In this episode, Kelly Donougher of 13 Interiors shares her remarkable journey from mining superintendent to successful interior designer with studios in both Perth and Melbourne. Learn how she manages a thriving business across two cities, builds a cohesive team, and creates systems that allow her designers to see projects through from concept to completion.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

Beth xx

Episode Highlights:

• Kelly's transition from local government and mining to interior design
• How she built 13 Interiors while working full-time in another career
• The logistics of running design studios on opposite sides of Australia
• Her unique approach to team structure and project management
• The importance of setting clear client expectations and timelines
• Finding your design niche and staying authentic to your style

Key Takeaways:

• Focus on what your role in the business will be before making hiring decisions
Let designers own their projects from start to finish for better client relationships
Set clear timelines and communicate them consistently to clients
Trust your gut and follow your own path rather than comparing to others
Develop systems that work for your specific business model

Practical Insights:

• How to schedule projects around travel between locations
• Building a team that complements your strengths
• Creating an 8-week project timeline that keeps clients informed
• Managing client expectations through clear communication
• Balancing creative work with business operations

Perfect For:

• Interior designers looking to scale their business
• Creative entrepreneurs managing remote teams
• Designers transitioning from other careers
• Business owners juggling multiple locations
• Anyone interested in work-life balance while growing a business

Quote from Episode:

"Design is only about 20% of running a successful studio." - Kelly Donougher on the reality of running a design business

Connect with our guest:

Kelly Donougher - 13 Interiors

Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business.

1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox

2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.

I only have 8 spots available every month.

3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio.

4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio

5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.