Advertise on podcast: Design Biz Survival Guide

Today we welcome Lindsay Olson, owner and principal designer at Lulu Designs, based in Costa Mesa, CA. In this episode, Lindsay shares her journey from real estate to model homes, partnering with developers on spec homes and renovations, and ultimately launching her own interior design business. We also discuss the benefits of legacy clients and how they've shaped her diverse business model. Lindsay reflects on her 25 years in the business and compares the business of design then, now, and going forward. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Lindsay shares how her early experience in real estate, house flipping, design school, and model homes helped shape her approach to interior design and entrepreneurship. We discuss the value of formal design education, real-world experience, and the many different paths available to today's design professionals. Lindsay explains how building a primarily referral-based business and prioritizing client relationships has created decades-long legacy clients and repeat projects. We explore how maintaining a low-profile business and protecting client privacy can be a powerful alternative to building a highly visible social media presence. Lindsay reflects on how technology has allowed her to operate a lean, efficient design firm while continuing to serve a large and diverse client base. We discuss pricing, profitability, and why Lindsay believes designers must value their expertise, communicate their fees clearly, and approach interior design as a business. Lindsay shares how she is evolving her marketing strategy, embracing social media, and stepping more fully into the role of CEO while honoring the foundation her business was built on. We talk about longevity in the design industry, adapting to change, continuing to learn, and Lindsay's definitions of survival and success after 25 years in business. NOTABLE QUOTES "There's room for everybody, and I firmly believe there's room for everybody." "You have to value yourself and your gifts and your time and turn that into money. It's a profit. It's a business." "My secret to survival in this business has been to just keep going." "My personal definition of success is freedom." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Lulu Designs Website: https://www.luludesigns.com/ Lulu Designs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luludesignsbylindsay/ Interior Design Diaries Podcast SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager / Design Spec: https://designspec.com/survivalguide Interior Design Society: https://interiordesignsociety.org/

Today we welcome Rutu Patel, founder and principal designer at The Yellow Slide Interior Design based in Issaquah, Washington. In this episode, Rutu shares her design journey and how sixteen years in the tech industry influenced her formulated approach to structure, process, and the client experience for her design business. We also discuss the heartfelt origin story of The Yellow Slide, and Rutu shares the four pillars that she has adopted for her design business to guide every project: head, heart, purpose, and personality. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS How Rutu transitioned from a 16-year career in tech to launching The Yellow Slide Interior Design in January 2025. The transferable skills from tech that shaped Rutu's approach to communication, process, client experience, and project management. Why Rutu is passionate about uncovering the hidden potential in shared and often-overlooked spaces within the home. How Rutu built her own custom client portal using AI to create an experience tailored specifically to her design process. The importance of balancing technology with analog tools, creativity, sketching, and hands-on design exploration. How head, heart, purpose, personality, and possibility influence Rutu's approach to creating meaningful, functional homes. The heartfelt childhood story behind The Yellow Slide and how one small, thoughtfully designed space inspired Rutu decades later. Rutu's three Cs for surviving entrepreneurship: curiosity, commitment, and connection. NOTABLE QUOTES "I thought there was a need. Here's an empty wall. Like, let's build something." "At no point can I just settle and be like, 'Oh, done. I know design.' Like, nobody does. You know? It's always evolving." "That being a good designer is just a very small part of running a design business." "For me, it's just having the choice to work and play and live however I want to." SUPPORTING RESOURCES The Yellow Slide Website: https://www.theyellowslide.com/ The Yellow Slide Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theyellowslide SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager / Design Spec: https://designspec.com/survivalguide Interior Design Society: https://interiordesignsociety.org/

