Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast

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

In this episode, hosts Shaun and Rebecca kick off another round of the beloved Just Stop series—this time inviting submissions directly from their listener community. With a few listener submissions already in hand, they dive into some trends and pet peeves in the world of interior design branding, communication, and business practices. Expect their signature blend of candid humor, designer insight, and practical takeaways.

They explore key topics such as professional branding tropes (we're looking at you, barefoot headshots), generational social cues, the ethics of pricing design services, and creative integrity in design feedback culture.

In this episode they discuss:

• Why it may be time to just stop using barefoot photos in your professional branding—it can feel unprofessional or performative.
• The concept of the “millennial pause” in video content and why editing it out matters for audience engagement.
• Exploring the buzzword ethos in branding: why it might be overused, vague, or feel pretentious.
• How taking intentional summer breaks—especially July in the design industry—can support mental health and long-term business sustainability.
• Strategies for silencing notifications, reducing digital micro‑stress, and reclaiming control over your attention and productivity.
• The pitfalls of underpricing design services: why charging too little hurts individual designers and the broader community.
• Why the term timeless design is misleading, and what a more realistic approach to longevity and quality might look like.
• Common spelling mistakes in design terminology—such as principal vs. principle, loose vs. lose, and stationary vs. stationery.

Mentioned:

• Send us your Just Stop submissions: https://portal.dubsado.com/public/form/view/681d3da2db8d4f003ad45766

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 sit down with Renee Bush, founder of Tandem, a consultancy for interior designers. She’s the secret weapon behind the brand and business strategy at powerhouses like Studio McGee. Renee shares her journey from graphic and studio operations into honing a niche helping designers align business structure, brand identity, and marketing.

They dive deep into how strategic clarity—knowing who you are, who you're talking to, and what you want—transforms client experience, marketing, pricing, and scale. Renee’s wisdom around confident positioning, signature processes and aesthetics, and the importance of a North Star brand makes this a foundational listen for any designer ready to level up.

In this episode they discuss:

• Renee’s non-designer path: transitioning from graphic design/studio ops through Studio McGee into founding Tandem
• What brand strategy actually means: values, tone, ideal client, mission, emotional deliverables
• How to uncover a designer’s unique "North Star" that aligns brand, process, team and marketing
• The power of signature processes or aesthetics as a form of positioning
• Why confidence—especially in pricing—is the linchpin to attracting the right clients
• How small, strategic changes across branding, social media, press, and referrals generate exponential growth
• Tailoring Instagram and content for your future ideal client without losing your current audience
• Choosing between volume of smaller projects vs. fewer high-end ones—and ensuring profitability through smart systems

Mentioned:

• Tandem – with-tandem.com
• The Haven List workshop – thehavenlist.com/workshop
• Tandem Instagram – instagram.com/with_tandem
• Tandem Pinterest - pinterest.com/with_tandem
• Episode 99 with Ali Faulkner
• Episode 149 with Danielle Chiprut

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

Danielle Chiprut, owner and creative force behind Danielle Rose Design Co., joins Shaun and Rebecca to unpack how intentional investments in her business—from team expansion and PR to education and a new studio space—have fueled her growth. With over five years in the interior design world, Danielle shares candid insights on trusting her gut, building boundaries, and empowering her team to elevate her brand.

In this episode they discuss:

• How Danielle transitioned from a solo designer to leading a polished team with a junior designer and ops manager
• Letting go of control: her team’s first install without her and why it was a proud milestone
• The strategic use of Design Assisted and freelance hires before making her first in‑house hire
• Investing in PR and photography early: how it boosted credibility, landed press, and supported premium pricing
• Participating in the Hampton Designer Showhouse and Housing Works Design on a Dime—and the client leads that followed
• Her journey through education, retreats, and workshops like Haven and Design Camp to build strategy, community, and confidence
• The boundary-building mindset she adopted as her business grew, and why that strength matters for her team
• Future plans: opening a studio, creating design “pods,” hosting client workshops, and growing community presence

Mentioned:

• Danielle Rose Design Co: https://www.daniellerosedesignco.com/
• @daniellerosedesignco (Instagram)
• Watch Danielle’s team do their first install without her: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKSmWPwJSIZ/
• Brand Identity PR: https://www.brandidentitypr.com/
• Housing Works (LGBTQ+ housing & community health): https://www.instagram.com/housingworks/
• Hampton Designer Showhouse: https://hamptondesignershowhouse.com/
• Haven Workshop: https://thehavenlist.com/workshop
• Tandem (branding): https://with-tandem.com/
• Design Camp: https://www.design-camp.co/
• Design Assisted: https://www.designassistedco.com/
• Hear Design Assisted’s episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-young-designers-club-interior-design-business-podcast/id1505427626?i=1000528360925
• Asana: https://asana.com/

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 dive deep into the nuts and bolts of creating and managing a materials library for interior designers. They discuss everything from sourcing sample accounts and organizing fabrics, tile, rugs, paint, hardware, lighting, and window coverings, to managing the relentless influx of materials and avoiding storage chaos—all while keeping things inspiring and client-ready.

