State laws often define the scope of practice, certification requirements, and licensing regulations for interior designers. Staying informed ensures you comply with these rules, allowing you to work legally and avoid fines or penalties.

In this episode, I have an insightful conversation with Genise Plessas, a seasoned interior designer and advocate for the profession in California. Genise delves into the challenges facing interior designers, particularly the proposed changes by IDEX that could create unnecessary barriers for both commercial and residential designers.

She shares valuable insights into the work of the California Legislative Coalition for Interior Designers (CLCID), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering individual designers.

She also reveals the resources every designer needs - a comprehensive guide on codes and regulations, as well as study materials to help you prepare for the IDEX exam.

Plus, hear her inspiring story of starting her design business, working internationally, and balancing creativity with technical know-how.

Whether you're a newbie dreaming of your first big project or a seasoned pro navigating new rules, this episode offers a wealth of information to help you stay informed and navigate the industry's ever-evolving landscape. Tune in now!

AND don't forget to get on the Launch Your Business Boot Camp waitlist to secure your spot and get ready to launch your design business in 2025!

Featured Guest:

Genise Plessas is the owner of ⁠Genise Plessas Designs⁠ and brings over 27 years of experience in interior design. She assists clients in achieving the best possible design outcomes for their individual and business projects.

With an office in Granite Bay, California, Genise has built a reputation in her private practice and as a partner in the commercial interior design industry. She educates clients on how to fashion a beautiful aesthetic while selecting products to fit and perform at the highest level using state-of-the-art innovations and technology.

She currently sits on the California Legislative Coalition for Interior Designers known as CLCID; is a past president of the California Central Nevada chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) as ASID as well as past president of the California Capital Chapter for National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA).

Connect with Genise Plessas:

Website: ⁠Genise Plessas Designs⁠

Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> How New California Design Legislation Could Transform Interior Design Practices in 2025

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction & Announcement: Waitlist for "Launch Your Business Bootcamp" for aspiring interior designers in 2025

(03:12) Genise Plessas: Career Journey in Interior Design

(06:52) Challenges and Transitions in Genise's Career

(10:23) Insights from Working Internationally and in Commercial Design

(12:19) Genise's Involvement in Interior Designers Organizations

(13:51) Understanding California Legislative Coalition for Interior Designers (CLCID) Mission and Goals

(20:23) Perspective on California Legislation Updates and Industry Challenges

(27:40) The Importance of Designer Advocacy

(34:06) How to Get Involved and Stay Informed

NEXT STEPS:

Join ⁠the waitlist⁠ for the Launch Your Business Boot Camp—spots are limited!

⁠https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/launch-your-business-bootcamp

Email me at [email protected]

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign

Thanks for listening!

Have you set your goals for 2025 but worry about how to achieve them? The key to success might lie in the power of accountability.

Accountability can be the missing piece that keeps you focused, motivated, and on track as you work toward your goals for the new year. If you struggle to follow through on your interior design goals or often let yourself off the hook, this episode is for you.

I share real-life examples and proven strategies to help you clarify your priorities, boost your motivation, and stay consistent—whether you’re a new designer just starting or a seasoned pro looking to grow.

Ready to make 2025 the year you elevate your design career? Join me in the Launch Your Business Boot Camp, a hands-on program designed to help you confidently start or grow your interior design business. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start today, and let accountability guide you to a thriving, fulfilling career! Check the show notes to learn more.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(02:07) Definition and Context of Accountability

(03:31) Statistics and Psychology of Accountability

(05:58) Benefits of Accountability

(07:03) How to Build an Accountability Systems

(12:28) Announcement: Launch Your Business Boot Camp

Links Mentioned:

NEXT STEPS:

Join ⁠the waitlist⁠ for the Launch Your Business Boot Camp—spots are limited!

⁠https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/launch-your-business-bootcamp

Grab your freebies:

Listen to Related Episode:

Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Happy New Year and welcome to 2025!

January is all about fresh starts, and many of us are setting goals to prioritize self-care and build better routines. A thoughtfully designed home gym can make all the difference—offering not just convenience but also a space that inspires consistent use and supports wellness goals.

For us interior designers, this is the perfect time to help clients align their homes with their health and wellness aspirations, making it the perfect moment to explore this growing trend.

If you’ve ever wondered how to create a home gym that’s both stylish and functional, this episode is for you! I sit down with Chris Howell, founder of SPX Gym Design, to uncover the secrets of designing luxury wellness spaces that seamlessly fit into any home while meeting each client’s unique needs.

From choosing the perfect flooring to incorporating features like saunas and cold plunges, Chris shares practical tips and his inspiring journey from personal trainer to gym design expert. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned designer, this episode is packed with actionable ideas to elevate your projects and delight your clients.

Tune in now to make 2025 your year for innovative design!