Today we welcome Frederic Godinez and Alexander Stabler, the design duo behind Frederic Alexander—a multidisciplinary interior design studio based in Las Vegas, Nevada. In this episode, Freddy and Alex share their different backgrounds in business and design and how they harnessed the intersection of technical training and creative permission to create a brand dynamic that has become their superpower. We also discuss the grassroots marketing approach that got the brand off the ground, their commitment to informing and educating their clients, and how they found support through community over a cup of coffee. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS How Freddy and Alex's diverse backgrounds in hospitality, landscape architecture, performance, cosmetology, and experiential marketing influence their approach to interior design Why combining technical training with creative permission has become one of Frederic Alexander's greatest strengths The grassroots pop-up strategy that helped them introduce their brand, build visibility, and organically land their first design projects Why educating clients about the design process, pricing, and value is essential to creating confidence and reducing confusion How tracking hours, understanding profitability, and learning to charge appropriately have shaped the evolution of their business The challenges and rewards of building a business as married partners—and how learning to embrace their differences became their superpower How Frederic Alexander is expanding its services through real estate to create a more holistic client experience Why Coffee Talk, IDS, and a commitment to community over competition have given Freddy and Alex a trusted space for vulnerability, support, and professional growth NOTABLE QUOTES "Design is easy, but the business of design is not." "We always try to come from a place of abundance rather than scarcity, and we truly believe that in the design industry, there's enough room for everybody." "Any time we collaborated openly and worked together, the end results surpassed what either one of us could have individually achieved." "You just—you don't know what you don't know until you know it. So as soon as you know it, implement it, make the best of it, and keep moving forward. Don't give up." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Fredric Alexander Website: https://fredricalexander.com/ Fredric Alexander Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fredricalexander SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager / Design Spec: https://designspec.com/survivalguide Interior Design Society: https://interiordesignsociety.org/

Today we welcome Noz Nozawa of Noz Designs, a full-service interior design firm based in San Francisco, California. In this episode, Noz shares her story of discovering design at a young age, her appreciation for art history and architecture, and the pivotal moment when she found her community and pursued her passion for interior design. We also discuss the realities of launching a business, the importance of perseverance, and explore her lighting design partnership with Hudson Valley Lighting Group and what it really takes to bring a collection to market. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS How Noz's fascination with interiors began as a child browsing design books and eventually led her to consider architecture and interior design as a career. The impact studying art history and architecture at the University of Pennsylvania had on the way Noz understood the built environment, furniture, and design. How her career in marketing and her time at Houzz connected her with designers, architects, contractors, and other creative entrepreneurs who inspired her to make a career change. The financial, emotional, and practical realities Noz faced when launching Noz Designs in 2014—and why perseverance became essential to building the business. Why intentionally curating her portfolio helped Noz attract the kinds of projects and clients she ultimately wanted to work with. Noz's perspective on why building a design business can feel significantly harder in the early years and how experience, reputation, and financial stability can change the equation. The behind-the-scenes story of Noz's partnership with Hudson Valley Lighting Group for Corbett Lighting, including why she walked away from the first opportunity and how the collaboration eventually came back around. What Noz has learned about product design, manufacturing constraints, mentorship, rest, and defining success by being fully present and satisfied with the life she has built. NOTABLE QUOTES "You can only be new once. You can only have your first collection once." "Everything gets so much easier if you can survive how hard it is at the beginning." "You need to find mentors. Like, you can't just wait for someone to pluck you out of obscurity and take you under their wing and help you." "For me, success is like, am I obsessed with the life that I have right now?" SUPPORTING RESOURCES Noz Designs Website: https://nozdesign.com/ Noz Designs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noznozawa Noz Nozawa for Corbett Lighting: https://www.hvlgroup.com/Products/Designer/NOZAWA 1stDibs Objects of Desire Podcast — hosted by Noz Nozawa and 1stDibs Editor-in-Chief Tony Freund Houzz — discussed as an important part of Noz's early career and exposure to the interior design community SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager / Design Spec: https://designspec.com/survivalguide Interior Design Society: https://interiordesignsociety.org/

