Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast

Hosted by Hot Young Designers Club

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196

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Jun 2026

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About the show

They're not that hot, or that young - but hosts Rebecca Plumb (Studio Plumb) and Shaun Crha (Wrensted Interiors) spill the tea every week on how a new generation of interior designers run their business. Join a community exploring the emotional, practical, and humorous side of the interior design business.

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June 12, 20261 hr 7 min

180: Hema Persad Is Uncompromising About Mediocrity in Her Life and Her Design Business, Sagrada Studio

In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca sit down with Hema Persad, founder and principal designer of Sagrada Studio, a Los Angeles-based interior design firm creating layered, personal, and highly intentional residential and commercial spaces. Hema shares how she moved from law to celebrity styling to interior design, and how each chapter shaped the way she runs her studio today.Hema gets candid about building a luxury interior design business, creating tiered service offerings, managing client expectations, outsourcing strategically, working with contractors, and refusing to tolerate mediocrity in her team, her process, or her life. This conversation is packed with honest interior design business advice for designers who want stronger boundaries, better systems, and a more profitable studio.In this episode they discuss:How Hema transitioned from attorney to celebrity stylist to founder of Sagrada StudioWhy outsourcing CAD drawings and low-value tasks can help interior designers focus on higher-level workThe difference between full-service interior design, consultations, and smaller client offeringsHow Hema is building a three-tier design business with The Expert, in-studio consultations, and white glove full service designWhy showing too much behind-the-scenes process can undermine a luxury client experienceHow designers can manage client expectations around delays, procurement, contractors, and scope creepWhy people pleasing does not serve clients, teams, or interior design business ownersHow Hema structures her team around design, procurement, and project execution to improve accountabilityMentioned:Hema Persad on InstagramSagrada Studio on InstagramSagrada Studio’s WebsiteOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the website

June 5, 20261 hr 17 min

179: Stay the Course, Focusing on the Right Projects

In this episode of Hot Young Designers Club, Shaun Crha and Rebecca Plum talk about what it really looks like to stay committed to the business changes you’ve made, even when the right interior design projects take time to show up. From refining inquiry workflows to trusting your instincts with potential clients, they dig into the behind-the-scenes decisions that help interior designers build more profitable and sustainable businesses.They also discuss how client proposals, payment processes, and service boundaries evolve as your design business grows. Shaun shares how he’s testing new proposal systems for full-service interior design clients, while Rebecca talks through lead qualification, Dubsado workflows, wire transfers, and why choosing the right projects often means saying no to the ones that no longer fit.In this episode they discuss:Updates on a potential HYDC designer retreat or inspiration trip in 2027How Rebecca is navigating summer schedules, family changes, and her husband’s upcoming retirementUsing Dubsado to manage interior design inquiries, client onboarding, canned emails, and schedulingThe difference between consultation-only leads and full-service interior design prospectsWhy reviewing proposals live with clients can build trust and uncover objections earlyHow to stay the course when you’ve changed your services, pricing, or ideal project typeWhy designers should prepare professional wire transfer instructions for larger client paymentsThe importance of choosing projects that align with the type of interior design business you actually want to runOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteSign up for our Hotties on Holiday List

May 29, 20261 hr 9 min

178: Someone needs to start a Design Detail Database

Shaun and Rebecca are back with a winding, very Hot Young Designers Club conversation about mindset, merch, aging textiles, sleep pillows, old design magazines, and the eternal hunt for better interior design inspiration. What starts as a chat about energy, time, and side quests turns into a bigger discussion about how interior designers can find more original references outside of Pinterest, Instagram, and the current design algorithm.In this episode, they explore why designers need a better way to collect and share the tiny design details that make a project special: trim profiles, upholstery edges, tile miters, cornices, window casings, and all the little construction and styling details that rarely make it into portfolio photography.In this episode they discuss:Using mindset shifts to feel less trapped by time and business owner overwhelmRebecca’s Studio Plumb merch side quest, including custom note cards, tote bags, and hatsHow vintage sellers, rug makers, and designers use sun fading, patina, and age as part of the design storyWhy Shaun is pulling back from Pinterest and looking for older, less current design inspirationHow old shelter magazines, travel photos, architecture books, and nature references can lead to more original interior design conceptsThe problem with Pinterest search, ads, and algorithms when designers need very specific detail referencesTheir dream for a searchable design detail database full of trim, upholstery, tile, millwork, window treatment, and construction inspirationRebecca’s upcoming home projects, including reworking her daughter’s closet, flooring, hallway, doors, and possible wallpaper momentsMentioned:Sleep Crown - https://www.sleepcrown.com/MOO Note Cards - https://www.moo.com/us/notecards-oldHôtel Weekend - https://www.hotel-weekend.com/Schumacher Trims - https://schumacher.com/catalog/3Our links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

