In this solo episode, I’m exploring a question I hear so often from interior designers who are just starting out — how do you bridge the gap between design school and running your own studio?

Whether you’re stepping into design as a second or third career, or you’re graduating and wondering what comes next, this episode will help you think about what skills you already bring, what knowledge you’re gaining, and most importantly — the gaps in between. Because it’s not just about design education. It’s about sales, marketing, finance, systems, and the confidence to run a business that works for you.

I share insights on how to identify those gaps, how to start filling them while you’re still in school (or transitioning from another career), and how to prepare yourself for either joining a small studio or stepping straight into business ownership.

Hope you enjoy the episode.

Beth xx

. Why moving from design school into a large corporate firm (like Gensler) may not suit every stage of life
. The common challenges second-or third-career designers face when shifting into interiors
. How to identify the gaps between your past experience, your design education, and the realities of running a business
. Why it’s just as important to learn about sales and marketing as it is about design principles
. Practical ways to prepare if you want to start your own studio right after graduation
. Options for filling your knowledge gaps: coaching, formal training, or self-paced learning
. Why being clear on what you actually want from your career path is the first step to success

. Your design degree teaches the creative fundamentals — but not always the business foundations.
. Corporate design firms can offer great training, but may not give you flexibility, creativity, or decision-making power early on.
. If you need a career that balances creativity with flexibility (family, lifestyle, location), small studios or self-employment may suit you better.
. Identifying your knowledge gaps early will help you avoid overwhelm when starting your studio.
. Marketing, sales, and systems are just as important as creativity in building a sustainable design business.

If you’re at design school or transitioning careers, take time to:
. List the skills you already bring from previous careers (finance, HR, marketing, etc.)
. Identify the areas you know little about — sales, systems, business structure, documentation, etc.
. Start building knowledge in those areas now, even at a basic level, so you’re not starting from scratch when you open your studio.

. Interior design students nearing graduation
. Second- or third-career designers entering the industry
. Designers considering starting their own studio straight from school
. Anyone feeling uncertain about the business side of design

Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business.

1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox

2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.

I only have 8 spots available every month.

3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio.

4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio

5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

In this week’s episode of Design Dialogues, I’m joined by Washington, DC–based interior designer Laura Hur, founder of Lorla Studio. Laura’s journey into design is anything but conventional — from growing up in Key West surrounded by stacks of shelter magazines, to earning her master’s at Pratt Institute, working for Gensler, and eventually building her own thriving luxury residential practice.

Laura shares the realities of working at the high end of the market — why she spends 80% of her time on client management and only 20% on design — and the pivotal lessons she’s learned through years of trial and error. We also talk about navigating a changing economy, creating smaller service offerings like “Design Days,” and how outsourcing has allowed her studio to operate like a much larger firm without the heavy overhead.

Whether you’re refining your own market positioning, trying to streamline your client communications, or thinking about how to grow your studio sustainably, Laura’s story is full of practical insights you can apply straight away.

I hope you enjoy the episode

Beth xx

. Laura’s path from Key West to launching Lorla Studio
.Transitioning from big commercial firms to boutique residential design
. Why client management often outweighs design time
. The benefits and drawbacks of outsourcing versus hiring in-house
. How “Design Days” became a strategic service offering in a shifting economy
. Setting clear, structured communication protocols with clients
. Navigating the expectations of luxury clientele
. The rise of the “no-trend” trend in design

. Niche matters — Working with clients who align with your process, values, and budget makes for smoother projects and better outcomes.
. Boundaries are essential — Clear communication structures help avoid overwhelm and keep everyone on the same page.
. Outsource wisely — Bringing in experts for finance, marketing, or legal frees you to focus on the creative and strategic work you do best.
. Adapt to change — Smaller, clearly defined services can help bridge slower seasons.
. Own your value — If you’re providing a luxury service, embrace the expertise and quality you deliver.

If you bill hourly, consider giving clients regular but concise updates so they’re never surprised when an invoice arrives. Pair this with well-defined deliverables and boundaries — especially for smaller service offerings — so you protect both your time and your margins.