Today we welcome Sarah Richter and Brandon Medlin—partners in life and business and leaders of Sarah Richter Design, an architectural lighting design studio based in Annapolis, Maryland. In this episode, Sarah shares the pivotal moment when she discovered architectural lighting design, and Brandon shares how his skills and background helped bring the business full circle. We also discuss their B2B business model and how they partner exclusively with designers, builders, and architects to elevate the design process and help create truly extraordinary spaces. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS How Sarah's background in architecture led her to discover the specialized world of architectural lighting design. Brandon's journey through business, sales, lighting distribution, controls, and project management—and how those skills complement Sarah's design expertise. Why Sarah Richter Design operates as a B2B architectural lighting studio serving interior designers, architects, builders, and other trade professionals. How an independent lighting designer can support an interior designer's vision without competing for decorative lighting sales or taking over the designer's scope. The value of bringing a lighting designer into a project early to help coordinate architectural lighting, decorative fixtures, controls, dimming, color temperature, and installation details. How Sarah and Brandon balance being spouses, parents, and business partners while bringing different perspectives to the creative and operational sides of the firm. A look inside a 22,000-square-foot residential project where collaboration, tunable white lighting, color-changing lighting, mock-ups, and layered lighting helped create atmosphere throughout the home. Why curiosity, community, trusting the process, and surrounding yourself with knowledgeable collaborators are essential to building a successful design business. NOTABLE QUOTES "We are a real-life encyclopedia." "It might be a grind, but it feels like you have a purpose." "I think it's remaining curious." "Our personal definition of success is time." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Sarah Richter Design Website: https://www.sarahrichterdesign.com/ Sarah Richter Design Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahrichterdesign/ SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager / Design Spec: https://designspec.com/survivalguide Interior Design Society: https://interiordesignsociety.org/

Today we welcome Donna Hartman, owner and principal designer of Gray Fox Interior Design. In this episode, Donna shares her entrepreneurial journey from model homes to hospitality and how her years in the classroom as an educator laid the foundation for her high-touch approach to business and interior design. We also discuss how peers and partnerships support the continued development of her interior design business model, and Donna shares the rewarding benefits of committing to a volunteer leadership role as president of the Southern California Chapter of NKBA. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS How Donna's experience designing model homes introduced her to the importance of function, spatial awareness, and how people live in their homes The transferable skills she developed as an educator and how designing engaging classroom environments shaped her approach to interior design How managing luxury vacation rentals and operating a staging company strengthened Donna's attention to detail and hospitality mindset Why Donna ultimately chose to specialize in kitchen and bath design rather than trying to serve every area of the industry How peers, contractors, trade professionals, educational events, and industry connections helped Donna learn the business of design The value of checking your ego at the door and surrounding yourself with people who bring different strengths and expertise How an unexpected design partnership increased Donna's confidence, expanded her capabilities, and created opportunities for larger projects The personal and professional growth Donna has experienced while serving as president of the Southern California Chapter of NKBA NOTABLE QUOTES "I like to be in control. I like to create my own destiny." "Success is never achieved alone, never." "It's okay to think big, but it's also okay to start small." "I needed to start small and let it organically grow." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Gray Fox Interior Design Website: https://www.grayfoxinteriordesign.com/ Gray Fox Interior Design Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grayfoxinteriordesign/ The Big Power of Tiny Connections by Jen Nash: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Power-Tiny-Connections-Interactions-ebook/dp/B09NWHYW13/ SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager and Design Spec: https://designspec.com/survivalguide Interior Design Society: https://interiordesignsociety.org/