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> Home Gym Designs: Practical Tips to Blend Style, Functionality, and Client Wellness Goals

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(02:54) Chris Howell's Journey to Gym Design

(05:37) Product Design and Customization in Gym Design

(8:45) Key Considerations for Designing Home Gyms

(14:45) Challenges with Second-Floor and Small-Space Gyms

(16:48) Incorporating Adjacent Wellness Features

(18:35) Collaboration with Designers and Homeowners

(27:10) Addressing Common Mistakes in Gym Design

Featured Guest:

Chris Howell is the founder and owner of SPX Gym Design, a company that has been transforming spaces Since 2017. SPX Gym Design fuses interior design with custom gym equipment, creating bespoke wellness environments for high-end homes of NFL athletes and boardroom executives.

He has collaborated with prestigious brands such as Soho House Gyms, 1Hotel, Gurney Resorts, Proper Hotels, and C4 Energy. His innovative approach to gym and wellness design has positioned SPX Gym Design as a leader in the industry.

Currently based in Jupiter, Florida, Chris continues to revolutionize the fitness and wellness landscape with his unique vision and expertise.

Connect with Chris Howell:

NEXT STEPS:

Join ⁠the waitlist⁠ for the Launch Your Business Boot Camp—spots are limited!

⁠https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/launch-your-business-bootcamp

Grab your freebies:

Take a Quiz!

Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

As a visionary for my company, taking time to reflect is essential. It allows me to review the events of the past year, recognize my growth, and learn from the lessons it brought. Reflecting also helps me plan with intention and shape a clear vision for the year ahead.

While I can’t control every circumstance, I can control how I approach the future, set meaningful intentions, and focus on what I want to achieve in the coming year.

In this special year-end episode, I share how to reflect on your wins, lessons, and growth from 2024 while preparing to embrace 2025 with clarity and purpose. I guide you through setting goals, choosing a "Word of the Year," using a planner to stay focused and accountable, and crafting a vision board to keep you motivated toward your goals.

I also introduce exciting updates to My Design Mentor and an all-new Launch Your Business Boot Camp! These resources are designed to give aspiring interior designers the guidance, accountability, and tools they need to build a thriving business.

Whether you’re dreaming of starting your career or ready to leap into entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with tips and inspiration to help you make it happen.

Start 2025 with intention! Listen now, and take the first steps toward turning your creative goals into reality. Don’t forget to join the waitlist for the boot camp—spots are limited!

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> Start Your 2025 Journey: Reflection, Goal Setting, and Vision Board for Success

NEXT STEPS:

Join ⁠the waitlist⁠ for the Launch Your Business Boot Camp—spots are limited!

https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/launch-your-business-bootcamp

Grab your freebies:

Take a Quiz!

Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

"Do I need a formal degree in interior design to succeed? What steps should I follow in the design process? Should I add new services like construction management or staging? How do I diversify my offerings while staying true to my brand?"

These questions reflect a critical milestone in a designer’s career journey, helping them go from establishing their practice to running a thriving business.

In this episode, you will find answers from Michelle Norgren, the founder of Harmony Homes, a successful luxury interior design and construction firm. She shares her inspiring story highlighting how she built her business during the uncertainties of the pandemic and the systems she developed to ensure her team runs like clockwork.

She also reveals practical strategies for growing your design business, from using tools like Motion AI to streamline tasks, to hiring the right people to cover your weaknesses.

Whether you're just starting or looking to scale up, Michelle’s insights will help you create clear processes, improve client relationships, and achieve your goals.

If you’ve been searching for ways to grow your interior design career with confidence and clarity, this episode is for you! Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical, battle-tested advice from an interior design entrepreneur who's been in your shoes. Tune in now!

Featured Guest:

⁠Michelle Norgren⁠ is the owner and founder of ⁠Harmony Homes⁠, a luxury interior design and construction firm.

With a background in architecture and a passion for creating beautiful, functional spaces, Michelle launched Harmony Homes to help clients bring their dream homes to life.

Under her leadership, the company has become known for its seamless design-build approach, ensuring every project reflects the firm's ethos, where beauty, space, and functionality harmonize. Michelle's expertise in both design and construction allows her to offer clients a comprehensive, personalized experience from concept to completion.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> Expert Advice on Building & Scaling Your Interior Design Firm With Confidence

NEXT STEPS:

Grab your freebies:

Take a Quiz!

Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Newbie interior designers often have questions as they start building their careers, balancing creativity with client satisfaction, and running a business effectively.

In this episode, I answer questions sent in by listeners over the past couple of months. Some listeners were unsure whether I had covered these topics in previous episodes, and it seems I haven't. I thought it would be a great time to answer some of those questions now. For those starting, these might be the areas you are struggling with right now.

I share my tried-and-true methods for success as an interior designer. From mastering the all-in-one proposal presentation to finding trustworthy contractors, my recommendations will help you avoid common design pitfalls and create a seamless experience for your clients.

And if you’re struggling to organize yourself with several projects at once, my step-by-step approach will help you stay on track without getting overwhelmed.

Don't miss out - listen now and take the next steps towards achieving your design business goals.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> Essential Tips for Interior Designers on Presenting Proposals and Managing Multiple Projects

Links Mentioned:

NEXT STEPS:

Grab your freebies:

Take a Quiz!

