Business of Design® | Grow a Profitable Interior Design Business with Kimberley Seldon

EP 361 | 24 Qs for 2024 Part 1 Clients with Kimberley Seldon

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this 4-part series, Kimberley will answer 24 questions in honour of 2024. We’ve broken it down into categories that focus on clients, projects, b...

EP 360 | Be the Expert with Kimberley Seldon Live at IDS Toronto

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, recorded live at IDS Toronto 20204, Business of Design® Advocate in Chief, Kimberley Seldon, spoke to a sold-out crowd on being the ...

EP 359 | The Trouble with Delegating with Casey Gromer

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Too many interior designers struggle with delegating. Why? Well, for one thing, says our guest, we too often ask for someone to complete a task rather...

EP 358 | Client Talk, How to Work with a Designer with Robin McLendon

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As a left-brained creative, having a process and set of procedures is instrumental for success, says Robin McLendon. Robin is not an interior design p...

EP 357 | Organize Your Business with Helen Austen

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Old habits are difficult to break, but often these are the challenges that stand between you and success. Running an organized business means putting ...

EP 356 | Infancy To Maturity with Kimberley Seldon

26 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The journey to running a mature, profitable design firm is rarely an easy one. In this episode, Advocate-in-Chief, Kimberley Seldon shares some anecdo...

EP 355 | Fixing Operational Gaps with Hillaire Martin

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Uncovering operational gaps within a business is easy, right? Every time something goes wrong, you’ve found another one. Implementing frameworks to ...

EP 354 | Rule of Thirds with Patrick Ediger

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As the design world faces the challenge of addressing wastefulness, it may be surprising to learn, the key to creating beautiful design while remainin...

EP 353 | Use Your Sales Rep with Carmen Reinour

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The work you do as an interior design professional is challenging and complex, and so important. No one should trudge this path alone. One of your bes...

EP 352 | Winning at Project Management with Alexandra Crevier

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Is there an ideal balance for the design professional; a median point that relies equally on creativity and process? In this episode, Alexandra Crevie...

EP 351 | Yes, You Can with Kimberley Seldon

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you’re right. Henry Ford In this episode we learn: - what’s holding you back is within your...

EP 350 | Innovate Ruler with Joanne Swisterski

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Innovators see challenges as opportunities. That’s what our guest today, designer Joanne Swisterski tells us. When there is a problem that can't be ...

EP 349 | Accept Full Responsibility with Christina Kim

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to feel truly empowered and liberated in your business, then accept responsibility for everything. Once you do that, when problems arise, ...

EP 348 | Marketing Matters with Danielle Furtado

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Marketing is a struggle for many interior design firms. In this episode, SEO expert Daniela Furtado shares specific tools to understand how search wor...

EP 347 | Are You Making Your Clients Work with Kimberley Seldon

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you are working in or working towards delivering a luxury experience to clients, then think carefully before asking them to complete some task on y...

EP 346 | Rising from the Ashes with Ami McKay

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when you lose everything? Well, if you can embrace adaptability and reinvent yourself, says Ami McKay, you can emerge more powerful than ...

EP 345 | Brand Extensions with Nicole Gibbons

10 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever thought of a brand extension, this is your episode. From building a social media following to raising venture capital, Nicole Gibbons s...

EP 344 | Collective Wellbeing with Jessica Lackey

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Interior design business owners are frequently focused on client facing experience, and that’s important, but your team is having an experience work...

EP 343 | The Office Manager with Hilaire Martin

26 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

So many design professionals dream of hiring an office manager to, well, manage the office day-to-day. What’s that like? What are the benefits and c...

EP 342 | The Stairs with Kimberley Seldon

19 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

EP 341 | Get Your Ideal Client On Instagram with Darla Powell

12 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you want to gain more from Instagram than praise from fellow designers, than you have to get intentional. Your ideal client is likely online and lo...

EP 340 | Do More With Lighting with Joe Borress

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s all too evident that many professionals within the design industry are out of step with the latest technology available in the lighting categor...

EP 339 | Finding Product with Nicole Lashae Ben

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The designer’s journey towards mastery is a complicated path. You manage trades, clients, and staff. In addition, for those who procure products for...

EP 338 | Publish with Purpose with Courtney Warren

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever dreamed of getting a design book published and wondered what exactly is involved, then this is your episode. Dallas designer, Courtne...

EP 337 | Give Back with Susan Wintersteen

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

While giving back is on a lot of designers' wish lists, many are not yet making the income to pay it forward or are already working overtime to manage...

EP 336 | Exploring Tension with Kimberley Seldon

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

None of us wants to live with constant stress, but in this episode, Kimberley explores the upside to a little healthy, motivating tension. Tension is ...

