Join Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson from To The Trade as she chats with Todd Howard Ezrin, the principal of Tobe DesignGroup. Todd shares his expansive journey from managing a small boutique design firm in Bethesda, Maryland, to handling international projects, including award-winning retail spaces. He opens up about the challenges and triumphs of scaling a business, maintaining vital relationships, and the significant impact of his philanthropic efforts. Discover his strategies for growing a design firm, balancing client-centric projects, and nurturing a company culture built on trust and community. If you're an aspiring designer—or simply interested in the design industry—this episode is packed with insights on managing a thriving business while making a meaningful difference.

Join Laurie Laizure as she chats with Mia Johnson, a dynamic interior designer who transitioned from a corporate project management career to thriving in interior design. In this captivating episode, Mia discusses her early inspirations, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and the importance of community and mentorship in the industry. Mia also shares valuable insights on project pricing, managing client relationships, and staying authentic while growing her business. Discover how Mia balances creativity with business acumen and learn about her plans to further engage with the design community through various multimedia platforms.

Join Laurie Laizure from “To-The-Trade”  as she interviews cabinet expert Jonathan Rowland, who shares his extensive 30 years of experience in the cabinetry industry. Discover the latest trends, challenges, and tips for selecting the best cabinetry for your home or project. From the resurgence of traditional styles to the impact of AI on design, Jonathan offers valuable insights and practical advice for both designers and homeowners. Learn about the importance of collaborating with trusted advisors and how to future-proof your cabinetry investments. Don’t miss this in-depth discussion on all things cabinetry!

In this insightful discussion hosted by Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson from Interior Design Community's To the Trade, Laurie and Nile interview Beth Greene, a veteran in product licensing within the interior design industry. Beth shares her extensive experience, having spent over 30 years at Cravit, leading their marketing efforts and managing her consulting business. The conversation explores various aspects of product licensing, including the importance of a well-thought-out plan, understanding both the designer’s and company’s perspectives, and the effort required to succeed in licensing deals. Beth emphasizes the value of presenting unique ideas to companies and grasping the elements of a successful licensed collection. Additionally, the concept of collaborations versus entire collections and strategies for designers to market themselves effectively are examined. Laurie and Beth also discuss the evolving industry landscape and the need for designers to leverage their accomplishments to create further opportunities. The session highlights the critical role of expert guidance in navigating the complexities of licensing and marketing within the interior design sector.

In this episode, Laurie from To The Trade for Interior Design Community sits down with Marc and Corey from Designer Advantage, a leading procurement tool and accounting software designed for interior designers. Marc, the founder, narrates his journey from being an accounting major in Boston to launching Designer Advantage, tackling the challenges of effectively managing an interior design back office. Both Marc and Corey explore the difficulties faced by designers, such as overwhelming administrative duties, and explain how their software solutions simplify over 100 steps involved in handling custom orders. They also discuss Marc’s role as a pro bono CFO, audit practices, and how Designer Advantage’s best practices have benefited numerous firms. Laurie highlights the emotional strain on designers and shares strategies for achieving work-life balance, nurturing client relationships, and enhancing profitability. Corey provides insights into their roles and how they work closely with design professionals to ensure success. Tune in for valuable data-driven advice on improving your bottom line and alleviating the stress of managing an interior design business.

Join Laurie Laizure from Interior Design Community on a special episode of ‘To the Trade’. Laurie interviews Stephanie Lindsey and Jessica Nelson from Etch Design Group, based in Austin, Texas. They discuss their unique practice of balancing residential and commercial design, emphasizing their focus on creating beautiful and functional spaces. The conversation covers their experiences at the KBIS show, including exciting new products and trends such as AI-powered cabinetry and mixed finishes. They also delve into the importance of functionality in kitchen and bath design, the growing trend of warm tones and wellness features, and how technological advancements like smart home integration and AI are revolutionizing interior design. 

In this episode of ‘To the Trade,’ Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson i interview Ruben Marquez, a seasoned interior designer from Pasadena, California. Ruben shares his journey from childhood home renovations to a successful 15-year career in high-end design, shaped by his global experiences. He addresses the importance of effective client communication and the challenges of international projects and offers insights on industry trends, such as the revival of traditional design and sustainability. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring designers on balancing creativity with business, highlighting the significance of continuous learning and collaboration within the industry.

Join Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson from ‘To the Trade’ as they host a heartfelt conversation with Ben Warwas, the founder of Byben, an architectural firm specializing in hillside residential projects in Los Angeles. This episode explores the emotional impact of the recent fires on the community, featuring personal stories of loss and resilience. Ben reflects on his professional journey from fashion design to architecture, emphasizing his multidisciplinary approach and ongoing projects. The discussion also highlights the significance of community, collaboration, and creative problem-solving in the design world. Don’t miss this inspiring and insightful episode.

In this episode, Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson from ‘To the Trade’ interview Swedish-American designer Christina Richardson. Christina shares her extensive interior design, construction engineering, and international business background. She discusses her transition from the mining industry in Sweden to pursuing a design career in the U.S., along with the cultural challenges she faced. The conversation covers her experiences across various U.S. markets, the influence of her Scandinavian heritage on her design approach, and her thoughts on balancing functionality with aesthetics. Christina highlights the importance of personalizing spaces to reflect clients’ personalities, managing international projects, the financial aspects of working in different countries, and the supportive community within the U.S. design industry. Other topics include sustainable design practices, design trends, the creative process, and Christina’s aspirations for the future, including her dream of designing a boutique hotel in Europe.

In this episode of ‘To The Trade,’ Laurie Laizure from the Interior Design Community and co-host Nile Johnson welcome the renowned Kimberly Seldon. They explore Kimberly’s journey from being a television producer to a successful interior designer, television presenter, and design industry coach. Kimberly shares her experiences with early setbacks, the critical importance of business systems, and how she now helps other designers achieve success while sidestepping the challenges she faced. This episode highlights the difference between operating a business and pursuing a creative endeavor while offering valuable insights into client relationships, project management, and achieving financial stability. It is packed with inspirational ideas and practical advice for interior design professionals.

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