Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast

Hot Young Designers Club
  • 4.8 (117)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. OCT 24

    157: Las Vegas Market, Logistics for Designers

    In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun dive into everything designers need to know about attending Las Vegas Market — from travel logistics to strategy, networking, sourcing and setting up your post‑market follow‑up. Whether you're a veteran or preparing for your first market, they share hands‑on tips on planning, navigating the show, maximizing your time, and turning the experience into content and business wins. In the discussion they cover how to approach the show grounds, how to be intentional rather than overwhelmed, how to balance work + enjoyment on the trip, and how to make sure your investment (time, money, travel) pays off once you’re back at your studio. In this episode they discuss: How Rebecca and Shaun view Las Vegas Market as a “work trip that doesn’t feel messy” — accessible, fun, efficient.Pre‑registration, badge scanning, hotel & shuttle logistics so you’re not wasting time checking in.Apparel, shoes, bags, and what to bring (or leave behind) so you’re functional while sourcing.Planning your showroom visits: when to make appointments (and when not to), how to use the show app and preview guide.How to use the show as both business sourcing and content creation (photos, videos, trend‑spotting).Tips for managing time, energy, and collaboration if you bring a team or assistant.Post‑market hustle: organizing your photos/videos, documenting expenses, leveraging new vendor contacts, and keeping the momentum alive.Networking and social aspects: dinner reservations, meeting designer friends, and making the most of the “fun” side of market.Trend‑watching tactics: walking the floors with a mindset, capturing patterns, using the market as a source of inspiration for both client work and social content. Mentioned: Las Vegas Market official site 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

    49 min

  2. OCT 10

    156: Melissa Oholendt, Oho Interiors — Using your signature style to attract your dream clients

    In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca sit down with Melissa Oholendt of Oho Interiors to dig into how she built a high‑end residential design firm rooted in her signature “cottage‑traditional with a European/English influence” aesthetic — and how that clarity has helped her attract the clients she wants. Melissa shares what it took to scale from one person to a team across two states, how she shifted her pricing model, and why strong processes and trust are cornerstones of her business. They also explore the emotional side of design work: how homes affect mental wellness, the tension of leading a team vs. being the face of the brand, and what growth looks like when you lean into your style instead of trying to adapt to external trends. In this episode they discuss: Melissa’s journey from finance/PR/photography into interior design and why she finally said yes to doing what she loves.How she made the decision to be in two states (Minnesota and Colorado), the trade‑offs, and how that changed her business structure.Why she moved from flat‑fee pricing to hourly billing, and the importance of having historical data to price confidently.How Melissa builds trust with prospective clients before they even hire her — via Instagram, transparency around cost, and showcasing results.Her team structure, leadership style, and how she’s learning to delegate, let go, and empower senior and associate designers.How rising build costs and other recent industry shifts have forced process changes and ways to ensure feasibility earlier (so design work isn’t discarded due to budget surprises).What she feels most confident about (processes! systems!) and what’s still evolving for Oho Interiors.Melissa’s future goals: expanding influence, exploring product partnerships or retail, and building what she calls a modest “empire.” Mentioned: Oho Interiors website — ohointeriors.comOho Interiors on Instagram — @oho_interiorsOho Interiors Pinterest — /oho_interiors 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 10m

  3. SEP 26

    155: Mixed Bag, Design Retreats, AI Agents, and Bare Feet in Brand Photos

    In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun catch up on life, business, and creative growth. Rebecca just returned from a design retreat at a beautifully designed cabin (by Form & Field), where she worked on brand strategy and made tangible progress on her website. They also dive into frustrating vendor experiences, the evolving role of AI agents in design work, and a hot take on whether being barefoot in brand photos is ever appropriate. In the second half of the episode, they debate the ethics, emotional labor, and financial risks that come with sourcing, receiving, and delivering furniture—especially when imperfections, shipping issues, and miscommunications arise. They also explore how one small branding detail like footwear in photos can signal so much about professionalism, identity, and client expectations. In this episode they discuss: Rebecca’s design retreat: goals, structure, productivity, and what she accomplished (brand strategy guide, website refresh)The importance of having external accountability (“show and tell” among designer friends) to push projects forwardChallenges working with vendors and receiving warehouses: damaged goods, imperfect manufacturing, inspection failures, and the cost (financial & emotional) of fixing themWhy healthy project and product margins are non-negotiable in design to absorb unexpected costsThe rise of AI agents in business: potential, limitations, risks (data access, automation gone wrong)The debate on brand photo styling: barefoot vs shoes, what each choice communicates about professionalism and personal brandReflections on aging, style evolution, and gaps in the market (e.g. men’s clothing quality and age-appropriateness) Mentioned: The Airbnb Rebecca stayed in for her retreathttps://formandfield.com/work/donner-lake-cabinRebecca worked on her brand guide based on ideas from Renee Bush from Tandem. Listen to Renee’s episode 150https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/150-renee-bush-from-tandem-on-building-cohesive-brands/id1505427626?i=1000717943157Agents in AIhttps://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT6u2YScK/ 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

