Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast

Hot Young Designers Club
  • 4.8 (126)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

They're not that hot, or that young - but hosts Rebecca Plumb (Studio Plumb) and Shaun Crha (Wrensted Interiors) spill the tea every week on how a new generation of interior designers run their business. Join a community exploring the emotional, practical, and humorous side of the interior design business.

  1. 1h ago

    183: Why We Can't Have Nice Things

    In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca dig into the art of having, styling, photographing, and protecting beautiful interiors. They start with the emotional intelligence of delivering client news, then move into the creative direction behind Shaun’s upcoming project photo shoot and how designers can create portfolio images that feel lived-in, layered, and aligned with their brand. They also talk about why styling budgets matter, how to help clients understand the cost of “finished,” and what happens when people want nice homes but don’t always want to invest in or care for the final details. From bookcase styling and branded client gifts to viral stories about people stealing restaurant butter dishes and basketball trash cans, this episode is a funny and practical conversation about why interior designers really can’t have nice things. In this episode they discuss: Why tone and emotional intelligence matter when delivering client updatesHow Shaun is planning the creative direction for an upcoming interior design photo shootStyling interiors to feel layered, lived-in, editorial, and story-drivenWhy designers may need to bring in furniture, accessories, art, and props to get the right portfolio photosHow to explain styling budgets and the true cost of a finished home to clientsUsing brand strategy and ideal client profiles as a compass for photo shoots and business decisionsCreating signature client gifts, like branded floral arrangements or local treatsWhy caring for beautiful things is part of the lifestyle designers are helping clients create Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

    1h 13m

  2. Jun 26

    182: Blanding, branding, and tech stacks - oh my!

    Shaun and Rebecca are back for a classic Hot Young Designers Club catch-up, diving into the increasingly bland world of modern branding, the tension between creative identity and trend-chasing, and how interior designers can avoid losing personality in their own brands. They talk about “blanding,” luxury fashion logos, Canva-looking design identities, and why your branding needs to support—not flatten—your creative work. They also get deep into the operational side of running an interior design business: construction documents, redlines, return clients, spec sheets, software fatigue, and the never-ending quest for the perfect interior design tech stack. From Studio Designer and Programa to Harvest, Gusto, Dubsado, Basecamp, and client-facing systems, this episode is full of real talk about what it takes to keep projects organized as your studio grows. In this episode they discuss: Why so many major brands are moving toward minimal, sans-serif “blanding”How interior designers can keep their branding from feeling generic or disconnected from their workThe value of happy accidents during drafting, renderings, and creative collaborationWhy construction documents, redlines, and spec sheets can feel so mentally demandingThe benefits of working with return clients who already trust your processHow Shaun and Rebecca are evaluating software, systems, and tech stacks for interior design businessesThe challenge of creating a client-facing hub that keeps invoices, proposals, action items, and project documents organizedEarly plans for a potential Hot Young Designers Club group travel experience Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

    1h 5m

  3. Jun 19

    181: I guess we're making project yearbooks now?

    In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca catch up on summer schedules, parenting, old photos, and the strange feeling of realizing how much of our lives has been documented somewhere. That leads them into a bigger conversation about memory, storytelling, and how interior designers can capture the deeper meaning behind the homes they create. They also dig into industry changes, including Pooky Lighting being acquired by Visual Comfort, the challenges of buying from vendors as interior designers, and why designers need to keep educating clients on craft, quality, and the human story behind furnishings. Then, in true Hot Young Designers Club fashion, they build an entire new client experience idea in real time: a project “yearbook” or home storybook that documents the process, the people, the sourcing stories, the funny renovation moments, and the emotional history of a finished project. In this episode they discuss: How summer schedules, parenting seasons, and changing family dynamics affect work and daily lifeWhy documenting homes, childhood rooms, and personal spaces can become meaningful laterThe weird nostalgia of old party photos, VHS tapes, club photographers, and early internet documentationPooky Lighting’s acquisition by Visual Comfort and what corporate ownership can mean for beloved design brandsWhy interior designers need vendors, trade programs, and manufacturers that actually support the design industryHow storytelling helps clients understand the value of custom furniture, vintage pieces, traditional upholstery, and artisan-made goodsThe idea of creating a project yearbook, home storybook, or client keepsake after a design project wrapsWhy local design communities, regional magazines, and city planning should pay more attention to residential interiors and creative industries Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the website

