Procurement can make or break an interior design business. In this candid panel conversation, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Alexander Spalding of Daniel House Club and interior designers Jamie Gasparovic and Meredith Huck to talk about one of the biggest pain points in the industry: how to manage procurement without sacrificing profit, time, or sanity. Together, they unpack why so many designers resist focusing on profitability, how procurement quietly drains resources when handled inefficiently, and why outsourcing the heavy lifting can actually improve margins. They also explore the real cost of going direct, the hidden time lost managing multiple vendors, and why trust, customer service, and reliable systems matter more than ever. The conversation also touches on the decline of retail shops, the role of online retailers, and the importance of choosing vendor partners who support your business goals—not just your orders. If procurement has ever felt overwhelming, messy, or not worth the trouble, this episode will challenge that thinking and show you a smarter way forward. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why designers often resist prioritizing profitability - How procurement can drain time, energy, and margins - Why outsourcing procurement can improve efficiency and profit - How to evaluate vendor relationships for service, pricing, and reliability - Why billing for procurement hours matters - How strong systems and trusted partners support a healthier design business

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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