EP 335 | Give & Take with Mary Lou & Marc Fulson

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Having a business partner sounds like heaven to most solo-preneurs. In this episode, we hear from a husband-and-wife team, who use give and take to cr...

EP 334 | Prioritizing Clients with Aashita Chadha

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Frustrated with the shoddy professional practices of local renovation firms in her native Bangalore, designer Aashita Chadha had an idea. Why not crea...

EP 333 | A Team with Michelle Burbidge

18 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Regardless of project size, every design professional must rely on quality trades to bring the project vision to life. As the project lead, you need t...

EP 332 | Hire Right with Jessica Harling

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Finding a quality candidate to join your team can be a nerve-wracking experience, says our recruitment expert in this episode. A good fit doesn’t ha...

EP 331 | Path to Prosperity with Audrey Faust

04 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There is power in understanding and using your numbers to grow your business, make decisions and build long-term independent wealth. When you begin a ...

EP 330 | Feng Shui with Patricia Lohan

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that focuses on harmonizing the energy in living spaces, promoting well-being, balance, and prosperity. In th...

EP 329 | Designing Your Future with Robin Wycherley

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Auditing past projects and understanding how you spend your time and where you put your attention is a first step toward self-awareness as a business ...

EP 328 | Refine Your Brand With Erika Saurit - Part 2 - 2023 - 06 - 09, 7.05 AM

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Interior design professionals, while incredibly talented and hardworking are frequently not eloquent or succinct when offering their services or prese...

EP 327 | Refine Your Story with Erika Saurit - Part 1

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Interior design professionals, while incredibly talented and hardworking are frequently not eloquent or succinct when offering their services or prese...

EP 326 | 3 Emails with Kimberley Seldon

30 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It’s just another day at the office for Kimberley who is going to randomly select three emails from her inbox and share what’s happening on projec...

EP 325 | Over Delivery with Melissa Morris

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

One of the most common operational pitfalls any design professional encounters is a scope of work that is not clearly defined. Frequently, a lack of c...

EP 324 | Facing Fears with Tina Ramchandani

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We all have fears that center on our work life. Am I marketing enough, am I charging too little, am I pushing the envelope too far, will the clients h...

EP 323 | Design Adjacent with Michelle and Brandon Burbidge

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There are so many interesting industries that are adjacent to and compatible with the work we do as design professionals. In this episode, married par...

EP 322 | Social Responsibility with Jennifer Bertrand

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Jennifer Bertrand burst onto the scene as a contestant on HGTV’s Design Stars. She won season three and since then, she’s focused her talent on so...

EP 321 | Above and Below the Line with Ekaterina Solomeina

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All business owners must be leaders, with an ability to influence clients, trades, team members, suppliers etc. The good news is leadership skills can...

EP 320 | Profit Per Project with Julia Nikishina

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Profitability per project is a vital metric for the successful design professional. Whether you work on an hourly fee or flat fee basis, knowing which...

EP 319 | You're Worth It with Andrea Liebross

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Each of us has a belief system built up around what we understand our worth to be. Often, we tell ourselves conflicting stories about our value is and...

EP 318 | Client Pipeline with Cheryl Horne

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Ideally, every business owner wants to have a lineup of customers and always know when the next job is coming. The most successful businesses sign pro...

EP 317 | Improv For Life with Marilyn Smith

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Learning to think on your feet is critically important for the design professional. Taking an improv class can improve your ability to engage in a pos...

EP 316 | Lit Up with Genevieve Wild

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The right lighting design adds texture, depth, mood, and character to spaces. Even gorgeous fabrics and furnishings fall short of their potential with...

EP 315 | Client Intake & Experience with Porsche Williams

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

An efficient and elevated client intake is a critical part of creating a superior client experience. Determining whether the client is ideal for you, ...

EP 314 | Organize Your Business with Helen Austen

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Old habits are difficult to break, but often these are the challenges that stand between you and success. Running an organized business means putting ...

EP 313 | Focus Driven Productivity with Angela Kristen Taylor

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There is a definite connection between emotions and productivity. To avoid overwhelm, it’s important to understand and utilize the four elements of ...

EP 312 | Averting Project Trouble with Kylee Dean

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Kylee Dean is a BOD™ BOSS design superstar from Las Vegas. During this episode, Kylee reveals her process for anticipating trouble on jobsites and c...

EP 311 | The Right Vendor with Daniel House Club

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

As design professionals, we are called on to do more than create beautiful spaces. We play a critical role in helping our clients make informed decisi...

