By LuAnn Nigara
4.9
743743 ratings
The podcast currently has 1,038 episodes available.
Today, with Kelley Gable of Gable Interior Designers, we dive deep into the world of niche marketing and luxury coastal design. Kelley shares her journey of redefining coastal aesthetics, moving beyond cliché beach motifs to create sophisticated, contemporary interiors. We explore her unique business model of serving clients with homes in both urban areas and coastal Delaware, and how she's structured her team to support this dual-location approach. Kelley offers valuable insights on educating clients about modern coastal design, building strategic partnerships with builders, and creating targeted marketing strategies. We also discuss her hiring process for different roles across her two offices, providing practical advice for growing a design team. Whether you're looking to carve out your own niche or expand your business across multiple locations, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge on positioning your design business for success.
LuAnn Nigara and Kelley Gable's Ah-Ha Moments“When hiring, you attract what you put out, so it’s important to attract people who see your vision and what to drink your “Kool-Aid, rather than just hiring too quickly,” - Kelley Gable
“Relationship building blocks are the foundation for how you can get into a new market,” - Kelley Gable
More About Kelley GableOwner & Principal Designer, Kelley Gable, was born and raised in Maryland and currently shares her time between the shores of coastal Delaware in Rehoboth Beach and Severna Park, Maryland with her husband and two children.
Kelley's distinct style can be described as clean, functional and open. She finds beauty in blending her traditional East Coast roots with a casual California lifestyle inspired by laid-back living. With a background in merchandising and design, Kelley brings her ability to marry style and function in each space.
Connect with Kelley GableWebsite
The Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources:This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
LuAnn University - Registration Open!
Other Shows:#851: Power Talk Friday: Alexis Varbero: Making Connections that Matter
#887: Power Talk Friday: Renee Bush: Bringing the Spark Back Into Your Interior Design Business
#982: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik Johanson: Leveraging Your Superpower to Attract Dream Interior Design Clients
#987: Kate Wood: Discovering and Leaning into Your Niche
#988: On Air Strategy Sessions: Cassandra Thurston: Building a Pipeline to go from Side Hustle to Full Time Interior Design
Today with Karen Post, we dive deep into her journey of transforming Home Frosting from a staging company into a thriving interior design firm. Karen shares her experience of making a major business pivot while managing complex personal and financial challenges, including significant business loans and partnerships. As a former member of my Chairman of the Board program, Karen offers candid insights about finding the courage to change direction when your current path isn't bringing you joy, even if you've invested heavily in it. She discusses practical considerations like negotiating flexible lease terms and managing inventory, while also sharing how this business transformation ultimately strengthened both her professional success and personal relationships. This episode is a masterclass in strategic pivoting and the importance of aligning your business with your true passions.
LuAnn Nigara and Karen Post's Ah-Ha Moments“You can’t change anybody else, you can just change your reaction to it.” - LuAnn
“When [you’re] getting funding, you need to think about the worst case scenario. If the story changes, do these details impact you?” - Karen
“When you sign your lease, make sure if you're committing to a big space that you've got flexibility and if you change course, you're not stuck with that.” - Karen
More About Karen PostKaren Post – president and lead designer of Home Frosting. Karen is an ever evolving, forever learning entrepreneur. She started her career in visual merchandising, then developed into marketing as an agency owner, international speaker and twice published author and today is an accomplished designer and thought leader.
As a design professional she founded Home Frosting as a luxury staging company in 2016 (without any formal training in staging or interiors) and in 2021 pivoted, twirled and found her true happy spot as a top design firm leader in Tampa, Florida.
Connect with Karen PostWebsite
Houzz
YouTube
What’s new with LuAnn NigaraThe Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources:This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
Kravet Workspace in Basking Ridge, New Jersey
LuAnn University - Registration Open!
Other Shows:WTFP #43: Peggy Morgans: How Do I Get My Business Ready to Sell?
AWDB #271: Power Talk Friday: Husband & Wife Teams- This Week is LuAnn & Vin Nigara
AWDB #973: Jamie Gasparovic: How Investing In Your Business Can Kick Imposter Syndrome to the Curb
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. If you’ve been listening to the show for any amount of time, you’ve heard me tell you to niche at least a dozen times. So…if you haven’t niched…what’s holding you back?
My guest today, Lindsay Hunter, probably had all of those same fears. But she also had a passion—and she turned that passion into a profitable, thriving niche as the equestrian interior designer.
