Today, we’re thrilled to host Julia Bocchese of Julia Renee Consulting, a firm specializing in SEO and Pinterest strategies for creative businesses, including interior designers.

In this episode, Julia breaks down the unique power of Pinterest and shares actionable ways design professionals can use the platform to expand visibility, drive traffic to their websites, and strengthen their brand messaging. From Pinterest’s role as a visual search engine to its ability to enhance SEO, this episode is packed with insights and strategies you won’t want to miss.

• The Pinterest Advantage: Why Pinterest is a visual search engine, not just another social media platform.
• Boosting Visibility: Strategies for using Pinterest to drive meaningful traffic to your website.
• SEO Synergy: How Pinterest activity can directly enhance your website’s SEO rankings.
• Public vs. Private Boards: The best way to use both to build relevance and showcase your style.
• Content Strategy: Tips for creating Pinterest-friendly content, from keywords to graphics.

• “Pinterest is a search engine. It’s not about followers or likes; it’s about using the right keywords and connecting with people actively searching for what you offer.”
• “If someone pins your image, it’s automatically linked back to your website. That’s a huge benefit for driving traffic and boosting your SEO.”
• “Instagram posts disappear in 24 to 48 hours, but a good pin can drive traffic for months or even years.”
• “Think of Pinterest as an extension of your portfolio. It’s a way to share your vision for styles that may not yet be in your online portfolio.”

• Learn More About Julia Bocchese: Visit Julia’s Website
• Follow Julia on Instagram: @juliareneeconsulting

• Design Manager https://www.designmanager.com
• Daniel House Club https://danielhouse.club/pages/dbsg

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Today, we welcome Molly Rose – a professional interior photographer and public relations partner for interior designers and architects. In this episode, Molly breaks down her 10-step strategy to help you create project campaigns that support your overarching brand and provide content throughout the design process. We discuss how a combination of micro storytelling, DIY photography, and a structured posting schedule can truly enhance your messaging and your PR strategy for each project.

Heads up – have your iPhone ready for a camera settings tutorial that will change the game for you!

• Molly’s experience interviewing Rick in EP78 of Design Biz Survival Guide Podcast
• Molly’s 10-step strategy for creating project campaigns
• Tips for using a phone camera effectively for interior photography
• How to document and share content from the inquiry phase of a new project
• Linking content together from different project phases
• Organizing and utilizing content across various social media platforms
• Documenting client reactions and the design reveal
• The role of media in validating designers and their work
• How to use AI to promote your design style

Settings → Search camera → Enable Apple ProRAW → Ensure grid and lens correction are on → Open camera → Portrait mode → Click the upward arrow to adjust exposure → Drag exposure down to -1.0 to -1.3 → Adjust aperture (F) between 5.0 to 5.6 for wide shots, 2.0 to 2.8 for detail shots.

• “Approach your work with the best intentions. It will get in front of somebody who will love it, and their appreciation might surprise you. And who doesn’t like it also might surprise you. But don’t be too worried about conforming to a certain approach because one size doesn’t fit all. Everyone has a place at the table.” – Molly Rose
• “Use AI to show stuff that you would do. Generate images to show stuff that you would do.” – Molly Rose

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Feature Guest Website – http://mollyrosephoto.co/

Design Stories Workbook – http://mollyrosephoto.co/stories

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mollyrose.photo/

James and James Trade Program

Design Manager

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome back Meredith Huck of House of Huck, a full-service design studio based in Milford, Connecticut. In this episode, we revisit our original conversation with Meredith from Episode #92, where she shared her newly launched design business and the strategy behind its success.

Fast forward three years, Meredith walks us through her thriving business today, lessons learned, and the hacks that make her operation both efficient and profitable. From process development to pricing strategies and marketing for visibility, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for building a successful design business.

• Strategic Launch: How Meredith's year-long launch strategy set the foundation for success.
• Efficient Systems: The power of templates, structured scheduling, and repeatable processes.
• Working with Trades: Building reliable trade relationships and the value of clear communication.
• Profitable Sourcing: Transitioning from retail to a streamlined sourcing model for higher profitability.
• Marketing Mastery: Tips on putting out the right content and leveraging local vendor relationships.

