971 episodes

In today's world being a talented interior designer isn't enough to ensure that you have a profitable and successful business. Design school curricula doesn't always equip you with the business skills to have your interior design business be everything you imagined it would be! A Well-Designed Business® is here to fill in the gaps and give you real live business skills from some of the top interior designers. Your host, LuAnn Nigara shares her 40 years of success in the interior design industry, and she finds the most successful guests to share their interior design business best practices. This podcast is sponsored by Kravet Inc and Mydoma Studio.

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast LuAnn Nigara

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 725 Ratings

In today's world being a talented interior designer isn't enough to ensure that you have a profitable and successful business. Design school curricula doesn't always equip you with the business skills to have your interior design business be everything you imagined it would be! A Well-Designed Business® is here to fill in the gaps and give you real live business skills from some of the top interior designers. Your host, LuAnn Nigara shares her 40 years of success in the interior design industry, and she finds the most successful guests to share their interior design business best practices. This podcast is sponsored by Kravet Inc and Mydoma Studio.

    Power Talk Friday: Ali Stein: Strategies to Acquire New Clients

    Power Talk Friday: Ali Stein: Strategies to Acquire New Clients

    Today With Ali Stein Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. My guest today is Ali Stein, owner of Grabler Brand. This is the first time you have heard from Ali on the show, but not the first time you have heard about her on the show. Back when I had Regan Baker on, if you remember, she raved about Ali. Over seven years Ali helped grow the Regan Baker Design team from 5 to 20 employees and she helped increase their revenue by 1200%. Ali was the Director of Operations and she oversaw HR, Performance Management, Finance, Business Development, Marketing, Project Management, and more.
    Ali now has her own business, Grabler Brand, where she advises creatives as a business strategigist and operations advisor. 
    This smart lady is joining me on the show to give tips to designers on how they can land their next clients.
    Pick It Apart:
    [7:55] Ali starts the conversation by explaining how to get your next client.
    [8:35] Tip number one to gaining new clients.
    [15:45] Why Ali thinks it’s important to cultivate authentic relationships and how to do that.
    [24:20] Pushing yourself a little to make relationships, even if you are an introvert.
    [36:19] Ali advises to put yourself out there and ask for help.
    LuAnn Nigara and Ali Stein's Ah-Ha Moments
    “It is important to give clients that next level experience and not to rush through the process.” - Ali Stein
    “When you can establish a working relationship with someone, that can be a strong engine in developing future business.” Ali Stein
    “If you are an introvert, there is a way you can be in a room with 25 or 250 people and connect with two or three of them in a meaningful way.” LuAnn Nigara
    More About Ali Stein

    Ali Grabler Stein brings nearly 20 years of experience to Grabler Brand, a business strategy and operations advisory for the design and build industry.
    Early in her career Ali worked at Google and then as one of the first 50 employees at Facebook (now Meta). There she helped grow the community from 6 million to over 1 billion users during her 10 year tenure. She played various roles in User Operations, Product and Partner Management, and had the opportunity to lead both small and large teams. Ali then went in-house at Regan Baker Design, a full-service interior design and styling firm, to serve as the Director of Operations where she oversaw Human Resources, Performance Management, Finance, Business Development, Marketing, Project Management and more. She helped grow the team from five to nearly 20 employees and grew revenue significantly. At Grabler Brand her goal is to be a sounding board, ally and guide as creatives navigate their business growth and subsequent twists and turns.
    As someone who has managed both small and large teams, Ali has a strong sense for the inner workings of a successful business. From her industry knowledge to her experience with internal processes and marketing, Ali helps business owners and teams work towards becoming the businesses they want to be.