Today, she’s sharing her story—and how niching opened up doors for her that never would have opened up otherwise.
LuAnn Nigara and Lindsay Hunter's Ah-Ha Moments“Thank you for inspiring me to niche my business and to put my horse back on my website and be authentic and myself and feel like I can show up to client meetings in my barn boots.” -Lindsay
“What’s meaningful and being passionately attached to something are two very different things. When you're really super niched like equestrian design, you can't fake that. You can’t say you’re an equestrian designer when you haven’t even been in a tack room.” -LuAnn
More About Lindsay HunterLindsay Hunter combines her enthusiasm for interior design with her passion for the equestrian lifestyle to create intentional, inspirational living spaces for people from all walks of life. Past clients appreciate her attention to detail and her ability to bring the best out of any space, no matter how large or small. Lindsay brings a wealth of knowledge, insightful understanding, and elevated scope to every project because she understands why a house should feel less like a building and more like an extension of your life, identity, and passions.
Now based in San Diego, CA, interior designer Lindsay Hunter graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History. After an intensive study in art and architecture in Bologna, Italy, Lindsay went on to pursue her studies in Interior Design at Santa Barbara City College where she met the stringent educational requirements necessary to receive her certification in June 2009.
Connect with Lindsay HunterLindsay Hunter Design
Luxury Equestrian Network
Magazine
What’s new with LuAnn NigaraThe Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources:This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
Kravet Workspace in Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Other Shows:AWDB #833 Flashback Friday: Mikel Welch: Be Determined and Get the Job Done
AWDB #991 Chloe Bullock: Conscious Design
AWDB #987: Kate Wood: Discovering and Leaning into Your Niche
AWDB #896: Cléophée Poli: A Unique Interior Design Niche Serving English-Speaking Clients in Paris
AWDB #830: Anne Gillyard: Capitalizing on Your “You” to Grow Your Interior Design Business
AWDB 759: Power Talk Friday: Rachael Bozsik: Discover Your Goldmine and Unleash Your Marketing
AWDB #174: Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours
AWDB #15: Nancy Ganzekaufer- Niche is Rich
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Many designers struggle with harnessing their sensitivity in business, often seeing it as a weakness rather than a strength.
My guest today is interior designer and business coach Donna Hoffman, sharing her journey from launching a luxury design firm during the 2008 recession to building a 7-figure, award-winning business. Donna, the founder of Impeccably Designed Homes and creator of the Successful Design Biz Academy, has developed a unique approach she calls "Success Momentum."
Donna emphasizes the importance of leaning into your Creative Nature and reveals how embracing sensitivity can elevate your design business and attract high-quality clients. She shares insights into how our design superpowers can sometimes be our business Achilles' heel, along with strategies for turning these potential weaknesses into strengths.
LuAnn Nigara and Donna Hoffman's Ah-Ha Moments“For creative brains, that thing that makes us great at what we do is almost always our downfall in business,” - Donna Hoffman
“I could teach you the greatest strategies in business, but if you don't have the fortitude in your constitution to be able to apply them, big whoop. It doesn't amount to anything,” - Donna Hoffman
More About Donna HoffmanDespite launching her luxury interior design business during the crushing 2008 recession, this design entrepreneur leads her team to award-winning design across the US, as a 7-figure-sized business.
Beyond creative and business acumen, Donna is also a leading Interior Design Business Coach. She specializes in teaching design entrepreneurs to lean into their Creative Nature, unleashing what she calls Success Momentum. “Joined with key revenue-driving-strategic business practices, this combo fuels powerful growth for my designers,” says Hoffman. Donna has also helped thousands of DIY design lovers to beautify their homes through her info-rich online courses.
Connect with Donna HoffmanWebsite
Donna’s Free Guide “Irresistible Sales Lingo For Interior Designer’s Who Want To WOW Clients”
What’s new with LuAnn NigaraThe Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources:This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
BADG & Cooper Hewitt Event Info & Link to Reserve Tickets!