May 22, 20261 hr 10 min

177: How to Be a Successful House Witch

Shaun and Rebecca are catching up on the very real emotional, practical, and slightly chaotic sides of running an interior design business. Rebecca shares the time stress of trying to balance work, family, installs, and all the little business decisions that add up, while Shaun reflects on the power of delegating, building support, and choosing the work that actually matters.They also unpack the viral response to a clip from Caroline Turner’s episode about who gets to call themselves an interior designer, the value of design school versus lived experience, and why designers need to communicate their unique skills clearly in their marketing. From comparison traps and phone detoxing to restorative spaces, project installs, California permitting, and the dream of a future HYDC design travel experience, this episode is all about finding more intention, connection, and a little magic in your business.In this episode they discuss:Rebecca’s current season of time stress, overbooking, and learning where she needs more supportThe viral Instagram reel from Caroline Turner’s episode and the ongoing designer versus decorator debateWhy interior design education, experience, technical skill, and creative instinct all matter in different waysUsing your background, training, and point of view as a marketing strengthHow comparison on social media can affect creativity, confidence, and mental healthThe importance of real designer friendships and honest conversations behind the scenesWhy interior designers are basically “house witches” creating intentional, restorative spacesShaun and Rebecca’s early thoughts on hosting a future design-focused travel experienceOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

May 15, 20261 hr 12 min

176: Some Clients Need a Design Dom

In this episode Shaun and Rebecca catch up after their latest travels and dig into what those experiences revealed about creativity, mindset, wellness, and the way interior designers structure their businesses. Rebecca shares takeaways from the Design Field Retreat in Charleston, including lessons on Enneagrams, journaling, morning routines, and learning from successful design leaders.Shaun and Rebecca also talk about the power of being opinionated in your interior design business, especially when it comes to positioning, investment guides, and helping clients trust your expertise. From “design domming” clients who want confident direction to building a business that can support travel, remote work, and a stronger team, this episode is a reflective conversation about designing a business that actually supports the life you want.In this episode they discuss:Rebecca’s experience at the Design Field Retreat in CharlestonHow Enneagram types show up in creativity, leadership, and decision-makingCreating healthier morning routines and reducing phone reactivityWhy journaling and mindset work can help interior designers reconnect with their valuesHow Shaun updated his investment guide to better reflect his brand voice and ideal clientWhy some interior design clients want stronger opinions and confident directionThe difference between local and remote design projects, and how strong processes support out-of-state workBuilding a design business with the right team, support, and creative freedomOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

May 8, 20261 hr 23 min

175 REHEATED: Caroline Turner Confesses Why She Doesn't Like Referrals

In this episode, we're sitting down with Caroline Turner of Caroline Turner Interiors and Confessions of an Interior Designer to talk about running a design business, building a waitlist, handling referrals (or not), and using social media for client growth. Caroline shares her unfiltered thoughts on why she’s not a fan of referrals, how she sets project minimums, and the major shifts she’s made in her business to improve workflow. Plus, we get into her viral TikToks, the future of AI in design, and her juicy behind-the-scenes confessions from working in the industry. If you’ve ever had to tell a contractor to “suck your dick” (or wanted to), this episode is for you!In this episode, we discuss:How Caroline built her business and team structureThe benefits of creating a waitlist for projectsWhy she doesn’t love getting referrals—and how they can cause problemsSetting minimum project investment amounts and how that changed her businessLearning to fire clients (and how some refused to be fired!)The role TikTok has played in her business growthThe impact of AI on the design industry and why designers need to be cautiousHer experience taking over a project after another designer was let goThe challenges of working with contractors and standing firm on budget conversationsHow she launched Confessions of an Interior Designer and what it’s really like running a podcastSupporting ResourcesCaroline Turner Interiors https://carolineturner.co/Follow Caroline Turner Interiors on Instagram and TikTokhttps://www.instagram.com/carolineturnerinteriors/?hl=enConfessions of an Interior Designer Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/confessions-of-an-interior-designer/id1777908471Rebecca's Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/studioplumb/?hl=enShaun's Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/wrenstedinteriors/?hl=enJoin Our Patreonhttps://www.patreon.com/hydcListen on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-young-designers-club-interior-design-business-podcast/id1505427626Shop HYDChttps://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/Visit Our Websitehttps://hotyoungdesignersclub.com/

