Refine
Clear All
Your Track:
Live:
Search in:
Designer's Oasis
Designer's Oasis

Designer's Oasis

How do I build an interior design business? How do I get portfolio-worthy projects? Do I “have to” offer full-service interior design? How do I charge for my services? What if I want to do things differently with my interior design business? How do I take my design business to the next level? Feeling overwhelmed? I got you friend. Welcome to the Designer’s Oasis Podcast. Consider this your place for a fresh drink of water for the inspired, creative, ambitious, and let’s admit it, occasionally overwhelmed interior designer. Whether you are just starting your interior design business or you’re looking to grow or scale, here you’ll find actionable, real-world, and above all SIMPLE ways to launch, establish, and scale your interior design business with confidence. Introducing your host, Kate Bendewald of Kate Bendewald Interior Design, real-life interior designer, mama, and CEO who grew her 6-figure interior design business on word-of-mouth referrals. Kate doesn’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to running your business. Instead, she offers authentic, approachable advice to help you start where you are.

Available Episodes 10

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   I sat down with Andi Morse of Morse Design in Atlanta in today's episode. Andi shared how she believes offering multiple services is the key to getting your foot (literally and figuratively) in the door with clients. We chatted about good processes and protecting your creative energy, hiring, and business growth. Andi's down-to-earth sensibility has helped her run an efficient and creative design firm.   Here’s a glance at this episode…
  • Andi shared the variety of service offerings that she offers at her design firm, why she believes in them and how they lead to larger projects.
  • We share our struggles with finding ways to protect our creative energy through building systems and processes to free up more design time.
  • We dive into how to sell your value as an interior designer to build a successful design business.
  • Andi shares her structure with content creation and how it helps bring in prospective clients regularly.
Mentioned in this episode:      🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/running-an-efficient-and-joyful-design-firm-with-andi-morse

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I sat down with Gideon Mendelson of the Mendelson group in New York. Gideon is one of the smartest, most honest, and down-to-earth designers I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Our chat is a masterclass in running a business that endures. Gideon, who grew up in New York, had the privilege of being able to look over the shoulder of his late mother, Mimi Mendelsen, a highly sought-after interior designer in her time. Fast forward to today, and Gideon credits both of his parents as well as his early career influences, college, and his tennis career with helping to shape his work ethic, business acumen, and creative spirit. Today, he is at the helm of his design firm working with clients nationwide. Gideon and I chat about his process for onboarding clients and gaining their trust. We talk about the reality of being a multifaceted designer who understands business and design and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, as well as the real value of nurturing clients throughout their experience, which can lead to lifelong clients and friendships for a business that endures. This is a don't miss episode!   Here’s a glance at this episode…
  • We chat about Gideon's transition from playing tennis at Columbia into an eventual shift to studying architecture and film helped him build his work ethic and creative spirit.
  • We discussed what it was like to build a design business with his mother, Mimi Mendelsen
  • We dive into the importance of building client relationships and helping our clients have a central support person to ask questions.
  • We share about how to balance creativity and business as well as involve our families in our legacy.
  • Gideon shares about how his firm really nurtures client relationships to pave the way for repeat business and client referrals.
Mentioned in this episode:  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/unlock-an-enduring-business-by-nurturing-client-relationships-with-gideon-mendelson

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I sat down with Maggie Griffin of Maggie Griffin Design, a full-service residential interior design firm in Gainesville, Georgia. Maggie is known for her modern Southern Living style with spaces that are freshly classic and comfortable for everyday life. We share about the changes we've seen in the design industry since the pandemic, especially regarding lead times and project costs. We also talk about managing client expectations from those who might be looking for what Maggie calls a "move that bus moment" and how she can educate clients on what to expect without scaring them off.   Here’s a glance at this episode…
  • We discuss the significant impact that social media has had on the interior design industry and what this means for interior designers and their clients.
  • We share about vetting clients and our experiences with finding the clients that are and are not the right fit.
  • We share about the challenges in the design industry with project timelines and costs.
  • We discuss having good communication with our clients throughout the interior design process to make sure that projects run smoothly.
Mentioned in this episode:  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/managing-change-in-the-interior-design-industry-with-maggie-griffin

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I sat down with Gabriela Eisenhart of Silo Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. She and her team help clients nationwide infuse homes with their fresh, modern aesthetic that pushes boundaries while still being livable. We talked about the evolution of SIlo Studios how she manages a team today that helps move projects from concept to completion.   Here’s a glance at this episode…
  • We discuss client-centric design and how to reflect a client's style in their design.
  • We dive into slow design and trying to utilize pieces that will last a long time and are more sustainable.
  • Gabriela shares how she has grown her team and what it took to find the right balance.
  • We share how getting feedback from your team helps you to grow a more sustainable business and streamline your systems and processes.
  • We talk about imposter syndrome, family life, and building a business you love and can sustain
Mentioned in this episode:  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/growing-an-interior-design-team-with-gabriela-eisenhart

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I got to sit down with Marisa Wilson, the creator of The Cool Girl's Guide to High Point, a fun and insightful resource designed to help designers navigate the expansive High Point Market. Her guide offers insider tips, must-visit showrooms, and advice from industry leaders, making it a go-to for anyone attending the event, covering 12 million square feet of showroom space.   In addition to The Cool Girl's Guide to High Point, Marisa runs Marisa Wilson Interior Design, her Charlotte-based residential design firm. She’s known for her playful yet thoughtful design approach, aiming to make the process enjoyable for her clients. Marisa also has a reputation for blending creativity with practicality, helping people create spaces that reflect their personalities​. So how can you make the most of your High Point Market experience?   Here’s a glance at this episode…
  • We discussed the origins of the Cool Girl's Guide to High Point and how Marisa found herself helping friends, other designers and reaching out to others to build what is now an extensive guide.
  • We talked about the top navigation tips for high point market.
  • Marisa shared how to keep track of which showrooms had certain products throughout your time at market.
  • We shared about the market Insider's Tours - who they are for, what they are about, and how to sign up.
  • We both opened up about networking at High Point and how inviting and warm the environment is between designers.
Mentioned in this episode:    🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/navigating-highpoint-market-with-marisa-wilson

