Kate Abt: When Your Signature Style Trends
 
Episode Details
In an industry where your look literally defines your brand, the pressure to find your signature style can be overwhelming. Defining your look in spite of trends can be critical to the success of your studio and crucial to attracting your ideal clients. So what happens when your look starts trending? Can you still stand out in a sea of lookalikes? Today’s guest is helping us navigate all of those questions and more. Kate Abt of Kate Abt Design opened her studio over a decade ago and immediately established her iconic aesthetic–timeless, collected, and livable. With her English roots and California influences, she’s found the beautiful balance between classic and effortless interiors, despite the ebbs and flows of design trends. 
In this episode, Kate and I discuss:

How to identify your signature style
How interior design trends evolve over time
Which elements in a design are important to remain timeless
How to combat the pressure to follow trending styles
Finding the balance between fresh design and trending design
Tips for attracting your ideal clients
And more!

 
Mentioned in This Episode:The Expert

Thanks for listening to this episode of The Interior Collective. You can listen to our episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or access all the show notes on our website.
 
You can follow along with Kate on Instagram, Pinterest, and discover more of her work on her website.
 
SHOW NOTES
The Interior Collective:

Kate Abt: When Your Signature Style Trends

A podcast for the business of beautiful living presented by IDCO Studio. The Interior Collective is equal parts advisor, collaborator, and trusted friend to interior designers around the world. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey -- bringing in interior designers and industry tastemakers to provide you with actionable advice for your own practice from experts you already trust. Our star-studded lineup features industry-renowned names such as Amber Lewis, Heidi Callier, Shea McGee, Marie Flanigan, Jake Arnold, Clara Jung, Carley Summers, Gail Davis, Lindsey Borchard, Lauren Liess, Light & Dwell, Victoria Sass, Megan Grehl and so many more. We’ve assigned each guest a specific topic, for truly actionable, inspiring and strategic takeaways from each episode.

Arts

Literature

Performing Arts

Design

Food

Fashion & Beauty

Visual Arts

Business

Investing

Careers

Management & Marketing

Business News

Shopping

Entrepreneurship

Home & Garden

Leisure

Brad, the founder of AFT Construction, shares his journey in the construction industry and the importance of collaboration between designers and builders. He emphasizes the need for effective communication and alignment of vision between the two parties. Brad also discusses the role of a superintendent in ensuring the success of a project and the importance of proper supervision. He highlights the value of pre-construction meetings and page turns to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Brad also addresses the issue of budgeting and the division of responsibilities between designers and builders when it comes to purchasing materials and furnishings. In this conversation, Brad Leavitt, owner of AFT Construction, discusses the importance of technology in the construction industry and how it can improve communication and transparency between contractors, designers, and clients. He emphasizes the use of tools like Buildertrend and Bluebeam to streamline project management and collaboration. Brad also shares insights on maintaining budget discipline, providing accurate bids, and value engineering. He highlights the significance of strong leadership and company culture in maintaining high morale and expectations within the team. Lastly, he discusses the value of social media in marketing and building a brand.The Interior Collective InstagramIDCO Studio Instagram Shop Our Products at IDCO StudioFor any custom projects, please inquire at Kwin MadeBrad Leavitt Instagram Brad Leavitt PodcastAFT Construction Website

Working with Builders with Brad Leavitt

Tiffany Piotrowski, owner of Tiffany Leigh Design, discusses the power of pivoting in business and the decisions that inform those pivots. She shares her journey as a business owner, including starting her own design blog, working for a well-known interior design firm, and eventually starting her own business. Tiffany talks about a pivotal moment when she realized she needed to shift her focus back to design and let go of her online shop. She emphasizes the importance of listening to your gut and being flexible in business. Tiffany also discusses how she communicates changes to her team and clients and the balance between growth and financial stability.
The Interior Collective InstagramIDCO Studio Instagram Shop Our Products at IDCO StudioFor any custom projects, please inquire at Kwin MadeBook a consultation with TiffanyTiffany Leigh Design InstagramTiffany Leigh Design Website

The Transformative Power of Pivoting with Tiffany Leigh

Access all bonus material now on Patreon at patreon.com/TheInteriorCollective incuding this week's New Project Marketing Plan download.
This week on the Interior Collective Podcast, we sat down with Lindye Galloway, an Orange Country, California, designer and shop owner to talk about her strategies for setting her firm apart and developing a distinct point of view in an area that is super saturated with designers. Lindye walks us through her transition from wedding designer to interior designer as she and her husband embark on a renovation just weeks after the birth of their son, Theo, and how it works now that he has joined the business. She candidly shares how she pieced her business together, always keeping her vision in mind and maintaining a stylistic thread while designing homes around the country, and how innovation and competition can propel you forward.
The Interior Collective InstagramIDCO Studio Instagram Shop Our Products at IDCO StudioFor any custom projects, please inquire at Kwin MadeLindye Galloway

Strategic Brand Development with Lindye Galloway

Download our guide to pricing your services as an interior designer now on Patreon at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective. 
Hema Persad, founder of Sagrada Studio, discusses her approach to billing as an interior designer. She explains the onboarding and design discovery phase, as well as the billing structure at each phase of her process. Hema emphasizes the importance of being clear about the fee structure and having expectations outlined in the contract. She also talks about the significance of tracking hours and project profitability. Hema believes in open discussions about money in the industry to set realistic and fair industry standards. In this conversation, Anastasia discusses various aspects of billing and client management in interior design, while Hema expands her approach to collecting funds for accessories and artwork, as well as how she handles retainer fees and invoices. Hema also shares her thoughts on hourly rates for install and project management, as well as the challenges of hiring and managing a team. She emphasizes the importance of tracking time and managing finances, and discusses the benefits of remote work. Additionally, she talks about the impact of visibility and recognition on billing and client acquisition, and shares her excitement about upcoming projects and collaborations.
 
The Interior Collective InstagramIDCO Studio Instagram Shop Our Products at IDCO StudioFor any custom projects, please inquire at Kwin MadeHema PersadSagrada Studio
Want to hear more from Hema Persad, listen to her episode on Design Perspectives with Gail M. Davis

Pricing Your Services with Hema Persad

Today, interior designer and 2 time author Brian Paquette is serving a masterclass in lighting design. Brian’s breaking down the concept of lighting plans, how to create one, and budget allocations. I find it particularly fascinating because of the importance of harnessing light in the Pacific Northwest where Brian’s based.
Our conversation really emphasizes the importance of understanding clients' needs and preferences during initial conversations and tailoring the lighting plan accordingly, while balancing aesthetic and function when selecting light fixtures.
Brian is also offering a peek into his latest book ‘Outside In’, which finds a deeper meaning in design. Find sample lighting plans from some of Brian Paquette’s portfolio of work in the bonus materials section of Patreon. Access them now at Patreon.com/TheInteriorCollective or book an Expert call with Brian directly.
 
The Interior Collective InstagramIDCO Studio Instagram Shop Our Products at IDCO StudioFor any custom projects, please inquire at Kwin MadeBrian PaquetteOutside In: Interiors Born from Nature Lighting Plan Reel

Kate Abt: When Your Signature Style Trends

Download our free app to listen on your phone