Listen to Related Episode:

Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Interior designers often find managing the financial side of their business challenging because they are primarily focused on creative work rather than financial planning and analysis.

Many start their careers with a passion for aesthetics, design, and problem-solving for clients’ spaces, not necessarily for crunching numbers. This makes dealing with finances—like budgeting, pricing, and understanding profit margins—feel less intuitive and sometimes even overwhelming.

So if you are an interior designer struggling to manage the financial side of your business and wish you had a trusted advisor to guide you, this episode is for you.

Today, I chatted with Michelle Williams, owner of Scarlet Thread Consulting and Metrik Solutions, who specializes in helping designers take control of their numbers. She shares practical ways to read financial statements, price your services, and understand what your numbers really mean. With easy-to-use tools and strategies, she helps business owners make smart financial decisions—whether it's setting prices, hiring, or planning for future growth.

Michelle also shares insights on setting up a clear financial strategy and tips on adapting the Profit First method.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain the financial confidence and tools you need to take your business to new heights. Tune in now and start owning your numbers!

Featured Guest:

Michele Williams is the dynamic owner of Scarlet Thread Consulting and Metrique Solutions, two companies focused on empowering creative professionals in the design industry including interior designers, workrooms, and window covering professionals. With an eye for detail and a passion for innovation, Michele has carved a niche in providing strategic business coaching and financial analytics to help designers and workrooms navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.

Michele's commitment to excellence and her unwavering support for her clients have established her as a trusted advisor and thought leader in the design community. Her work not only transforms businesses but also inspires creativity and growth, making her an invaluable asset to the industry.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> Master Your Finances: How Interior Designers Can Take Control of Pricing, Planning, and Profit

NEXT STEPS:

Grab your freebies:

Take a Quiz!

Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

The interior design industry is quite crowded, especially with the rise of online platforms and social media showcasing designers’ work, making the field more visible and accessible than ever.

The growth in popularity is fueled by shows on networks like HGTV, DIY resources, and the increase in design-focused social media content, which has inspired many people to pursue interior design as a career.

Having said that, how do you stand out in the crowded interior design market? How do you attract your ideal clients and build a thriving, sustainable design business?

In this episode, I share my proven strategies to help you set yourself apart from the competition, whether you are just starting or already growing your business.

From finding your unique voice to mastering smooth business operations, you will find practical ways to become unforgettable to clients. You will learn why it is essential to show off your personality, create systems that run like clockwork, and deliver the kind of customer service people remember.

So don't settle for blending in with the crowd. Discover how to make your interior design services irresistible to your dream clients. Tune in now and start setting yourself apart today!

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> 9 Proven Ways to Set Yourself Apart as an Interior Designer and Succeed

NEXT STEPS:

Grab your freebies:

Take a Quiz!

Listen to Related Episode:

Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Finding balance and fulfillment in a creative career has always been a constant struggle for most interior designers.

Interior designer Laura Martin Bovard has been there - and she's here to share her hard-won wisdom.

In this episode, Laura opens up about her unconventional path to design, learning on the job and building her firm LMB Interiors from the ground up, without a design degree.

She reveals how she overcame perfectionism, set boundaries with clients, and nurtured her entrepreneurial spirit - all while prioritizing self-care through her "Divine Hustler" personal growth practice.

If you’re struggling to balance creativity, business, and personal life, this episode offers real solutions. Tune in for practical tips on growing your design business while taking care of yourself and serving others.  

Featured Guest:

⁠Laura Martin Bovard⁠ is the principal designer of ⁠LMB Interiors⁠, which she launched in 2002 while pregnant with her first child, working from her dining room table.

She runs a successful design firm that focuses on sustainable practices, collaborating with local artisans and contractors as well as using eco-friendly, earth-conscious materials and practices.

Laura is also known as "The Divine Hustler," which reflects her side hustle involving speaking events, retreats, and a blog dedicated to personal growth. As a personal growth junkie, she aims to help other beauty makers discover more about themselves.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> Balancing Business and Self-Care: Secrets to Success in the Interior Design World

NEXT STEPS:

Grab your freebies:

Take a Quiz!

Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Do you dream of becoming an interior designer, but wonder what it's really like behind the scenes?

In this episode, I pull back the curtain to give you a realistic look at the challenges of the interior design career.

While the Instagram-worthy staging and design work may look effortless, the day-to-day grind of an interior designer involves grit, problem-solving, defending decisions, and navigating invisible labor that often goes unnoticed.

I share my journey, from initial expectations to the hard-won lessons I learned over nearly 20 years in the industry.

I also talk about the importance of self-assessment, flexibility, finding your "zone of genius," and building a supportive network of peers and mentors to help you overcome obstacles.

If you're ready to go beyond the glamour and develop the resilience needed to thrive as an interior designer, tune in now. My insights might be the reality check you need to set yourself up for long-term success in this dynamic career.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

Check out the show notes >>> Preparing for a Career in Interior Design: The Realities, Skills, and Mindset You Need to Succeed

Links Mentioned:

NEXT STEPS:

Grab your freebies:

Take a Quiz!

Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics

DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question

Leave me a rating and review! Click here. 

Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...