Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast

Shaun and Rebecca discuss the issues around designers’ rights to their work. They talk about a recent situation where a company used photos of designer Natalie Myers’s work without her permission and modified the pictures a little with the help of AI. They discuss this issue, how having no rights over the pictures of their work is not fair to designers, and finding a fair solution to this issue.

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun discuss:

• How designers are often overlooked for bringing food and maintaining morale on job sites while photographers profit off photos without the designer’s consent
• The unauthorized brand use of photos of a designer’s work
• The Natalie Meyer situation where a company used her photos without permission
• Photographer-designer relationships 
• The complexity of photo licensing contracts and how the system favors photographers over designers
• The lack of control designers have over photos of their own work
• How designers can have more control over their work
• Finding a fair way for photographers and designers to share rights and payments
• Photographers can share licensing rights and revenue with designers when companies use photos of their designs

Mentioned:

Episode 107: Just Stop Vi: Judgement Day

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-young-designers-club-interior-design-business-podcast/id1505427626?i=1000637922368

Natalie Meyer's IG Post

https://www.instagram.com/p/C32pAPzrOzF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Ethnik Living's Apology

https://www.instagram.com/p/C34kSOztN2I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The movie 'The Congress' with Robin Wright has some parallels to what we're talking about: The Congress - Prime Video

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Moe's just released their new Tailored & Timeless Collection.

Will Brown of Will Brown Interiors believes that interior design should be more than just aesthetics — it should also support clients’ well-being and energy flow within a space. In this episode, Will shares how he uses ancient Feng Shui principles to help clients optimize the flow of energy in their homes.

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun speak with Will Brown to discuss:

• Will’s career transition from corporate graphic design to interior design
• Will’s experience working at Hallmark and how it influenced his career
• How Will got introduced and certified in Feng Shui principles 
• How Will’s clients receive the idea of Feng Shui 
• Will’s process for integrating Feng Shui into his interior design process and consultations
• Some examples of Feng Shui practices that Will suggests for clients 
• Recommendation of Mindful Homes by Anjie Cho as a guide for enhancing the main areas of a home
• How Will tailors his Feng Shui solutions based on a client’s individual needs, interests, and comfort level
• Will’s way of helping clients understand and optimize the flow of energy in their homes through Feng Shui
• Clearing misconceptions about Feng Shui 
• Bringing in an ad hoc team based on project needs and how it helps him stay focused on his role as the creative director
• About the Midwest Design & Furniture Fair — Date, venue, competitions that are going to happen there, and more!

Mentioned:

The Mindful Design Feng Shui School New York: Mindful Design Feng Shui School

Will’s website: Will Brown Interiors

Will’s Instagram: @willbrowninteriors on Instagram 

Using a Bagua Map for your home: How to Use a Bagua Map: Simple Steps for Powerful Change | LoveToKnow

Mindful Homes by Anjie Cho: https://amzn.to/3vMEeIN 

Midwest Design & Furniture Fair: Midwest Design and Furniture Fair

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Moe's just released their new Tailored & Timeless Collection.

As a designer, do you prefer working on kitchens or bathrooms? Are kitchens and bathrooms worth the effort in terms of payoff? Doing kitchens and bathrooms requires a lot of work but doesn’t always result in big profits. Shaun and Rebecca are here to discuss tips and strategies for making smaller projects like kitchens and bathrooms more profitable.

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun discuss:

• Challenges and benefits of working within the limitations of kitchen and bathroom spaces
• Difficulty in finding a contractor who only does bathroom or kitchen
• The crucial role contractors play in referrals
• Ways to make kitchen and bathrooms more profitable and enjoyable
• Doing minimum expenditures on kitchen and bathroom to guarantee more revenue
• Not adding things that you don’t have any markup on
• How can designers guarantee more revenue through minimum purchasing requirements
• How some contractors undermine design decisions by suggesting cheaper alternatives
• Importance of bringing up material purchases early in the project 
• Challenges of photographing home renovation projects that include NDAs
• Cobbled together approach for making money in kitchen design
• The risks and rewards of custom cabinetry
• Buying products directly from manufacturers and selling them without a third-party
• Value of offering design-only services for self-managed clients

Mentioned:

Client Purchasing Guide

https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/products/client-purchasing-guide

Check out Episode 82 with Linda Hayslett

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-young-designers-club-interior-design-business-podcast/id1505427626?i=1000595637345

Patreon Episode - Can kitchens and bathrooms be profitable?

https://www.patreon.com/posts/design-to-go-how-99023498?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Save an extra 10% off your purchase using code HYDC10 at checkout. https://moeshomecollection.com

Today’s guest, Garrison Hullinger, overcame adversity to build a thriving design business from the ground up. One of his secrets? Establishing the right process that allows for maximum productivity and profit.

