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A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

In today's world being a talented interior designer isn't enough to ensure that you have a profitable and successful interior design business. Design school doesn't always teach you the critical business skills to be sure your interior design business be everything you imagined it would be! A Well Designed Business is here to fill in the gaps and give you real live business skills from some of the top interior designers. Your host, LuAnn Nigara shares her 35 years of success in the interior design industry, and she finds the most successful guests to share their interior design business best practices.
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A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
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Now displaying: Page 1
Dec 8, 2023
Dec 5, 2023
Dec 1, 2023
Nov 28, 2023

Today With Eddie Maestri:

In today’s episode we’ll be touching on a topic I love, project autopsies. My guest today, Eddie Maestri, has also found these autopsies to help not only improve his overall business, but also the relationship with his team members.
Eddie Maestri started designing homes in Dallas in 2004 and officially founded Maestri Studio in 2008. Certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), he is a registered architect in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Nevada. 
Eddie delivers custom architecture and interiors tailored to his client’s style and needs. Each project influenced by the grand, yet approachable architecture of his hometown, the clean lines and patterns of mid-century design, and his exposure to far away places through his love of travel.

More About Eddie Maestri

Eddie Maestri, AIA, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, started designing homes in Dallas in 2004 and officially founded Maestri Studio in 2008. Certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), he is a registered architect in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Nevada. Eddie holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, with a Health Systems & Design certificate. In addition, he spent a semester in Italy, focusing on architectural and urban studies and expanding his talents and love of freehand drawing, art, and interior design.

Eddie delivers custom architecture and interiors tailored to his client’s style and needs. Each project influenced by the grand, yet approachable architecture of his hometown, the clean lines and patterns of mid-century design, and his exposure to far away places through his love of travel. Eddie guides the firm’s team throughout the process of every project while encouraging a collaborative design studio with independent and innovative thinking.

Eddie’s work has been featured on several AIA and neighborhood home tours throughout the Dallas area and in numerous local and national publications such as DHome, Luxe Interiors + Design, Architectural Digest, The Wall Street Journal, and Domino. He prides himself on his passion for design, attention to detail, and building strong client relationships.

Nov 24, 2023

Today With Leslie Carothers:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. You’ve probably heard about new technology developing—AI, chatGPT, the metaverse—all the things. But are you jumping on the bandwagon?
Today Leslie Carothers of Savour Partnership, a digital marketing firm for interior designers, is here to talk about how metaverse applications and AI are changing the future of the world, business in general, and our industry.

Pick It Apart

[2:30] Leslie unpacks all things metaverse and how they’re being used.

[11:20] Leslie discusses how big brands are using metaverse activations.

[46:54] Leslie and LuAnn talk about AI and its implications for designers.

[0:09] Leslie discusses the ethical implications of AI.

[10:05] Leslie shares a product design project she completed with AI assistance.

LuAnn Nigara and Leslie Carothers' Ah-Ha Moments

“There is nothing that will replace the soul that you bring to a project, there is nothing that will replace the execution ability that you bring to a project. There's nothing that will ever replace the problem-solving ability that you bring to a project. And there's nothing that will ever replace the therapeutic aspect, as many of you know, that you bring to a project for your clients. You are irreplaceable as designers. So you never have to worry about AI replacing, in my opinion, ever, your jobs.” -Leslie

More About Leslie Carothers

Named by Home Furnishing News Magazine as one of the Top 40 Most Inspiring Women In Home, Ms. Carothers has a long history of innovating within the digital marketing space. 

Her innovations have included: implementing the USA’s first ever furniture product development initiative in the virtual world of Second Life, implementing the USA’s first ever multi-brand influencer marketing program on behalf of her past client, Cargill’s BiOH Polyols division, and acting as co-principal in the world’s first virtual designer showhouse to include augmented reality.

Other innovations include being the first agency to offer shoppable digital magazine creation on behalf of brands within the home furnishings and interior design industry and being the first to work with a major publisher, Meredith Corporation’s Better Homes and Garden Magazine, to bring together a group of influencers with a group of journalists, during the implementation of BHG’s first Stylemakers program. 

Most recently, she is the founding advisory partner and an investor in the world’s first international search engine platform, Ethos Design Collective, that allows consumers to search for vetted luxury designers to hire. 

Ms. Carothers was also an early user of Facebook Groups and now runs the popular Facebook Group, #DesignWealth, for interior designers who are interested in all aspects of designing passive income into their websites. 

In her spare time, she is a long time volunteer board member of the Bienenstock Furniture Library and also writes a popular lifestyle blog, Design Happy Living, where brands like Thibaut have collaborated with her to reach new consumer/designer audiences.

Connect with Leslie Carothers

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Facebook

Blog

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Watch the Docuseries!

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

AudiobookThe Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Nov 21, 2023

Today With LuAnn Nigara:

 Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. In this episode, we'll talk about how to turn your aha moments into actionable steps that will help you achieve your goals for your business and your life. You will hear some of the amazing insights from Amber De La Garza, a productivity coach who was a guide at LuAnn Live, and how she taught us to get our CRAP together.