    56 min

  4. SEP 12

    154: You can be creative and profitable with Jamie Young Co

    In this episode of Hot Young Designers Club, Shaun and Rebecca sit down with Jamie Young of Jamie Young Company. They dive into the wild and wonderful journey of launching their design brand nearly 28 years ago, sketching a story that blends art school daring with entrepreneurial grit—from concrete lamps to elevated, organic, globally inspired lighting, mirrors, and accent furniture. Jamie shares candid insights on balancing creativity and profitability, navigating manufacturing challenges across continents, and staying true to a brand founded on casual luxury and exceptional design. This episode unpacks the emotional and practical realities of running a design-forward business in today’s turbulent global climate. Whether you’re a designer, design enthusiast, or entrepreneur, Jamie’s reflections on mistakes, margins, and maintaining a unique aesthetic offer both inspiration and grounded wisdom. In this episode they discuss: Jamie and her husband, David’s, leap into business—starting with mixing cement lampshades and launching with just three lamps while parenting their first child.The aesthetic evolution: organic, understated luxury, working with natural materials, bespoke glazes, metals, and ceramics shaped by travel and craftsmanship.The lengthy and intricate product development process—from sourcing in South Asia, to sampling, inventory, and ensuring products are trade‑ready fast.Manufacturing challenges: product failures, warped mirrors, sampling issues, production hiccups, and how transparency and communication matter.How tariffs and global sourcing shifts act like a game of "whack-a-mole," and how Jamie Young Co. has adapted by diversifying materials and production countries.The often-overlooked truths about profitability in creative work: pricing for value, building team support for finance and operations, and maintaining creative boundaries.The importance of ego management, client-designer relationships, expectations, and the balance between being right and being done. Mentioned: Jamie Young Co. on FacebookJamie Young Co. on InstagramJamie Young Co. on LinkedInJamie Young Co. on TikTokJamie Young Co. on Pinterest 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 2m

  5. AUG 29

    153: Leading Projects, Be the Driver, Not the Passenger

    Rebecca’s rewatch of Girls sparked a spirited metaphor that drives this episode: Interior designers need to stop being the passengers in their own projects and take the wheel. Shaun and Rebecca dive deep into what it really means to be the leader, not just in process but in energy, communication, and confidence. From preemptive client education to handling those take-the-wheel clients, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for setting—and keeping—control. In this episode they discuss: How process, confidence, and language establish you as the leaderSetting expectations early through investment guides and onboarding materialsIdentifying when you’ve slipped into the passenger seat—and how to get back in controlUsing confident and concise language with clients to assert expertiseManaging collaborative clients without losing creative authorityEstablishing milestones and updates to reduce client uncertaintyAvoiding long, justifying emails and replacing them with direct, proactive communicationBuilding flexibility into your process while maintaining leadership energy Mentioned: Girls on Max – Watch it on MaxShaun’s Hype Playlist on Spotify – Listen hereInterior Design Investment GuideClient Purchasing GuideClient Welcome GuideClient Onboarding Bundle 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 3m

  6. AUG 15

    152: Judi Lee-Carr of Jubilee Interiors, The power of saying yes: embracing opportunities