. Interior designers growing or repositioning their business
. Studio owners thinking about outsourcing core business functions
. Designers looking to improve client management and communication
. Creatives curious about the realities of the luxury residential market

“I’m absolutely a designer and an artist on one hand, but the only way it’s successful is marrying that with the business owner. We’re not running a charity.” — Laura Hur

Website: Lorla Studio
Instagram: @lorlastudio

Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business.

1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox

2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.

I only have 8 spots available every month.

3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio.

4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio

5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing a personal story about the part of my interior design business I used to dread: documentation. It drained my energy, stole my time, and left me feeling constantly behind. Instead of pushing through, I chose to outsource—and it changed everything.

If you’ve ever felt pressure to do it all, this episode is for you. I share what outsourcing actually looks like in a small studio, how to build strong relationships with trusted collaborators, and why success doesn’t have to mean doing everything yourself.

Hope you enjoy the episode

Beth xx

• Why I struggled with documentation—and what finally made me outsource it
• The hidden cost of doing work that drains your creativity
• How outsourcing is actually about buying back your energy
• The exact way I integrate outsourcing into client proposals
• What to look for in a great collaborator
• How to make outsourcing financially sustainable and stress-free
• The surprising emotional shift once I let go of the pressure to do it all

Key Takeaways
• You don’t have to be good at every part of your business
• Outsourcing is not giving up control—it’s creating more capacity
• Strategic delegation helps you protect your creativity
• Strong collaborations improve client experience and project delivery
• You’re allowed to design a business that works for you, not just your clients

If you're stuck in the weeds of documentation or drowning in tasks that don’t light you up, this episode is your reminder: you’re allowed to get help.

• I share how I price for outsourcing in proposals
• How I build trust with long-term collaborators
• Why the right support can elevate your whole business—not just take things off your plate

• Interior designers feeling overwhelmed or burned out
• Studio owners looking to grow without growing a huge team
• Designers who want to stay in their creative zone
• Anyone curious about building smarter, not busier

Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business.

1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox

2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.

I only have 8 spots available every month.

3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio.

4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio

5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

In this episode of Design Dialogues, I’m joined by Hannah Brown, the founder of Hey! Design, a Central Coast-based documentation expert supporting interior designers, cabinet makers, and builders with the technical side of interior design.

Hannah shares her fascinating journey from working in child protection in the UK to starting her own design documentation business here in Australia. We dive deep into the world of outsourcing, the most common (and costly) mistakes designers make, and how clear systems and communication can make or break your projects.

If you're a designer who’s ever struggled with documentation, felt overwhelmed by technical drawings, or wanted to ensure your designs actually work once they're built — this conversation is for you.

Hope you enjoy the episode

Beth xx

. Hannah’s inspiring pivot from a career in child protection to running a documentation studio for designers
. Why she chose to focus on kitchens, bathrooms, and joinery — and how she found her niche
. The biggest mistakes designers make in documentation (and how to avoid them)
. How poor communication and unclear briefs can sabotage even the best designs
. The difference between a good handover and a frustrating one
. Why she prefers fixed fees over hourly rates — and why that benefits everyone
. The power of strong builder and cabinetmaker relationships
. Productivity habits and tech hacks Hannah swears by to balance business and family
. Why she believes collaboration is the future of our industry

. Documentation is not decoration. It’s your communication tool — and critical for client satisfaction.
. Outsourcing isn’t giving up control — it’s creating capacity for the parts of the work you love most.
. Precision matters. If you’re skipping filler panels or overlooking appliance clearances, you’re putting your reputation at risk.
. Timelines protect everyone. Working with external collaborators means your deadlines matter — and so do your client’s.
. Collaboration over competition is the future of interior design — especially outside metro areas.

. Interior designers who are growing their business and looking to delegate documentation
. Designers shifting careers later in life and needing support on the technical side
. Anyone delivering kitchens, bathrooms or joinery-based projects
. Creative professionals juggling family life with studio ownership
. Designers who want to reduce overwhelm and elevate the quality of their work

"Documentation is where your design becomes real. If it doesn’t work on paper, it’s not going to work on-site — and your client is trusting you to get that right." – Hannah Brown

Instagram: @_hey_design
Website: heydesign.com.au

Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business.

1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox

2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.

I only have 8 spots available every month.

3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio.

4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio

5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately: What happens when the business you worked so hard to build no longer fits the life you want to live? After my recent conversation with Shelley Boyd (Episode 121), I felt compelled to explore what it really means to reassess, realign, and sometimes reimagine your interior design business—especially when burnout creeps in quietly. If you've ever wondered, “Is this still working for me?”, I hope this episode gives you space to reflect and permission to pivot.

Hope you enjoy the episode

Beth xx

. Shelley Boyd’s personal story of healing from burnout (Episode 121)
. The quiet signs you might be running on empty
. Why we outgrow even the most successful business models
. The difference between quitting and realigning
. My own experience navigating burnout and identity
. Reconnecting with your original “why”
. How to create a business that supports the life you actually want

. Your business should serve you, not the other way around
. Burnout isn’t always dramatic—it’s often subtle and silent
. Wanting something different doesn’t mean you’ve failed
. You can pause, pivot, or protect your peace—and still be a professional
. Growth sometimes looks like slowing down

• How to check in with yourself and your energy
• What to do when success feels misaligned
• Simple ways to reconnect with what matters most
• Why your identity isn’t tied to your business model
• How to build in more spaciousness, clarity, and intention

• Designers who are tired but don’t know why
• Studio owners navigating a new season of life
• Creatives questioning whether their business still fits
• Anyone feeling the pull to slow down, reset, or shift direction
• Interior designers craving a different way of doing business

“Your business is something you built. It’s not your identity. You’re allowed to change your mind.”

Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business.

1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox

2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.

I only have 8 spots available every month.

3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio.

4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio

5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

In this episode, I sit down with Shelley Boyd, founder of Boyd Blue, to discuss her remarkable 26-year journey building a wholesale furniture and design business. From starting in 1999 to navigating through economic downturns and a pandemic, Shelley shares candid insights about supplier relationships, quality craftsmanship, and the importance of authenticity in business. Her story offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to build a sustainable business in the design industry.

Hope you enjoy the episode

Beth xx

Episode Highlights:

• Shelley's journey from starting Boyd Blue in 1999 to building a thriving business over 26 years
• How she sources products from Indonesia, the Philippines, and India, focusing on family-owned factories
• Her approach to building long-term relationships with suppliers and manufacturers
• The challenges of working with her husband in the business and their decision to part ways professionally
• Her recent collaboration with designer Kate Nixon and the process of developing new products
• How she navigated the business through COVID and other economic challenges
• Her perspective on markup and pricing for designers

Key Takeaways:

• Relationships are the foundation of a sustainable business—with suppliers, clients, and team members
• Quality and craftsmanship create timeless products that transcend trends
• Resilience is essential for long-term business success
• Authenticity in business practices builds trust and loyalty
• Sometimes the hardest business decisions (like parting ways with her husband professionally) lead to the best outcomes
• Taking time away from your business can provide valuable perspective and renewed energy

Practical Insights:

• How to build relationships with international suppliers and manufacturers
• The importance of transparency in pricing and markup
• Strategies for navigating business through economic downturns
• The value of focusing on quality over quantity
• How to maintain authenticity while growing a business
• The benefits of taking a sabbatical to reset and gain perspective

Perfect For:

• Interior designers looking to build sustainable supplier relationships
• Business owners considering working with family members
• Design professionals interested in product development and collaboration
• Entrepreneurs navigating challenging business periods
• Anyone interested in the wholesale side of the design industry

Quote from Episode:

"I've always really prided myself on never compromising, just selling quality. I like to work with true crafts people." - Shelley Boyd

Connect with our guest:

Shelley Boyd - Boyd Blue @boydblue

Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business.

1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox

2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.

I only have 8 spots available every month.

3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio.

4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio

5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

After a little time away (hello, school holidays and a much-needed breather), we're back and really looking forward to this next season of Design Dialogues. The break gave me time to reflect on how I run my own business—what’s working, what needs adjusting, and how I want to structure my weeks moving forward.

In this solo episode, I’m sharing a more realistic and creative-friendly approach to time blocking—one that actually works for interior designers. If you’ve tried traditional time blocking and found it too rigid or overwhelming, you’re not alone. This method lets you zoom out, align your work with your energy, and make space for what really matters—without losing the flexibility you need to thrive as a designer.