May 1, 20261 hr 9 min

174: My steak is too juicy, and my lobster is too buttery

Shaun Crha and Rebecca Plum are back with a classic Hot Young Designers Club catch-up episode full of interior design business advice, creative tangents, client presentation stories, and a few pop culture detours. Rebecca shares the high of a nearly fully-approved presentation for a colorful, personality-filled project, while Shaun talks about the joy of working with clients who trust you enough to take bigger creative swings.They also dig into what it feels like when your interior design work starts attracting the right kinds of clients, how creativity shows up whether you are working or trying to rest, and why client presentations are really a form of improv. Plus, Rebecca shares a new AI tool she is experimenting with for custom rugs and home products, and they wrap with a reminder about the Loyal Hotties Patreon community.In this episode they discuss:Why finding clients who trust your creative vision can completely change the energy of your interior design businessHow Shaun and Rebecca approach client presentations, from preemptive strikes to choosing the room that gets the first big “yes”The reality of last-minute tweaks, presentation prep, and the pressure designers put on themselves before big client meetingsWhy having a strong creative practice can make it hard to fully “turn off,” even on vacationHow consultations and retail design experience can sharpen your quick-thinking design skillsRebecca’s colorful formal living room project with a red fireplace, playful fabrics, and unexpected detailsUsing AI as a translation tool between a designer’s creative ideas and custom makers or manufacturersThe value of design community, mastermind-style conversations, and celebrating wins inside the Loyal Hotties PatreonOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

April 24, 20261 hr 14 min

173: Who pooped at the dinner party & other floor plan adventures

Shaun and Rebecca catch up on spring travel, allergic reactions, editorial photoshoots, and the realities of balancing rest with productivity as interior designers. Rebecca shares the behind-the-scenes story of her Texas project being selected for a magazine cover and what it was like working with a full editorial team on location.They also dive into the importance of showing your design work online, how editors discover interior designers, the ethics of using other designers’ photos on social media, and why clear floor plans and thoughtful presentations matter so much in an interior design business. From art lending libraries to powder rooms opening into dining rooms, this episode is full of hilarious tangents and practical lessons for designers trying to communicate their value clearly.In this episode they discuss:Rebecca’s spring break trip to Palm Springs and navigating a scary allergic reaction at NobuPlanning international travel around food allergies, family preferences, and long-haul logisticsRebecca’s Texas project being photographed for a magazine cover and full home tourWhy sharing your interior design projects online can lead to editorial opportunitiesShaun’s reflections on vacation, rest, productivity, and breaking the reward-based mindsetThe Octopus Initiative at MCA Denver and the idea of borrowing museum-quality art for your homeThe ethics of using other designers’ work in social media content and design education postsWhy floor plan reviews, construction documentation, renderings, and client presentations are so importantOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

April 17, 20261 hr 17 min

172 REHEATED: Why Kate Lester Swears by Hourly Fees

How should you respond to clients when you really don’t want to do the project? How do you set boundaries in your business and train others how to respect them? Should you stop charging a flat rate and start charging by the hour?In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun speak with Kate Lester of Kate Lester Interiors, to discuss:Why Kate quit her six figure job in corporate America to become an interior designerWorking in a home office before you start paying for an office outside the homeAll the things design school failed to teach herHow to teach people to respect your boundariesCharging an hourly rate - it is the only way to goWhy you need to run a profit and loss statement at the end of every projectHow Kate was able to buy and store vintage piecesLeaning into your style and who you areA story of how staying true to one’s process leads to better business in the long runMentioned:Kate’s websiteKate’s InstagramOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

April 10, 20261 hr 12 min

171 REHEATED: Trusting your instincts during times of growth and change with Ali Faulkner of AEF Interiors

This replay episode brings back a great conversation with Ali Faulkner of AEF Interiors about what it really looks like to grow an interior design business with intention. Ali shares how she built her firm by leaning into process, trusting her instincts, and making thoughtful investments in support before the results were fully visible.Rebecca and Shaun talk with Ali about balancing strategy with gut instinct, using Instagram as both a marketing and educational tool, and why community matters so much when you are scaling a design business. From hiring help for social media to building referral relationships with other designers, architects, and builders, this episode is packed with practical insight for designers navigating change and growth.In this episode they discuss:Why trusting your instincts can be just as important as relying on the numbers when making growth decisionsHow Ali positioned AEF Interiors around process instead of aesthetic aloneWhat happened when she invested in social media support and why Instagram became a major lead sourceWhy organic content can attract both ideal clients and fellow interior designersHow networking with architects, builders, realtors, and other designers can create long-term opportunitiesThe importance of hiring people who are better than you in their specific rolesWhy tracking your time is essential for pricing, hiring, and understanding what it costs to run your businessHow community and designer-to-designer relationships can support both your business growth and emotional healthMentioned:AEF Interiors websiteFollow Ali on InstagramHaven WorkshopHer workshop with TandemDiving Into the Interior Design ProcessOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop