Shaun and Rebecca are back to wrap up 2025 with their annual year-in-review tradition—and it turns out, it wasn’t all bad! In this episode, they share a candid look at the highs, lows, and the messy middle of running their interior design businesses this year. From surviving slowdowns and personal challenges to celebrating wins like tightened brand messaging and more aligned client projects, they prove that progress isn’t always loud, flashy, or Instagram-worthy.

They revisit the goals they set at the beginning of the year (in Episode 138) and dig into what worked, what didn’t, and why sometimes just holding steady is a success worth celebrating. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or new to the business, this episode offers inspiration and validation that your growth is happening—even if it’s slower than you expected.

In this episode they discuss:

• Why looking back—even when you don’t feel like it—is essential to growth
• How Shaun’s business remained resilient during a personally challenging year
• Rebecca’s experience finally finding the right bookkeeper and getting her finances dialed
• Their evolving relationships with designer on-call services and how to better qualify leads
• Why having fresh portfolio photography changed Rebecca’s marketing game
• How Shaun refined his brand voice and simplified his services for more aligned clients
• The value of investing in professional development through retreats and workshops
• The systems and automations they put in place to support bigger goals in 2026

Mentioned:

• Episode 138: What's out for 2025 - 6 goals for our businesses

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

Shaun and Rebecca sit down with guest Renée Biery of deVignier Design and host of the podcast Only Girl on the Jobsite. With a career spanning over 30 years, Renée has worked on complex construction‑heavy design projects (in New York, then now from Delaware) and now teaches interior designers how to confidently navigate construction, scope, budgets, and roles on site. She and the hosts dive into how designers can claim their role on job sites, manage relationships with contractors, and build business models that protect their value and their peace of mind.

In this conversation they discuss:

• What it’s like being “the only girl on the job site” and how gender dynamics still shape design + construction relationships.
• How Renée built her career—from design school at New York School of Interior Design to AD 100 firms, then launching her own firm—and how that experience informs her teaching today.
• Why integrating large‑scale construction projects (not just decorating) gives designers business resilience, and how she targets ~70 % construction/30 % decorating in her annual mix.
• Entry‑points for designers who want to add more construction management to their services (but feel intimidated)—Renée shares practical advice on framing your first job, setting expectations, and charging appropriately.
• How designers can take control of the budget on construction projects—especially by scrutinizing “allowances”, managing procurement, and protecting the furniture/decor budget.
• The “pretty proposal” trap: Why verbose, beautifully‑designed decks might cost you jobs (and profits), and how clarity and scope define professionalism.
• How to manage scope creep, addenda, and contract clarity—so you don’t end up working for free or losing value because someone assumed something was included.
• How to position your business model for sustainability—flat fees versus hourly, discovering what parts of your business you enjoy (and which parts you don’t), and building systems so you don’t carry all the friction yourself.

Mentioned:

• deVignier Design
• The Designers Edge
• Only Girl on the Jobsite Podcast

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

Shaun and Rebecca explore how interior designers can borrow luxury‑hospitality practices (think boutique hotels, high‑end resorts) and apply them to their own design businesses. They dig into the idea that service isn’t just about furniture or finishes–it’s about how you make your clients feel, and how you structure your process, your purchasing, your hiring, and your client‑experience to reflect that elevated standard. Along the way they share candid business talk about shifting models, hiring help, market tiers, and positioning.

In this conversation they discuss:

• The recent Facebook designer‑group debate about trade discounts vs deep pricing and what that means for profitability.
• How going up‑market and leveraging stocking dealer accounts can open room for margin (and why that old‑school model still has relevance).
• The concept of hospitality—drawn from the book Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara—and how it applies to interior‑design business beyond restaurants. (Unreasonable Hospitality)
• Practical low‑starts for elevating client experience (handwritten notes, snack trays at presentations, anticipating needs) and the hard part: sustaining it over a full project.
• Shaun’s and Rebecca’s personal experiences: one signing a new project at a ‘lowest point,’ website copy finally working for leads, and the bravery of hiring operations/ procurement help.
• The shift from being “just a furniture order‑taker” to being a concierge, experience architect, and partner—and how that reframes your value proposition.
• The emotional and operational reality of hiring: knowing when you’re doing too much, needing to delegate, whether you’re ready to manage people (or handlers), and the fear of burning out or falling behind.
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Mentioned:

• Design Biz Survival Guide Retreat
• House of Savoy Instagram post example
• Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode of the Hot Young Designers Club, Rebecca and Shaun welcome interior‑photographer turned editor and marketing strategist Jessica Burke to unpack when and why designers should not photograph—or publish—every single project. Jessica shares her transition from the wedding industry into shooting editorial interiors, how to evaluate when a project is worth photography, how to structure the relationship between designer and photographer (especially contracts/licensing), and how to strategically use imagery to attract your ideal clients and press.

In this friendly, candid conversation you’ll hear stories of photo‑shoot challenges, licensing headaches, and practical business strategies that interior designers can apply right now.

In this episode they discuss:

• How Jessica moved from wedding photography into interior design marketing and then interior‑shoot work — and the lessons she brought with her.
• Why shooting every project is not only expensive but may hurt your brand if the work doesn’t align with your vision.
• How to decide which spaces to shoot (and publish) and which to leave out or hold for later.
• Why building a trusted long‑term photographer‑designer relationship matters (and how it benefits both sides).
• Key contract and licensing issues designers should ask photographers before a shoot — e.g., copyright, vendor use, third‑party licensing.
• Growing a photography business and the parallel to growing a design firm: scaling, handing off work, outsourcing editing/licensing.
• How social media, PR, and vendor/product‑licensing have changed the interior‑photography landscape—what designers should watch out for.
• Jessica’s favorite (and least‑favorite) rooms to shoot, how to manage shoot stress and logistics, and her advice on working with a stylist and assistants.

Mentioned:

• Jessica Burke’s website: https://www.jessicaburke.com/
• Jessica’s Instagram: @jessicaburke
• The Haven List feature on Jessica Burke Photography: Haven

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun dive into everything designers need to know about attending Las Vegas Market — from travel logistics to strategy, networking, sourcing and setting up your post‑market follow‑up. Whether you're a veteran or preparing for your first market, they share hands‑on tips on planning, navigating the show, maximizing your time, and turning the experience into content and business wins.

In the discussion they cover how to approach the show grounds, how to be intentional rather than overwhelmed, how to balance work + enjoyment on the trip, and how to make sure your investment (time, money, travel) pays off once you’re back at your studio.

In this episode they discuss:

• How Rebecca and Shaun view Las Vegas Market as a “work trip that doesn’t feel messy” — accessible, fun, efficient.
• Pre‑registration, badge scanning, hotel & shuttle logistics so you’re not wasting time checking in.
• Apparel, shoes, bags, and what to bring (or leave behind) so you’re functional while sourcing.
• Planning your showroom visits: when to make appointments (and when not to), how to use the show app and preview guide.
• How to use the show as both business sourcing and content creation (photos, videos, trend‑spotting).
• Tips for managing time, energy, and collaboration if you bring a team or assistant.
• Post‑market hustle: organizing your photos/videos, documenting expenses, leveraging new vendor contacts, and keeping the momentum alive.
• Networking and social aspects: dinner reservations, meeting designer friends, and making the most of the “fun” side of market.
• Trend‑watching tactics: walking the floors with a mindset, capturing patterns, using the market as a source of inspiration for both client work and social content.

Mentioned:

• Las Vegas Market official site

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca sit down with Melissa Oholendt of Oho Interiors to dig into how she built a high‑end residential design firm rooted in her signature “cottage‑traditional with a European/English influence” aesthetic — and how that clarity has helped her attract the clients she wants. Melissa shares what it took to scale from one person to a team across two states, how she shifted her pricing model, and why strong processes and trust are cornerstones of her business.