• “Put out what you want to receive. If you want a new build and you don’t have a new build, okay, I’m not suggesting that you lie about it. Absolutely not. But do your best to try. If you have one project that can even just appear to be a little bigger...try and hone in on that.”
• “Time freedom is the ultimate success. It’s the ability to create my own schedule. There are some weeks that are really hard, but being able to look at my calendar and say, ‘Next Tuesday, I don’t have anything. Maybe I’ll work, maybe I won’t. Maybe I’ll pick up my kid early.’ That’s why I started my business.”
• “Efficiency is not just about systems. It’s about relationships, trust, and maintaining a streamlined workflow with everyone you work with.”

• Learn More About House of Huck: Visit Meredith’s Website

• Follow Meredith on Instagram: @houseofhuck

• Register for the Design Biz Power Course: Sign Up Here

• EP92 with Meredith Huck

A big thank you to our sponsors:

• James and James Trade Program – Makers of solid hardwood furniture, supporting the design trade with quality craftsmanship and customization.

• Design Manager – A comprehensive project management and accounting platform for interior design professionals.

Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more valuable insights to the design community.

Today we welcome Terri Brien, owner and principal designer of Terri Brien Interiors based in San Clemente, CA. In this episode Terri shares her experience working with a residential home builder for over nineteen years and the many lessons learned about design and business that influenced her current business model like detailed processes, time management, and problem solving. We also talk about the many ways that as a now solopreneur Terri has relied on our design community to build a network of trusted allies and resources to help her navigate the ever complex business of design.

• From Corporate to Solopreneurship: How Terri transitioned from a design management role to starting her own firm.

• The Power of Process: Why process mapping is essential for client satisfaction and team collaboration.

• Community & Networking: Building relationships with industry peers and leveraging shared knowledge.

• Lessons from Residential Builders: Insights from working on 50-70 homes per year and the impact on her design philosophy.

• Client-Centric Design: Understanding clients’ true needs through communication and material knowledge.

• “Getting out of my own way was the biggest challenge. I realized I already had a strong foundation; I just needed to trust it.”

• “Mapping your process isn’t just for efficiency—it’s about identifying pain points for clients, trades, and yourself and finding ways to make the entire experience better.”

• “It’s our job as designers to look beyond what clients say they want and dig into what they truly need for long-term happiness.”

• Learn More About Terri Brien Interiors: Visit Terri’s Website

• Follow Terri on Instagram: @terri.brien.interiors

• Register for the Design Biz Power Course: Sign Up Here

A big thank you to our sponsors:

• James and James Trade Program – Makers of solid hardwood furniture, supporting the design trade with quality craftsmanship and customization.

• Design Manager – A comprehensive project management and accounting platform for interior design professionals.

Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more valuable insights to the design community.

Welcome to this special industry spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide! In this format, we showcase brands and partners that empower interior designers, both creatively and professionally. Today, we’re excited to feature Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsay, co-founders of AI for Interiors, a platform helping interior designers embrace the power of artificial intelligence.

In this episode Jessica and Stephanie share the back story of the brand and how a need within their own design business coupled with a passion for technology developed into what has become the leading resource for design professionals on AI which includes a podcast, online courses, and consulting.

• Why AI Matters: Overcoming fear and misconceptions about artificial intelligence in the design industry.

• AI for Design: Tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Proam AI for inspiration, presentations, and project management.

• Practical Applications: How AI supports everything from client communication to creating unique patterns and custom designs.

• Behind the Scenes: Using AI to streamline back-end operations, such as HR and project analytics.

• Tips for Designers: Where to start with AI and how to integrate it into your design business.

• “You don’t have to know everything about AI. You just have to start somewhere—like ChatGPT—and let the learning grow from there.”

• “AI doesn’t replace creativity; it enhances it, giving designers more time to focus on their vision and clients.”

• “If you’re drained by repetitive tasks, that’s where AI can step in as your assistant and free you up for the things you love.”