With practical tips on establishing vendor relationships, setting up effective storage systems, maintaining sample quality, and curating collections by color or usage, this episode is packed with insights to help designers build an efficient, beautiful, and functional materials library.

In this episode they discuss:

• How to get design trade accounts and sample access from major vendors like Pindler, Fabricut, Kravet, York, and more using resale certificates and business credentials.
• Strategies for organizing fabric samples—by color themes, outdoor vs. indoor, window treatments, and best folding and bin systems to keep samples visible and curled-free.
• Tips for storing tile, rugs, hardware, lighting, and paint samples—utilizing IKEA Pax units, bins, hangers, shallow drawers, finished-sample rings, and rep-supplied storage aids.
• Using Material Bank and vendor programs for efficient sample sourcing and quick shipping of paint, commercial fabrics, and tile.
• Solutions for managing bulky samples (e.g., tile boards, rug swatches, paint decks) and the benefits of building strong vendor relationships for rep delivery and service.
• Facing common challenges such as moth infestations, sample deterioration, and the time/labor required to maintain a materials library, including ideas for reuse or redistribution of unused samples.
• Leveraging market exposure (High Point, Las Vegas, Pacific Design Center) to expand your sample collection and deepen vendor knowledge without cluttering your home studio.

Mentioned:

• IKEA Pax System: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/pax-system-19086/
• HYDC Material Library Organization Amazon Storefront: https://amzn.to/3ZTSZp5
• Happy Hour Design Collective: https://www.itshappyhour.co/
• Pindler Fabrics: https://www.pindler.com/
• Fabricut Fabrics: https://fabricut.com/
• Schumacher Fabrics: https://schumacher.com/
• Kravet: https://www.kravet.com/
• York Wallcoverings: https://www.yorkwallcoverings.com/
• Anna Elizabeth / Greenhouse Fabrics: https://www.greenhousefabrics.com/anna-elisabeth
• Crypton Fabrics: https://crypton.com/
• Zia Tile: https://www.ziatile.com/
• Fireclay Tile: https://www.fireclaytile.com/
• Supply Showroom: https://www.supplyshowroom.com/
• Pattern Collective: https://thepatterncollective.com/
• Phillip Jeffries: https://www.phillipjeffries.com/
• Jaipur Living: https://www.jaipurliving.com/
• Loloi Rugs: https://www.loloirugs.com/
• Surya: https://www.surya.com/
• Norwalk Furniture: https://www.norwalkfurniture.com/
• Bedrosian’s Tile: https://www.bedrosians.com/en/
• Kohler: https://www.kohler.com/en
• Delta: https://www.deltafaucet.com/
• Brizo: https://www.brizo.com/
• California Faucets: https://www.calfaucets.com/
• Top Knobs: https://www.topknobs.com/
• Emtek: https://www.emtek.com/
• Sherwin Williams: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/
• Benjamin Moore: https://www.benjaminmoore.com/
• Dunn Edwards: https://www.dunnedwards.com/
• Farrow & Ball: https://www.farrow-ball.com/
• Portola Paints: https://portolapaints.com/
• Material Bank: https://www.materialbank.com/
• Visual Comfort: https://www.visualcomfort.com/
• Hudson Valley Lighting Group: https://hvlgroup.com/
• Blueprint Lighting: https://blueprintlighting.com/
• Dutton Brown Lighting: https://www.duttonbrown.com/
• High Point Market: https://www.highpointmarket.org/
• Las Vegas Market: https://www.lasvegasmarket.com/
• Pacific Design Center: https://pacificdesigncenter.com/
• San Francisco Design Center: https://sfdesigncenter.com/
• Ginny MacDonald Design: https://www.ginnymacdonalddesign.com/
• Lulu & Georgia: https://www.luluandgeorgia.com/

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 dive deep into the world of custom and bespoke furnishings and how they can elevate not only your designs but your entire interior design business. They share real-life experiences, lessons learned, and the emotional ups and downs of taking the custom route—from sourcing local artisans to managing the expectations of clients and contractors. They also explore how new AI tools are transforming the way designers visualize and pitch one-of-a-kind pieces.

If you're feeling stuck sourcing from the same retailers or want to push your creative limits, this episode is a must-listen. Rebecca and Shaun break down the practical strategies and mindset shifts that can help you make custom your new standard.

In this episode they discuss:

• How AI tools like ChatGPT can help visualize custom furnishings and win client buy-in
• Why custom might be a necessary pivot in today’s economy and evolving retail landscape
• Challenges with finding local vendors and how to build your dream custom team
• The importance of managing client expectations with custom installs and fittings
• Creative ways to customize ready-made pieces without breaking the bank
• How to structure your pricing when there’s no MSRP for custom work
• Small-scale custom ideas that can elevate your portfolio and client experience
• Strategies to avoid burnout and ensure profitability with time-intensive custom projects

Mentioned:

• Norwalk Custom Upholstery (https://www.norwalkfurniture.com/)
• Villa Lagoon Tile (https://www.villalagoontile.com/)
• Gat Creek Custom Furniture (https://www.gatcreek.com/)
• Jaipur Living Custom Rugs (https://www.jaipurliving.com)
• Fabric Guru (https://www.fabricguru.com/)

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