They also explore the emotional side of design work: how homes affect mental wellness, the tension of leading a team vs. being the face of the brand, and what growth looks like when you lean into your style instead of trying to adapt to external trends.

In this episode they discuss:

• Melissa’s journey from finance/PR/photography into interior design and why she finally said yes to doing what she loves.
• How she made the decision to be in two states (Minnesota and Colorado), the trade‑offs, and how that changed her business structure.
• Why she moved from flat‑fee pricing to hourly billing, and the importance of having historical data to price confidently.
• How Melissa builds trust with prospective clients before they even hire her — via Instagram, transparency around cost, and showcasing results.
• Her team structure, leadership style, and how she’s learning to delegate, let go, and empower senior and associate designers.
• How rising build costs and other recent industry shifts have forced process changes and ways to ensure feasibility earlier (so design work isn’t discarded due to budget surprises).
• What she feels most confident about (processes! systems!) and what’s still evolving for Oho Interiors.
• Melissa’s future goals: expanding influence, exploring product partnerships or retail, and building what she calls a modest “empire.”

Mentioned:

• Oho Interiors website — ohointeriors.com
• Oho Interiors on Instagram — @oho_interiors
• Oho Interiors Pinterest — /oho_interiors

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun catch up on life, business, and creative growth. Rebecca just returned from a design retreat at a beautifully designed cabin (by Form & Field), where she worked on brand strategy and made tangible progress on her website. They also dive into frustrating vendor experiences, the evolving role of AI agents in design work, and a hot take on whether being barefoot in brand photos is ever appropriate.

In the second half of the episode, they debate the ethics, emotional labor, and financial risks that come with sourcing, receiving, and delivering furniture—especially when imperfections, shipping issues, and miscommunications arise. They also explore how one small branding detail like footwear in photos can signal so much about professionalism, identity, and client expectations.

In this episode they discuss:

• Rebecca’s design retreat: goals, structure, productivity, and what she accomplished (brand strategy guide, website refresh)
• The importance of having external accountability (“show and tell” among designer friends) to push projects forward
• Challenges working with vendors and receiving warehouses: damaged goods, imperfect manufacturing, inspection failures, and the cost (financial & emotional) of fixing them
• Why healthy project and product margins are non-negotiable in design to absorb unexpected costs
• The rise of AI agents in business: potential, limitations, risks (data access, automation gone wrong)
• The debate on brand photo styling: barefoot vs shoes, what each choice communicates about professionalism and personal brand
• Reflections on aging, style evolution, and gaps in the market (e.g. men’s clothing quality and age-appropriateness)

Mentioned:

• The Airbnb Rebecca stayed in for her retreat
• https://formandfield.com/work/donner-lake-cabin
• Rebecca worked on her brand guide based on ideas from Renee Bush from Tandem. Listen to Renee’s episode 150
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/150-renee-bush-from-tandem-on-building-cohesive-brands/id1505427626?i=1000717943157
• Agents in AI
• https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT6u2YScK/

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode of Hot Young Designers Club, Shaun and Rebecca sit down with Jamie Young of Jamie Young Company. They dive into the wild and wonderful journey of launching their design brand nearly 28 years ago, sketching a story that blends art school daring with entrepreneurial grit—from concrete lamps to elevated, organic, globally inspired lighting, mirrors, and accent furniture. Jamie shares candid insights on balancing creativity and profitability, navigating manufacturing challenges across continents, and staying true to a brand founded on casual luxury and exceptional design.

This episode unpacks the emotional and practical realities of running a design-forward business in today’s turbulent global climate. Whether you’re a designer, design enthusiast, or entrepreneur, Jamie’s reflections on mistakes, margins, and maintaining a unique aesthetic offer both inspiration and grounded wisdom.

