Hiring and Managing Employees
(22:10) Final Thoughts
Interior designers have the ability to shape experiences through their work. Whether it's helping a family feel more connected at home, creating a more uplifting environment in a senior living space, or reducing stress in a healthcare setting, their contributions go beyond merely making spaces look beautiful. They play a vital role in improving people's lives.
In this inspiring episode, I chat with Blima Ehrentreu, founder and CEO of The Designers Group, who shares how interior design becomes meaningful when driven by purpose. From calming urgent care centers to uplifting senior living communities, Blima shows how thoughtful design can help people feel safe, supported, and inspired.
You’ll discover how designing with empathy and intention can transform everyday spaces into places of healing, comfort, and connection. Blima also shares how she grew her firm across North America, the lessons she’s learned from real-life mistakes like how to handle mistakes and lead a team, and how she now mentors others to do purposeful work through her TDG Insider program.
If you want your work to feel more fulfilling and make a real impact, this episode is for you. Tune in now and discover how to bring purpose into your projects and create spaces that change lives.
Featured Guest:
Blima Ehrentreu, founder and CEO of The Designers Group, is a creative visionary and industry trailblazer. Committed to empowering women and driving philanthropy, Blima's impact goes beyond traditional design boundaries. Her passion and leadership showcase the transformative power of purpose-driven design in creating a better world.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
Check out the show notes >>> The Power of Purpose-Driven Design in Changing Lives and Spaces
Links Mentioned:
NEXT STEPS:
Grab your freebies:
Connect With Me:
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(02:00) Blima's Early Interest in Interior Design
(03:11) Education and Foundational Experience
(04:41) The Importance of Design Implementation
(06:04) Influence of Cross-Industry Design Experience
(08:44) The Growth of The Designers Group
(09:48) Mentorship and Scaling the Business
(12:14) Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Mistakes
(16:11) Dream Projects and Purpose-Driven Design
(19:20) Advice to Aspiring Interior Designers
(20:54) How to Join the TDG Insider Mentorship Program
(21:59) Charitable Initiatives of The Designers Group
Is it possible to become an interior designer without going back to school?
If you're dreaming of a second career in interior design but don’t have the time or money for a two- or four-year degree, this episode is for you.
I share practical ways you can use the skills you already have to get hired in a design firm—even if you’ve never worked in interior design before.
You'll learn what small firms are really looking for, and how your background in project management, sales, customer service, client relations to creative problem-solving and business know-how, or creative work like event planning or graphic design could be just what they need.
I also share how to build a starter portfolio, highlight your strengths in your resume and cover letter, and stand out with tools like CAD software and short certifications.
You don’t need a degree to get started. All you need is a smart plan and the confidence to show what you bring to the table.
And if you want help finding your path, check out My Design Mentor, or join the Launch Your Business Bootcamp to get your business off the ground and running.
Tune in now and take your first step toward a career you’ll love!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:
Check out the show notes >>> Switching to Interior Design Career? How to Make Yourself Marketable Without a Degree
Episode Sponsor: Sourcing for sheets and comforters? Check out Cozy Earth and use code DESIGNCURIOUS for 40% off
NEXT STEPS:
Grab your freebies:
Connect With Me:
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(01:55) Understanding the Interior Design Job Market
(03:49) Identifying & Communicating Transferable Skills
(08:59) Developing a Portfolio Without Formal Training
(11:07) Networking and Professional Development
(14:13) Recap & Final Encouragement