Today we welcome Christina Cruz, owner and principal designer of her namesake design studio based in Austin, Texas. In this episode, Christina shares her transition from a seventeen-year career in media sales to a thriving interior design business. We also discuss how a lifetime of influence from her father provided a creative foundation for her meaningful approach to design, and Christina reveals her number-one resource for design knowledge and information. Spoiler alert: it's not a classroom. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Christina shares how she transitioned from a long career in media sales with companies like Microsoft, Yahoo, and BuzzFeed into launching her Austin-based interior design firm. She reflects on how her father's lifelong passion for interiors, architecture, hospitality, and creating meaningful spaces shaped her creative foundation. Christina discusses the leap of faith involved in building her design business while still working a full-time corporate job. She explains how her background in psychology and sales helps her listen deeply, solve problems, and serve clients through emotional storytelling. Christina shares why job sites, contractors, artisans, and hands-on experience have been her most valuable design education. She emphasizes the importance of partnering with skilled tradespeople and understanding how design details are actually executed. Christina discusses how her Latina heritage and exposure to Mexican artists and artisans influence her design perspective and passion for meaningful, culturally rooted design. She shares how gratitude, family, and staying grounded in her own path help her navigate entrepreneurship and define success. NOTABLE QUOTES "It's never too late to reinvent yourself or start over. And you can do that at any moment in time." "When you feel lit up, you'll never work a day in your life because yes, it's hard work." "Part of design is also being really flexible and being nimble and being able to adapt." "My personal definition of success has to be more time with my family." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Christina Cruz Interiors Website: https://www.christinacruzinteriors.com/ Christina Cruz Interiors on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christinacruzinteriors/ SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager: https://designspec.com/survivalguide Interior Design Society: https://interiordesignsociety.org/

Today we welcome James Fung, Principal Designer and owner of NB Design Group based in Seattle, Washington. In this episode, James shares his journey of design from architecture to interior design using an effective process of elimination. We also discuss the unexpected opportunity for ownership of a legacy studio brand and how James and his business partner, Whitney, navigated the path to ownership and what they learned about each other and the ownership side of the business. James is also an executive board member of the Asian American Pacific Islander Design Alliance, and he shares with us the intention of the organization and how they support the rise and visibility of design professionals. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS James shares how his early interest in creative expression, paired with a process of elimination, ultimately led him from architecture to interior design. He reflects on how his architecture education continues to shape his work, from understanding space and history to communicating ideas through hand drawings. James discusses his early career experience in New York City and how working in a small, high-end residential firm became a practical masterclass in the business of design. He shares the story of joining NB Design Group in 2013 and later navigating the opportunity to take ownership of the legacy firm with his business partner, Whitney Mayhara. James explains the importance of building a trusted support team when evaluating a business transition, including attorneys, administrative support, and experienced family members. He and Rick explore what makes a strong business partnership, including shared values, different personalities, constant collaboration, and a commitment to putting the business first. James introduces the Asian American Pacific Islander Design Alliance, also known as AAPIDA, and discusses its mission to elevate AAPI voices and designers of color within the design industry. He shares why partnership, community, mentorship, and emotional security are essential to long-term survival and success in the design business. NOTABLE QUOTES "I lean on that architecture experience and that schooling every single day at work." "The things that stress me out tends to not stress her out and vice versa." "When we say collaboration, it really is, in some ways, it's like almost too much collaboration." "I think any type of partnership that is rooted in respect and rooted in wanting to make the business better, so whether that's a mentor or even like a CFO or an advisor, those types of collaborative relationships is essential in what we do." SUPPORTING RESOURCES NB Design Group Website: https://www.nbdesigngroup.net/ NB Design Group Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nbdesigngroup/ James Fung Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jameskfung/ AAPIDA Website: https://aapida.com/ AAPIDA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aapi_designalliance/ SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager / Design Spec: https://designspec.com/survivalguide Interior Design Society: https://interiordesignsociety.org/

Today we welcome Dalia Soles, founder of Design Assisted, a project management agency and strategic partner for interior design businesses. In this episode, Dalia shares her journey from graphic design to interior design and ultimately her transition from designer to industry partner. We dive deep into the complexities of the business of design, and Dalia shares the moment she realized she could be of better service to design business owners, which prompted the development and launch of Design Assisted. Dalia is a champion of community over competition, and she is dedicated to supporting and empowering design business owners through personalized and meaningful partnership. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Dalia shares how her creative background in graphic design became a gateway into the interior design industry. She reflects on her early experience working in a wallpaper library and how it introduced her to textiles, wallpaper, and the trade side of design. Dalia discusses her time working at Celerie Kemble's Palm Beach studio and how that experience deepened her respect for the design profession. She opens up about realizing that while she loved the design industry, the problems she wanted to solve were rooted in process, organization, and business support. Dalia explains how the pandemic unexpectedly pushed her to bet on herself and launch Design Assisted. She describes how Design Assisted helps overwhelmed designers with healthy pipelines scale their businesses without burnout. Rick and Dalia discuss the importance of outsourcing revenue-generating tasks, delegating strategically, and building a support system. Dalia shares why community has been essential to her survival in business and how trusted relationships have shaped her next chapter. NOTABLE QUOTES "I had no choice but to bet on myself." "The kind of clients that come on usually are people who are stressed out, inundated. They have a really healthy pipeline. They just need some relief." "Our mission now is to help interior designers scale their business without burnout at the end of the day." "The secret's out because it's community." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Design Assisted Website: https://www.designassistedco.com/ Design Assisted Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designassisted/ SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager: https://designspec.com/survivalguide Interior Design Society: https://interiordesignsociety.org/

Today we're celebrating our 8-year anniversary of the podcast with our annual podcast takeover. This year, the conversation is hosted by my friend and design community champion Jen Davidson of Interiors by Jen Davidson. In this episode, Jen leads the conversation, and we dive deep into the results of my Enneagram test. My personality type is revealed, and we discuss the corresponding characteristics that both surprised me and made perfect sense of it all. This conversation is a rare glimpse into the strengths and weaknesses that guide and challenge my personal and business journey. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Rick celebrates 8 years of Design Biz Survival Guide with the annual podcast takeover episode. Jen Davidson introduces the Enneagram as a personality tool that helps reveal the motivations, fears, and desires behind behavior. Rick shares that his Enneagram results revealed he is a One wing Nine: the reformer with a peacemaker wing. Rick and Jen discuss how perfectionism, integrity, fear of failure, and the inner critic show up in Rick's personal and business life. Jen explains how Enneagram numbers shift in stress and growth, and how understanding those patterns can create more self-awareness. Rick reflects on how self-awareness can help entrepreneurs better navigate business challenges, creative blocks, and personal growth. Jen shares how the Enneagram has helped her better understand herself, her clients, her team, and her business relationships. Rick opens up about vulnerability, control, organization, and how his Enneagram results gave him a new tool for understanding himself as a coach and entrepreneur. NOTABLE QUOTES "The better we understand ourselves, I think the better we'll understand our actions and how we arrive at this endgame that we're calling success, whatever that looks like, it's different for everyone." "I'm not a control freak. I'm a control enthusiast." "Being vulnerable is actually a gift to others." "Our business is so much of who we are. It's important to know these things and to understand yourself better, so that you can build a better business because we are not a product." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Link to Eclectic Energies Enneagram Test: https://www.eclecticenergies.com/enneagram/test Link to The Road Back to You by Ian Morgan Cron: https://www.amazon.com/Road-Back-You-Enneagram-Self-Discovery/dp/0830846190/ Interiors by Jen Davidson: https://interiorsbyjendavidson.com/ SPONSOR LINKS Design Spec: https://designspec.com/survivalguide Interior Design Society: https://interiordesignsociety.org/

