If These Walls Could Talk by The Business of Interiors

In episode 24 I am speaking with the wonderful Laura Hammett, founder and creative director of the award-winning and renowned Laura Hammett Interiors. Laura authentically shares her journey of starting her design studio and the challenges that she faced along the way. She emphasises the importance of planning ahead to navigate uncertain economic times and the impact of projects being put on hold and the need for open communication with clients. In this candid conversation, we also discuss the challenges and rewards of working in the interior design industry. Laura shares her thoughts on artificial intelligence (AI) in design and the launch of her new Laura Hammett Living furniture and lighting collections. Laura concludes by sharing her and the advice that she would give to her younger self. It is an episode not to be missed and I am extremely grateful to Laura for sharing her journey and being a part of our mission to open up the conversation in the Interior Design industry.

Connect with the host: @thebusinessofinteriors

Thebusinessofinteriors.com

https://laurahammett.com/ | https://laurahammettliving.com/

This podcast is sponsored by Rachel Usher Interior Design. 

If you enjoy this podcast please could we ask that you leave a review.

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I am so grateful that Jude Charles is back for another episode and this time we’re discussing all things marketing! 

This time we discuss the importance of storytelling in the interior design industry and how capturing the unpolished version of a project can set designers apart. Jude emphasises the power of showing the behind-the-scenes journey and the challenges that arise during a project. He believes that sharing these moments not only builds trust with clients but also allows designers to showcase their unique personalities and the emotion they bring to their work. Jude also explains the value of sharing personal aspects of oneself in business and building trust with clients and shares strategies for turning clients into advocates whilst highlighting the power of storytelling in building trust and creating connections. You don’t want to miss it! 

Warning: You will need your notepad for this one 🖊️

Click here for Jude's downloadable resources for Interior Designers- 10 Storytelling Prompts & Year-End Analysis.

Connect with the host: @thebusinessofinteriors

Thebusinessofinteriors.com

Connect with our guest: @judecharles

https://judecharles.co/

This podcast is sponsored by Rachel Usher Interior Design. 

If you enjoy this podcast please could we ask that you leave a review.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 22, I am speaking with Jude Charles. Jude is a videographer, documentary and filmmaker from the United States. Jude offers videography captures the unique essence of his client's personal stories. His storytelling technique has been transformative to businesses in the Interior Design world and beyond. He emphasises the power of storytelling and the importance of sharing who you are beyond what you do. Jude also discusses his experience with burnout and the need for emotional balance in business. He highlights the value of taking time off, reflecting on your business, and having a clearly defined voice and core values. He also encourages entrepreneurs to embrace vulnerability and be unapologetically themselves, concluding with a reminder to create boundaries and avoid burnout by prioritising self-reflection and purposeful action. I would say that Jude is possibly one of the most thought -provoking people that I've spoken to in a long time. And during our previous discovery call and today's podcast, he's caused me to ask soul-searching questions about myself and what my unique story is and I hope this episode does the same for you too.

Click here for Jude's downloadable resources for Interior Designers- 10 Storytelling Prompts & Year-End Analysis.

Connect with the host: @thebusinessofinteriors

Thebusinessofinteriors.com

Connect with our guest: @judecharles

https://judecharles.co/

This podcast is sponsored by Rachel Usher Interior Design. 

If you enjoy this podcast please could we ask that you leave a review.

Episode 22: Business, Burnout & Boundaries With Jude Charles 

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In episode 21, I had the pleasure of speaking with Karen Howes, CEO and founder of Taylor Howes. Karen candidly shares her journey in the interior design industry. From her nomadic childhood to her early experiences in the art world, Karen developed a passion for creating safe and beautiful spaces. She discusses the different arms of her business, including Taylor Howes (high-end residential design), Studio Howes (furnishing solutions for clients), and the newly launched Howes & Landino (collaborations with artisans and suppliers). Karen emphasises the importance of adaptability and flexibility in navigating the ever-changing market. We also discuss the importance of giving yourself space as a business owner and not allowing your business to become your identity. She emphasises the value of hiring a strong team and surrounding yourself with the best financial help. We touch on the significance of building long-lasting client relationships and managing their expectations throughout the design process. It is an information packed episode not to be missed.

Connect with the host: @thebusinessofinteriors

Thebusinessofinteriors.com

Connect with our guests: @taylorhowesdesigns

https://taylorhowes.co.uk/

This podcast is sponsored by Rachel Usher Interior Design.

If you enjoy this podcast please could we ask that you leave a review.

Episode Links:

Rest Nest: https://taylorhowes.co.uk/sketchbook/rest-nest/

A Place 2 Be: https://www.place2be.org.uk/

A Place 2 Be Carol Concert: https://www.place2be.org.uk/support-us/take-part-in-an-event/social-events/place2be-carol-concert-2024/

Taylor Howes: https://taylorhowes.co.uk/

Studio Howes: https://studiohowes.co.uk/

Howes & Landino: https://www.howesandlandino.co.uk/

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In episode 20 I am chatting with Elliot Barratt of Elliot James Interiors. Elliot shares his journey of becoming an Interior Designer and establishing his business in Singapore. He grew up surrounded by design and craftsmanship, which sparked his passion for the industry. After studying furniture design and interior architecture, he started his own furniture business and later transitioned into interior architecture. Elliot emphasises the importance of creating a luxury brand and discusses the challenges of marketing and SEO. Elliot also talks about the differences in the interior design market in Singapore, Dubai, and London, and the importance of educating clients about the complexity and value of the interior design process.