Whether you’re juggling projects, marketing, clients, and still trying to find time to actually design, this episode will help you create more structure, less stress, and a better rhythm in your studio.

Hope you enjoy the episode

Beth xx

• Why most time blocking advice fails for creative business owners
• A gentler, month-based approach that allows for creative energy and real life
• Three building blocks of a sustainable time-blocking system
• Sample weekly structures tailored for design studios
• Why flexibility is essential (and how to plan for it)
• Creating recurring “CEO hours” to stay focused on your big picture
• Anchoring your calendar with your priorities, not your to-do list

• Time blocking doesn’t need to feel like punishment—it should feel supportive
• Planning in phases or themes lets you stay focused without boxing you in
• Anchors like CEO hours and content days create a steady rhythm for your week
• The best system is one that works with your energy, not against it
• Let go of the pressure to “do it all” every day—give your business breathing space

• Use monthly and weekly planning rhythms that evolve with your business
• Blend digital and analogue tools to stay organised in a way that suits you
• How to design a realistic week—even when you wear every hat in your business
• Time-blocking tips for solo designers and those building a team

• Interior designers juggling client work, studio admin, and creative direction
• Studio owners who want to stop reacting and start planning with intention
• Creatives who’ve tried and failed with traditional productivity systems
• Anyone who wants more time to design (and maybe even a Friday off!)

Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business.

1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox

2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.

I only have 8 spots available every month.

3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio.

4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio

5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

In this episode, I’m joined by Eliza Smoothey, founder of Eliza Grace Interiors, to talk about building a multi-stream interior design business that’s both sustainable and intentional. With over 12 years of experience, Eliza shares how she’s strategically grown her studio to include full-service design, online styling sessions, an e-course, and regular collaborations with retail partners—while staying grounded in her strengths and avoiding burnout.

We chat about the realities of running a modern design business, from leasing an office space to managing workflow with time-blocking and building a resilient income model that balances creative energy with consistent cash flow.

Whether you’re just starting your design business or looking to grow smarter, this episode is packed with grounded, actionable advice from someone who’s done it with clarity and heart.

Hope you enjoy the episode

Beth xx

• How Eliza built a studio with multiple income streams that support her business year-round
• The mindset shift behind moving from a home office to a professional studio space
• Why time-blocking and structured weeks are the secret to balancing creative and client work
• The long-game of networking and why B2B referrals matter
• What designers should know before launching a course or styling session offer
• How to create steady income between larger design projects

. A diversified income model helps smooth the peaks and troughs of the design industry
. You don’t need to be everywhere—but you do need to be intentional with how you spend your time
. Not all leads convert the way you expect—brand awareness is often just as valuable
. Physical studio space can shift your mindset and presence in the industry
. Courses and styling sessions appeal to a different type of client—plan accordingly
.Your schedule should serve your studio—not the other way around

• How to plan a balanced mix of service offerings to reduce financial stress
• Structuring your week using time-blocking for admin, design work, and meetings
• Setting client expectations around your availability and calendar
• Leveraging styling sessions and supplier events for brand visibility
• Knowing when it’s time to upgrade your work environment

• Interior designers managing multiple services or income streams
• Creatives thinking about launching a course or passive offer
• Studio owners considering leasing an office or growing their presence
• Designers feeling the weight of inconsistent income
• Anyone curious about how to create a sustainable, enjoyable design career

"I just guide my clients through my calendar. Even if I’m free, I only offer certain days. I think they actually like being led—that’s why they hired a designer." — Eliza Smoothey

Website: elizagraceinteriors.com.au
Instagram: @elizagraceinteriors

Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business.

1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox

2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.

I only have 8 spots available every month.

3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio.

4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio

5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

In this episode, I talk about why collaboration is one of the most powerful—and underutilised—strategies for sustainable growth in interior design studios. If you’ve ever felt like you need to do everything yourself—concepts, drawings, sourcing, admin, installs—you’re not alone. But trying to wear every hat in your business can lead to exhaustion and diluted results.

Instead, I’m sharing how strategic, structured collaboration can lighten your load, elevate your client experience, and help you build a business that grows without burning out. From partnering with builders and architects to stylists, project managers, and documentation experts, this episode is packed with real-world examples of how to create a powerful network that supports your strengths.

