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

Your clients aren’t the only ones having an experience—your team is too.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Jessica Lackey to explore how interior design business owners can build a healthier, more sustainable company culture. Because growth without systems and balance doesn’t just create stress—it impacts your team, your clients, and the quality of your work.

If you’re focused on scaling but want to protect creativity, wellbeing, and long-term success, this episode will help you lead more intentionally.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- The real cost of running a business without balance or process

- Why success shouldn’t be measured by profit alone

- How unchecked growth can impact your team, clients, and community

- When to step out of daily tasks and lead strategically

- What interior designers can learn from large organizations

- How operations manuals support culture and reinforce team boundaries

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Thinking about hiring an office manager—but unsure if your firm is ready?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Hilaire Martin to explore the role of an office manager in an interior design business. From responsibilities and compensation to timing and structure, this conversation breaks down what you need to know before making the hire.

Because the right operational support can streamline your business—but only if your systems are ready for it.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- The difference between a COO and an office manager

- What size design firm benefits most from this role

- How to assess whether your current processes are working

- Why mapping internal and client-facing systems is critical

- The right (and wrong) reasons to hire an office manager

- How to start small and improve one area at a time

- Why celebrating wins builds momentum in your business

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

How complicated can a staircase renovation really be?

In this solo episode, Kimberley Seldon shares a real-world project frustration that highlights a bigger truth: in interior design, there’s no such thing as an “easy” job. Even the simplest projects can unravel without the right systems, planning, and team in place.

If you’ve ever underestimated a project—or been caught off guard mid-way—this episode will feel very familiar.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why no design project is ever as simple as it seems

- How small details can create big complications

- Why working with a reliable team of trades is critical

- How strong processes help prevent project breakdowns

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Posting on Instagram—but not getting clients?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by SEO and UX expert Darla Powell to break down how interior designers can turn Instagram into a real lead generation tool—not just a place for likes and compliments.

Because your ideal client is online. The question is: can they find you—and do they know you’re the right fit?

If you want your social media to actually drive business, this episode will show you how to be more intentional.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How to optimize your Instagram name and handle for search

- Why proactive engagement grows your audience faster

- How connecting with vendors and suppliers increases visibility

- Why building an online presence is a long-term strategy

- How authenticity attracts the right clients—not just more followers

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are you treating lighting as an afterthought in your design projects?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by lighting expert Joe Borress to explore how better planning—and better use of technology—can dramatically improve your interiors. Because lighting isn’t just functional, it’s foundational to great design.

If your lighting plans haven’t evolved in years, this episode will challenge how you approach this critical element.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How to integrate modern lighting technology without compromising design

- Why outdated lighting plans limit your project outcomes

- The importance of designing lighting early in the process

- How to use lighting scenes to elevate the client experience

- Why higher-quality fixtures deliver better performance

- How to manage lead times and set realistic expectations

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Finding the right products for your clients isn’t just about having great taste—it’s about staying ahead.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Nicole Lashae Ben to explore how interior designers can strengthen supplier relationships while continuously discovering new products in a fast-moving market.

Because relying only on what you already know isn’t enough. The best designers balance trusted vendors with constant exploration.

If you want to elevate your sourcing strategy and stay competitive, this episode will help you rethink your approach.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why consistent exposure is key to building brand recognition

- How to map the client journey to improve your process

- The A.C.E. framework: Awareness, Consulting, Executing

- Why modernizing your sales approach is critical in today’s market

- How to balance trusted suppliers with discovering new products

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Thinking about writing a design book?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Dallas-based designer Courtney Warren to share what it really takes to get published—from writing and deadlines to promotion and business impact.

Because publishing a book isn’t just a creative project—it’s a strategic move that can elevate your brand and authority in the industry.

If you’ve ever considered becoming a published designer, this episode will give you a realistic look at the process.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- The true time commitment required to write and publish a book

- Why operational support is critical while you’re focused on writing

- How to manage tight publisher deadlines and expectations

- Why authors are responsible for much of their own promotion

- How publishing can position you as an authority in your field

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Want to give back—but not sure how it fits into your business?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Susan Wintersteen to explore how interior designers can approach philanthropy with intention. Because giving back isn’t just about generosity—it can also strengthen your network, build confidence, and create meaningful impact.

If you’ve been unsure when or how to say yes to charitable opportunities, this episode will help you make smarter decisions.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How philanthropy can benefit your business and personal growth

- Why giving back builds stronger community connections

- How to evaluate which opportunities are worth your time

- Why understanding your “why” is essential before committing

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What if stress in your business isn’t the problem—but the signal?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores how tension can actually serve as a powerful tool for interior designers. Instead of avoiding discomfort, she reframes it as an indicator that something needs attention—whether it’s a decision, a process, or a shift in direction.

If you’ve been feeling pressure or uncertainty in your business, this episode will help you use it to your advantage.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why tension can signal important decisions and opportunities

- How to identify when your processes need to evolve

- When holding onto employees may limit future growth

- Why lowering your prices can create bigger problems

- How to recognize and let go of sunk costs

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Thinking about working with a business partner—or wondering how to strengthen your client relationships?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by husband-and-wife team Mary Lou and Marc Fulson to explore how collaboration, clear roles, and strategic thinking can elevate your interior design business.

From choosing the right clients to understanding how your business truly makes money, this conversation highlights what it takes to build a sustainable and profitable firm.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- How increasing service can increase your overall business value

- Why not every client is the right fit—and how to identify ideal clients

- The importance of understanding how your business generates profit

- The risks of taking on the wrong design projects

- How to communicate your value using business metrics (ROI, LTV, CAC, EBITDA)

- Why empathy matters in client relationships

- How to stay future-focused while running your business

- Why strong processes should never be dictated by clients

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com