The Pro Perspective

Cultivating a high-end design studio takes more than creative instinct—it requires filling seats with the right people.In this special episode recorded live at the inaugural Houzz Pro Design Summit, Aymee Kuhlman, Founder and CEO of Light & Dwell, unpacks when to scale or stay boutique, why you should hire for culture-fit first, and the “secret sauce” to running a thriving firm as a non-designer.Want more insights like this? Follow The Pro Perspective on your favorite podcast platform or head here to browse previous episodes now: https://pro.houzz.com/for-pros/podcast-the-pro-perspectiveTo learn more about Houzz Pro’s best-in-class business management software, visit: https://houzz.com/pro

Behind every standout vacation rental is a designer anticipating guest needs. In this episode, Jessica Duce, Owner and Principal Designer at JDuce Design and co-founder of Vacation Rental Designers, shares how she blends data-backed strategy with bold creative risks to "stop the scroll" in a sea of listings, the importance of designing for accessibility, and the massive opportunity for manufacturers to partner with passionate designers.

Building a crew of allies that become a powerful referral network means championing collaboration over competition.

In this episode, Bryan Burkhart, co-founder of $100M custom builder Burkhart Brothers Construction, shares why choosing to focus solely on construction while partnering with great architects and designers helped accelerate his growth—and the real reason radical transparency wins 90% of his bids.

Want more insights like this? Follow The Pro Perspective on your favorite podcast platform or head here to browse previous episodes now: https://pro.houzz.com/for-pros/podcast-the-pro-perspective

To learn more about Houzz Pro’s best-in-class business management software, visit: https://houzz.com/pro

The future of home remodeling is ahead of schedule—and staying ahead yourself means fusing high-tech tools with a human edge. In this episode, Michael Sauri, founder and president of TriVista USA Design and Build, talks through how AI and 3D are rewiring renovations, the ROI of staying human on the digital jobsite, and why letting his creative “freak flag fly” changed everything.

This year’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show was buzzing with can’t-miss insights and inspiration. In this episode, founder of Home Renovation School and KBIS insider Julee Ireland shares her top takeaways from the show, tips for visiting in 2027, and why attending events like these help design firms thrive.

Some businesses diversify to make a profit. Others do it to make an impact. In this episode, Anastasia Harrison, AIA, principal architect and owner of AHD&Co, shares why she expanded her firm to align with her values, how she balances her design and charitable work, and who she relies on most to make it all come together.

2025 was the year of mastering uncertainty, now 2026 is about building momentum. In this episode, Mark Richardson, renowned business consultant, author, and remodeling industry leader, shares what to take away from last year and how to prep for this one by increasing marketing efforts, building a company culture that embraces AI, and creating “clients for life”.

Serial entrepreneurship isn't just about launching multiple ventures—it's about creating your own opportunities. In this episode, Todd Jackson, CEO and President of Jackson Design and Remodeling, shares his tips for sustained success, including his tried-and-true hiring strategies and why buying back your time should be one of your ultimate goals.

Running a multigenerational business means family values often become your company’s guiding principles. In this episode, Alan Hendy, second-generation CEO of Neal’s Design Remodel, shares why they established a family charter, the importance of open communication among his brothers and employees, and prioritizing company success over personal gain.

A recent Houzz Pro survey revealed nearly half of interior designers now use AI regularly. In this episode, Jessica Nelson and Stephanie Lindsey, co-founders of Etch Design Group, reveal how they’re trailblazing the use of AI in their design practice—like creating client personality profiles—and igniting a passion for AI in other design firms.