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

Rebecca Ward, CID | Interior Designer, Interior Design Mentor, Designers Coach
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. 110\\ How to Build a Successful Career in Interior Design Without a Traditional Path: Colleen Bennett’s Journey

    -23 Ч

    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 мин.
  2. 109\\ Common Fears of Starting an Interior Design Career and How to Conquer Them

    7 ОКТ.

    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 мин.
  3. 108\\ How to Grow Your Design Business While Staying True to Your “Why” With Katie Decker-Erickson

    30 СЕНТ.

    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 мин.
  4. 107\\ Hourly, Flat Fee, or Square Footage? Discover the Best Billing Method for Your Design Practice

    23 СЕНТ.

    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 мин.
  5. 106\\ Proven Strategies to Elevate Your Brand, Streamline Operations, and Grow Your Design Business With Jacqueline Green

    16 СЕНТ.

    106\\ Proven Strategies to Elevate Your Brand, Streamline Operations, and Grow Your Design Business With Jacqueline Green

    Are you an interior designer struggling to build a profitable, sustainable business? Do you feel overwhelmed by the marketing and business side of your creative practice? In this episode, Jacqueline Green, founder of Behind the Design, shares her proven strategies to help designers overcome these challenges. Her journey from corporate marketing to interior design provides a relatable roadmap. She discovered that designers often excel creatively, but need support in branding, systems, and outsourcing. Through her company, Jacqueline empowers designers to transform their passion into a thriving business. She shares practical tips on networking, content repurposing, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn. Tune in now and discover how Jacqueline's expertise can help you build the creative career you've always envisioned. Featured Guest: Jacqueline Green is the founder, CEO, and Chief Strategist of Behind the Design, a training and education company that provides interior designers and other creative business owners with the tools they need to build profitable businesses. Through comprehensive education, coaching, marketing, and community offerings, she and her team empower designers to reach their full potential. Jacqueline is a seasoned commercial interior designer, former college instructor, and highly experienced marketing expert. After working in architectural firms, she knows talented designers and architects grappling with various career and business challenges. With a solid background in business and marketing, Jacqueline realized that she had a unique skill set that would help design firms overcome these pain points and fulfill their deep desire to make a difference and assist others. In 2018, she founded Behind the Design, where her mission was and still is to build a stronger design community by reimagining how we educate, train, and support designers after college. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn strategies to overcome your fear of networking and enhance your visibility Develop an action plan for consistent marketing, effective networking, and smart outsourcing Overcome common challenges faced by designers & creative entrepreneurs with Jacqueline's insights Check out the show notes >>> Proven Strategies to Elevate Your Brand, Streamline Operations, and Grow Your Design Business 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 мин.
  6. 105\\ The Must-Ask Questions for Successful Interior Design Consultations and Projects

    9 СЕНТ.

    105\\ The Must-Ask Questions for Successful Interior Design Consultations and Projects

    An initial interior design consultation is crucial for laying the foundation of a successful project. It's where you gather all the important info about your client's needs, style choices, and expectations. But how do you do that? By asking the right questions, of course! Without asking the right questions, you might miss key details that could make or break your design. In this episode, I walk you through the key questions every interior designer should ask to ensure you understand the project's scope and create a personalized experience that resonates with your client. From finding out if your client is in it for the long haul or aiming for a quick sale to uncovering their pain points and style preferences—everything you need is right here. Plus, I share tips on budgeting and decision-making discussions to keep everyone on the same page. If you want a clear roadmap for your next initial consultation, you won't want to miss this episode. Tune in now! Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover the key questions that will help you fully understand your client's needs, lifestyle, and design expectations Learn how to address potential challenges with client decision-making and budget discussions early on Modify your existing initial consultation process making your clients feel heard & understood, and delighted with the final results Check out the show notes >>> The Must-Ask Questions for Successful Interior Design Consultations and Projects 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: Ep103: Project Management 101: Seven Steps to a Stress-Free Interior Design Projects Ep71: Exploring Color Theory in Interior Design Ep101: Easy Guide to Setting a Realistic Budget and Timeline for Your Next Construction Project 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...