Mydoma Studio
Other Shows:AWDB #14: Malene Barnett Success Secret – Build Relationships
AWDB #703: Leyden Lewis: The Road to AD100 and Elle Decor Top 125 Requires Innovation and Authentic Creativity
AWDB #635: Beth Diana Smith: Refining Process in Your Interior Design Business
AWDB #370: Kesha Franklin: A Different Path to a Career in Interior Design
AWDB #967: Breegan Jane: The Gift of Transitioning, Turning Risks into Success
AWDB #614: Dennese Guadeloupe Rojas: Creating Another Revenue Stream for Your Interior Design Business
Today with Ann Kottler, we're learning all about designing for elite home builders and managing luxury residential projects. Ann is the founder and principal designer of her namesake firm based in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where she's established herself as the go-to expert for 7-8 figure new home construction and remodeling projects.
In this episode, Ann shares her strategies for building strong relationships with custom home builders, mastering material selection, and creating comprehensive spec books. She reveals how her sales background has been crucial in positioning herself as an invaluable asset to both builders and clients. Ann also offers insights on embracing trades, establishing trust on job sites, and effectively translating complex building information to clients.
LuAnn Nigara and Ann Kottler's Ah-Ha Moments“You really need to know your way around a job site. You really need to know how to read a blueprint. You need to understand an electrical plan. You need to understand the HVAC plan. You need to understand the window schedule, all of the things.” - Ann
“I'm here to help you and make you look good and make this a positive experience for the homeowner.” - Ann
“Your rate goes up because you are getting better. You're worth more” - LuAnn
“I'm passionate about this and we're gonna have fun and you're gonna love it when it's done. That's the value that a professional designer provides. But you have to be confident in saying it.” - Ann
More About Ann KottlerThis Wisconsin girl had big shoes to fill. As a Business graduate from Marquette University in Milwaukee, I knew my dreams went beyond just business and into design. Thus back to school I went to the Illinois Institute of Art where I acquired my Residential Interior Design degree. I’ve been a professional designer for close to a decade now, and it’s been a lifelong passion. I love each and every project from remodeling bathrooms, to helping select materials for gorgeous Lake Geneva vacation retreats.
As an interior designer, my goal is to always deliver a space that exceeds client expectations. That includes all phases of a project from concept to installation. My focus is You and our relationship—a relationship which reflects good listening on my part and also building trust so that you know I will deliver something beyond your wildest dreams or hopes.
Connect with Ann KottlerWebsite
The Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources:This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
Kravet Workspace in Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Other Shows:AWDB #683: Jessica Matteson: The Client Experience Is #1 in Design
AWDB #1018: Power Talk Friday: Connie Whitman: Heart-Centered Strategies to Successful Selling
Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. If you're feeling stuck in your business, wondering how to make that crucial transition from being self-employed to running a true business, this episode is for you.
My guest today, Shayna Pellino of 4DBiz, has identified clear growth markers in the journey of interior design business owners. Through her work with designers - about 20 new conversations every month - she's noticed a common thread: many are stuck in Growth Marker 1, doing everything themselves. Today, she's breaking down what it takes to move beyond that stage, sharing her hybrid pricing approach, and most importantly, helping you understand if you're ready for that transition.
But here's the thing - before she tells you how to fix it, Shayna emphasizes that you have to be ready for it and actually want it. It's about more than just implementing new systems; it's about fundamentally changing how you operate your business.
LuAnn Nigara and Shayna Pellino's Ah-Ha Moments“It really just simply comes down to if you want to run a business, you have to have clean processes and systems so you can step away and they can run themselves,” - Shayna Pellino
“There isn’t one technology out there that is going to solve every piece of this process. It doesn't really matter how you get things done. As long as we carve it out, it's consistent, and other people know exactly how it gets done,” -Shayna Pellino
More About Shayna PellinoShayna Rose is the CEO and Founder of both Shayna Rose Interiors and 4Dbiz. Shayna never expected to create the modern business model that would change the way interior designers run their business! 4Dbiz was born out of her own experience, failures, successes, and needs as an interior designer/business owner.
After working in the interior design industry for three years, Shayna knew she had to set out on her own. Working for someone else, Shayna was astounded by the unnecessary obstacles that she was working with - from overly-extended lead times, to a lack of custom solutions, to poor service all along the supply chain. She truly felt she had no choice but to start her own business and revolutionize the industry standard.
In 2017, Shayna Rose Interiors was born, followed by 4Dbiz in 2019. Shayna’s guiding principle is “Everyone wins.” She is most inspired by what other people see as problems. She is a solution-oriented visionary, hell bent on changing people’s lives with her ideas and execution - starting with the design industry.