    In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca welcome Judi Lee‑Carr, the Singapore‑born, self‑taught interior designer behind Jubilee Interiors, a boutique firm in Westlake Village, California. With a background in visual merchandising and a journey that has taken her through Singapore, Jakarta, London, Paris, and now Southern California, Judi has built a thriving design business grounded in her ethos of Organic Modern Living: sleek lines, layered textures, and earthy palettes that feel both intimate and timeless. Her story isn't just about design—it’s about the courage to embrace opportunities, say “yes,” and turn uncertainty into momentum. In this episode, they discuss: How a chance moment in a luxury retail store in Singapore—touching up a window display—led to Judi’s first interior design project and how that led to her first 18‑month contract in JakartaEmbracing saying “yes”: Judi’s experiences of interning unpaid, commuting long distances, and leaning into mentorship to grow her skills and presenceThe transition from custom residential work to serving developers with model homes, multifamily, and amenity design, adapting her signature style for sales‑driven environmentsThe challenges of navigating immigration, motherhood, postpartum mental health, and team transitions—all while rebuilding and recalibrating her business to sustain both her creative and personal lifeThe current and future vision for Jubilee: undergoing a rebrand, expanding her team, and manifesting her dream project—a ground‑up custom home she’s designing from the ground floor up Mentioned: Judi interned with JAC Interiors as her first opportunity when moving from Singapore to the US - https://jacinteriors.com/Judi’s Website: https://www.jubilee-interiors.com/Judi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jubilee.interiorsJudi went on her own manifestation journey, similar to what we explored in Episode 142 with Coach Jacquelyn 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

    59 min

  7. AUG 1

    151: Just Stop: Hotties Strike Back, We're Taking Your Submissions

    In this episode, hosts Shaun and Rebecca kick off another round of the beloved Just Stop series—this time inviting submissions directly from their listener community. With a few listener submissions already in hand, they dive into some trends and pet peeves in the world of interior design branding, communication, and business practices. Expect their signature blend of candid humor, designer insight, and practical takeaways. They explore key topics such as professional branding tropes (we're looking at you, barefoot headshots), generational social cues, the ethics of pricing design services, and creative integrity in design feedback culture. In this episode they discuss: Why it may be time to just stop using barefoot photos in your professional branding—it can feel unprofessional or performative.The concept of the “millennial pause” in video content and why editing it out matters for audience engagement.Exploring the buzzword ethos in branding: why it might be overused, vague, or feel pretentious.How taking intentional summer breaks—especially July in the design industry—can support mental health and long-term business sustainability.Strategies for silencing notifications, reducing digital micro‑stress, and reclaiming control over your attention and productivity.The pitfalls of underpricing design services: why charging too little hurts individual designers and the broader community.Why the term timeless design is misleading, and what a more realistic approach to longevity and quality might look like.Common spelling mistakes in design terminology—such as principal vs. principle, loose vs. lose, and stationary vs. stationery. Mentioned: Send us your Just Stop submissions: https://portal.dubsado.com/public/form/view/681d3da2db8d4f003ad45766 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

    1 hr

  8. JUL 18

    150: Renee Bush from Tandem on Building Cohesive Brands That Elevate Every Part of Your Design Business

    In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun sit down with Renee Bush, founder of Tandem, a consultancy for interior designers. She’s the secret weapon behind the brand and business strategy at powerhouses like Studio McGee. Renee shares her journey from graphic and studio operations into honing a niche helping designers align business structure, brand identity, and marketing. They dive deep into how strategic clarity—knowing who you are, who you're talking to, and what you want—transforms client experience, marketing, pricing, and scale. Renee’s wisdom around confident positioning, signature processes and aesthetics, and the importance of a North Star brand makes this a foundational listen for any designer ready to level up. In this episode they discuss: Renee’s non-designer path: transitioning from graphic design/studio ops through Studio McGee into founding TandemWhat brand strategy actually means: values, tone, ideal client, mission, emotional deliverablesHow to uncover a designer’s unique "North Star" that aligns brand, process, team and marketingThe power of signature processes or aesthetics as a form of positioningWhy confidence—especially in pricing—is the linchpin to attracting the right clientsHow small, strategic changes across branding, social media, press, and referrals generate exponential growthTailoring Instagram and content for your future ideal client without losing your current audienceChoosing between volume of smaller projects vs. fewer high-end ones—and ensuring profitability through smart systems Mentioned: Tandem – with-tandem.comThe Haven List workshop – thehavenlist.com/workshopTandem Instagram – instagram.com/with_tandemTandem Pinterest - pinterest.com/with_tandemEpisode 99 with Ali FaulknerEpisode 149 with Danielle Chiprut 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 4m
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4.8
out of 5
117 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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