LuAnn's Ah-Ha Moments:

“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll wind up somewhere else.” -LuAnn

“The best version of your well designed business is only achievable through a well designed life. They are intertwined, without question.” -LuAnn

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Nov 17, 2023
Nov 14, 2023
Nov 10, 2023
Nov 7, 2023

Today With LuAnn Nigara:

 Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today is a solo show and we'll be talking about charging. We'll go over the three common beliefs that hold us back from achieving our full potential: that our clients only want the biggest discount, that we deliver a shoppable product, and that we are competing with everyone else.

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Nov 3, 2023
Oct 31, 2023
Oct 27, 2023
Oct 24, 2023
Oct 20, 2023

Today With Evelyn Roberts & Shayna Pellino:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We all know the power of outsourcing. But if you’ve outsourced before, or if you’re just considering it, you also know that it comes with its own set of headaches—from figuring out what you need to hiring to onboarding. 
My guests today Shayna Pellino and Evelyn Roberts, creators of 4D Biz, understand that very well. 4D Biz is essentially a virtual team for interior designers, providing the strategy, the marketing, the admin, and even design support at the level you need for your business. Learn how their set up supports designers and why a virtual team might be right for you!

Pick It Apart

[1:02] Shayna shares her design story and how the mistakes she made led to 4Dbiz.

[17:00] Evelyn and Shayna begin to discuss the 4 pillars of support 4Dbiz offers for designers.

[19:46] Shayna and Evelyn break down how they offer business development help to designers

[24:08] Evelyn and Shayna unpack how a virtual marketing team for designers works.

[37:35] Evelyn and Shayna discuss the ways 4Dbiz offers design assistance.

[42:46] Shayna and Evelyn talk about admin support for interior designers.

LuAnn Nigara, Evelyn Roberts & Shayna Pellino's Ah-Ha Moments

“The business can suck the soul out of you if you are overworked, if you are not getting the money that you deserve and you are just putting in endless hours and you're not feeling it in your bank account.” -Shayna

“This new way of doing business is I'm all about it because every single person that works for me has a skill set in an expertise that has been identified as their superpower.” -LuAnn

More About Evelyn Roberts & Shayna Pellino

About Shayna:
Shayna Rose is the CEO and Founder of both Shayna Rose Interiors and 4Dbiz. Shayna never expected to create the modern business model that would change the way interior designers run their business! 4Dbiz was born out of her own experience, failures, successes, and needs as an interior designer/business owner.
After working in the interior design industry for three years, Shayna knew she had to set out on her own. Working for someone else, Shayna was astounded by the unnecessary obstacles that she was working with - from overly-extended lead times, to a lack of custom solutions, to poor service all along the supply chain. She truly felt she had no choice but to start her own business and revolutionize the industry standard.
In 2017, Shayna Rose Interiors was born, followed by 4Dbiz in 2019. Shayna’s guiding principle is “Everyone wins.” She is most inspired by what other people see as problems. She is a solution-oriented visionary, hell bent on changing people’s lives with her ideas and execution - starting with the design industry.


About Evelyn:
Evelyn Roberts is the Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of 4Dbiz. After 4 years working in digital marketing for small businesses and tech startups, Evelyn joined Shayna Rose Interiors in 2019. Since then, she has been focused exclusively on marketing for interior designers.
Working with design businesses all over the country, she helps interior designers refine their brand, create concise and powerful messaging, optimize for search engines, and set up automations that save time and achieve results.
Evelyn’s philosophy for marketing in the interior design industry is “less is more.” Understanding the hectic interior designer/business owner lifestyle, she helps designers hone in on the marketing initiatives that will make measurable progress toward their most critical business goals, within their budget.

Connect with Evelyn Roberts & Shayna Pellino

Website

Facebook

Client testimonial, Hannah Lowe Interiors

Client testimonial, Leone Interior Designs

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

Watch the Docuseries!

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

AudiobookThe Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Oct 17, 2023
Oct 13, 2023
Oct 10, 2023
Oct 6, 2023
Oct 3, 2023

Today With Lorna Gross:

Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by Lorna Gross, owner of Lorna Gross Interior Design. After finishing two business degrees and leading a very successful life in corporate America, Lorna ended up disappointed and unhappy. Even as successful as she was with winning awards and being up for a promotion. It was time for her to pivot. Lorna and I discuss the art of pivoting, how to recognize when you should, and how to confidently execute it.

Pick It Apart

[2:40] Lorna starts us off with her background and growing up.

[8:00] Lorna talks about her journey to discover what she is supposed to be doing for a living.

[19:30] The importance of taking the time go sit in silence with yourself.

[28:50] Recognizing the signal of when people complement you or tell you you have a knack in something.

[50:10] Lorna’s plans including her podcast, a streaming service, book, and more all in addition to her interior design firm.

