Design Curious | Interior Design Podcast, Interior Design Career, Interior Design School, Coaching

Rebecca Ward, CID | Interior Designer, Interior Design Mentor, Designers Coach
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Design Curious | Interior Design Podcast, Interior Design Career, Interior Design School, Coaching

A show for the curious creatives who want to learn what it takes to become an interior designer. Welcome to the Design Curious podcast! Each week, you'll learn practical skills every designer needs to develop regardless of whether you want to work for yourself or someone else. You'll learn secrets from professional interior designers to help you avoid costly mistakes & regrets. You'll be encouraged & empowered to overcome your fears of change, failure & money. With my 20 yrs of experience, I'll help you on the RIGHT WAY to get started. Discover if interior design is the career for you!

  1. 114\\ Balancing Business and Self-Care: Laura Martin Bovard's Secrets to Success in the Interior Design World

    3 DAYS AGO

    114\\ Balancing Business and Self-Care: Laura Martin Bovard's Secrets to Success in the Interior Design World

    Finding balance and fulfillment in a creative career has always been a constant struggle for most interior designers. Interior designer Laura Martin Bovard has been there - and she's here to share her hard-won wisdom. In this episode, Laura opens up about her unconventional path to design, learning on the job and building her firm LMB Interiors from the ground up, without a design degree. She reveals how she overcame perfectionism, set boundaries with clients, and nurtured her entrepreneurial spirit - all while prioritizing self-care through her "Divine Hustler" personal growth practice. If you’re struggling to balance creativity, business, and personal life, this episode offers real solutions. Tune in for practical tips on growing your design business while taking care of yourself and serving others.   Featured Guest: ⁠Laura Martin Bovard⁠ is the principal designer of ⁠LMB Interiors⁠, which she launched in 2002 while pregnant with her first child, working from her dining room table. She runs a successful design firm that focuses on sustainable practices, collaborating with local artisans and contractors as well as using eco-friendly, earth-conscious materials and practices. Laura is also known as "The Divine Hustler," which reflects her side hustle involving speaking events, retreats, and a blog dedicated to personal growth. As a personal growth junkie, she aims to help other beauty makers discover more about themselves. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn the value of networking, hiring the right people, and building strong client relationships to grow a sustainable and profitable design business Discover practical tips on managing a design business while staying true to your creative vision and avoiding burnout Be inspired to infuse more self-care, mindfulness, and authenticity into your design practice and entrepreneurial journey Check out the show notes >>> Balancing Business and Self-Care: Secrets to Success in the Interior Design World Links Mentioned: The Surrender Experiment by Michael Alan Singer NEXT STEPS: Grab your freebies: The Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide Furnishings Investment Guide Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Take a Quiz! Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here.  Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

    31 min
  2. 113\\ Preparing for a Career in Interior Design: The Realities, Skills, and Mindset You Need to Succeed

    4 NOV

    113\\ Preparing for a Career in Interior Design: The Realities, Skills, and Mindset You Need to Succeed

    Do you dream of becoming an interior designer, but wonder what it's really like behind the scenes? In this episode, I pull back the curtain to give you a realistic look at the challenges of the interior design career. While the Instagram-worthy staging and design work may look effortless, the day-to-day grind of an interior designer involves grit, problem-solving, defending decisions, and navigating invisible labor that often goes unnoticed. I share my journey, from initial expectations to the hard-won lessons I learned over nearly 20 years in the industry. I also talk about the importance of self-assessment, flexibility, finding your "zone of genius," and building a supportive network of peers and mentors to help you overcome obstacles. If you're ready to go beyond the glamour and develop the resilience needed to thrive as an interior designer, tune in now. My insights might be the reality check you need to set yourself up for long-term success in this dynamic career. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Gain a realistic, behind-the-scenes look at the interior design industry - beyond the glossy social media posts and TV shows Learn practical strategies for developing the grit, self-awareness, and support network needed to succeed as a designer Assess if you have the right mindset and skills to turn your design passion into a fulfilling, sustainable career Check out the show notes >>> Preparing for a Career in Interior Design: The Realities, Skills, and Mindset You Need to Succeed Links Mentioned: List of recommended books on Amazon for personal and professional development NEXT STEPS: Grab your freebies: The Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide Furnishings Investment Guide Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Take a Quiz! Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here.  Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