• AI for Interiors Website: aiforinteriors.com

• AI for Interiors Instagram: @aiforinteriors

• Register for the Design Biz Power Course: designbizsurvivalguide.com/design-biz-power-course/

Be sure to follow the podcast and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more insightful conversations to the design community.

Today we welcome Renee Biery, owner of Devignier Design based in Wilmington Delaware and host of the The Only Girl on the Job site Podcast. In this episode Renee shares her journey of design and how she developed a niche expertise in managing large scale construction from renovations to new builds. We dive deep into the benefits of embracing the construction side of design and the nuances of contributing to the construction process from a design perspective. Renee pays it forward to the design community by informing and empowering designers on how to be more confident on the job site and she shares her top tips right here with us.

• Embracing Construction: Why designers should integrate construction management into their business models.

• Confidence on the Jobsite: How to project value and demonstrate leadership during construction projects.

• Collaboration Tips: Building rapport with trades, contractors, and clients for project success.

• Podcast Beginnings: The surprising origin of Only Girl on the Jobsite and its evolution into a go-to resource for designers.

• Resilience in Design: How Renee’s construction-first approach sustained her business during economic downturns.

• “You are an equal with the contractor, the architect, and the landscaper. The client sees all of you as equals, and designers need to embrace that confidence.”
• “Be curious, show up early, and stay a little late on job sites. Building rapport with trades can transform your projects and strengthen relationships.”
• “The secret to survival in this business is construction. No two projects, teams, or clients are ever alike. That’s what keeps it exciting.”​

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Devignier Design: devignierdesign.com

Devignier Design on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devignierdesign?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Renee’s Podcast: https://devignierdesign.com/podcast/

Register for the Design Biz Power Course – https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/design-biz-power-course/

James and James Trade Program: https://carpenterjames.com/pages/trade-program?ad=DBSG

Design Manager: https://www.designmanager.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Marc Halaby, owner of Halaby Restoration and Painting, a renowned artisan-based restoration and painting company in Southern California. Marc shares his journey as a third-generation craftsman, the legacy of his family’s artistry, and how his team collaborates with top designers, architects, and builders to create stunning, high-end residential projects.

With a philosophy rooted in collaboration and quality, Marc provides insights into leadership, craftsmanship, and his commitment to excellence. His dedication to team development and client satisfaction has helped him build a respected company where artisans can thrive and clients experience unparalleled results. Marc discusses the importance of involving trades early in the design process and creating a cohesive team dynamic that enhances every project.

• Marc’s family legacy and the evolution of Halaby Restoration and Painting.

• Building a company culture focused on support, trust, and continuous improvement.

• Collaborating with design partners to bring creative visions to life and elevate client experience.

• Training artisans to master unique finishes and transforming spaces with precision.

• How to leverage trades’ expertise for innovative and cost-effective solutions.

• “We got to do this with love. Seriously, we are nice to work with...We don’t have attitudes. We’re all there to do the same job.”
• “These guys literally make my life possible, and I like to think the same that I do for them. We’re like a big family.”

• Halaby Restoration: halabyrestoration.com

• Marc’s Instagram: @halabypainting

Sponsor Links:

• James and James Trade Program

• Design Manager

This is a special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide. This supplemental format is designed to share brands and partners that support designers both creatively and professionally. This is our way of sharing valuable information and resources for your business with you, our loyal listeners.

Today, we’re speaking with Kevin Lee, CEO of Design Manager, and Staci Davidson, owner of Everything but Design. In this episode, Kevin shares the history of the Design Manager brand and their vision for being the “go-to” project management and accounting platform for interior design professionals. Staci joins the conversation to provide a firsthand account of the ways that Design Manager is improving the efficiency and accuracy of design businesses across the country.