Today we welcome Nikki Watson, founder of The Design Quad—a staging, interior design, and renovation business based in Dallas, Texas. In this episode, Nikki shares how she discovered staging and how $10 and an Instagram post launched a career that would change her life. We also discuss the nuances of the staging business model, industry perception, and the logistics of it all. Most importantly, Nikki emphasizes how being of service is part of her personal and business ethos and the impact that "caring" has on her business and the community. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Nikki shares how her background as a flooring rep led her to discover the world of home staging. She explains the key differences between interior design and staging, including the psychology of designing for the masses. Nikki tells the story of how $10 in gas money from her mom helped launch her first staging job. Rick and Nikki discuss the scale of The Design Quad, including staging multiple homes per day and managing hundreds of homes' worth of inventory. Nikki shares how hiring people with strengths opposite her own helped her build a strong, efficient team. She explains how her partnership with a moving company grew alongside her business and became an essential part of her operations. Nikki highlights why stagers are major furniture buyers and why brands should pay more attention to the staging industry. She shares how community service is at the core of her business and how giving back has shaped her definition of success. NOTABLE QUOTES "It started with that ten dollars." "You really have to take yourself out of it." "I hire according to strength." "This is what success is. This is what you're able to do for your family or loved ones or something that they can only dream of." SUPPORTING RESOURCES The Design Quad Website: https://thedesignquad.com/ The Design Quad Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedesignquad/ Nikki Watson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnikkiwatson/ SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager: https://designspec.com/survivalguide Interior Design Society: https://interiordesignsociety.org/

This is a special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide. This supplemental format is designed to highlight brands and partners that support designers both creatively and professionally. This is our way of sharing valuable information and resources for your business with you, our loyal listeners. Today we're speaking with Deb Mitchell, a marketing, messaging, and visibility expert based out of Charlotte, North Carolina. In this episode, Deb shares how she partners with interior design professionals to refine their messaging and boost their visibility to attract the clients they want. We also discuss Deb's behind-the-scenes exposure to the business of design, the most common marketing pain points that design business owners experience, and Deb breaks down what it looks like to work with her to develop a comprehensive and effective brand voice to grow your design business. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Deb shares how her background in writing and communications informs her marketing work with interior designers. Deb explains why effective marketing requires both visibility and messaging that clearly communicates a designer's value. Rick and Deb discuss why so many designers struggle to articulate their elevator pitch and what makes their business different. Deb shares how her behind-the-scenes experience inside a luxury design studio shaped her understanding of client communication and qualification. Deb explains how reviews, portfolio projects, website copy, and social media can unintentionally signal the wrong type of client or project. Deb breaks down why visibility does not always mean being on stage or constantly showing up on video. Deb shares client success stories that demonstrate how refined messaging and positioning can attract better-fit projects. Deb outlines her process for working with designers, including her Pipeline Punch List deep-dive and strategic recommendations. NOTABLE QUOTES "If it's not effective, let's not do it." "You need that third party to really translate between you and your clients." "Not every red flag is actually red. Sometimes it's pinky." "There's a lot of confidence that comes from clarity." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Deb Mitchell Co. Website: https://www.debmitchellco.com/ Deb Mitchell Co. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debmitchellco/

Today we welcome Lowe Delgado, owner and principal designer of his namesake design studio, Delgado Interiors, based in Seattle, Washington. In this episode, we discuss Lowe's recently launched interior design business after more than a decade in the industry, how his understanding of construction enhances his business model, and his data-driven approach to design. Lowe also shares his perspective on visibility in a competitive marketplace, and we discuss his newly reinvigorated relationship with social media, which has brought a new level of joy to his business. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Lowe shares how being laid off became the catalyst for launching Delgado Interiors as a full-time namesake design firm. He reflects on how his early exposure to construction shaped his understanding of homes, possibility, and transformation. Lowe discusses his unconventional path into interior design, including studying graphic design and interning at Country Living Magazine. He explains how his construction knowledge helps him create more feasible, informed, and successful design solutions. Lowe shares how he uses a data-driven approach with clients, observing how they interact with materials, furnishings, and spaces. He opens up about the realities of entrepreneurship, including the wake-up call of managing the business side on his own. Lowe talks about giving clients permission to embrace what feels personal, joyful, and even a little weird in their homes. He discusses his renewed relationship with social media, how authenticity changed everything, and why comparison really is the thief of joy. NOTABLE QUOTES "I feel honestly pretty lucky to be one of those people who gets the privilege of saying, I've always known I was going to do this." "If you just continually show up and you try to exercise bravery to do things that feel like you want to do it, but you're not exactly sure how, I just feel like for me, that's been the recipe for success." "Design is human centered. Like we would have no design without humans. It needs to be catered to how we actually live." "I need to be myself." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Delgado Interiors on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delgadointeriors/ Delgado Interiors Website: https://www.visitdelgadohouse.com/ SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager: https://designspec.com/survivalguide Learn more about Design Biz Retreat and the Business of Interiors UK Summit: https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/retreats-for-interior-designers/

