After 133 episodes, 85 interviews, 54 solo shows, and two live events… I’m pressing pause on the Design Dialogues podcast. This isn’t goodbye forever, but it does feel like the right moment to stop, breathe, and reflect on what’s next. When I started this podcast back in July 2023, I honestly didn’t know if anyone would listen. But week after week, you showed up. You tuned in on commutes, while walking the dog, late at night after wrapping up drawings. And together, we built something I’ll always be proud of — a space for real, honest conversations about the business of design. This episode is part reflection, part thank you, and part love letter to this community. Beth xx

In this episode of Design Dialogues, I’m sharing why your second, third, or even fourth career is not a setback — it’s actually your biggest strength as a designer. I know it’s easy to feel like you’re behind if you didn’t study interiors straight out of school. But the truth is, the skills and experiences you’ve gained in other industries can give you a real advantage in building your design studio. From communication and project management to finance, creativity, and resilience — these are the tools that make clients trust you and projects run smoothly. If you’ve ever wondered whether your past career was wasted time, I want to reframe it for you: you didn’t start late, you started with a head start. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx

This week on Design Dialogues, I’m joined by Alison Wheeler, founder of boutique digital advertising agency Society State. Alison’s mission? To take the mystery (and stress!) out of social media advertising for small creative businesses. From starting out in PR and events to running a thriving agency while raising two little ones, Alison has walked the walk. She shares exactly how much budget you really need to get started, why strategy always beats the “boost” button, and the simple shifts that make ads work harder for your design business. If you’ve been thinking, “I don’t have the budget for ads,” or you’ve tried before and felt like you were throwing money away, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and a fresh perspective. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx

In this episode, I’m tackling a topic every interior designer has faced at some point: the nerves that come with walking into a showroom. From imposter syndrome to sales pressure, I’ve been there myself (yes, awkward mumbling about fabric samples included!). But here’s the truth: showrooms need us as much as we need them. In this episode, I share practical strategies, mindset shifts, and personal stories to help you replace nerves with confidence, build stronger relationships with reps, and start seeing showrooms as an essential tool for your success. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx

This week I’m joined by Lisa Sinagra, interior designer, founder of Stylis Creations, and the driving force behind the Perth Design Community. With more than 20 years in the industry, Lisa knows the real ups and downs of running a design business—and she’s passionate about making sure other designers don’t have to figure it all out the hard way. In our chat, Lisa shares the lessons she’s learned about pricing, building confidence, and finding the right support. She’s honest, practical, and incredibly generous with her advice—exactly the kind of conversation you’ll want to grab a coffee and listen in on. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx

In this solo episode of Design Dialogues, I’m exploring one of the most powerful tools an interior designer has in today’s crowded market: your brand story. With more designers setting up studios across Australia — from city hubs to growing regional areas — standing out is no longer just about your logo or your aesthetic. It’s about how you tell your story. I share why your brand story is so important, how it helps you connect with clients on a deeper level, and the role it plays in setting you apart from the other designers in your area. Whether you’re helping a young family into their first home, supporting downsizers, or guiding clients through life transitions, your story becomes the bridge between their needs and your expertise. If you’ve ever felt like you’re competing for attention in a saturated market, this episode will help you see why clarity and storytelling are just as crucial as your design skills. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx

In this episode, I’m joined by Marc Bennett, Marketing Director at Momo Handles, a brand that has redefined what thoughtful, well-designed hardware can do for a space. Marc’s story is one of longevity, craftsmanship, and connection. With over 30 years of experience in the interiors industry, he’s seen trends come and go — and he’s learned that the brands that truly last are the ones that focus on more than just product. We dive into what makes Momo Handles stand out: the brand’s commitment to timeless curation, to service that feels personal, and to delivering small details that leave a big impression. Whether you’re running a design studio, curating your own product range, or simply looking for inspiration on how to strengthen your business’s identity, this conversation is packed with insight. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx

In this solo episode, I’m exploring a question I hear so often from interior designers who are just starting out — how do you bridge the gap between design school and running your own studio? Whether you’re stepping into design as a second or third career, or you’re graduating and wondering what comes next, this episode will help you think about what skills you already bring, what knowledge you’re gaining, and most importantly — the gaps in between. Because it’s not just about design education. It’s about sales, marketing, finance, systems, and the confidence to run a business that works for you. I share insights on how to identify those gaps, how to start filling them while you’re still in school (or transitioning from another career), and how to prepare yourself for either joining a small studio or stepping straight into business ownership. Hope you enjoy the episode. Beth xx