EP 310 | KOHLER Unlocking Bold Innovation with Laura Kohler

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Live from KBIS 2023 in Las Vegas! From their roots as a bathtub manufacturer to building award winning golf courses, the creativity and entrepreneuri...

EP 309 | Are You A BOD™ BOSS with Cheryl Horne and Janeen Laudenback

31 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

January was a busy month at BOD™ with ongoing inquiries about what it takes to become a BOD™ BOSS. In this episode, Cheryl Horne and Janeen Lauden...

EP 308 | Passionate Pivot with Julie Dasher

24 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When life throws you a curve ball, like getting fired for example, what do you do? Well, according to rug designer, Julie Dasher, you pivot toward you...

EP 307 | Thriving Past Adversity with Mairlyn Smith

17 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

How to define what’s in this episode….hmmmmm. Kimberley and her friend, actor and comedian, Marilyn Smith discuss life—ageism, sexism, setbacks ...

EP 306 | Infancy to Maturity with Kimberley Seldon

10 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

The journey to running a mature, profitable design firm is rarely an easy one. In this episode, Advocate-in-Chief, Kimberley Seldon shares some anecdo...

EP 305 | Double Down with Eric McClelland

03 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Without confidence, the interior design professional can never really thrive. Thankfully, confidence is something you can learn and emulate. Designer ...

EP 304 | I Get Good at What I Practice with Kimberley Seldon

20 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Practice makes perfect is an expression that’s familiar to all. While most of us don’t aim for perfection in our work life, we do desire mastery o...

EP 303 | Implement or Bust with Jodie Carter

13 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To achieve different results and create the business you’ve dreamed of you must first recognize that what you are doing now isn’t working or isn’...

EP 302 | Client Gifting Experience with Porsche Williams & BOD™

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wouldn’t it be amazing if your clients actually got the warm and fuzzies from the gifts you give them? Strategic gifting can lead to increased refer...

EP 301 | AphroChic with Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For too long, the Black family home has been left out of the story of America—a missing character. Authors Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason felt it was ...

EP 300 | 15 Cheryl Horne Superpowers

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In working together for 15 years, Kimberley and Cheryl have developed a deep and lasting bond. In this special episode, Business of Design® Advocate ...

EP 299 | Get Intentional with Sierra Collins

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Sierra Collins recently returned from High Point Market where she met with our first BOD™ BOSS Group and introduced them to one of her favorite tool...

EP 298 | Connecting the Industry with Marla Baker

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Connecting with like-minded design professionals at industry events is a great way to build a support network as well as elevate your business by buil...

EP 297 | In this Together, Designer and Contractor with Ryan Rodrigues

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Trying out a new tradesperson can be stressful. Multiply that by a factor of ten when the new trade is a general contractor. In this episode, Kimberle...

EP 296 | On the Job with Kimberley Seldon

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

No job is a simple job, and some days are tougher than others. Listen in as BOD™ Advocate in Chief, Kimberley Seldon, meets with her A team to solve...

EP 295 | Code Red For Water with Laura Kohler

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Design has an obligation to be responsive to the challenges facing the world: aging in place, environmental sustainability, inclusion, urbanization, h...

EP 294 | Styling Beyond Instagram with Robin Zachry

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Prop styling is an art unto itself, as every design professional knows. Getting the setting right and offering an authentic glimpse into the client’...

EP 293 | Business Mantra with Sarah Von Dreele

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s face it. Life happens. When it does, mustering the courage to go forward, one baby step at a time, walking directly into the center of the sto...

EP 292 | Starting Over with Christian Warren

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Business of Design® member, Christian Warren, is an interior designer living in Los Angeles, with a business that is currently serving clients exclus...

EP 291 | Niche Down with Rachael Bozsik

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to re-write your bio if you are not getting the exact clients and projects you want. By focusing on the 4 Ps—positioning, press, paid sp...

EP 290 | Client-Facing Procedures with Janeen Laudenback

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Following the Business of Design® 15 Step Project Management Strategy takes the guesswork out of project management and allows you to deliver on time...

EP 289 | Make Your Margins with Daniel House Club

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Yes, it is possible to consistently protect your margins. Getting clear about which vendors and suppliers help you do that is critical for every desig...

EP 288 | Process Leads To Creativity with Sashya Thind, Hosted by Dane Austin

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When members of our community get together to share experience and expertise, we all gain. In this episode, BOD™ Member Dane Austin, takes over the ...

EP 287 | Drop It Like It's Hot with Helen Austen

23 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

BOD™ BOSS member, Helen Austen launched her first business as a professional organizer, and it wasn’t long before happy clients started asking her...

