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

Business of Design® Member Dane Austin shares insights from orchestrating successful client reveals.

It’s time to take control of your business.

Become a member of Business of Design®, today:

https://businessofdesign.com/podcast-category/mo-episodes/?ref=2&campaign=MOBODPodcast

Is designing for builders and developers the right niche for your interior design business?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Crystal Collinson to explore the realities of working with builders, developers, and presentation centres—and how this side of the design industry differs from residential client work.

While builder-focused projects may reduce direct homeowner involvement, they come with their own challenges, including tight timelines, strict budgets, and a different type of client relationship. Crystal shares practical insight into navigating this niche successfully and building strong industry connections.

If you’ve considered expanding into builder or developer work, this episode will help you understand what to expect.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why tight budgets and timelines are standard in builder projects

• How networking helps designers connect with the right builders and developers

• Why the builder is still your client—even without an end-user customer

• How presentation centres function like “retail interior design”

• The differences between builder projects and residential client work

• How niche specialization can create new business opportunities

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

What if one piece of advice could completely change the way you run your interior design business?

In this repeat episode, originally released as Episode 200, Kimberley Seldon celebrates a major podcast milestone by sharing 200 pearls of wisdom gathered from years of experience in the interior design industry.

From client relationships and leadership to pricing, confidence, systems, and profitability, these practical insights are designed to help interior designers build stronger businesses and make better decisions every day.

Whether you’re new to the industry or a seasoned professional, this episode offers timeless guidance you can return to again and again.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Practical business lessons for growing a profitable design firm

• Insights on leadership, confidence, and client communication

• Why systems and consistency matter more than perfection

• How mindset influences success in business and life

• Strategies for making stronger decisions and setting better boundaries

• Real-world wisdom every interior designer can apply immediately

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Can following a proven process completely change your confidence and results as an interior designer?

In this repeat episode, originally aired as Episode 231 in July 2021, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Nigerian designer Joylene Agbamuchi to discuss how implementing the Business of Design™ process transformed her business and confidence in less than a year.

From charging properly for consultations to fully embracing structured systems, Joylene shares how trusting the process helped eliminate mistakes, attract better clients, and create a stronger foundation for success.

If you’ve been questioning your pricing, systems, or confidence as a business owner, this episode offers both inspiration and practical guidance.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why charging for consultations attracts more serious clients

• How structured processes improve project outcomes and profitability

• Why detailed planning work is tedious—but incredibly valuable

• How recognizing your value helps you confidently charge your worth

• Why following a proven system reduces unnecessary mistakes

• How consistency and process create long-term business confidence

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

How should interior designers wrap up the year and prepare for a stronger year ahead?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon and Cheryl Horne share practical year-end strategies to help interior designers close out the year with more clarity, organization, and intention.

From financial planning and goal setting to team policies and client appreciation, this conversation highlights the operational tasks that often get overlooked during the busy holiday season—but can make a major difference in the year ahead.

If you want to finish the year feeling more prepared and less overwhelmed, this episode offers actionable guidance you can implement immediately.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why reviewing financials mid-year improves business planning

• How ongoing goal setting creates better momentum and focus

• Why clear holiday policies support healthier team expectations

• The importance of showing appreciation to clients, trades, and staff

• How thoughtful year-end planning sets the stage for future success

• Why operational organization matters just as much as creative work

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Are design markets and industry events worth the investment for interior designers?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Catalina Yturralde for a wide-ranging conversation about attending design markets, staying inspired, and growing professionally through industry experiences and networking.

From navigating major events like KBIS to building confidence while networking, this episode offers practical insight into how interior designers can make the most of markets, trade shows, and educational events without getting overwhelmed or distracted.

If you’ve ever wondered how to approach industry events more strategically, this episode will help you maximize the experience.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to choose the right design market for your specialty and goals

• Why industry events help designers stay current on trends and innovations

• The importance of asking questions and building confidence while networking

• How to stay focused and productive during busy trade shows

• Why attending events alone can actually improve networking opportunities

• How life experiences and travel influence creativity and design perspective

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Could collaboration be the key to building a more profitable and enjoyable interior design business?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by longtime Business of Design® member Tina Marie Singh to discuss her innovative approach to building a collaborative collective of independent designers.

Rather than working in isolation, Tina shares how collaboration, shared workloads, and collective expertise can create stronger projects, more balance, and increased profitability for everyone involved.

If you’re looking for new ways to grow your business without doing everything alone, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on teamwork and business growth.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why collaboration can create a more sustainable and enjoyable business

• How shared workloads and profits benefit independent designers

• The potential of online sales within an interior design business

• Why honest self-assessment is necessary before levelling up

• How mindset influences confidence and financial success

• Why building a supportive network can accelerate growth and creativity

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Business of Design® Members Darci Hether, LeAnne Bunnell, and Nyla Free, return to MO BOD™ with lessons they’ve learned from their best clients.

It’s time to take control of your business.

Become a member of Business of Design®, today:

https://businessofdesign.com/podcast-category/mo-episodes/?ref=2&campaign=MOBODPodcast

Are you confidently charging what your interior design services are truly worth?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Sydney-based designer Jodie Carter to discuss how following a proven process can help interior designers attract better clients, secure larger retainers, and build a more profitable business.

From raising rates to confidently discussing contracts and money, Jodie shares practical advice for designers who are ready to position themselves at a higher level and stop undercharging for their expertise.

If you want to attract high-end clients and feel more confident talking about fees, this episode will help you step into that next level.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why proven systems help attract better projects and ideal clients

• How raising your rates improves both profitability and positioning

• Why your branding should speak directly to high-end clients

• The importance of reviewing your contract thoroughly during consultations

• How to confidently ask for retainers and upfront payments

• Why tracking every minute worked improves financial awareness and success

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com

Can you successfully run an interior design business while living in another country?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Allison Crawford to discuss entrepreneurship, travel, and the challenges of managing a thriving design business across continents.

After combining her passion for real estate and interior design by opening a design-focused Airbnb, Allison made the leap from Austin, Texas to Paris, France—all while continuing to manage active projects back home. This conversation explores how strong systems, adaptability, and clear processes make that level of flexibility possible.

If you’ve ever dreamed of building a business that supports more freedom and adventure, this episode will inspire you to think bigger.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• How to turn a personal passion into a profitable business opportunity

• What goes into launching and managing a successful Airbnb property

• Why travel expands creativity and design perspective

• The impact of charging for consultations with confidence

• How strong systems support business growth and flexibility

• Why clear processes become even more valuable as your business evolves

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

Join us at Business of Design®.

https://businessofdesign.com