    16 min
  3. 112\\ Powerful Marketing Tips (That Actually Works!) to Get High-End Interior Design Clients with Hassan of MC Luxury

    28 OCT

    112\\ Powerful Marketing Tips (That Actually Works!) to Get High-End Interior Design Clients with Hassan of MC Luxury

    Are you struggling to attract high-end clients as an interior designer? In this episode, Hassan from MC Luxury shares the proven marketing strategies that can help you land more projects and grow your brand. From using Instagram to build a personal brand to leveraging email marketing, blogging, and PR, Hassan breaks down exactly what works—and what doesn't—for designers like you. Hassan explains how to overcome the challenge of reaching your ideal clients, offering solutions that don’t just rely on social media. He dives into the power of personal branding and reveals how blogging can take you from being a local designer to getting recognized nationally. Whether you're just starting or want to build a name nationally, Hassan provides actionable tips to help you succeed. It's time to stop chasing clients and start attracting them. Tune in to get Hassan’s expert insights and apply these strategies today. Don't forget to check out the free eBooks (link below!) Featured Guest: Since launching MC Luxury in 2020, Hassan has been at the forefront of revolutionizing marketing for interior designers, specializing in helping them acquire more residential projects through a blend of Instagram, email marketing, blogging, and PR. With a keen understanding of the design industry's nuances, he has engaged in insightful conversations with top-tier professionals, including a notable conversation with a globally recognized New York design firm responsible for directing projects worth over 5 billion across continents. These interactions have enriched his understanding of effective marketing strategies promising tangible ROI for the design sector. Leveraging this knowledge, Hassan authored three eBooks to empower interior designers to scale their businesses. Whether you are looking to refine your digital marketing approach or seeking fresh ways to attract clients, MC Luxury will equip you with actionable insights to elevate your practice. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover how email marketing, blogging, and SEO can help you land high-end interior design projects faster. Get practical tips on building a strong personal brand that sets you apart, attracts more clients, and eliminates the need for constant ad spending. Learn the process of going from a local designer to being featured in top national publications, using effective PR strategies and smart storytelling. Check out the show notes >>> Powerful Marketing Tips (That Actually Works!) to Get High-End Interior Design Clients Links Mentioned: Instagram Insights for Interior Designers https://www.mcluxury.site/instagramguide The Art of Designer Leads https://www.mcluxury.site/resources NEXT STEPS: Grab your freebies: The Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide Furnishings Investment Guide Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Take a Quiz! Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here.  Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

    36 min
  4. 111\\ What Interior Designers Look for in an Ideal Client

    21 OCT

    111\\ What Interior Designers Look for in an Ideal Client

    What qualities make a client an ideal fit for your interior design business, ensuring a smooth design process? If you are a client looking for an interior designer, how can you be the best client throughout the interior design process? In this episode, I break down the traits of an ideal client while walking you through the entire process—from the initial inquiry to the final reveal—highlighting how clear communication, trust, and realistic expectations lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. Whether you are embarking on your first design project or refining your client approach as a designer, this episode is packed with tips to ensure a successful collaboration. If you are a client who wants to get the best results from your designer, understanding the designer's perspective can help you become the kind of client that interior designers love to work with. This ensures that your project runs efficiently and that you end up with a design you truly love. Tune in now and find out how to shape your dream clients! Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn exactly what interior designers look for in a client to help your project run smoothly from start to finish. Discover the key actions that will help keep your design project on track, from initial consultations to the final reveal. Get insider tips on how to collaborate effectively with your client, making your project smoother and more enjoyable. Check out the show notes >>> What Interior Designers Look for in an Ideal Client NEXT STEPS: Grab your freebies: The Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide Furnishings Investment Guide Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Take a Quiz! Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here.  Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

    14 min
  5. 110\\ How to Build a Successful Career in Interior Design Without a Traditional Path: Colleen Bennett’s Journey

    14 OCT

    110\\ How to Build a Successful Career in Interior Design Without a Traditional Path: Colleen Bennett’s Journey