Connect with Shayna Pellino4Dbiz - Special Offer for Listeners
Website
Client testimonial, Hannah Lowe Interiors
Client testimonial, Leone Interior Designs
Other Resources:This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
Mydoma Studio
Other Shows:AWDB #923: Power Talk Friday: Evelyn Roberts & Shayna Pellino: A Virtual Team for Your Interior Design Business
AWDB #990: Power Talk Friday: 4DBiz: An Executive Team for Your Interior Design Business
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. When you think about the future of your firm, what do you envision? Are you going to stay small? Or do you hope to grow your team?
There’s no right or wrong answer. Different business owners have different goals. But if you do want to build a team, you have to learn how to lead efficiently, create strong processes, and cultivate the right team culture.
My guest today, Dan Mazzarini, principal and creative director of BHDM desig, knows what it takes to manage a large team.
On their website, BHDM design describes itself as a creative collective of designers, architects, artists, and illustrators—and they truly do approach their projects from this collective, collaborative perspective. Dan has worked hard to establish that collective—and today, he’s here to share how.
LuAnn Nigara and Dan Mazzarini's Ah-Ha Moments“With clarity comes confidence.” -Dan
“Having good partners in leadership, having trusted voices in the room, has helped me make decisions around the business on things that we do or don’t do and ways that we do or don’t grow the business.” -Dan
“You’re not angsting over not designing or having to manage people. It feels like what you’re saying is you find, connect with, and enjoy the parts in two very different roles—being creative and being the head of the company.” LuAnn
More About Dan MazzariniWith a background in branding and retail design, Dan Mazzarini has an unique design capability to adapt to each client’s personal narrative and needs, never staying stagnant on one look. For 10 years, his designs helped define such brands as Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Waterworks, Movado and more.
Since launching BHDM in 2012, Mazzarini has parlayed his craft of storytelling through the built environment to a multitude of project types, including hotels, restaurants, food halls, start ups, corporate interiors, showrooms, pop-ups, and single and multi-family residential. He has worked in historic spaces like Grand Central Terminal and the Harvard Club of New York, and helped to create new concepts for Google, One Medical, Hudson’s Bay Company, and Target. Through the years he’s worked to enrich heritage brands such as Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, and Calvin Klein, and define new brands like Tend, Real, and Casper.
Connect with Dan MazzariniBHMD Design
Archive By Dan Mazzarini
Instagram BHMD Design
Instagram Archive By Dan Mazzarini
What’s new with LuAnn NigaraThe Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources:This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
The Hiring Toolkit Bundle
Chairman Of the Board with LuAnn Nigara
Other Shows:WTFP #227 Rebecca Munster: The Art of Effective Organizational Development
AWDB #757 Power Talk Friday: Nitesh Chaudhary: Jaipur Living: The Manchaha Initiative
AWDB #811 Power Talk Friday: Heather Hansen: You Are Your Own Advocate
Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business! In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Kate O'Hara to dive into the fascinating distinctions between growth-focused and scale-focused entrepreneurs. With her unique perspective as both a founder and a second-generation business owner, Kate shares invaluable insights on how mindset shifts are crucial as businesses evolve.
We discuss the importance of balancing sales drive with effective processes, the challenges of scaling, and the need for strong management structures. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or leading a growing team, this conversation is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate your business journey. Tune in to discover how to shift your mindset and strategies for sustainable success!
More About Kate O’HaraKate O’Hara grew up in the world of design. After a decade with the company, she stepped into the role of CEO + Creative Director, expanding the family design firm into new regions of the U.S. When she isn’t traveling between our Minnesota and Texas offices, you can find Kate speaking at conferences, working with our design team, and connecting with new clients and furniture lines.
Connect with Kate O’HaraWebsite
Houzz
The Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources:This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
Kravet Workspace this fall in Basking Ridge, New Jersey
HPMKT this October 25th, 2024 co-hosted by Mydoma Studio
Other Shows:AWDB #130: Kate O’Hara -Director of Marketing & Business Development for Martha O’Hara Interiors
AWDB #215: FaceBook Coaching Sessions- Show #1 with Kate O’Hara of Martha O’Hara Interiors
AWDB #958: Overheard: What I Wish I Knew Then: With Kate O’Hara, Erika Ward, Jennifer Stoner, and Alex Alonso
Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I have heard from so many of you interested in design-build—and most importantly, how to start building those relationships that bring you into the industry and position you as a go-to trusted designer.
My guest today, Kelly O’Neil, has a lot of insight to share on that topic. She has cultivated strong relationships with builders, found ways to prove her value, and used processes not just in her design, but even in the way she networks and builds relationships. Today, she’s here to share how she did it and what she learned along the way.
LuAnn Nigara and Kelly O’Neil's Ah-Ha Moments“You have to handle both sides, the client and the builder, and keep both sides happy. But sometimes their lack of communication with each other puts you in the middle. So you find a way to smooth everybody out and make everybody happy.” -Kelly
“I love that you know that it's the value of always keeping the pipeline going. You can't just rely on what happened last week, last month, last year. You've always got to be building it.” -LuAnn
More About Kelly O’NeilIn the ever-evolving world of design, one name stands out – Kelly, the creative force behind Kelly O’Neil Design. With a mantra of “I’m in the business of making people happy,” Kelly has carved a niche for herself in the industry, transforming spaces into beautiful, functional homes that reflect the unique style and personality of each client.
Kelly’s journey in interior design began at Fairfield University, where she honed her skills and cultivated a passion that would propel her to create stunning homes across eight different states. From the vibrant energy of Florida to the cosmopolitan charm of New York, Kelly has left her mark, crafting spaces that seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality.
Connect with Kelly O’NeilWebsite
The Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
Connect with LuAnn NigaraLuAnn’s Website
LuAnn’s Blog
Power Talk Friday
Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
Other Resources:This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design
Book a quick intro call with Duke Renders!
Power Talk Friday Tour – October 25th!
Other Shows:#451 Elissa Grayer: Starting From the Ground Up, After 19 Years
#951 Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: More Interior Designers Share the Value Of Using Duke Renders For Your Rendering Projects
#878 Throwback Tuesday: Brad Leavitt: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process
#649: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective
#615: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process
#580: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget & Builders
#560: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book
#542: Brad Leavitt: AFT Construction: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process
#281: What Would Lu Do?: Being the CEO – The Key to Your Business Success
Hi, welcome to A Well Designed Business! Today, Kristi Hopper shares a deeply personal and challenging experience as we talk about a situation that, sadly, has happened to others before: to discover that a long-trusted employee had been embezzling funds. Kristi bravely opens up about the emotional toll this betrayal took on her, the lessons learned, and the importance of implementing checks and balances in our businesses. Join us as we explore the realities of trust, the hard truths of small business ownership, and how we can protect ourselves from similar situations in the future.
LuAnn Nigara and Kristi Hopper's Ah-Ha Moments"As small business owners, we wear many hats, but we must ensure that we have checks and balances in place." - Kristi Hopper
"When it comes to finances, a two-person check system can save you from devastating losses." - LuAnn Nigara
"Investing in oversight and proper systems ultimately saves you money and heartache." - Kristi Hopper
"Talking openly about these experiences helps us learn and protect ourselves and our businesses." - Kristi Hopper
More About Kristi HopperKristi Hopper is passionate about home and holds fast to the notion that design should be exceedingly personal. At the heart of her thriving 24 year-old interior design firm, is the simple-yet-profound belief that everyone should Love Where You Live.™
Kristi’s multi-disciplinary approach carries a signature intelligence and ingenuity.
While her emphasis on the art of living is widely reflected in whole-home transformations, she possesses a holistic approach to design with residential and commercial projects, global vacation homes, product design and real estate.
Kristi serves on the Signature Kitchen Suite Design Council, has a product line with Harp and Finial, and she enjoys partnerships with Cozy Earth, Geometry House and Kelly O’Neal. Kristi fosters relationships within the design industry and serves as a panel and keynote speaker at DMC, High Point Market, the Vacation Rental Summit and other design events. Kristi opened the doors to her Lewisville offices in 2022, where her team and office pups welcome clients in style.
Kristi has garnered ASID and IDS awards and was deeply honored to be nominated a fourth time for an ART award. Kristi is a member of ASID, IDS and ART and serves her community with inexhaustible energy and enthusiasm.
Kristi and her husband, John, have two grown children, a puppy named Daisy, and live in Coppell, Texas
Connect with Kristi HopperWebsite
The Power Talk Friday Tour
Watch the Docuseries!
http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
Get The Goodies!For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
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Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
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Other Resources:This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here!
AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project
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