Today we welcome Rhobin DelaCruz, owner of Rhobin DelaCruz Designs based in New York. In this episode, we discuss Rhobin's discovery of his creative talents and how, at the urging of a professional colleague and a dear friend, he realized that interior design was his calling. We discuss his experience breaking into a new industry, the lack of peer-to-peer support at the time, and how he blazed his own trail to discover community. Rhobin also shares how a rebrand after sixteen years in business ignited an exciting new journey of visibility and service. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Rhobin shares how his early career in advertising and marketing at Columbia Pictures and MTV helped reveal his creative instincts. A pivotal conversation with his boss, Rick Bispel, helped him realize he belonged in a creative field rather than ad sales. With encouragement from a close friend, Rhobin began to see interior design as a true career path. He opens up about entering the design industry 18 years ago without formal design education and facing gatekeeping along the way. Rhobin discusses how Homepolish introduced him to peer support, collaboration, and a sense of community that helped shape his business. After 16 years in business, he made the decision to step back, invest in coaching, and learn the operational side of running a stronger firm. He talks about how his rebrand led to greater visibility, deeper purpose, and exciting new opportunities in the industry. Rhobin reflects on the power of surrounding yourself with inspiring people and why community has been central to his success. NOTABLE QUOTES "Failure wasn't an option." "It's never too late for growth." "When you have a voice, you have a responsibility." "Understand process and put them in order." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Rhobin DelaCruz Designs: https://rhobindelacruz.com/ Rhobin DelaCruz Designs on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhobindelacruzdesigns/ SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager / Design Spec: https://designspec.com/survivalguide Design Biz Retreat and the Business of Interiors UK Summit: https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/retreats-for-interior-designers/

This is a special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide, recorded live at KBIS in the KBIS Podcast Studio, sponsored by AJ Madison. Today, we're speaking with designer, television host, and author Tamara Day. We're catching up on her most recent achievements in the industry and how she balances and prioritizes the creative and business sides of design. Tamara also shares her hot design takes in kitchen and bath, how she successfully collaborates with brands to elevate her design projects, and the inspiration behind her recently published book, Laid-Back Luxe. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Tamara shares how her business has expanded from television-only projects to coast-to-coast residential and commercial design work. She explains the key differences between designing for TV clients versus private clients, including process, team structure, and client experience. Separate teams, procurement systems, and support staff have been essential to balancing multiple sides of her business. Tamara discusses why the best brand collaborations are built on creativity, trust, and solving practical design challenges. She highlights one of her favorite collaboration examples: creating statement lighting that works beautifully in homes with 8-foot ceilings. Live from KBIS, Tamara shares her favorite trends in kitchen and bath, including colorful appliances, standout hardware, and more maximalist design. She talks about the emotional experience of creating her new book, Laid-Back Luxe, and why she wanted it to feel approachable for every kind of home. Tamara reflects on how her definition of success has shifted from business milestones to building a life that allows for meaningful time with family. NOTABLE QUOTES "I'm not looking for partners that just want my name on stuff." "I want partners that actually want my ideas and my vision and want to implement that." "You have to be scrappy in this business." "There's always a way to solve a problem, right?" SUPPORTING RESOURCES Tamara Day Website: https://tamaraday.com/ Tamara Day on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamaraday SPONSOR LINKS AJ Madison Pro: https://www.ajmadison.com/pro