Connect with the host: @thebusinessofinteriors

Thebusinessofinteriors.com

Connect with our guests:@elliotjamesinterior

https://www.elliotjames.com/

This podcast is sponsored by Rachel Usher Interior Design.

If you enjoy this podcast please could we ask that you leave a review.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I am interviewing Tom and Andy of Fettle Design, a global design studio that focuses on high-end projects in the hospitality industry, including restaurants, hotels, members clubs and many more. They have a narrative and conceptually driven design process, with a strong emphasis on client relationships and enjoyment in their work. Tom and Andy share their journey of building their renowned design practice and candidly share the challenges of balancing profile, profit and client relationships. It is an episode not to be missed.

Connect with the host: @thebusinessofinteriors

Thebusinessofinteriors.com

Connect with our guests:@fettledesign

https://fettle-design.co.uk/

This podcast is sponsored by Rachel Usher Interior Design.

If you enjoy this podcast please could we ask that you leave a review.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 18, I’m speaking to Alistair McCauley and Paul Simmons, the creative minds behind the fabric and wallpaper brand Timorous Beasties. One of the things I enjoy the most about this podcast is that the conversations I have with my guests are with utterly brilliant and authentic people. I've started to realise that there's a commonality between my guests and that's probably because these people have really incredible backstories of grit. They share a common attribute of optimism and self belief. These conversations feel like they're just between me and the guest. There's an intimacy and a candidness that I don't think I would capture if this interview was published in a magazine. The conversation in this episode is no different. It's just me and two Glaswegian guys, Alistair and Paul, mostly talking about business. 

Key Chapters:

00:00: Introduction and Background

04:33: From Designing to Manufacturing and Selling

12:29: The Unique Identity of Timorous Beasties

20:26: Collaborations and Iconic Designs

31:14: Sticking to Your Artistic Vision and Taking Risks

37:15: The Importance of Human Creativity and Attention to Detail

41:13: Dealing with Self-Doubt in the Creative Process

54:48: Building a Legacy and Continuously Improving

Connect with the host: @thebusinessofinteriors

Thebusinessofinteriors.com

Connect with our guests:@timorous_beasties

https://www.timorousbeasties.com/

This podcast is sponsored by Rachel Usher Interior Design.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 17 I am talking with Fameed Khalique. Fameed shares his journey from aspiring airline pilot to becoming a prominent figure in the Interior Design industry. He started his career in fashion shows and PR, then worked in publishing and logistics before joining his brother's company, Alma Leather, where he learned about the interior design community. After five years, he left and started his own business, curating a vast collection of materials for both couture and ready-to-wear projects. Fameed emphasises the importance of being resourceful, having a good eye, and being open to new experiences. Fameed Khalique is the founder of Fameed Khalique, a luxury materials consultancy and supplier. Throughout our conversation, he discusses the importance of materials in design and how his company helps designers and architects bring their visions to life. He talks about the value of creating mood boards and offering advice to clients, as well as the challenges of sampling and the need for better communication between designers and suppliers. Fameed also shares his insights on the business lessons he has learned and his plans for the future.

Connect with the host: @thebusinessofinteriors

Thebusinessofinteriors.com

Connect with our guest:@Fameedkhalique

https://www.fameedkhalique.com/

This podcast is sponsored by Rachel Usher Interior Design.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 16, I am interviewing Aoife Tobin, the founder and director of Style So Simple, which is an Irish interior architecture studio. Aoife's design aesthetic is classic and timeless, and Aoife's story is perhaps not dissimilar to many designers here in the UK, but it has a slight twist in some of the nuances of the Irish market. I'm really pleased to welcome my first Irish guest.

Connect with the host: @thebusinessofinteriors

Thebusinessofinteriors.com

Connect with our guest:@stylesosimple

https://www.stylesosimple.com/

This podcast is sponsored by Rachel Usher Interior Design.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In episode 15 I am speaking with Carmen Reitnour, a sales representative for Romo Fabrics. Carmen shares her journey from being a librarian to working in the design industry and how she navigated this career change. She also discusses the importance of building relationships with designers and how reps can provide valuable support and save designers both time and money. Carmen hass a fabulous energy and highlights the need for a strong design community and shares examples of successful events and initiatives that bring designers together that we can all learn from. In this episode we also explore the need for change in the design industry and the importance of networking and building relationships.

Connect with the host: @thebusinessofinteriors

Thebusinessofinteriors.com

Connect with our guest: @carmen_the_romo_rep

This podcast is sponsored by Rachel Usher Interior Design.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.