To-The-Trade with Interior Design Community

Interior Design Community
  • 5.0 (3)
  • DESIGN
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
To-The-Trade with Interior Design Community

Introducing "To-The-Trade," the ultimate podcast for interior designers. Our mission: to provide business and productivity hacks for better work/life balance. Join industry leaders and experts as we explore trends, strategies, and practical advice. Elevate your design business, manage clients, build your brand, and stay ahead with technology. Achieve success and fulfillment in your career. Listen to "To-The-Trade" now!

  1. TTT-S2E14-Embracing Change: Joy Maier's Journey from Wedding Planning to Interior Design

    2 DAYS AGO

    TTT-S2E14-Embracing Change: Joy Maier's Journey from Wedding Planning to Interior Design

    Laurie Laizure andNile Johnson from theInterior Design Community hostJoy Maier, founder ofAspiring Home Interiors, in an engaging discussion about blogging for interior designers. Joy shares her journey from event planning to managing a full-time interior design firm and blogging for SEO success. They explore the importance of utilizing blogging and social media for business growth, the evolution of platforms like Google Plus and Pinterest, and the significance of consistency and authenticity in content creation. They also talk about overcoming the challenges of SEO, using AI tools like ChatGPT for content optimization, and strategies for monetizing blogs through ads and brand collaborations. The conversation emphasizes the value of community support, continuous learning, and the long-term impact of meaningful content.

    59 min
  2. TTT-S2E13-Design Journeys: From Fashion to Interiors with Deb Barrett

    5 DAYS AGO

    TTT-S2E13-Design Journeys: From Fashion to Interiors with Deb Barrett

    In this episode of “To-The-Trade”, hostsLaurie Laizure andNile Johnson interview Deb Barrett, an experienced interior designer who made the leap from the fashion industry to home design. Deb shares her journey from being a buyer for a major retailer to becoming an independent design entrepreneur specializing in window coverings. She discusses her roles in design education, consulting, and content creation for leading manufacturers. The conversation underscores the importance of finding a niche and showcases the profitability of specialized fields, such as window coverings. Deb also highlights her mentoring of emerging designers and the significance of storytelling within the industry. Additionally, she presents her DECO tours, which offer small-group luxury experiences for designers, including exclusive events and behind-the-scenes access to design studios. These tours provide unique insights and foster lifelong friendships among participants.

    53 min
  3. TTT-S2E12-Balancing Construction and Design: A Conversation with Elizabeth Scruggs

    FEB 6

    TTT-S2E12-Balancing Construction and Design: A Conversation with Elizabeth Scruggs

    In this conversation, Laurie Laizure from “To The Trade” interviews Elizabeth Scruggs, a general contractor and interior designer from Nashville with 30 years of experience in the industry. Elizabeth discusses her company, Superior Construction and Design, and its multidisciplinary approach to projects that range from new constructions to interior redesigns. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of being a female contractor in a male-dominated field and the relationship between building and design in her work. They talk about the importance of remaining focused amidst the overwhelming variety of new tools, apps, and trends in the industry. Elizabeth shares her strategies for managing social media effectively and staying on top of essential marketing tasks. They also explore how designers can enhance collaboration with brands and emphasize the significance of consistency and prioritizing fundamentals for long-term business success. The conversation concludes with advice on attending industry events and the value of fostering a supportive community among designers.

    45 min
  4. TTT-S2E11-From Interiors to URLs: A Unique Take on Design and Web Strategy with Renee Leighann

    FEB 3

    TTT-S2E11-From Interiors to URLs: A Unique Take on Design and Web Strategy with Renee Leighann

    Laurie Laizure  of Interior Design Community welcomes Renee Leighann, a web and digital marketing expert with a background in interior design. Renee provides her unique perspective on servicing the interior design industry through effective web design and digital marketing strategies. They discuss the importance of having a well-optimized and visually appealing website, emphasizing the need for clear service descriptions, high-quality images, location details, and strategic calls to action. Renee outlines essential elements for various website pages, including the homepage, about page, services page, and portfolio. The focus shifts to digital marketing tactics such as blogging, SEO, email marketing, and collaborating with local businesses to drive traffic and build authority. Renee highlights the significance of addressing client pain points and providing social proof through testimonials and strategic content planning. The conversation underscores the vital role digital presence plays in attracting and retaining clients for interior designers.

    56 min
  5. TTT-S2E10-Bridging Design and Technology: A Conversation with Abiola Amusan

    JAN 30

    TTT-S2E10-Bridging Design and Technology: A Conversation with Abiola Amusan

    In this interview, Laurie Laizure from the Interior Design Community speaks with Abiola Amusan, founder of AV Luxury Design, about his role as a custom integrator for interior designers, specializing in home technology, automation, entertainment, lighting, and more. They discuss designers’ common challenges when integrating technology into their projects, the importance of early incorporation, and the advantages of customizing tech solutions to meet unique design needs. Abiola offers insights into emerging trends such as AI in home automation, the significance of wellness-focused design, and practical advice for both designers and integrators. Personal anecdotes and successful collaboration stories illustrate the value of seamless tech integration in enhancing client satisfaction and improving the overall design experience.

    1 hr
  6. TTT-S2E09-Eco-Conscious Interiors: Megan Thompson's Greenlist Advantage

    JAN 27

    TTT-S2E09-Eco-Conscious Interiors: Megan Thompson's Greenlist Advantage

    Hosts Laurie Laizure and Nile Johnson from “To The Trade” discuss with Megan Thompson, a Denver-based interior designer, regarding her ID Greenlist website and newsletter designed to help designers make informed decisions about sustainability. Megan shares insights from her background in sustainable interior design, including education on eco-friendly practices and overcoming industry challenges. The conversation covers topics such as sustainable sourcing, client education, managing environmental impact, and the future of green design. Megan underscores the importance of incremental changes and designers’ vital role in promoting sustainability. https://interiordesigncommunity.com

    54 min
  7. TTT-S2E08-Survival and Success: Anna Gibson on Managing a Design Business through Adversity

    JAN 23

    TTT-S2E08-Survival and Success: Anna Gibson on Managing a Design Business through Adversity

    Laurie Laizure from "To The Trade" and the Interior Design Community interviews Anna Gibson, the founder of AKG Design Studio about her journey in interior design and managing her business while living with long COVID. Anna shares insights into her background, the initiation of her company, and the expansion of services beyond kitchen and bathroom design to include complete interior projects. She also discusses how chronic illness has affected her business, the significance of managing energy, and the importance of a strong support network. Anna highlights the necessity of delegation, self-care, and task prioritization to maintain business operations during difficult times.

    44 min
  8. TTT-S2E07-Illuminating Journeys: Fiona Grunwald's Path from Ireland to Interior Lighting Design

    JAN 20

    TTT-S2E07-Illuminating Journeys: Fiona Grunwald's Path from Ireland to Interior Lighting Design

    Laurie Laizure from "To The Trade" and https://interiordesigncommunity.comhttps://interiordesigncommunity.com hosts Fiona Grunwald, a lighting design expert with a fascinating career transition from corporate HR to interior design in the U.S. Fiona discusses her journey, educational background, and passion for lighting design, emphasizing the impact of lighting on residential and commercial spaces. The conversation covers Fiona's approach to personalized lighting plans, the benefits of specialized lighting education, the challenges and solutions in lighting design, and the importance of considering both aesthetic and functional aspects. They also talk about the role of home automation in lighting and the collaborative relationship between designers, clients, and manufacturers. Fiona highlights the individuality of lighting needs and the evolving importance of lighting quality and design in enhancing overall well-being.

    55 min
See All (37)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Introducing "To-The-Trade," the ultimate podcast for interior designers. Our mission: to provide business and productivity hacks for better work/life balance. Join industry leaders and experts as we explore trends, strategies, and practical advice. Elevate your design business, manage clients, build your brand, and stay ahead with technology. Achieve success and fulfillment in your career. Listen to "To-The-Trade" now!

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