In this episode they discuss:

• Jamie and her husband, David’s, leap into business—starting with mixing cement lampshades and launching with just three lamps while parenting their first child.
• The aesthetic evolution: organic, understated luxury, working with natural materials, bespoke glazes, metals, and ceramics shaped by travel and craftsmanship.
• The lengthy and intricate product development process—from sourcing in South Asia, to sampling, inventory, and ensuring products are trade‑ready fast.
• Manufacturing challenges: product failures, warped mirrors, sampling issues, production hiccups, and how transparency and communication matter.
• How tariffs and global sourcing shifts act like a game of "whack-a-mole," and how Jamie Young Co. has adapted by diversifying materials and production countries.
• The often-overlooked truths about profitability in creative work: pricing for value, building team support for finance and operations, and maintaining creative boundaries.
• The importance of ego management, client-designer relationships, expectations, and the balance between being right and being done.

Mentioned:

• Jamie Young Co. on Facebook
• Jamie Young Co. on Instagram
• Jamie Young Co. on LinkedIn
• Jamie Young Co. on TikTok
• Jamie Young Co. on Pinterest

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

Rebecca’s rewatch of Girls sparked a spirited metaphor that drives this episode: Interior designers need to stop being the passengers in their own projects and take the wheel. Shaun and Rebecca dive deep into what it really means to be the leader, not just in process but in energy, communication, and confidence. From preemptive client education to handling those take-the-wheel clients, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for setting—and keeping—control.

In this episode they discuss:

• How process, confidence, and language establish you as the leader
• Setting expectations early through investment guides and onboarding materials
• Identifying when you’ve slipped into the passenger seat—and how to get back in control
• Using confident and concise language with clients to assert expertise
• Managing collaborative clients without losing creative authority
• Establishing milestones and updates to reduce client uncertainty
• Avoiding long, justifying emails and replacing them with direct, proactive communication
• Building flexibility into your process while maintaining leadership energy

Mentioned:

• Girls on Max – Watch it on Max
• Shaun’s Hype Playlist on Spotify – Listen here
• Interior Design Investment Guide
• Client Purchasing Guide
• Client Welcome Guide
• Client Onboarding Bundle

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop

In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca welcome Judi Lee‑Carr, the Singapore‑born, self‑taught interior designer behind Jubilee Interiors, a boutique firm in Westlake Village, California. With a background in visual merchandising and a journey that has taken her through Singapore, Jakarta, London, Paris, and now Southern California, Judi has built a thriving design business grounded in her ethos of Organic Modern Living: sleek lines, layered textures, and earthy palettes that feel both intimate and timeless. Her story isn't just about design—it’s about the courage to embrace opportunities, say “yes,” and turn uncertainty into momentum.

In this episode, they discuss:

• How a chance moment in a luxury retail store in Singapore—touching up a window display—led to Judi’s first interior design project and how that led to her first 18‑month contract in Jakarta
• Embracing saying “yes”: Judi’s experiences of interning unpaid, commuting long distances, and leaning into mentorship to grow her skills and presence
• The transition from custom residential work to serving developers with model homes, multifamily, and amenity design, adapting her signature style for sales‑driven environments
• The challenges of navigating immigration, motherhood, postpartum mental health, and team transitions—all while rebuilding and recalibrating her business to sustain both her creative and personal life
• The current and future vision for Jubilee: undergoing a rebrand, expanding her team, and manifesting her dream project—a ground‑up custom home she’s designing from the ground floor up

Mentioned:

• Judi interned with JAC Interiors as her first opportunity when moving from Singapore to the US - https://jacinteriors.com/
• Judi’s Website: https://www.jubilee-interiors.com/
• Judi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jubilee.interiors
• Judi went on her own manifestation journey, similar to what we explored in Episode 142 with Coach Jacquelyn

Our links:

• Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
• Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
• Rebecca’s Instagram
• Shaun’s Instagram
• For more information - Check out the website
• Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
• Design Resources - Check out our shop