• How Design Manager helps interior designers in managing the business side of their work

• The history and vision behind the Design Manager

• The latest version of Design Manager offers an updated, web-based interface

• Design Manager supports easy platform updates without data conversions

• Design Manager’s ability to eliminate the need for multiple software platforms and spreadsheets

• The item-based approach of Design Manager and the advantages it provides

• How Design Manager makes it easy to track both billable and non-billable time and generate accurate invoices

• The support and service available for Design Manager users

Notable Quotes:

• “Design Manager is a singular solution to project management and accounting for their design business.” - Staci Davidson.
• “Design Manager really eliminates a lot of unnecessary additional software platforms, as well as outside tools like Excel spreadsheets and Google documents.” - Staci Davidson.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Design Manager: https://www.designmanager.com/ Staci Davidson: https://everythingbutdesign.com/

Today, we welcome Emily Yeates, CEO and Principal Designer of Urban Revival — a full-service interior design firm based in Paradise Valley. Arizona. In this episode, we discuss Emily’s exposure to design at a young age and her passion for problem-solving, which led to the launch of her own design business. 

Emily shares her lessons learned while growing her team and developing her processes… spoiler alert — it did not happen overnight. We also discuss the importance of a fine-tuned business structure and how it not only allows her to provide extraordinary service to her clients but also allows her to be present for herself, her health, and her family.

Tune in to learn how Emily built a successful design business by creating efficient systems while balancing her professional and personal life!

• Emily’s early exposure to design and the path to launching her own business

• Hiring the right people for your business and why more designer is not the solution when growing your business

• Developing a strong business structure with the help of her operations manager, Meredith

• How having clear and repeatable processes made her business run smoothly

• Tools and platforms that Emily’s team uses for efficiency and communication – Asana, Loom, DesignFiles, etc

• How the business was able to thrive during Emily’s cancer treatment

• Emily’s “Business Edit” program and how it helps other designers succeed

• The importance of furniture profit margins and wholesale ordering

Notable Quotes:

• “I refuse to live in an ugly place. I grew up around beautiful things. I wanted a beautiful place, and I was going to make it happen.” - Emily Yeates
• “The pinnacle of success is having a business that can run when I step away, and it keeps going.” - Emily Yeates
• “Profit margin is a really big deal to me. And furniture is the way that I’m able to do that.” - Emily Yeates
• “Implementing processes and structure allows you to put your business on autopilot in times when you need it.” - Rick

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Urban Revival Website - https://urbanrevivalphx.com/urban-revival

Emily Yeates on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/urbanrevivalphx/

Sponsor Links:

James and James: https://carpenterjames.com/pages/trade-program?ad=DBSG

Design Manager: https://www.designmanager.com/

This is a special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide. This supplemental format is designed to share brands and partners that support designers both creatively and professionally. This is our way of sharing valuable information and resources for your business with you, our loyal listeners.

Today, we’re speaking with Jason Voorhees, founder and president of Cantara – a full-service home technology integration agency based in Costa Mesa, California. In this episode, Jason shares the history of the brand, his passion for home technology, and how his team of experts collaborates with designers, builders, and architects to enhance the beauty and function of extraordinary homes throughout Southern California and beyond.

• The meaning behind the name Cantara and the history of the brand

• Jason’s role as the founder and president of Cantara 

• Working with Cantara from a designer’s perspective and the importance of integrating technology early in the design process

• How the home technology industry has grown beyond just audio and video systems

• Different departments in Cantara – lighting design, window treatments, audio/video systems, home automation, etc

• How Cantara maintain long-term relationships with clients even after the project is complete

• Jason’s involvement in the Dream World documentary and its impact on the industry

• The potential of AI in home technology and how it can make homes smarter and more beautiful

Notable Quotes:

• “Our industry is unique in that we need to be great at designing and be world-class at building, installing, and finishing the job.” - Jason Voorhees
• “It’s important that we do a good job as an industry to start reframing and redefining what it is that we do so that people realize, ‘Oh yeah, there’s so much more driven by technology in these houses these days.’” - Jason Voorhees
• “We hope that our clients stop time, remove themselves from the moment, just for a second, and look around and think, ‘Wow, this is the perfect evening. My home is singing for me right now.’” - Jason Voorhees

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review,” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Cantara Website: https://www.cantaradesign.com/

Cantaradesign on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cantaradesign/ 

Guild Integrators Alliance: https://www.guildintegratorsalliance.org/

Dream World Documentary: https://www.dreamworldfilm.com/