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

Building a successful interior design business isn't just about attracting great clients—it's about building a team that allows your firm to grow without relying on you for every decision.

In this candid conversation, Kimberley Seldon sits down with leadership coach Shelli Warren to explore what it really takes to lead a high-performing interior design team. From hiring and delegation to defining roles, building trust, and creating systems that support long-term growth, this episode is filled with practical strategies for designers who want to scale their business without becoming the bottleneck.

If you're ready to step out of the day-to-day, empower your team, and lead your interior design firm with confidence, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you'll learn:

- Why so many interior designers become accidental leaders—and how to lead with confidence

- How to hire the right people and build a team that supports business growth

- Why delegation and clearly defined roles are essential for scaling your design firm

- How to create systems that maintain quality without micromanaging your team

- The mindset shifts that help you stop being the bottleneck in your business

- Why great leadership leads to stronger teams, higher profitability, and a more enjoyable business

You've read the books. Listened to the podcasts. Taken the notes. So why doesn't your interior design business feel any different?

In this episode, Business of Design® Director of Operations and Business Coach Cheryl Horne explores one of the biggest obstacles keeping interior designers from building more profitable, organized, and enjoyable businesses: confusing learning with progress.

Drawing on nearly 20 years of coaching hundreds of interior designers, Cheryl explains why information alone won't transform your business—and how small, consistent actions create lasting change. If you've been searching for better systems, higher profits, stronger boundaries, or more control over your time, this episode will help you turn knowledge into results.

What you'll learn in this episode:

- Why learning more doesn't always lead to business growth

- How implementation—not information—creates a more profitable interior design business

- Simple strategies for turning ideas into systems you actually use

- Why accountability is essential for lasting change

- How small, consistent improvements lead to better projects, happier clients, and greater profitability

- The one question every interior designer should ask before consuming more business advice

What separates a busy interior designer from the owner of a thriving, scalable design firm? It isn't better clients or bigger projects—it's strong systems, clear boundaries, and the ability to build a team that doesn't rely on you for every decision.

In this candid conversation, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Rebekah Zaveloff and Nick Nichols, co-founders of Imparfait Design Studio, to discuss what it really takes to grow an interior design business. From pricing and client expectations to hiring, delegation, and leadership, they share the lessons they've learned while building a successful design firm that can scale without sacrificing creativity or profitability.

If you're ready to stop operating like a solo designer and start leading your interior design business like a CEO, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you'll learn:

- Why building systems is the foundation of a scalable interior design business

- How to hire and delegate without sacrificing quality or creativity

- Why clear contracts and client boundaries lead to more profitable projects

- How empowering your team creates better designers and a stronger firm

- When to walk away from the wrong clients—and why it's good for business

- Why protecting your design process is the key to long-term growth and profitability

What if the key to growing your interior design business isn't working harder—but trusting someone else to do the work?

In this solo episode, Kimberley Seldon shares the story of Kathy, the project manager who has been at the heart of her interior design firm for more than 20 years. Through that relationship, Kimberley explores what it really takes to build a team, delegate with confidence, and create a business that runs seamlessly behind the scenes.

Whether you're hiring your first employee, transitioning to independent contractors, or struggling to let go of control, this episode offers practical insights for building trust, strengthening systems, and focusing on the work only you can do.

What you'll learn in this episode:

- Why trust is the foundation of every successful interior design team

- How delegation creates more time for business growth and client relationships

- Why identifying your highest-value activities changes everything

- How strong systems make your interior design business feel effortless to clients

- What it takes to build lasting relationships with employees and independent contractors

- Why great leadership starts with taking responsibility for your business systems

Are you trying to do everything yourself in your interior design business?

As AI tools become more powerful, many designers are wondering whether they still need an assistant or additional support. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Gina Cotner, founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, to discuss why delegation remains one of the most important strategies for growing a profitable interior design business.

Together, they explore how AI is changing the role of executive assistants, why accountability matters, and how the right support can help you reclaim your time and focus on the work only you can do.

If you've ever said, "It's faster if I just do it myself," this episode is for you.

What you'll learn in this episode:

- Why AI won't replace great assistants in an interior design business

- How to know when it's time to hire support for your design firm

- Why delegation is essential for scaling your business and reducing overwhelm

- How to create accountability without micromanaging your team

- Questions that help employees and contractors think like leaders

- Why giving work away creates more freedom, profitability, and growth

Special for listeners of Business of Design!

Receive 5 free hours of service added to your first full month of work with Athena Executive Services (AES)—a $275 value! Just mention this offer during your first call with us.

It’s easy to mistake people-pleasing for good project management. But avoiding difficult conversations doesn’t reduce project stress—it creates it.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Utah designer Ali Henrie to discuss what it really takes to lead successful projects. From managing client expectations to navigating contractor relationships, Ali shares why clear communication, documented processes, and strong boundaries are essential for keeping projects on track.

If your projects have started to feel more complicated, exhausting, or unpredictable, this conversation will help you understand why—and what to do about it.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why builders and trades respect clarity more than people-pleasing

- How strong communication and documentation prevent project chaos

- The difference between being flexible and abandoning your process

- Why establishing roles, responsibilities, and expectations early matters

- How to handle budget conversations with greater confidence and authority

- Why leadership—not perfection—is the key to successful project outcomes

What if the key to making more money in your interior design business isn’t taking on more projects—but taking on fewer?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with longtime Business of Design® member Ellen Walker, who recently achieved a milestone many designers dream of: $1 million in revenue and $200,000 in net profit from just three projects.

After years of working hard with little financial reward, Ellen transformed her business by embracing project management, capturing every available revenue stream, and following proven systems. Today, she manages entire projects from concept to completion, works closely with trusted trades, and enjoys greater profitability, control, and satisfaction than ever before.

If you've ever felt trapped by the belief that earning more requires working harder, Ellen's story will show you another way.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

- Why taking on fewer projects can lead to greater profitability

- How project management creates both control and additional revenue

- The three revenue streams every interior designer should capture

- Why clients often prefer having one person manage the entire project

- How strong contractor relationships support long-term business growth

- The value of accountability, forecasting, and sharing financial results honestly

- Why it’s never too late to transform your business and increase profitability

- How following proven systems creates confidence, consistency, and wealth

What if the key to greater creativity, profitability, and peace of mind isn't working harder—but creating better systems?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Northern Virginia landscape designer Ellie Black to discuss what changed when she stopped reinventing the wheel and started implementing proven processes. Together, they explore why so many creative professionals resist structure, how boundaries improve the client experience, and why systems are essential for sustainable growth.

Whether you specialize in interiors, landscapes, or both, this conversation will help you create a business that supports your creativity instead of draining it.

In this episode, we learn:

• Why systems and processes create more freedom, creativity, and profitability

• How the BOD™ 15-Step Process helped Ellie transform her landscape design business

• Why boundaries, policies, and clear communication increase client trust

• The difference between being busy and working strategically

• How delegation frees up time for higher-value creative work

• Why outdoor spaces should be designed as a natural extension of the home

• Practical tools for reducing overwhelm, improving focus, and avoiding burnout

Want to take on larger, more profitable renovation projects with confidence?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with Jen Dean about one of the most valuable relationships an interior designer can build: the relationship with a trusted builder. While many designers feel intimidated by construction projects, Jen explains why learning to collaborate effectively with builders can lead to smoother projects, stronger client experiences, and greater profitability.

For interior designers looking to expand their expertise, improve project execution, and confidently navigate construction environments, this episode offers practical strategies for building successful partnerships with contractors and trades.

In this episode, we learn:

- Why some builders hesitate to work with interior designers—and how to earn their trust

- How learning to "speak builder" improves communication and collaboration on site

- Why every project benefits from a builder kickoff meeting at the outset

- What builders need most from designers: clear drawings, documentation, and timely decisions

- How strong drawing packages reduce confusion, delays, and costly mistakes

- Why asking for feedback strengthens long-term builder relationships

- How to navigate preferred trades and vendor relationships professionally

- Why documenting questions, decisions, and contractor notes protects the project and everyone involved

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What happens when a renovation budget jumps from $2 million to $5 million?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares a recent client presentation that forced her to confront one of the biggest challenges facing interior designers today: skyrocketing construction and furnishing costs. Rather than panic, value engineer too soon, or compromise the design, Kimberley prepared two thoughtful options and helped her client make an informed decision.

For interior designers navigating rising costs, client sticker shock, and difficult budget conversations, this episode offers practical strategies for leading with confidence, expertise, and integrity.

In this episode, we learn:

• How to prepare clients for budget realities before presenting your design recommendations

• Why every designer should consider having a thoughtful Plan B when costs exceed expectations

• How to avoid compromising quality while still helping clients make smart financial decisions

• Why leadership, confidence, and expertise matter more than ever in today's market

• How to manage your own money mindset when presenting high-budget projects

• Why clients value honest advice and strategic alternatives more than endless value engineering

• How presenting options strengthens trust and positions you as a true advisor, not just a designer

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com