    Are you wondering if you can succeed in an interior design career without following the traditional path? How to do it? This episode may be the answer you are looking for. Colleen Bennett's journey into interior design was anything but traditional. She started with dreams of becoming a lawyer but accidentally landed a job as a furniture representative straight out of college. Then she designed homes for presidents and dignitaries across Latin America. From launching her first design studio in Costa Rica to managing luxury interiors for Ralph Lauren in over 60 countries, Colleen’s story proves that you can thrive in the design world by embracing unexpected opportunities and leveraging unique skills. She shares the key mindsets and strategies that allowed her to adapt to different cultures and survive economic downturns while building her business from scratch. If you're worried about how to succeed as a designer without a formal background, this episode will show you how to turn your passion into a thriving career. Ready to kickstart your design journey? Tune in and get inspired by Colleen’s resourcefulness and creativity. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a global design powerhouse—grab your notebook and start planning your path to success! Featured Guest: ⁠Colleen Bennett⁠ founded her first Interior Design Studio, Caducus Folium, in 2006.  This Costa Rica-based firm quickly expanded into six design centers in Ecuador, Colombia, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Colleen designed most presidents’ and dignitaries’ homes in Central America and throughout the region. In 2012 Colleen moved back home to North Carolina and opened the US division of the company, ⁠CBB Design Firm⁠, based in Morganton, NC. Shortly after graduating from Wake Forest University, Colleen became the youngest furniture representative hired by Drexel Heritage. Traveling the world, she visited over 60 countries and designed thousands of vignettes of every style and budget for her clients. In 2009 Colleen was hired as the youngest account manager and visual merchandiser for Ralph Lauren Home where she was responsible for all of their home stores in Africa, Australia, and Latin America. Colleen takes her international portfolio and brings that resort living to her designs in the NC market. She specializes in residential and commercial designs as well as historic renovations. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover how to build a design business from scratch Learn insider tips to standing out in the industry and succeeding in a competitive industry Get inspired by an unconventional career path Check out the show notes >>> How to Build a Successful Career in Interior Design Without a Traditional Path NEXT STEPS: Grab your freebies: The Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide Furnishings Investment Guide Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Take a Quiz! Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here.  Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

    33 min
  6. 109\\ Common Fears of Starting an Interior Design Career and How to Conquer Them

    7 OCT

    109\\ Common Fears of Starting an Interior Design Career and How to Conquer Them

    Are you worried about starting or transitioning into a creative career like interior design? You're not alone! It's normal to feel scared about the unknown. In this episode, I address the most common fears that hold people back from switching careers and pursuing their design dreams. From fears about your business failing, lacking experience, or managing the financial and legal side of running your practice - I have practical solutions. I share my story of starting a successful design business during a recession and provide actionable advice and resources to help you overcome these hurdles. You'll learn how to build the right framework, develop a confident mindset, and surround yourself with the support you need to thrive as a designer. If you're ready to take the next step but feeling stuck in fear, this episode is a must-listen. Gain the clarity and courage to make your career change a reality. Tune in now and discover how you can turn your creative passion into a fulfilling, profitable design career. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Overcome your fears with practical advice from someone who has been there before Discover valuable resources on starting your own interior design business and setting yourself up for success Get the mindset shift and confidence boost you need to transition into a creative career you love Check out the show notes >>> Common Fears of Starting an Interior Design Career and How to Conquer Them Links Mentioned: Branching Out With Sierra NEXT STEPS Grab your freebies: The Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide Furnishings Investment Guide Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Take a Quiz! Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Listen to Related Episode: Episode 48: From Chaos to Cash Flow: The Transformative Power of Hiring a Bookkeeper for Your Design Business With LoriAnn Kuntz Episode 68: The Power of Intention: How to Set and Achieve Your Goals for 2024 With Sierra Collins Episode 98: Prioritizing Profit: Tips for Interior Designers to Grow Your Business With Danielle Hendon Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here.  Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

    15 min
  7. 108\\ How to Grow Your Design Business While Staying True to Your “Why” With Katie Decker-Erickson

    30 SEPT

    108\\ How to Grow Your Design Business While Staying True to Your “Why” With Katie Decker-Erickson