In this week’s episode of Design Dialogues, I’m joined by Washington, DC–based interior designer Laura Hur, founder of Lorla Studio. Laura’s journey into design is anything but conventional — from growing up in Key West surrounded by stacks of shelter magazines, to earning her master’s at Pratt Institute, working for Gensler, and eventually building her own thriving luxury residential practice. Laura shares the realities of working at the high end of the market — why she spends 80% of her time on client management and only 20% on design — and the pivotal lessons she’s learned through years of trial and error. We also talk about navigating a changing economy, creating smaller service offerings like “Design Days,” and how outsourcing has allowed her studio to operate like a much larger firm without the heavy overhead. Whether you’re refining your own market positioning, trying to streamline your client communications, or thinking about how to grow your studio sustainably, Laura’s story is full of practical insights you can apply straight away. I hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx

In this solo episode, I’m sharing a personal story about the part of my interior design business I used to dread: documentation. It drained my energy, stole my time, and left me feeling constantly behind. Instead of pushing through, I chose to outsource—and it changed everything. If you’ve ever felt pressure to do it all, this episode is for you. I share what outsourcing actually looks like in a small studio, how to build strong relationships with trusted collaborators, and why success doesn’t have to mean doing everything yourself. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx

In this episode of Design Dialogues, I’m joined by Hannah Brown, the founder of Hey! Design, a Central Coast-based documentation expert supporting interior designers, cabinet makers, and builders with the technical side of interior design. Hannah shares her fascinating journey from working in child protection in the UK to starting her own design documentation business here in Australia. We dive deep into the world of outsourcing, the most common (and costly) mistakes designers make, and how clear systems and communication can make or break your projects. If you're a designer who’s ever struggled with documentation, felt overwhelmed by technical drawings, or wanted to ensure your designs actually work once they're built — this conversation is for you. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx

In this solo episode, I’m sharing something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately: What happens when the business you worked so hard to build no longer fits the life you want to live? After my recent conversation with Shelley Boyd (Episode 121), I felt compelled to explore what it really means to reassess, realign, and sometimes reimagine your interior design business—especially when burnout creeps in quietly. If you've ever wondered, “Is this still working for me?”, I hope this episode gives you space to reflect and permission to pivot. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx

In this episode, I sit down with Shelley Boyd, founder of Boyd Blue, to discuss her remarkable 26-year journey building a wholesale furniture and design business. From starting in 1999 to navigating through economic downturns and a pandemic, Shelley shares candid insights about supplier relationships, quality craftsmanship, and the importance of authenticity in business. Her story offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to build a sustainable business in the design industry. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx

After a little time away (hello, school holidays and a much-needed breather), we're back and really looking forward to this next season of Design Dialogues. The break gave me time to reflect on how I run my own business—what’s working, what needs adjusting, and how I want to structure my weeks moving forward. In this solo episode, I’m sharing a more realistic and creative-friendly approach to time blocking—one that actually works for interior designers. If you’ve tried traditional time blocking and found it too rigid or overwhelming, you’re not alone. This method lets you zoom out, align your work with your energy, and make space for what really matters—without losing the flexibility you need to thrive as a designer. Whether you’re juggling projects, marketing, clients, and still trying to find time to actually design, this episode will help you create more structure, less stress, and a better rhythm in your studio. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx

In this episode, I’m joined by Eliza Smoothey, founder of Eliza Grace Interiors, to talk about building a multi-stream interior design business that’s both sustainable and intentional. With over 12 years of experience, Eliza shares how she’s strategically grown her studio to include full-service design, online styling sessions, an e-course, and regular collaborations with retail partners—while staying grounded in her strengths and avoiding burnout. We chat about the realities of running a modern design business, from leasing an office space to managing workflow with time-blocking and building a resilient income model that balances creative energy with consistent cash flow. Whether you’re just starting your design business or looking to grow smarter, this episode is packed with grounded, actionable advice from someone who’s done it with clarity and heart. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx

In this episode, I talk about why collaboration is one of the most powerful—and underutilised—strategies for sustainable growth in interior design studios. If you’ve ever felt like you need to do everything yourself—concepts, drawings, sourcing, admin, installs—you’re not alone. But trying to wear every hat in your business can lead to exhaustion and diluted results. Instead, I’m sharing how strategic, structured collaboration can lighten your load, elevate your client experience, and help you build a business that grows without burning out. From partnering with builders and architects to stylists, project managers, and documentation experts, this episode is packed with real-world examples of how to create a powerful network that supports your strengths. Hope you enjoy the episode. Beth xx

In this episode, I sit down with Fiona Killackey — business coach, author, and founder of My Daily Business — to talk about building a business that supports your life, not the other way around. Fiona shares her refreshing take on what it means to run a values-led creative business in 2025, why she’s proudly anti-hustle, and how AI can be used intentionally to support your work (without replacing your creativity). If you’re a designer trying to grow your business while staying true to your values, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and ready to do things your own way. Hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx