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

Hosted by Kimberley Seldon

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500

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Business of Design® is the leading business training platform for interior design professionals. Our proven programs give you the systems and structure you need to run a profitable, process-driven design business. Ready to build a business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com

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60 recent

September 1, 202642 min

EP 496 | Why Every Interior Designer Needs a Lighting Designer with Sarah Richter and Guest Host DuVäl Reynolds

Lighting is one of the most powerful design tools available—yet it's often one of the most overlooked. In this guest-hosted episode, DuVäl Reynolds sits down with architectural lighting designer Sarah Richter to explore how thoughtful lighting transforms the way clients experience their homes. Together, they unpack the difference between decorative and architectural lighting, explain why layered lighting is essential to great design, and discuss how interior designers and lighting designers can collaborate to create more beautiful, functional spaces. If you've ever wondered whether bringing a lighting designer onto your project is worth it, this conversation may change the way you approach every project going forward. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why layered lighting creates homes that are both beautiful and highly functional - The difference between decorative lighting, architectural lighting, and lighting design - Exactly where a lighting designer fits into the BOD™ 15 Step Project Management Strategy—and why involving them early leads to better project outcomes - How interior designers and lighting designers work together to elevate a project - Why lighting should be considered from the earliest stages of the design process - How thoughtful lighting enhances architecture, showcases interiors, and improves everyday living - Practical ways to incorporate lighting expertise into your next residential design project

August 25, 202641 min

EP 495 | The Profit Killers Hiding in Your Interior Design Business with Erin Hackett Nordholt

Are you running a profitable interior design business—or are you simply hoping you are? In this candid conversation, Kimberley Seldon sits down with interior designer and former financial advisor Erin Hackett Nordholt to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing design firm owners: protecting profit. Together, they unpack the hidden habits that quietly erode profitability—from underestimating freight and absorbing unexpected costs to avoiding project post-mortems and convincing yourself that "breaking even" is good enough. If you've ever hesitated to look closely at your numbers or assumed a project was profitable because it felt successful, this episode will challenge you to think differently. Because building a thriving interior design business isn't about staying positive—it's about facing the numbers, learning from every project, and creating systems that protect your bottom line. In this episode we learn: - Why "toxic positivity" may be the biggest threat to your interior design business - How hidden costs like freight, tariffs, and procurement mistakes quietly destroy profit margins - Why every design firm should conduct a post-project financial review to improve future profitability - How understanding your numbers leads to better pricing, stronger systems, and more confident business decisions - Why profitable interior designers stop apologizing for making money—and start protecting their margins - How small financial improvements compound into a stronger, more sustainable design business

August 18, 202639 min

EP 494 | How to Build an Interior Design Team That Doesn't Depend on You with Shelli Warren

Building a successful interior design business isn't just about attracting great clients—it's about building a team that allows your firm to grow without relying on you for every decision. In this candid conversation, Kimberley Seldon sits down with leadership coach Shelli Warren to explore what it really takes to lead a high-performing interior design team. From hiring and delegation to defining roles, building trust, and creating systems that support long-term growth, this episode is filled with practical strategies for designers who want to scale their business without becoming the bottleneck. If you're ready to step out of the day-to-day, empower your team, and lead your interior design firm with confidence, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why so many interior designers become accidental leaders—and how to lead with confidence - How to hire the right people and build a team that supports business growth - Why delegation and clearly defined roles are essential for scaling your design firm - How to create systems that maintain quality without micromanaging your team - The mindset shifts that help you stop being the bottleneck in your business - Why great leadership leads to stronger teams, higher profitability, and a more enjoyable business

August 4, 202625 min

EP 493 | Why Your Interior Design Business Isn't Changing (And How to Fix It) with Cheryl Horne

You've read the books. Listened to the podcasts. Taken the notes. So why doesn't your interior design business feel any different? In this episode, Business of Design® Director of Operations and Business Coach Cheryl Horne explores one of the biggest obstacles keeping interior designers from building more profitable, organized, and enjoyable businesses: confusing learning with progress. Drawing on nearly 20 years of coaching hundreds of interior designers, Cheryl explains why information alone won't transform your business—and how small, consistent actions create lasting change. If you've been searching for better systems, higher profits, stronger boundaries, or more control over your time, this episode will help you turn knowledge into results. What you'll learn in this episode: - Why learning more doesn't always lead to business growth - How implementation—not information—creates a more profitable interior design business - Simple strategies for turning ideas into systems you actually use - Why accountability is essential for lasting change - How small, consistent improvements lead to better projects, happier clients, and greater profitability - The one question every interior designer should ask before consuming more business advice

August 4, 202637 min

EP 492 | How to Build a Scalable Interior Design Firm with Rebekah Zaveloff and Nick Nichols

What separates a busy interior designer from the owner of a thriving, scalable design firm? It isn't better clients or bigger projects—it's strong systems, clear boundaries, and the ability to build a team that doesn't rely on you for every decision. In this candid conversation, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Rebekah Zaveloff and Nick Nichols, co-founders of Imparfait Design Studio, to discuss what it really takes to grow an interior design business. From pricing and client expectations to hiring, delegation, and leadership, they share the lessons they've learned while building a successful design firm that can scale without sacrificing creativity or profitability. If you're ready to stop operating like a solo designer and start leading your interior design business like a CEO, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why building systems is the foundation of a scalable interior design business - How to hire and delegate without sacrificing quality or creativity - Why clear contracts and client boundaries lead to more profitable projects - How empowering your team creates better designers and a stronger firm - When to walk away from the wrong clients—and why it's good for business - Why protecting your design process is the key to long-term growth and profitability