Garrison discusses his processes — from the structure of his design team to qualifying clients, delegating tasks, establishing design pillars and vision statements for each project, and more. He shows how creativity and profits can thrive with the right planning structures in place.

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun speak with Garrison Hullinger to discuss:

• Garrison’s career path and how he got into interior design
• How Garrison started his business without technical design skills
• How neighborhood requests turned into his first design projects
• The structure of Garrison’s design team and how the roles are organized
• How Garrison communicates vision and guidance to his design team
• Working during an economic downturn and seeing it as an opportunity for growth
• The importance of delivering outcomes and ROI
• How Garrison and his team balance creative ideas with practical constraints
• Garrison’s process of qualifying prospects
• Garrison’s experience breaking into multifamily projects
• Garrison’s process for client meetings and project reviews
• The importance of finding collaborators for successful projects

Mentioned:

Design Biz Retreat: Design Biz Retreat

Garrison on Instagram: Studio Garrison (@studiogarrisoninc) on Instagram

Garrison’s website: Garrison Hullinger Interior Design

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Save an extra 10% off your purchase using code HYDC10 at checkout. https://moeshomecollection.com

Opening an online shop seems like an exciting way to expand your business, but it is a major undertaking that requires careful planning and execution. Shaun and Rebecca are launching their new e-commerce shop and share the good, the bad, and the ugly of what it really takes to launch a fully robust e-commerce shop.

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun discuss:

• Shaun and Rebecca’s experience launching a new e-commerce shop
• Shaun and Rebecca’s experience on Payhip and why they are moving to Shopify
• Shaun’s experience transitioning his email newsletter to Klaviyo
• The challenges they faced moving to Shopify – rebranding their website, redesigning products, etc
• Investing in quality product photography to showcase your brand aesthetic
• Product descriptions and the importance of effective writing in conveying product features like texture, color, size, etc
• Factors to consider like pricing, content, and inventory management from the beginning
• Some design sales and marketing strategies
• How working with coach Ashton from The Awakening helped them with their e-commerce business
• Alternatives to a full e-commerce site like using affiliate links

Mentioned:

shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com

The Awakening Website: https://myawakening.co/

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Pinterest Masterclass

Pinterest is not just for inspiration anymore. It can actually be used strategically to gain new clients! Learn more about our Pinterest for Interior Designers Masterclass at:

What tools and apps can help me with time tracking and invoicing? How do I organize my notes and stay organized? Is an iPad worth it for work? How can it be used effectively? Tune in as we share some of our tried-and-true methods for staying organized and productive. With some small adjustments to your processes, these small methods can make a big difference for your business. Just don't call them hacks!

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun discuss:

• Tools and apps that can help with time tracking – Harvest app, GoodNotes 
• Tips for using technology effectively during meetings
• Value of iPads for work
• Using Canvas to take measurements during home consultations
• How to determine if a remodel makes financial sense
• Useful tools for site visits and consultations
• Strategies for note-taking, file sharing, and collaborating on projects remotely
• When should a contractor be brought in – during initial consultations or after the design process
• Getting early cost estimates and feasibility studies from contractors before fully developing design plans
• How to work with clients to establish a realistic budget and avoid cost overruns

Mentioned:

Amazon Salad Bar: https://amzn.to/3SnWeAO

Harvest App: Time Tracking Software With Invoicing | Harvest

Good Notes app: Goodnotes | Notes Reimagined | Note-Taking App

Canvas app for home measurements: The easiest way to get as-builts | Canvas

Tankersley Construction Episode: ‎Hot Young Designers Club 105: A Conversation with Tankersley Construction

Cost vs. value remodeling guide: Cost vs. Value 2023 | National

Rebecca’s Upwork Freelancer for Chief Architect: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~012a205720d9c6bb42

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Save an extra 10% off your purchase using code HYDC10 at checkout. https://moeshomecollection.com

Do you want to take your interior design business to the next level? High Point Market can be the boost you need to take things to the next level. Today’s guest, Stacy Garcia, has built an impressive career over 25 years in the design industry. She shares how instrumental High Point Market has been in fueling the success of her businesses, Stacy Garcia Design Studio and textile company LebaTex.

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun speak with Stacy Garcia to discuss:

• Stacy’s career journey from textile design to residential design
• How Stacy started her business with limited resources
• Forecasting trends through groups like Color Marketing Group, Patti Carpenter, Nancy Fire and knowing what will work in the mass market
• The role of High Point Market in product development, seeing trends emerge before they hit retail
• How design trends, colors and consumer tastes have changed over the years
• The way trends, creativity, and different designers/creatives influence each other
• The importance of industry connections, education and collaboration with other creatives
• How different designers influence each other’s work 
• Encouragement to attend conferences and panels at High Point Market to learn from experts

Mentioned:

Register for High Point Market: Register - High Point Furniture Market

Stacy's Textile Company: LebaTex

Stacy's Website: Stacy Garcia

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Save an extra 10% off your purchase using code HYDC10 at checkout. https://moeshomecollection.com