    1h 1m

  4. Jun 12

    180: Hema Persad Is Uncompromising About Mediocrity in Her Life and Her Design Business, Sagrada Studio

    In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca sit down with Hema Persad, founder and principal designer of Sagrada Studio, a Los Angeles-based interior design firm creating layered, personal, and highly intentional residential and commercial spaces. Hema shares how she moved from law to celebrity styling to interior design, and how each chapter shaped the way she runs her studio today. Hema gets candid about building a luxury interior design business, creating tiered service offerings, managing client expectations, outsourcing strategically, working with contractors, and refusing to tolerate mediocrity in her team, her process, or her life. This conversation is packed with honest interior design business advice for designers who want stronger boundaries, better systems, and a more profitable studio. In this episode they discuss: How Hema transitioned from attorney to celebrity stylist to founder of Sagrada StudioWhy outsourcing CAD drawings and low-value tasks can help interior designers focus on higher-level workThe difference between full-service interior design, consultations, and smaller client offeringsHow Hema is building a three-tier design business with The Expert, in-studio consultations, and white glove full service designWhy showing too much behind-the-scenes process can undermine a luxury client experienceHow designers can manage client expectations around delays, procurement, contractors, and scope creepWhy people pleasing does not serve clients, teams, or interior design business ownersHow Hema structures her team around design, procurement, and project execution to improve accountability Mentioned: Hema Persad on InstagramSagrada Studio on InstagramSagrada Studio’s Website Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the website

    1h 7m

  5. Jun 5

    179: Stay the Course, Focusing on the Right Projects

    In this episode of Hot Young Designers Club, Shaun Crha and Rebecca Plum talk about what it really looks like to stay committed to the business changes you’ve made, even when the right interior design projects take time to show up. From refining inquiry workflows to trusting your instincts with potential clients, they dig into the behind-the-scenes decisions that help interior designers build more profitable and sustainable businesses. They also discuss how client proposals, payment processes, and service boundaries evolve as your design business grows. Shaun shares how he’s testing new proposal systems for full-service interior design clients, while Rebecca talks through lead qualification, Dubsado workflows, wire transfers, and why choosing the right projects often means saying no to the ones that no longer fit. In this episode they discuss: Updates on a potential HYDC designer retreat or inspiration trip in 2027How Rebecca is navigating summer schedules, family changes, and her husband’s upcoming retirementUsing Dubsado to manage interior design inquiries, client onboarding, canned emails, and schedulingThe difference between consultation-only leads and full-service interior design prospectsWhy reviewing proposals live with clients can build trust and uncover objections earlyHow to stay the course when you’ve changed your services, pricing, or ideal project typeWhy designers should prepare professional wire transfer instructions for larger client paymentsThe importance of choosing projects that align with the type of interior design business you actually want to run Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteSign up for our Hotties on Holiday List

