Interior Design San Diego - Presented by ASID San Diego

Rachel Larraine Crawford
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Design

First Episode launches on September 18th, 2025! Interior Design San Diego - Presented by the ASID San Diego Chapter is your local hub for inspiration, connection, and growth in the design community. Created to support our chapter members, this podcast shares practical business practices, insights from fellow designers, and the many benefits of being part of ASID. Listeners will also stay in the loop on upcoming events, gain valuable product knowledge from our industry partners, and hear the stories that shape our design community. Each month, we’ll also feature a special student-led episode—where the next generation of designers brings fresh topics, perspectives, and curiosity to the mic. Your host, Rachel Larraine Crawford—award-winning designer, founder of Tiger Veil, and voice behind the Holistic Interior Design and Hospitality Design Talks podcasts—brings her signature blend of wisdom and creativity. As a past Communications Director for ASID San Diego, Rachel understands the power of community and connection within our chapter and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an emerging designer, or a student just beginning your journey, this podcast is designed for you. Tune in, learn, and celebrate the strength of our San Diego design community.

  1. Aug 13

    034: Designing Hospitality from the Inside Out With Tina Marie Koch

    What happens when you combine a love of design, years of hands-on food service experience, and a deep understanding of how a restaurant actually operates? In this episode of Interior Design San Diego, Rachel sits down with Tina Marie Koch of Design Perspectives to talk about her unexpected path into hospitality design, the mentors who helped shape her career, and why the most successful hospitality spaces aren't just beautiful—they work. Tina shares her approach to designing from the inside out, the importance of flow and function, and how authenticity, community, and thoughtful operations are shaping the future of hospitality design. About Tina Marie Koch With over 35 years of experience, Tina transitioned from restaurant operations to design, eventually founding the award-winning firm Design Perspectives in 1990. Specializing in hospitality, restaurant and foodservice design, she is an SDSU graduate, NCIDQ certified, a California Certified Interior Design, and a licensed General Contractor. An active ASID member since her student years, Tina served as ASID San Diego Chapter President (2009-2010) and received the 2013 Ethel M. Siegelman Memorial Award. Her academic work includes guest speaking at various universities and serving as an Adjunct Professor at the Design Institute of San Diego. Connect with Tina LinkedIn Website Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

    034: Designing Hospitality from the Inside Out With Tina Marie Koch

  2. Jul 30

    033: Designing a Career with Purpose with Rick Hess

    In this episode of Interior Design San Diego, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with Rick Hess, Director of Career Services at NewSchool of Architecture & Design and lead designer of Illume Design. This conversation is part of a special series leading up to ASID San Diego’s August chapter meeting. The intention is to help listeners get to know Rick, the panel moderator, along with the other panelists before the event. By learning more about their backgrounds, perspectives, and experience in advance, attendees can arrive with more context, feel more connected to the conversation, and come prepared with thoughtful questions. Rick shares his journey into architecture and interior design, his passion for mentorship, and his belief that design can support healing, well-being, and meaningful change. He also offers practical advice for students and emerging professionals, including what employers are really looking for, how to create a portfolio that shows your thought process, and why professional relationships can be just as important as technical skills. The conversation also explores how designers can move into hospitality design through research, networking, mentorship, office visits, and hands-on learning. About Rick: Richard Hess is an accomplished designer and educator with more than 25 years of experience spanning architecture, interior design, and custom furniture design, complemented by over 15 years of experience in higher education. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in architecture and interior architecture from Auburn University. He later completed his Master of Architecture at NewSchool of Architecture & Design, graduating at the top of his class. In addition to his academic achievements, Richard is the founder of Illume Design, where his work explores the intersection of design and the phenomenology of light and color. Richard currently serves as the Director of Career Services at his alma mater, where he also teaches thesis and portfolio development courses. Through his mentorship, he prepares emerging professionals to thrive in the dynamic and evolving fields of architecture, interior design, product design, graphic design, and construction management. Email: rhess@newschoolarch.edu LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickhessnsad/ Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

