Interior Design Business Podcasts - Episode 206

Today’s collection of the world’s best interior design business podcasts includes seven episodes from hosts Kimberley Seldon, Rachel Larraine, Josh Cooperman, Kylie Tyrell, Desi Creswell, Darla Powell, Gail Doby and Erin Weir.

Today’s podcast guests include Katie McFarlan, Tiffany Cagwin and David Santiago.

So much good advice for leveling up your interior design business.

• Business of Design - Kimberley Seldon - The Stairs - 24 min

• The Holistic Interior Design Business Podcast - Rachel Larraine - From Solopreneur to Visionary Leader: How I’m Building My Dream Design Team - 20 min

• Convo By Design - Josh Cooperman - What is Design and Why Does it Matter - A Psychological Approach to Understanding the Design Industry - 55 min

• Interiors Insider - Kylie Tyrell - How to say I'm not doing that for Free - 52 min

• The Interior Design Business CEO - Desi Creswell - 3 Systems Myths Debunked with Katie McFarlan - 45 min

• Designed by Wingnut Social - Darla Powell - Battling Burnout and Prioritizing Your Health as a Business Owner - 43 min

• Creative Genius Podcast - Gail Doby and Erin Weir - The Never-Ending Journey (David Santiago) - 39 min

Business of Design - Kimberley Seldon - The Stairs - 24 min

In this solo episode, host Kimberley Seldon shares a current job frustration. She asks the question, how complicated can it be to make over a set of stairs. The answer may surprise you.

In this episode we learn:

• there's no such thing as an easy job

• working with a reliable team of professional trades is the best way to ensure projects run smoothly

The Holistic Interior Design Business Podcast - Rachel Larraine - From Solopreneur to Visionary Leader: How I’m Building My Dream Design Team - 20 min

In this episode, host Rachel Larraine shares how she is moving from being a solopreneur, managing all aspects of her business on my own, to building her dream design team.

For anyone who is coming to a crossroads point in their business, wondering if it is time to hire, this episode will help you assess when you’re ready to hire, which positions to hire for, how to create a smooth process for interviewing, and then how to select the right candidates. Rachel walk us through her personal process as an example and give a preview of what she’s hoping to build in the near future.

Convo By Design - Josh Cooperman - What is Design and Why Does it Matter - A Psychological Approach to Understanding the Design Industry - 55 min

I’m Josh Cooperman and this is Convo By Design. What is design? Is design the process of finding pretty, cool, unusual things, objects, artifacts and materials and then placing them in an order to appear pleasing? Is it a method of material placement, functional arrangement or is it something else? And, why does it matter? Right about now, you might be wondering what the hell. What’s up, Josh? you good?

I am. But I’ve been thinking a lot about this. I just recently completed a no code AI course through MiT. Yes, THAT MiT and while I can tell you that the math was a real challenge,, the concepts I learned were thrilling. And, it left me with more questions than answers. While everyone is talking about AI, I am hearing and seeing some things that I find disturbing.

An example. Recently on Instagram, a notable personality in design was self-congratulating on the new product they created using nothing but AI tools thereby creating something that nobody asked for, nobody expressed a need for the design of this object and there was such glee in the idea that something had been created without any human influence save for the prompts used in a Midjourney rendering which was then given dimensions and finally produced.

Interiors Insider - Kylie Tyrell - How to say I'm not doing that for Free - 52 min

The Interior Design Business CEO - Desi Creswell - 3 Systems Myths Debunked with Katie McFarlan - 45 min

Whether you’re worried about getting started with systems in your business, think you don’t have the time, or aren’t sure if your team will get on board with new software and procedures, you’re in the right place. This week, host Desi Creswell chats with Katie McFarlan from Dakota Design Company to debunk three systems myths that are preventing you from implementing and using systems to their fullest potential.

Katie and Desi explore the three biggest myths about systems in your interior design business and how taking action on these now can start generating momentum, providing you and your clients with immediate results. Hear why this is non-negotiable work you have to undergo as a business owner, and the future gains that will come from prioritizing this right now. 

What You’ll Discover from this Episode:

• Why systems work is vital, and why you have to start now.

• The difference between systems and processes.

• 3 myths that are preventing you from creating and fully utilizing systems in your business.

• How overwhelm is an indulgent emotion you can opt out of.

• Our tips for filtering the learning and advice you consume for your business.

• How to build an open line of communication with your team around systems and processes.

• The future gains of implementing and utilizing systems in your business.

Designed by Wingnut Social - Darla Powell - Battling Burnout and Prioritizing Your Health as a Business Owner - 43 min

Are you a stressed out business owner and want to start taking better care of yourself? You can’t run your business to the best of your ability without having healthy habits - but where do you begin to develop a healthy lifestyle? Today’s guest, Tiffany Cagwin, is a Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Yoga Teacher. She changed her life by developing healthy habits and was able to enter remission for several health issues. Stay tuned for lots of fantastic tips from Tiffany!

Creative Genius Podcast - Gail Doby and Erin Weir - The Never-Ending Journey (David Santiago) - 39 min

The notion that life is a journey is as old as storytelling itself. We talk about finding direction or pursuing our career path. They are all parts of the larger journey that makes up our life. When we frame our life, our careers and our businesses as a journey, suddenly it changes our perspective on the obstacles we’ve overcome, those who have helped us along the way, and the opportunities that lie ahead.

In this podcast, hosts Gail Doby and Erin Weir visit with David Santiago, owner and interior designer, Casa Santi Interior Design in Hackensack, New Jersey. In addition to his more than 20 years in the design industry, David is also a product designer, TV personality, philanthropist, professional singer, and the self-proclaimed Prince of Wallpaper. A past president of the New York chapter of the Interior Design Society (IDS), he is currently president of the New York chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA), and serves on the board of several charitable organizations.

David began by talking about his design journey, from fashion and the window treatments industry to home furnishings and eventually to interior design and starting his own interior design firm. Having focused on residential design for many years, recently he has moved into commercial areas, such as designing TV studios and hospitality/residential blended spaces in a manner he’s dubbed “Hospidential.” 

Known for his use of bright, bold colors and distinctive wall coverings, David said he approaches interior design as the client’s journey, helping them to define their space, to get comfortable with being uncomfortable, and to take a leap of faith that they will be delighted with the final result.

Coming from a Latino background and having branded his firm Casa Santi, David is also a staunch advocate for greater diversity in the design industry. He is one of the founding members of the High Point Market Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA), which seeks to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in the home furnishings industry. He is also involved in the Kaleidoscope Project, which offers showhouse opportunities to up-and-coming designers from diverse backgrounds.

Following another path, David related his journey from his student days when he was encouraged and mentored to study music and singing to his involvement in opera and his current activities mentoring young musicians through a project called myFace Celebrates.

In his parting words of advice, David said, “Look back at your journey, it’s important.” Take time to appreciate where you’ve come from, where you’re at, and those who had helped and mentored you along the way.