A website, like any great interior design project, needs a solid strategy, a thoughtful process, and an eye for aesthetics. In this episode, website strategist Elle Kwan joins us to unpack the essentials of building a high-performing website for your interior design business. Elle shares smart strategies for creating content that resonates with your dream clients and satisfies Google’s search engine algorithms. From clarifying your services to choosing the right website platform, this episode is...
Jul 01, 2025•46 min
Our brains are wired to filter out information that is unnecessary; that’s why marketing fails so often. To get through the filter and get your client’s attention, you’ll have to do something radical—you’ll have to get different. Author and entrepreneur advocate, Michael Michalowicz shares his solution to the highly ignorable marketing trap. In this episode we learn: - organize clients by revenue spent and their crush factor (how much you love working with them) - find out where your ideal clien...
Jun 24, 2025•25 min
Daniela Furtado is back and this time we put her on the spot by rapid firing the top marketing questions interior design professionals ask us at BOD™. As usual, she is full of insights and great suggestions. In this episode we learn: - what quantifies a good marketing return - how to build a referral strategy that works - how to manage a mix of offerings on your website - should your prices appear on your website - talk about money early and often Business of Design® is your blueprint for runnin...
Jun 17, 2025•36 min
What are Business of Design® members thinking about these days? Since Director of Operations, Cheryl Horne, speaks to members on a daily basis, she’s got answers. Cheryl and Kimberley dish about smart ways to increase current project sizes, how to determine how many jobs is the right number for you and why it’s so important to ignore your inner worrier when it comes to billing clients. In this episode we learn: • key ways to determine which projects are most profitable • why it's beneficial to t...
Jun 10, 2025•32 min
Slow season got you feeling... stuck? You're not alone. In this episode, our Advocate-in-Chief shares 5 smart moves every interior designer can make when work slows down. From reconnecting with past clients to finally creating that operations manual, these are actionable, empowering steps to help you emerge from any lull stronger, sharper, and ready for whatever’s next. Whether you're in a rut or just need a reset, this is the pep talk you didn’t know you needed. In this episode we learn: - why ...
Jun 03, 2025•22 min
Do more of what you love and less of what you don’t love. Sounds like a good plan, doesn’t it? Of course it does. It’s a simple concept that’s sometimes challenging to implement says our guest expert, Brad Farris. In this episode we learn: • stay in your zone of genius by delegating what you aren’t good at • the boss should have the fewest emails, not the most Business of Design® is your blueprint for running streamline projects and building a highly profitable interior design business. Get your...
May 27, 2025•38 min
Who transitions from a cushy job in the corporate Craft Brew world into running an interior design studio? Our guest, Alexis Vitale. That’s who. While the corporate world gave her structure, business knowledge, sales skills, and more, it took tremendous courage to make the switch. Find out what mattered most to this business owner during her transition. In this episode we learn: • taking a calculated risk is scary, but staying stuck in fear is worse • don’t be ok, with just being ok—go for great...
May 19, 2025•35 min
Let’s be honest, some of the most powerful forces holding us back aren’t external. Our negative self-talk contributes to lackluster results and keeps us stuck. The messages may sound harmless, even reasonable, overtime they will erode your self-confidence and hamper your success. Change the message, you change the momentum. In this episode we learn: how negative self-talk quietly sabotages your business growth the real cost of staying stuck in a negative mental loop how to identify the lim...
May 13, 2025•32 min
Is it possible to create a balanced sales model by mixing large, medium, and small projects for financial stability? Absolutely says our guest, Daniela Furtado. She is going to answer the question, Are Small Projects Worth It? In this episode we will explore how diversifying clients boosts cash flow, fosters relationships, and drives steady growth—without losing sight of the big vision. In this episode we learn: - to create a revenue mix to ensure financial stability and reduce risks if a big cl...
May 06, 2025•46 min
We all want the healthiest client relationships possible, right? Well, it’s an inside job. Sure, better systems to run your business and projects will significantly improve your client relationships. Absolutely. However, in addition we may also need to address what’s going on between our ears! Long standing patterns of negative thought can morph into negative patterns of behavior, which keep us stuck. In this episode we learn: - how the '10% right' principle can be used in conflict resolution - ...