    18 мин.
  7. 104\\ The Money Mindset You Need Before Starting Your Design Business With Danielle Hayden

    2 СЕНТ.

    104\\ The Money Mindset You Need Before Starting Your Design Business With Danielle Hayden

    Are you starting your interior design business but unsure how to manage the financial side? The right money mindset is more important than you think. In this episode, financial expert Danielle Hayden shares why understanding your money personality is key before launching your business. Knowing your strengths and challenges can help you avoid common pitfalls and set your business up for success. Danielle also reveals the essential money team you need to build from day one to keep your finances in check. With her practical advice, you’ll learn how to invest in your business wisely and pay yourself properly. Whether you're just starting or running an established design firm, this episode provides practical solutions to take control of your finances and set your business up for long-term success. Ready to transform your money mindset? Tune in and discover how to manage your finances better so you can focus on what you do best—designing beautiful spaces! Featured Guest: ⁠Danielle Hayden⁠ is the co-founder and CEO of ⁠Kickstart Accounting, Inc.⁠ Her bookkeeping and accounting firm is on a mission to coach six-figure and beyond female entrepreneurs so they can better understand their numbers through bookkeeping, financial analysis, and support so they can grow profitable, sustainable and enjoyable businesses. With over 15 years of experience in finance, Danielle has worked her way from an accounting firm intern to the co-founder of Kickstart Accounting. She understands how complex business finances can be and knows that entrepreneurs need more than just a bookkeeper. They need real financial analysis and support to get the confidence required to create the sustainable wealth they deserve. Danielle brings a unique perspective when it comes to providing business owners with a total package that relates to their finances. She has been a guest on multiple shows, and when she isn't in her money mindset work, you can find her hiking or spending time with her family. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn how your unique money personality can impact your business decisions and financial success, helping you identify strengths and areas to improve Build your strategic "money team" to ensure your business finances are managed effectively Gain practical advice on how to invest wisely in your business, ensuring sustainable growth and profitability Check out the show notes >>> The Money Mindset You Need Before Starting Your Design Business With Danielle Hayden Links Mentioned: QUIZ: Know Your Money Personality Type Podcast: Business By The Books 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...

    26 мин.
  8. 103\\ Project Management 101: Seven Steps to a Stress-Free Interior Design Projects

    26 АВГ.

    103\\ Project Management 101: Seven Steps to a Stress-Free Interior Design Projects

    Are you struggling to keep your interior design projects running smoothly? Worry no more! I've got it covered. In this episode, I share the tried-and-tested Seven-Step Process I use in my design firm, Rebecca Ward Design, to help you manage your projects more efficiently and effectively. I walk you through each step—from gathering crucial information to presenting your design and overseeing implementation—so you can deliver beautiful, on-time results that impress your clients and within budget. Whether you are approaching your first project or collaborating with a designer for the first time, this will give you a clear roadmap to manage your project confidently and easily. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your project management skills—tune in now, and let’s make your next design project a success! Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn how to organize every phase of the design project, from the first consultation to the final reveal, ensuring nothing is overlooked Discover tools and strategies to keep projects on track, manage time, and stay within budget, making your work easier and more professional Refine your current process to ensure that your projects not only meet but exceed your client's needs and expectations Check out the show notes >>> Project Management 101: Seven Steps to a Stress-Free Interior Design Projects NEXT STEPS: Grab your freebies: Furnishings Investment Guide The Remodel Budget and Timeline 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: Ep101: Easy Guide to Setting a Realistic Budget and Timeline for Your Next Construction Project Ep87: How To Organize Your Projects Like a Pro: A Guide to Setting Up an Effective Site Binder 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...

    18 мин.

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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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