[51:30] Lorna expands on how everyone has different seasons in their lives.

[58:40] The importance of asking yourself what YOU want.

LuAnn Nigara and Lorna Gross's Ah-Ha Moments

“I believe the universe does these things to us to get us to make a different move.” - Lorna Gross

“I am believer that everything is for a season. The key is recognizing when that season is over.” - Lorna Gross 

“You have to risk failure to get to the next thing you should be doing. Sometimes it will take you several times, sometimes it will take one time. As long as you’re not stuck in the season you shouldn’t be in.” - LuAnn Nigara


More About Lorna Gross

Currently based in the Washington, D.C. metro area, Lorna Gross’ Louisiana and New York roots inspired
her signature blend of warmth and elegance. Her flourishing design firm, Lorna Gross Interior Design, creates homes that perfectly reflect those who dwell within. Equally comfortable hosting a five-course dinner on fine china or a raucous crawfish boil, Lorna
is a consummate hostess and expert entertainer. She is adept at public speaking and easily draws in a crowd with her innate kindness and relatability.

Sep 29, 2023

Today With Fred Berns:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by Fred Berns. Fred has been on the show many times, and I often refer to him when I talk about finding your Fred Berns Only. Knowing your “only” is essential.

After working in the interior design industry as a business coach, speaker, and copywriter for 35 years, Fred has spent the past five years traveling the world. He visited 33 countries on four continents, and talked to business owners everywhere he went.

Fred has studied the most successful business professionals across many industries around the globe, and he discovered they all share several traits.

Today Fred is here to explain The Five Things these people have in common, along with actionable ways we can bring these habits into our own lives and businesses.

Pick It Apart

[04:07] Fred and LuAnn discuss the first habit: Focus, especially when it comes to your financial goals. 

[08:57] Fred explains the second habit: Aim high.

[14:48] Fred and LuAnn revisit the Fred Berns Only and how it relates to the third habit: The personal sale (or selling yourself).

[18:50] Fred shares the details of his coach-call program, where he gives guidance on how to apply these five things to your career and your business. 

[20:05] Fred and LuAnn talk about leaving money on the table and the importance of the fourth habit: Know the next step.

[25:59] LuAnn and Fred discuss the fifth habit: Be Persistent


LuAnn Nigara and Fred Berns's Ah-Ha Moments

“What are the five things you need to do tomorrow? So that when you arrive at your office, or you start work the next day, you have a roadmap, you know what you're doing, you know what the day calls for.” – Fred Berns

“Success leaves clues.” – Fred Berns

“It's a matter of changing your focus from being afraid of not achieving your goal to figuring out how you can do it.” – Fred Berns

“Think big. Aim high.” – LuAnn Nigara
 
“Your client wants you to take them by the hand and explain to them what we do next.” – Fred Berns
 
“Successful people reflect on what they did right, and what they need to learn from and do differently the next time.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Fred Berns

Fred Berns has traveled the world in the five years since he retired from the interior design industry, and he’s learned a lot about small business success in the process.

 

“Success Shortcuts” has been a key topic of his conversations with entrepreneurs during his travels to 33 countries on four continents.

 

His international travels mark the latest chapter in a career that included more than 35 years as a business coach, copy writer and speaker in the interior design industry.

 

During that span, he trained design professionals on how to dramatically increase sales by promoting themselves more effectively. He spoke at design industry events around the world, and coached and wrote bios, website copy and other promotional materials for design professionals from Dallas to Dubai.

 

At the same time, he published a blog and newsletter that reached thousands of design professionals around the world, and he created a collection of books, videos and other business building resources for the interior design industry.

Connect with Fred Berns

Website

Website

X

LinkedIn

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

Watch the Docuseries!

luannuniversity.com

http://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

Get The Goodies!

For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.

To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!

Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

AudiobookThe Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action

Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts

Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn’s Website

LuAnn’s Blog

Power Talk Friday

Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB #22: Fred Berns – How to Create a Killer Bio

AWDB #48: Power Talk Friday with Fred Berns

AWDB #96: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns – Selling Methods of the Masters

AWDB #174: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours

AWDB #226: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns – 5 Keys to a Fabulous Fall

AWDB # 289: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: 7 Habits of Luxury Interior Designers

AWDB #337: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: Set and Get Higher Fees

AWDB #393: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: 12 Ways Interior Designers Sabotage Their Business

AWDB #460: Power Talk Friday: Fred Berns: How to Strengthen and Rekindle Client Relationships

WTFP #196 Sara Lynn Brennan: Why Window Treatments are a Non-Negotiable in Our Interior Design Process

Other Resources Mentioned:

Freds' Coach Call is a one-hour personalized, customized consultation session in which I help design professionals apply The Five Things to their businesses and careers.

The session can also include suggestions on how to upgrade and update their bios and website copy.

Investment: $159.Details: Contact Fred Berns at FredTalks @gmail.com, or 303-589-3013.

Sep 26, 2023
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