Apr 29, 2025•46 min
Succession planning might feel like a far-off concept, but the truth is—it’s never too early to start. In today’s episode, we sit down with attorney Wendy Estela to tackle the big questions around IP and succession. Wendy believes that building a business that can eventually be sold doesn’t just prepare you for the future—it makes your business stronger today. Tune in to learn: - What intellectual property really means for your business - How to recognize your worth as a designer and protect you...
Apr 21, 2025•46 min
Ever feel like you’re not being truly heard by your clients? You’re not alone—communication can be tricky, especially when dealing with different personalities. In today’s episode, we’re talking D with Sierra Collins! A long-time BOD™ Partner, Sierra has worked with all our Boss Groups and countless members to master the art of effective communication. Kimberley first met Sierra years ago during her own DISC assessment, and the lessons still resonate today. Sierra breaks down how understanding D...
Apr 11, 2025•40 min
Ever worried that you’re charging too much? Of course you have. You’re an interior design professional! But no more says Kristen Apicerno. Kristen, a Kimberley Seldon disciple, initially struggled with charging appropriate fees for her services. She felt that charging a project management fee was "double dipping" and peers and other professionals agreed. This erroneous attitude severely limited her earning potential, that is, until she joined BOD™. Once she implemented the systems, she realized ...
Apr 08, 2025•50 min
We're going to talk to about the things you need to do today, if you want to sell your design firm successfully. Today's guest, Brad Farris, is going to share with us the key factors that impact your sale, how to get yourself out of the service delivery, the role growth plans in your future sale, and so much more. It's time to start thinking about your succession plan. In this episode we learn: • if you are essential to running the business, you can't sell it • build a team, then go on vacation…...
Apr 01, 2025•44 min
Are you tired of pouring energy into content creation, only to be ignored by social media algorithms? YES. Does it feel like solely relying on social media to market your business might be a mistake? YES. Then consider a low-social strategy that captures the attention of your ideal clients. In this episode we learn: - why website conversion matters to business and how to improve it - ways to bring more visitors to your website - how to turn your portfolio into a powerful lead magnet - 4 template...
Mar 25, 2025•44 min
Building strong connections opens up new opportunities and drives business growth. The Interior Design Community embodies this idea. Today’s guest, Laurie Laizure shares her experience in supporting the interior design field by connecting designers and nurturing those relationships. In this episode we learn: - focus on video marketing, targeted toward your ideal client - reconsider self-naming your business, as it might impede a future sale - there are enough clients in the 1% for every designer...
Mar 18, 2025•47 min
When was the last time you took a risk? In this episode, we'll hear how one designer did just that when she took on a large project just outside her comfort zone. Then, we’ll hear from her PR firm who’ll share how they leveraged the new project to gain recognition for their clients. In this episode we learn: - leverage your expertise to bring fresh insight to new project types - embrace market changes rapidly - outsource anything that’s not in your zone of expertise - plan for lighting early Bus...
Mar 11, 2025•34 min
What if life-work balance isn’t a tightrope, but rather it’s a scenic drive in your dream car? Systems are the road maps that keep you on course. Delegation is your pit crew making sure the wheels stay on. Slowing down is how you take it all in and enjoy your own success. When you implement smart systems you’ll learn that success is not about perfection—it’s about enjoying the journey. In this episode we learn: - map your success route with systems - create a weekly schedule that prioritizes ess...
Mar 04, 2025•39 min
My magic is helping design leaders transform their teams and businesses by embracing an 'improv mindset.' I’m passionate about showing how practices of adaptability, bold humility, and "Yes, and..." can unlock possibility and creative partnership in every team. Through my Connective Influence Model, I share skills like creating "brave spaces" and "listening to learn", as a way to build trust, spark cohesion, and create thriving, people-first cultures. In this episode we learn: - the power of hol...
Feb 25, 2025•54 min
We all understand the value of tracking overall profitability, but sophisticated business owners will also want to track profitability by project. Why? Individual projects may vary greatly when it comes to the amount of revenue and profit they generate. Understanding project profitability allows you to focus marketing efforts and tweak offerings to increase overall financial health. In this episode we learn: - tracking project profitability allows you to be smarter in terms of marketing - analyz...