July 28, 202626 min

EP 491 | The Secret to Building an Interior Design Team You Can Trust with Kimberley Seldon

What if the key to growing your interior design business isn't working harder—but trusting someone else to do the work? In this solo episode, Kimberley Seldon shares the story of Kathy, the project manager who has been at the heart of her interior design firm for more than 20 years. Through that relationship, Kimberley explores what it really takes to build a team, delegate with confidence, and create a business that runs seamlessly behind the scenes. Whether you're hiring your first employee, transitioning to independent contractors, or struggling to let go of control, this episode offers practical insights for building trust, strengthening systems, and focusing on the work only you can do. What you'll learn in this episode: - Why trust is the foundation of every successful interior design team - How delegation creates more time for business growth and client relationships - Why identifying your highest-value activities changes everything - How strong systems make your interior design business feel effortless to clients - What it takes to build lasting relationships with employees and independent contractors - Why great leadership starts with taking responsibility for your business systems

July 20, 202636 min

EP 490 | AI, Delegation, and Hiring an Assistant for Your Interior Design Business with Gina Cotner

Are you trying to do everything yourself in your interior design business? As AI tools become more powerful, many designers are wondering whether they still need an assistant or additional support. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Gina Cotner, founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, to discuss why delegation remains one of the most important strategies for growing a profitable interior design business. Together, they explore how AI is changing the role of executive assistants, why accountability matters, and how the right support can help you reclaim your time and focus on the work only you can do. If you've ever said, "It's faster if I just do it myself," this episode is for you. What you'll learn in this episode: - Why AI won't replace great assistants in an interior design business - How to know when it's time to hire support for your design firm - Why delegation is essential for scaling your business and reducing overwhelm - How to create accountability without micromanaging your team - Questions that help employees and contractors think like leaders - Why giving work away creates more freedom, profitability, and growth Special for listeners of Business of Design! Receive 5 free hours of service added to your first full month of work with Athena Executive Services (AES)—a $275 value! Just mention this offer during your first call with us.

July 14, 202631 min

EP 489 | How Interior Designers Lead Clients and Contractors with Confidence with Ali Henrie

It’s easy to mistake people-pleasing for good project management. But avoiding difficult conversations doesn’t reduce project stress—it creates it. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Utah designer Ali Henrie to discuss what it really takes to lead successful projects. From managing client expectations to navigating contractor relationships, Ali shares why clear communication, documented processes, and strong boundaries are essential for keeping projects on track. If your projects have started to feel more complicated, exhausting, or unpredictable, this conversation will help you understand why—and what to do about it. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why builders and trades respect clarity more than people-pleasing - How strong communication and documentation prevent project chaos - The difference between being flexible and abandoning your process - Why establishing roles, responsibilities, and expectations early matters - How to handle budget conversations with greater confidence and authority - Why leadership—not perfection—is the key to successful project outcomes

July 7, 202625 min

EP 488 | Fewer Projects, More Profit for Interior Designers with Ellen Walker

What if the key to making more money in your interior design business isn’t taking on more projects—but taking on fewer? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with longtime Business of Design® member Ellen Walker, who recently achieved a milestone many designers dream of: $1 million in revenue and $200,000 in net profit from just three projects. After years of working hard with little financial reward, Ellen transformed her business by embracing project management, capturing every available revenue stream, and following proven systems. Today, she manages entire projects from concept to completion, works closely with trusted trades, and enjoys greater profitability, control, and satisfaction than ever before. If you've ever felt trapped by the belief that earning more requires working harder, Ellen's story will show you another way. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why taking on fewer projects can lead to greater profitability - How project management creates both control and additional revenue - The three revenue streams every interior designer should capture - Why clients often prefer having one person manage the entire project - How strong contractor relationships support long-term business growth - The value of accountability, forecasting, and sharing financial results honestly - Why it’s never too late to transform your business and increase profitability - How following proven systems creates confidence, consistency, and wealth

June 30, 202634 min

EP 487 | Systems Create Freedom for Design Professionals with Ellie Black

What if the key to greater creativity, profitability, and peace of mind isn't working harder—but creating better systems? In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Northern Virginia landscape designer Ellie Black to discuss what changed when she stopped reinventing the wheel and started implementing proven processes. Together, they explore why so many creative professionals resist structure, how boundaries improve the client experience, and why systems are essential for sustainable growth. Whether you specialize in interiors, landscapes, or both, this conversation will help you create a business that supports your creativity instead of draining it. In this episode, we learn: • Why systems and processes create more freedom, creativity, and profitability • How the BOD™ 15-Step Process helped Ellie transform her landscape design business • Why boundaries, policies, and clear communication increase client trust • The difference between being busy and working strategically • How delegation frees up time for higher-value creative work • Why outdoor spaces should be designed as a natural extension of the home • Practical tools for reducing overwhelm, improving focus, and avoiding burnout