Hope you enjoy the episode.
Beth xx

• Why collaboration is a business strategy—not a shortcut
• How to replicate the multidisciplinary strengths of large firms without hiring in-house
• The benefits of having a trusted network for better client outcomes
• Key areas where partnerships can help you scale (without the overwhelm)
• Tips for keeping collaborations professional, clear, and seamless
• What it really means to build a lean, profitable studio that delivers big

. You don’t need a big team—you need the right support
. Structured partnerships improve quality and reduce stress
. Stay in your creative lane and outsource the rest
. Clarity, communication, and values alignment are key to smooth collaboration
. Trial small projects before committing to larger partnerships
. Clients respect and trust you more when you bring in experts

• Building relationships with builders, architects, stylists, and project managers
• Structuring your team like a big studio—without the overhead
• Knowing when to outsource documentation, project management, or styling
• Writing clear scopes and agreements for every collaboration
• How to identify your strengths (and stop winging the rest)

• Interior designers running solo or small studios
• Creatives feeling overwhelmed by doing everything alone
• Business owners looking to increase quality and reduce burnout
• Designers wanting to scale smart, not just busy
• Professionals ready to build strategic partnerships

Quote from Episode:
“Knowing your strength and knowing when to bring in reinforcements is where your maturity as a studio leader really shows.”

Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business.

1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox

2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.

I only have 8 spots available every month.

3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio.

4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio

5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.

In this episode, I sit down with Fiona Killackey — business coach, author, and founder of My Daily Business — to talk about building a business that supports your life, not the other way around. Fiona shares her refreshing take on what it means to run a values-led creative business in 2025, why she’s proudly anti-hustle, and how AI can be used intentionally to support your work (without replacing your creativity). If you’re a designer trying to grow your business while staying true to your values, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and ready to do things your own way.

Hope you enjoy the episode

Beth xx

With nearly a decade of experience coaching creatives, Fiona explores how tools like Poppy, Descript, and Canva can supercharge productivity, free up time, and reduce costs—while also acknowledging the ethical, environmental, and emotional considerations that come with emerging tech.

This conversation is a must-listen for any designer, business owner, or creative who wants to stay ahead of the AI curve without compromising their purpose or identity.

. How Fiona helps creatives build businesses that align with their life—not the other way around
. Why AI should be treated as your assistant, not your boss
. The tools Fiona uses daily to run her business (and save $86 on groceries!)
. Ethical and environmental concerns surrounding AI—and what to do about them
. How creatives can deepen client relationships with the time AI frees up
. What the future of connection and community looks like in an AI world

. AI is here to stay—resistance is futile, but intentional usage is powerful
.Curiosity and creativity are irreplaceable—these human traits are your competitive edge
. Question everything—treat AI outputs like junior interns: helpful, but not always right
. Use AI to amplify your values—not overwrite them
. Build your own knowledge base—so your AI tools can reflect your tone, ethos, and expertise

. Use Poppy for organising chaotic ideas across media types (perfect for visual thinkers)
. Turn long-form video or audio into digestible clips with Descript
. Leverage AI to streamline content creation, client communication, and even meal planning
. Protect your tone and voice by creating a brand-specific data bank
. Always review and edit AI-generated work—don’t just “copy and paste.”

. Interior designers, graphic designers, and creatives curious about AI
. Small business owners looking to reduce overwhelm
. Entrepreneurs wanting to align business with life and values
. Anyone feeling unsure (or excited!) about the role of AI in their work

“AI is your assistant, not your identity. It can help you buy back time—but it can’t replace your curiosity, creativity, or connection.” — Fiona Killackey

Website: My Daily Business
Instagram: @mydailybusinesscoach
Podcast: My Daily Business Podcast

Want to work together? Here are the ways I can help you in your business.

1.Sign up to our MAILING LIST where each month you will receive helpful business tips straight to your inbox

2. Start a  HEALTH CHECK today. We will work together for 8 weeks and improve your systems and processes.

I only have 8 spots available every month.

3. Start my course THE PROCESS so you know exactly what to do when in your interior design studio.

4. Have a look at THE RESOURCE STOCKROOM - this is where you will find our short courses and free resources to help you run a better interior design studio

5. Want to use our tool MTTD in your studio? Start your FREE 30 DAY TRIAL today.