Feb 13, 2025•35 min
Key to success for many interior design professionals is hiring someone who excels in areas where they struggle. Amanda Giles shares her experience of hiring a Director of Operations after many unsuccessful attempts to hire an administrator. This detail oriented, office over-seer can significantly improve the quality of work and overall efficiency and allow you to do more work and better work. What’s not to love? In this episode we learn: - be honest with yourself about your strengths and weakne...
Feb 11, 2025•31 min
You’re not imagining it. Interior design is a complex, complicated, and challenging career choice. That’s ok, you’re not afraid of hard work, but despite your best efforts, you’re nowhere near where you thought you’d be by now. Some of you graduated from design school and even with the best education available, you were not taught the fundamentals of running a successful interior design firm. Others have worked for years, even decades and still don’t have the essential systems, procedures, proto...
Feb 04, 2025•44 min
After a decade of designing private jet interiors, designer Lisa Morton had an ugly meltdown. Her health and well-being were hanging on by a thread. She discovered a holistic approach to design and began her studies into Feng Shui. Now a master teacher, she believes this is an excellent area of study for design professionals to consider, as younger generations are becoming increasingly concerned with the aspects of wellness. In this episode we learn: -being intentional with selections for your c...
Jan 28, 2025•40 min
How do you know when the s%*&’s about to hit the fan? Are there warning signs, and if so, what are they? Kimberley shares her recent experience of being evacuated in the LA fires and relates it to preparedness when it comes to knowing your business is in trouble. In this episode we learn: - by the time your business is in trouble, the chances are you missed multiple warning signs - your P&L can act as an early warning protection system - analyzing incoming inquiries is your number one as...
Jan 21, 2025•22 min
In this candid conversation between two long time Business of Design® Members, Dane Austin interviews Kristen Apicerno on all topics from the importance of finding a mentor to developing your processes, and committing to regular marketing to collaboration over competition. Dane and Kristen share how they navigate business challenges and the lessons they've learned on the job. In this episode we learn: - find and learn from experienced professions who can guide you - develop a successful design p...
Jan 14, 2025•48 min
Maybe it’s time to make your approach to marketing stand out. How can we do that? Well, first of all, says our guest Heather Peterson, have fun. A playful and novel approach will get your client’s attention. Just make sure you know exactly which type of client you’d like to work with first. In this episode we learn: - speak to few, not many - be specific about the work you showcase and speak directly to the exact type of client you want - stay top of mind by frequent connection points - a book i...
Jan 07, 2025•47 min
Just because you’ve been doing it that way for years doesn’t make it the best way. Don’t surrender to so-so, when amazing is just around the corner. In this episode we learn: - top assumptions that need replacing - when it’s time to abandon a method of working - why new systems can fast track you to new success Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership
Dec 31, 2024•40 min
Kimberley contemplates a tattoo for the new year, while sharing wisdom from the season’s best podcasts. In this episode we learn: 1. systems don’t complicate your life, they remove friction 2. no is a complete sentence 3. let me look into that 4. design with intention, not just for attention 5. is this an insurmountable problem 6. when you are speaking to everyone, you are speaking to no one 7. the client’s wish list never aligns with the client’s budget 8. beware of toxic positivity 9. never be...
Dec 24, 2024•24 min
At High Point Market, in partnership with Daniel House Club and Sunpan, Kimberley talks to designers about growing your relationship and profitability with key vendors. They are an extension of your brand. In this episode we learn: - Work less, by relying on the expertise of key vendors. - Grow profitability by working in harmony with vendors. Success is not an accident. It's a strategy. Business of Design® is that strategy. Become a member, today. https://businessofdesign.com/membership
Dec 17, 2024•23 min
At High Point Market, in partnership with Daniel House Club and Four Hands, Kimberley talks to designers about why you should ignore the client's budget, and specify better products. In this episode we learn: - Build your brand and wow your clients. - Propose the best option, not the least expensive one. - Go beyond the brief. Sometimes clients don’t know what they need.
Dec 10, 2024•19 min