    1h 18m

  6. May 29

    178: Someone needs to start a Design Detail Database

    Shaun and Rebecca are back with a winding, very Hot Young Designers Club conversation about mindset, merch, aging textiles, sleep pillows, old design magazines, and the eternal hunt for better interior design inspiration. What starts as a chat about energy, time, and side quests turns into a bigger discussion about how interior designers can find more original references outside of Pinterest, Instagram, and the current design algorithm. In this episode, they explore why designers need a better way to collect and share the tiny design details that make a project special: trim profiles, upholstery edges, tile miters, cornices, window casings, and all the little construction and styling details that rarely make it into portfolio photography. In this episode they discuss: Using mindset shifts to feel less trapped by time and business owner overwhelmRebecca’s Studio Plumb merch side quest, including custom note cards, tote bags, and hatsHow vintage sellers, rug makers, and designers use sun fading, patina, and age as part of the design storyWhy Shaun is pulling back from Pinterest and looking for older, less current design inspirationHow old shelter magazines, travel photos, architecture books, and nature references can lead to more original interior design conceptsThe problem with Pinterest search, ads, and algorithms when designers need very specific detail referencesTheir dream for a searchable design detail database full of trim, upholstery, tile, millwork, window treatment, and construction inspirationRebecca’s upcoming home projects, including reworking her daughter’s closet, flooring, hallway, doors, and possible wallpaper moments Mentioned: Sleep Crown - https://www.sleepcrown.com/MOO Note Cards - https://www.moo.com/us/notecards-oldHôtel Weekend - https://www.hotel-weekend.com/Schumacher Trims - https://schumacher.com/catalog/3 Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

    1h 9m

  7. May 22

    177: How to Be a Successful House Witch

    Shaun and Rebecca are catching up on the very real emotional, practical, and slightly chaotic sides of running an interior design business. Rebecca shares the time stress of trying to balance work, family, installs, and all the little business decisions that add up, while Shaun reflects on the power of delegating, building support, and choosing the work that actually matters. They also unpack the viral response to a clip from Caroline Turner’s episode about who gets to call themselves an interior designer, the value of design school versus lived experience, and why designers need to communicate their unique skills clearly in their marketing. From comparison traps and phone detoxing to restorative spaces, project installs, California permitting, and the dream of a future HYDC design travel experience, this episode is all about finding more intention, connection, and a little magic in your business. In this episode they discuss: Rebecca’s current season of time stress, overbooking, and learning where she needs more supportThe viral Instagram reel from Caroline Turner’s episode and the ongoing designer versus decorator debateWhy interior design education, experience, technical skill, and creative instinct all matter in different waysUsing your background, training, and point of view as a marketing strengthHow comparison on social media can affect creativity, confidence, and mental healthThe importance of real designer friendships and honest conversations behind the scenesWhy interior designers are basically “house witches” creating intentional, restorative spacesShaun and Rebecca’s early thoughts on hosting a future design-focused travel experience Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

    1h 11m

  8. May 15

    176: Some Clients Need a Design Dom

    In this episode Shaun and Rebecca catch up after their latest travels and dig into what those experiences revealed about creativity, mindset, wellness, and the way interior designers structure their businesses. Rebecca shares takeaways from the Design Field Retreat in Charleston, including lessons on Enneagrams, journaling, morning routines, and learning from successful design leaders. Shaun and Rebecca also talk about the power of being opinionated in your interior design business, especially when it comes to positioning, investment guides, and helping clients trust your expertise. From “design domming” clients who want confident direction to building a business that can support travel, remote work, and a stronger team, this episode is a reflective conversation about designing a business that actually supports the life you want. In this episode they discuss: Rebecca’s experience at the Design Field Retreat in CharlestonHow Enneagram types show up in creativity, leadership, and decision-makingCreating healthier morning routines and reducing phone reactivityWhy journaling and mindset work can help interior designers reconnect with their valuesHow Shaun updated his investment guide to better reflect his brand voice and ideal clientWhy some interior design clients want stronger opinions and confident directionThe difference between local and remote design projects, and how strong processes support out-of-state workBuilding a design business with the right team, support, and creative freedom Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop

    1h 13m
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4.8
out of 5
126 Ratings

About

They're not that hot, or that young - but hosts Rebecca Plumb (Studio Plumb) and Shaun Crha (Wrensted Interiors) spill the tea every week on how a new generation of interior designers run their business. Join a community exploring the emotional, practical, and humorous side of the interior design business.

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