EP 286 | Decision Fatigue with Nike Kibiri

16 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Decisions, decisions, decisions. Some days, it seems all we do is make decisions. Even choices with relatively small consequences can weigh heavy on t...

EP 285 | A Day In The Life With Kimberley Seldon

09 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s episode follows interior designer (and BOD™ Advocate-in-Chief) through a typical day. From fabricators to Starbucks to TV production meeti...

EP 284 | Two Hats, One Brand with Leia T. Ward

02 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Many staging professionals are approached by clients to continue the relationship by decorating the new home. It’s a big transition, because althoug...

EP 283 | Must Be Doing Something Wrong with Karin Kolb

26 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I feel I have a good topic for the podcast and that is of a client who the 15 steps did not work well for. Wondering if the 15 steps are not right for...

EP 282 | Invest In You with Danielle Hayden

19 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to earn a healthy living and set aside money for your own personal wealth. That should be the goal for any business owner—yup, even you....

EP 281 | Hiring is a Project with Shelli Warren

12 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Many design business owners are great at their area of expertise and have grown their business to the point that they need a team, but not just any te...

EP 280 | Tip of the Iceberg with Kimberley Seldon

05 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We all want a faster way to build a better business, but there’s no getting around it—dramatic improvements require a methodical, strategic approa...

EP 279 | Fix the Foundation with Brooke Aitken - Part 2

28 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

BOD™ member, Brooke Aitken has some questions about how the main teachings of Business of Design™ apply to her business, as an architect rather th...

EP 278 | 1 P&L, 3 Ways with Danielle Hayden

21 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time to earn a healthy living and set aside money for your own personal wealth. That should be the goal for any business owner—yup, even you....

EP 277 | Accountability with BOD™ BOSS Members

14 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever dreamed of having a board of directors (B.O.D., see what we did there?) then this is your episode. Kimberley interviews three awesome...

EP 276 | Yes, Architects Too with Brooke Aitken - Part 1

07 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

BOD™ member, Brooke Aitken has some questions about how the main teachings of Business of Design™ apply to her business, as an architect rather th...

EP 275 | Getting Published with Kelli Lamb

31 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Getting published is still the dream for many design professionals, but there’s more to life than print. Digital coverage and social media campaigns...

EP 274 | High Converting Portfolios with Katie O'Brien

24 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Essentials of a High-Converting Interior Design Portfolio Learn the essentials that will help you turn your design portfolio (the second most visited...

EP 273 | Out of Overwhelm with Desi Creswell

17 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It happens to all of us—project or career overwhelm. It might be too many items on the to-do list, or maybe you don’t have enough help. You might ...

EP 272 | Experience Custom with Buildlane

10 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I've had my hand in the creation of thousands of pieces of custom furniture. Not only am I an expert at how furniture is built and the different optio...

EP 271 | Clarity Is Key with Thomas Nation

03 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Construction law specialist, Thomas Nation of Harrion Clark Rickersbys shares his insights into the complex relationship between clients, designers, a...

EP 270 | Protect Yourself from Litigation with Jamie Lieberman

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

While there is no single method for protecting yourself and your business from legal trouble, a Swiss cheese defence—multiple layers of protection t...

EP 269 | What's In Your Contract

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Kimberley speaks with BOD™ member, Mehnaz Malik about an important change she will make to her contract. In this episode we learn...

EP 268 | Measure It, Manage It with BOD™ CFO Larry Goldberg - REPEAT

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it. So says Business of Design® CFO, Larry Goldberg. Find out why analytics are the difference between ...

EP 267 | Introducing A Raise with Marylou Sobel

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Are you seeing what I’m seeing? Suppliers and trades raising their rates or tacking on extra delivery, freight, moving charges. It seems like everyo...

EP 266 | I Get Good At What I Practice with Kimberley Seldon

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Practice makes perfect is an expression that’s familiar to all. While most of us don’t aim for perfection in our work life, we do desire mastery o...

EP 265 | Expect Delays with Allison Andrew-Harris

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

2020 and 2021 kept most of us home for extended periods of time. The benefit of all this has been an increased appreciation for the comforts of home (...

EP 264 | The 3 P's with Lanson B. Jones

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

To create authentic spaces that resonate deeply, we must consider the personality of the client, the personality of the site and the personality of th...

EP 263 | Choose your Vendors Wisely with Daniel House Club

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Building an A Team involves more than just finding the right contractor. Vendors, suppliers, and manufacturers can be partner, helping you build a bus...

EP 262 | How To READ Your Clients with Heather Ferreras-Tokan

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

I landed the project! Isn’t that what we all hope to say each time we go to a consultation? Listen to new BOD™ member Heather Ferreras-Tokan share...