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I had a chance to sit down with Dan Mazzarini, Principal and Creative Director at BHDM Design & ARCHIVE by Dan Mazzarini. BHDM Design is an award-winning, bi-coastal, multi-disciplinary firm offering residential, commercial, and hospitality design services. ARCHIVE by Dan Mazzarini provides a curated selection of home and lifestyle products, shopped from all of his favorite resources. Through ARCHIVE, Dan educates, encourages, and inspires a global network of consumers to incorporate luxury to their everyday lives.   We talk about balancing diversifying your portfolio and niching down. We talk about having a signature style and creating "memory points" on projects. We also dive into a new project ARCHIVE by Dan Mazzarini.   Here’s a glance at this episode…
  • We discuss how Dan transitioned from retail to hospitality and then built his freelance portfolio to start his own firm.
  • We discuss whether it's important to build a signature style or diversify your portfolio or projects.
  • We jump into how to choose which interior design projects are a good fit and how to find out if you have an emotional connection to the project.
  • Dan shares the concept of creating memory points in design projects to stand out.
  • We end with a discussion on mental health in the design industry and steps to take to protect your own.
Mentioned in this episode:    🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/diversifying-your-interior-design-portfolio-with-dan-mazzarini

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I catch up with Rasheeda Gray, founder of Gray Space Interiors to discuss her transition from a corporate marketing career to interior design. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and the value of insider tours at High Point Market. Rasheeda and I discussed her journey, including her gaining her first client in 2016 and making the decision to go full-time in 2018. Rasheeda shares her approach to balancing work with her husband's general contracting business and hiring a business coach. Rasheeda and I also discuss the progress in elevating black designers in the industry and her hope for continued growth and representation.   Here’s a glance at this episode…
  • Rasheeda shares how she started her early career in corporate marketing and describes her transition to interior design.
  • Rasheeda and I discuss how to make an interior design business work while still working in a full-time job and building our design business on the side.
  • Rasheeda discusses the need to hire for the first time in 2018 and how to reinvest in your business.
  • We share what it means to get super clear on your priorities to help you decide when to say yes and when to say no to opportunities.
  • We wrap up by discussing diversity in the interior design industry and how to elevate black designers.
Mentioned in this episode: 🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/switching-to-an-interior-design-career-with-rasheeda-gray

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I share the importance of establishing healthy boundaries with clients. We all need that, right? It is essential in order to maintain a positive, professional relationship while protecting your time, energy, and well-being. Holding healthy boundaries is vitally important to avoiding burnout.   Here’s a glance at this episode…
  • I share how to start setting boundaries so that it feels easy and you are confident when sharing with your interior design clients.
  • I discuss what type of boundaries you should be setting.
  • I share why it's important to set boundaries to avoid feelings of resentment throughout a project.
  • I dive into how setting boundaries requires risk and to feel that you are worthy of setting those boundaries and how to tackle this part.
Mentioned in this episode:  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/how-to-establish-healthy-boundaries-with-interior-design-clients

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I am sharing the top 3 things that I OBSESS over when it comes to my interior design clients. These are the things that I truly believe make your business sustainable and keep it fun and enjoyable without all of the overwhelm and frustration. So what are the 3 things I obsess over?   Here’s a glance at this episode…
  • I share how to make sure clients are the right fit and what I do to vet each client.
  • I discuss how I dig into finding out if a client has a realistic budget and timeline.
  • I share the red flags that you shouldn't ignore!
  • I dive into how to communicate well with clients before, during, and after a project to ensure there are no loose ends.
  • I share my process for getting client feedback every step of the way throughout a project.
Mentioned in this episode:  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/3-things-i-obsess-over-with-interior-design-clients

Interior Designer's Business Blueprint   In today's episode, I walk interior designers through why I believe that a paid waitlist is a good idea when you have that ideal client you want to work with but you just aren't able to take them on immediately. By creating a paid waitlist opportunity, you offer both yourself and the client the ability to commit to working together. I have found that clients who are willing to be put on a waitlist, are going to naturally prioritize design over a timeline, which is exactly who I want to work with. I use a paid waitlist anytime I can't start on a project for at least 4 - 6 weeks.   Here’s a glance at this episode…
  • I share the benefits of building a paid waitlist for both yourself and your clients.
  • I discuss the steps I would take to implement a paid waitlist and how to share with clients.
  • I dive into how and why to charge for a waitlist project.
  • I share how I support clients while they are waiting for their project to begin.
Mentioned in this episode:  🎯 Learn More: Interior Designer’s Business Blueprint - https://www.designersoasis.com/blueprint   WANT MORE?  🛒  Template Shop - 10% off the shop PODCAST10 (Limit one use per customer) 🔖 Interior Design Business Articles   ⬇️  Free Resources   FOLLOW ALONG 🤳Instagram  📍  Pinterest  📺 YouTube    -------------------------------------   ***Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts*** FOLLOW this channel so you never miss an episode! - https://www.youtube.com/@DesignersOasis   EPISODE WEBSITE ⇗- designersoasis.com/episode/how-to-create-a-paid-waitlist-for-interior-design-clients