    033: Designing a Career with Purpose with Rick Hess

  3. Jun 25

    032: The Builder's Perspective: What Every Designer Should Know

    The Builder's Perspective: What Every Designer Should KnowGuest: Chad Arendsen, COAT Design Remodel What happens when an interior designer and a general contractor truly work as partners? In this episode of Interior Design San Diego, Rachel sits down with Chad Arendsen, owner of COAT Design Remodel, for an honest conversation about collaboration, communication, and creating exceptional client experiences. As a fifth-generation builder, Chad shares his unconventional path into construction, from renovating a trailer in Leucadia to leading a design forward remodeling company known for its systems, craftsmanship, and collaborative approach. Together, Rachel and Chad explore why bringing the builder into the design process early leads to better outcomes, happier clients, and stronger professional relationships. Whether you're an emerging designer, an experienced professional, or simply fascinated by the process behind beautiful homes, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and inspiring perspective. EMAIL: chad@coatdr.com IG: https://instagram.com/coatinc https://instagram.com/love.design.sd YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/@COATDR Bio: Chad Arendsen has been in the building business most of his life. He grew up in a family business of contracting and was quick to learn the ropes. Chad and his wife Amber started a small handyman company they called Chad of All Trades 25 years ago. They did small jobs for the locals around north San Diego county. He continued to grow his business, getting an office, bringing on more subcontractors and creating a general contracting business that thrives on excellent service. COAT Design Remodel takes a "Design Forward" approach to every project it accepts. Members of the San Diego design community are included in every job. He feels so fortunate to have helped hundreds of clients accomplish their home goals and dreams. Chad is a family-focused, father of four. There’s nothing he loves and values more than his beautiful wife, and 4 amazing kids. He makes sure they all get his time and focus daily, and by never losing that, he is able to be 100% when working. Chad brings his passion for family into building strong relationships with his clients. Chad loves his local community of Solana Beach and he tries to live an active and healthy lifestyle. He enjoys surfing, climbing or boxing at the local gym. Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

    032: The Builder's Perspective: What Every Designer Should Know

  4. Jun 11

    031: Building Your First Team: Lessons Learned Growing a Design Business

    Growing a design business doesn't start with hiring a full-time employee—it starts with building the right support system. In this solo episode, Rachel Larraine Crawford shares her personal journey of growing Tiger Veil from a one-person operation into a collaborative team. From hiring an accountant as her very first business investment to bringing on a full-time team member and mentoring emerging professionals, Rachel offers an honest look at the lessons, mistakes, and mindset shifts that shaped her approach to building a team. Whether you're wondering if you're ready to hire, feeling overwhelmed by wearing every hat in your business, or trying to determine what support would create the biggest impact, this episode provides practical guidance to help you move forward with confidence. In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why your first "hire" may not be an employee at allHow to identify which tasks only you can do as the founder of your businessThe difference between creating support and simply hiring staffWhy hiring should be viewed as an investment in growth, not just an expenseA practical framework for determining your next hireLessons learned from a hiring decision that wasn't the right fitThe value of mentoring emerging professionals and design internsHow to build a team in stages as your business grows Get your Interior Design First Hire Readiness Checklist Here. Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

  5. May 28

    30: Building Relationships, Luxury, and Legacy with Russ Diamond of Snyder Diamond

    Building Relationships, Luxury, and Legacy with Russ Diamond of Snyder DiamondIn this episode of Interior Design San Diego, host Rachel Crawford sits down with Russ Diamond, President and CEO of Snyder Diamond, to talk about what it really means to build a legacy brand in the design industry. From traveling through Milan and touring Bertazzoni’s factory to discussing the evolution of luxury, mentorship, and the power of relationships, Russ shares decades of insight from one of the most respected kitchen and bath companies in the country. With over 77 years in business, Snyder Diamond has helped shape the luxury kitchen and bath industry by introducing iconic European brands to the U.S. market and creating curated experiences that connect designers directly with innovation, craftsmanship, and global design culture. This conversation is packed with wisdom for designers at every stage — especially those looking to grow through relationships, travel, curiosity, and client-centered service. In This Episode, We Discuss:How Snyder Diamond became a leader in luxury kitchen and bathThe importance of relationships in the design industryWhat designers can learn from European trade shows like Salone del MobileEmerging design trends in wellness, longevity, and earth-tone palettesWhy communication and support systems matter for successful designersThe evolving meaning of “luxury” in today’s marketAdvice for aspiring interior designers entering the industryHow travel and exposure shape stronger, more inspired creatives Key TakeawaysRelationships are everythingRuss shares how decades of trust, collaboration, and showing up for designers helped Snyder Diamond become a go-to resource for architects and interior designers across Southern California. Great design starts with caring deeplyThe best designers aren’t just creative — they genuinely care about their clients and treat every project like their own. Travel expands creativityFrom Milan to Paris, experiencing global design firsthand helps designers bring fresh perspective and innovation back to their clients. Luxury is more than a labelTrue luxury comes down to quality, craftsmanship, emotional connection, and creating an experience — not just using the word in marketing. Strong teams create strong client experiencesDesigners who build support systems and communicate clearly are the ones who create smoother projects and happier clients. Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

    30: Building Relationships, Luxury, and Legacy with Russ Diamond of Snyder Diamond

  6. May 15

    029: Inside Milan Design Week: ASID San Diego Takes Italy

    In this episode of the Interior Design San Diego Podcast, Rachel Crawford welcomes back Kendra Araujo of K2 Interiors to recap ASID San Diego’s unforgettable Design Gems journey through Italy during Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile. From immersive showroom experiences and trend forecasting to Carrara marble mines and late-night dinners with fellow designers, this conversation dives into why travel remains one of the most powerful tools for creative growth. Kendra shares behind-the-scenes moments from organizing ASID San Diego’s first international design trip, what designers can learn from European culture, and how meaningful community connections became one of the most unexpected highlights of the experience. Whether you’ve dreamed of attending Salone yourself or simply want fresh inspiration for your creative practice, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and a reminder that design is ultimately about how we live. In This Episode:What Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week are really likeWhy travel expands creativity and design perspectiveThe biggest trends spotted in Milan this yearThe rise of color, wellness rituals, and human-centered spacesHow European design culture differs from the U.S.Behind the scenes of ASID San Diego’s Design Gems experienceTouring the Carrara marble mines in ItalyWhy community and connection became the heart of the tripTips for designers interested in attending future international design events Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

    029: Inside Milan Design Week: ASID San Diego Takes Italy

  7. Apr 2

    028: Show Up & See What Happens: A Student’s Path into Design

    In this student spotlight episode, Rachel sits down with emerging designer Sam Iacometti, a fifth-year architecture student at the NewSchool of Architecture & Design, to talk about what it really looks like to step into the design industry. From attending events solo (and why that matters) to designing an elementary school rooted in sensory experience, Sam shares a thoughtful, grounded perspective on creativity, community, and designing with intention. This conversation is a reminder that the design journey doesn’t start after graduation—it starts the moment you decide to show up. Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

  8. Mar 26

    027: Sales, Listening, and Money: My Takeaways from LuAnn at UP Expo

    At the IP Expo, LuAnn Nigara shared a message that felt equal parts business coaching, mindset shift, and reality check—and it’s one I knew I wanted to bring back to our podcast community. In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on the biggest takeaways from her talk and why they matter for interior designers at every stage of business. From embracing the idea that sales is part of service, to setting real revenue goals, to having clearer conversations about money, this episode is all about building a design business with more confidence and intention. I also dive into one of the most important reminders from her talk: the best salespeople are often the best listeners. When we slow down, ask better questions, and truly hear what our clients need, we create stronger relationships and better outcomes. Whether you’re an emerging professional or a seasoned designer, this episode is a reminder that business skills do not take away from your creativity—they support it. Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

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First Episode launches on September 18th, 2025! Interior Design San Diego - Presented by the ASID San Diego Chapter is your local hub for inspiration, connection, and growth in the design community. Created to support our chapter members, this podcast shares practical business practices, insights from fellow designers, and the many benefits of being part of ASID. Listeners will also stay in the loop on upcoming events, gain valuable product knowledge from our industry partners, and hear the stories that shape our design community. Each month, we’ll also feature a special student-led episode—where the next generation of designers brings fresh topics, perspectives, and curiosity to the mic. Your host, Rachel Larraine Crawford—award-winning designer, founder of Tiger Veil, and voice behind the Holistic Interior Design and Hospitality Design Talks podcasts—brings her signature blend of wisdom and creativity. As a past Communications Director for ASID San Diego, Rachel understands the power of community and connection within our chapter and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an emerging designer, or a student just beginning your journey, this podcast is designed for you. Tune in, learn, and celebrate the strength of our San Diego design community.

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