    Are you struggling to scale your interior design business while balancing family life? Or perhaps you're considering adding commercial projects to your list of services. In this episode, Katie Decker, a successful commercial color consultant and business coach, shares her inspiring journey and practical strategies to help you achieve sustainable growth. Katie's path to success was anything but linear. From starting in communications to flipping houses and discovering her passion for color consulting, she navigated various challenges before finding her niche in the commercial design industry. Her story demonstrates that with the right mindset and business understanding, you can transform your creative talents into a thriving, scalable enterprise. Discover Katie's proven methods for transitioning from residential to commercial design, effectively managing rapid growth, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Whether you're looking to scale up or down, Katie's coaching expertise can help you build a business that aligns with your values and life stage. Tune in and unlock the secrets to growing your interior design firm while staying true to your "why" and enjoying the journey. Featured Guest: ⁠Katie Decker-Erickson⁠ began her career in commercial color consulting as a part-time passion project in 2007. With her MBA, today, her company, ⁠Color Works⁠, has grown into a multi-million dollar commercial design company, currently operating in over 20 states nationwide, with a fully remote team of more than a dozen individuals. Katie is known for her business acumen (having grown her interior design firm by 1500% in a year). Today, she works with billion-dollar Real Estate Investment Trusts, managing the design of multiple large-scale portfolios, hundreds of properties, and more projects, focusing on design impact experience. With 15 years in the industry and 18 years teaching graduate & undergraduate courses at four universities, and a wild passion for women's empowerment, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, Katie is now coaching other designers toward similar success and what scalability looks like, both personally and professionally. When not positioning her team and clients for success, she enjoys travel, hiking, and being on the water. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn how to scale your design business successfully Assess if adding or moving into commercial design is the right step for your design business. Get empowered with practical strategies for overcoming designers' common struggles like undercharging and feeling undervalued Check out the show notes >>> How to Grow Your Design Business While Staying True to Your “Why” NEXT STEPS: Grab your freebies: The Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide Furnishings Investment Guide Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Take a Quiz! Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Listen to Related Episode: Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here.  Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

    35 min
  8. 107\\ Hourly, Flat Fee, or Square Footage? Discover the Best Billing Method for Your Design Practice

    23 SEPT

    107\\ Hourly, Flat Fee, or Square Footage? Discover the Best Billing Method for Your Design Practice

    Are you struggling to figure out the best way to charge clients for your design services? In this episode, I dive into the hotly debated topic of billing methods for interior designers. With so many options—hourly rates, flat fees, square footage models—which one is right for your business? As someone who primarily does residential remodeling, I found that hourly billing allows me to capture the unknown challenges that often arise on projects. However, I acknowledge that time tracking can be a tedious task. Believing that tracking your time is essential for the health of your design practice, I share practical tips on using time-tracking software like Harvest to streamline your process. I also explore alternative billing models like fixed fees and cost-plus, explaining when those approaches may be appropriate. Regardless of your chosen billing method, tracking your time is a critical business expense that will provide invaluable data to improve your profitability. If you're ready to take control of your design fees and ensure you are getting paid for every minute of your hard work, tune in now. This episode might be the solution you have been searching for. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn the best billing method for residential remodels to help you capture all the work you put into a project Discover practical tools for time tracking making it easier to track your time efficiently and ensure you are paid accurately Avoid common billing pitfalls and ensure you are billing clients fairly and maximizing your profitability Check out the show notes >>> Hourly, Flat Fee, or Square Footage? Discover the Best Billing Method for Your Design Practice NEXT STEPS: Grab your freebies: The Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide Furnishings Investment Guide Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Take a Quiz! Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be! Listen to Related Episode: Episode 103: Project Management 101: Seven Steps to a Stress-Free Interior Design Projects Episode 99: Smart Way to Maximize Profits in Your Interior Design Business: Furniture Sales and Designer Discounts Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Email me at podcast@rwarddesign.com if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here.  Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

    20 min
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A show for the curious creatives who want to learn what it takes to become an interior designer. Welcome to the Design Curious podcast! Each week, you'll learn practical skills every designer needs to develop regardless of whether you want to work for yourself or someone else. You'll learn secrets from professional interior designers to help you avoid costly mistakes & regrets. You'll be encouraged & empowered to overcome your fears of change, failure & money. With my 20 yrs of experience, I'll help you on the RIGHT WAY to get started. Discover if interior design is the career for you!

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