Today, we go back on the journey of where we started and discuss the mistakes we made and the lessons we learned. We share everything we wished we knew when we started — from basic bookkeeping and accounting to choosing the right software, tools, and infrastructure we wish we implemented sooner.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Shaun and Rebecca are hosting the KBIS Panel 
• Shaun and Rebecca’s early days in business and the journey they’ve been on since
• Their toolbox when they launched and how they got their first clients
• Projects from their first year taking on clients — their charges, the very basic tools and processes they used 
• Mistakes they made – no business structure, setting unrealistic rates, unclear project scopes, etc
• Lessons on bookkeeping software options, choosing the right accounting partner and proper business banking/accounts
• Tips for newbies just starting out, as well as those looking to take their business to the next level
• Designers often delete old projects and content from their websites as their style and clientele evolve — use Wayback Machine to track changes
• Things to do if you have no portfolio — create mood boards, design plans, or spec sheets to show your design skills

Mentioned:

KBIS Panel

https://kbis.com/nextstage/#lighten-up-the-humorous-side-of-design

Join our Patreon for more community

https://www.patreon.com/hydc

Wayback Machine website time capsule

https://web.archive.org/

Heidi Caillier on the Business of Home Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/business-of-home-podcast/id1340460508?i=1000637795675

Furnishing Budget Calculator

https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/b/tmhwI

Investment Guide

https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/b/t8nJL

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Moe's Home Collection

Save an extra 10% off your purchase using code HYDC10 at checkout. https://moeshomecollection.com

What is your approach to designing projects? Today’s guest, Dan Mazzarini of BHDM Design, shares his unique narrative-based approach to design. By asking the clients questions like “What is the story you want to tell with this house?” Dan helps them pull out their vision and desires beyond just aesthetics. He then works to design a space that brings that narrative to life. 

In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun speak with Dan Mazzarini to discuss:

• Dan’s background and how he got into interior design
• Dan’s experience launching brands like Michael Kors 
• Dan’s narrative approach to design — asking clients the story they want to tell with the house
• How Dan and his team approach residential vs hospitality clients 
• Three things he considers when looking at potential projects — Paid, Promote, Pride
• Dan’s way of structuring his billing and the models that work best for him
• Dan’s team structure and how he runs a geographically dispersed team
• Bringing on a dedicated procurement person to the team and how it has impacted the roles and engagement of his design team
• The importance of designers understanding how products are made
• Establishing a vision for projects through visual boards and narratives
• Challenges of forecasting workload and balancing talent
• Networking and finding new clients through social media and in-person events

Mentioned:

BHDM Design Website

Dan Mazzarini (@danmazzarini) on Instagram

BHDM Design (@bhdmdesign) on Instagram

ARCHIVE (@archivebydanmazzarini) on Instagram

For more on networking with a purpose, check out Episode 99 with Ali Faulker:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-young-designers-club-interior-design-business-podcast/id1505427626?i=1000626439906

Getting new leads through Pinterest: Pinterest for Interior Designers Masterclass

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Pinterest Masterclass

Pinterest is not just for inspiration anymore. It can actually be used strategically to gain new clients! Learn more about our Pinterest for Interior Designers Masterclass at:

Moe's Home Collection

Save an extra 10% off your purchase using code HYDC10 at checkout. https://moeshomecollection.com

As we enter 2024, there are some things that we do not wish to bring with us into this year, and we want to make some changes in our lives and businesses. Today, we share our no-more list for 2024 and discuss the 6 changes (3 from each of us) we want to make in our businesses. Some of these changes will resonate with you, Hotties, and your businesses.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Shaun and Rebecca are hosting a panel on The Humorous Side of Design in Las Vegas
• Rebecca is going to be more discretionary about full-service clients
• Shaun wants to be more selective about half-baked decorating projects
• Shaun's experience with clients who wanted decorating help but not full design
• The challenges of managing client expectations 
• The importance of having clear and defined goals in projects
• Rebecca's struggle with monthly planning and tracking
• The fear of projects never feeling complete in consulting-only work
• Rebecca's goal to put more effort into her design business, Happy Hour
• Shaun's will pay closer attention to initial client meetings
• Rebecca is no longer going to be afraid of selling her services and getting beyond her fear of self-promotion
• The importance of paying attention to warning signs during discovery calls
• Shaun wants to get back to regularly posting content on Instagram and Pinterest

Mentioned:

Rebecca will be spending more time on Happy Hour

https://www.itshappyhour.co/

Shaun’s demotivated to spend time in Instagram and Pinterest

https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/b/W8rXP

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

Mentioned in this episode:

Pinterest Masterclass

Pinterest is not just for inspiration anymore. It can actually be used strategically to gain new clients! Learn more about our Pinterest for Interior Designers Masterclass at: