Business of Design® Podcast | Grow a Profitable Interior Design Business with Kimberley Seldon

Can interior designers create beautiful spaces while reducing environmental impact?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Patrick Ediger to explore a practical approach to sustainable interior design. His “Rule of Thirds” offers a clear framework for sourcing that balances aesthetics, responsibility, and profitability—without compromising great design.

If you’re looking for a realistic way to incorporate sustainability into your projects, this episode will give you a strategy you can actually use.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How to rethink sustainability in interior design on a human level

- The “Rule of Thirds” approach to sourcing: vintage, sustainable, and local

- How to find local artisans and makers for unique, high-quality pieces

- Why educating clients on value supports better design decisions

- How systems, processes, and integrity strengthen your design business

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are you fully leveraging one of the most valuable resources in your design business—your sales rep?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Carmen Reitnour to explore how interior designers can build stronger relationships with sales representatives to improve sourcing, streamline projects, and reduce overwhelm.

Because the right partnerships don’t just save time—they help you deliver better results for your clients.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How to build a productive relationship with your sales reps

- Why regular communication leads to better sourcing and inspiration

- How to use your rep’s product knowledge to work more efficiently

- What information to provide when asking for help

- How sales reps can support you when problems arise

- Why maintaining your design library is easier with the right support

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Can you balance creativity with structure—and still deliver exceptional design?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Alexandra Crevier, who brings a unique perspective from civil engineering and construction management into residential interior design. Together, they explore how combining process with creativity leads to smoother projects, happier clients, and stronger results.

If your projects feel chaotic or overly reactive, this episode will show you how structure can elevate your work—not limit it.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why continuous learning strengthens your project management skills

- How collaborating with contractors improves real-world outcomes

- Why bringing formal processes into residential design creates better results

- How systems build client confidence and trust

- The value of post-project reviews with your team and trades

- Why professionalism and personality can coexist

- How saying yes to everything can hurt your business

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” — Henry Ford

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon challenges the beliefs and habits that keep interior designers stuck. Because the biggest obstacles to growth aren’t external—they’re internal.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to change your business, this episode is your reminder that the shift starts now.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why what’s holding you back is within your control to change

- How to learn from others instead of repeating costly mistakes

- Why waiting for the “right time” keeps you stuck—and what to do instead

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What if every challenge in your design business was actually an opportunity?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Joanne Swisterski to explore how innovative thinking can transform obstacles into solutions—and even new revenue streams. From small daily fixes to big-picture breakthroughs, Joanne shares how designers can become more resourceful, confident, and proactive.

If you’ve ever felt stuck or overwhelmed by a problem, this episode will help you approach it differently.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why challenges can lead to new opportunities in your business

- How to build confidence by tackling intimidating tasks

- Why waiting for someone else to solve the problem holds you back

- When to hire specialists instead of doing everything yourself

- How to evaluate tools and software before investing

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Want more control, confidence, and better results in your design projects?

It starts with one decision: take full responsibility.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Christina Kim to explore how stepping fully into leadership transforms your interior design business. When you stop deferring and start owning every part of the project, you gain the power to solve problems, lead your team, and deliver exceptional results.

If you’ve ever felt like your projects are running you instead of the other way around, this episode will help you take back control.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why taking full responsibility puts you back in control of your projects

- How to build a reliable A-team of trades and collaborators

- Why kickoff meetings set the tone for project success

- How clear, concise communication improves outcomes

- Why strong boundaries protect your time and authority

- How to deliver standout presentations that impress clients

- Why weekly client updates are essential for smooth projects

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Struggling to get your interior design business found online?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by SEO expert Daniela Furtado to break down how search actually works—and what designers need to do to attract the right clients. Because great design isn’t enough if no one can find you.

From keywords to conversion, this conversation gives you a practical roadmap to improve your visibility and generate better leads.

If your marketing feels like guesswork, this episode will help you focus on what works.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why narrowing your niche helps attract ideal clients

- How to use bottom-of-funnel keywords to generate qualified leads

- How to measure and assess website traffic effectively

- Why refining your marketing improves lead quality over time

- The importance of a clear call to action

- How Google’s algorithm works (technical, content, backlinks, local, UX)

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are you accidentally making your clients work for you?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon challenges a common mistake that undermines a luxury interior design experience: asking clients to handle tasks that should be managed by professionals. From measuring to sourcing to logistics, even small requests can shift the burden—and the perception of your value.

If you want to deliver a high-end, seamless experience, this episode will help you rethink your role and elevate your service.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why asking clients to handle tasks weakens your professional position

- How to identify where you’re “passing the monkey” to your client

- Why even simple requests can negatively impact the client experience

- How anticipating needs makes you look like a true expert

- What it takes to deliver a luxury, full-service design experience

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What would you do if you had to start over?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Ami McKay to explore what it takes to rebuild after loss—and how resilience, adaptability, and mindset can lead to something even stronger on the other side.

This is a powerful conversation about reinvention, both personally and professionally, and what it really means to move forward when everything changes.

If you’re navigating a difficult season or craving a fresh start in your business, this episode will remind you what’s possible.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why adaptability is key to long-term success

- How to rebuild with intention after setbacks

- The importance of a strong, supportive team

- How resilience shapes better business decisions

- Why prioritizing joy fuels sustainable growth

- How to step outside your comfort zone with confidence

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Thinking about expanding your interior design business beyond services?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Nicole Gibbons to explore what it takes to build a successful brand extension—from growing an audience to launching products and raising capital.

If you’ve ever considered scaling your business or creating additional revenue streams, this episode offers a real-world look at what’s involved.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How to test business ideas before fully committing

- What to consider when scaling and raising capital

- How to identify your unique competitive advantage

- The basics of licensing and how it can expand your brand

- Why defining your long-term vision shapes your business decisions

Ready to build an interior design business that supports your talent?

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com