    Connect with Ali Stein Website
    Instagram 
    LinkedIn
    What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Watch the Docuseries!
    http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
    Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
    To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
    Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
    Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
    Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
    Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
    Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website
    LuAnn’s Blog
    Power Talk Friday
    Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
    Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #392: Dala Al-Fuwaires: Commercial Designer, Focused Business Owner
     
    AWDB #683:

    • 46 min
    Pure Salt Interiors: Aly Morford & Leigh Lincoln: Licensing Partnerships

    Pure Salt Interiors: Aly Morford & Leigh Lincoln: Licensing Partnerships

    Today With Aly Morford & Leigh Lincoln Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, I have a two-for-one as I am joined by best friends and business partners Aly Morford and Leigh Lincoln, co-owners of Pure Salt Interiors. If you have ever been interested in partnering with another brand, this episode is for you. I couldn’t wait to have Aly and Leigh on today to pick this apart because I know that a lot of designers are interested in forming partnerships, but have no idea how to find them, how to start them, who to start them with, all of the things. Today, Aly and Leigh answer these questions and more.
    Pick It Apart:
    [:55] Aly and Leigh share their backgrounds and how long they’ve known each other.
    [11:33] Leigh explains why they seek partnerships on a grand scale in their business.
    [17:35] Explain how they form their partnerships from the initial connection.
    [21:33] Share their first opportunity to partner with Mo Money.
    [32:27] Things that Aly and Leigh learned that they didn’t realize from collaborating with a partner.
    [41:23] How Pure Salt partnered up with Leftbank.
    [52:23] Leigh and Aly share their “why” for forming so many partnerships.
    [54:20] What is the process in terms of crafting a contract with your new partner?
    [58:00] What should you have ready to bring to the table before approaching a brand for a partnership?
    LuAnn Nigara, Aly Morford & Leigh Lincoln's Ah-Ha Moments
    “It is one thing when it comes to creating a product people love, but there is a slew of different things to consider for them to sell well.” - Aly Morford.  
    “It is important to lean into your partner's knowledge, opinions, and expertise as well.” - Leigh Lincoln.
    More About Aly Morford & Leigh Lincoln

     Founded in 2016 by best friends and business partners, Aly Morford and Leigh Lincoln, Pure Salt creates inspired spaces, products, and experiences that encourage people to live deeply in each moment through clean, functional, family-friendly design through its design studio, Newport Beach retail store, and eponymous Pure Salt Shoppe.

    Connect with Aly Morford & Leigh Lincoln Website
    Instagram 
    Facebook 
    Pinterest 
    TikTok
    YouTube
    What’s new with LuAnn Nigara Watch the Docuseries!
    http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
    Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
    To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
    Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
    Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
    Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
    Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
    Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website
    LuAnn’s Blog
    Power Talk Friday
    Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
    Other Resources Mentioned: Cheryl Luckett about Wildwood Collection - “A Well-Designed Business” A Documentary Series

    Check out Kravet Inc. and use our code AWDB10 for 10% on any order of Kravet fabric, wallpaper, or trim
    Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #130: Kate O’Hara -Director of Marketing & Business Development for Martha O’Hara Interiors
     
    AWDB #160: Kelli Ellis – Live and Learn by the Rock Star Principles
     
    AWDB #215: FaceBook Coaching Sessions- Show #1 with Kate O’Hara of Martha O’Hara Interiors
     
    AWDB #540: Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development
     
    AWDB #573 Cheryl Luckett, #BLM: See Something, Say Something

    AWDB #882: Bria Hammel: Doing Fewer Interior Design Projects and Increasing Your Profitability

    • 1 hr 3 min
    Overheard: Charles Pavarini, Leyden Lewis, and Maria Viola: How to Harness Creativity in Interior Design

    Overheard: Charles Pavarini, Leyden Lewis, and Maria Viola: How to Harness Creativity in Interior Design

    Today With Charles Pavarini, Leyden Lewis, and Maria Viola Hi, welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s Overheard episode, I’m joined by Charles Pavarini III, Leyden Lewis, and Maria Viola. We rarely talk about design itself on the podcast—we’re much more focused on the business sode of things. But the conversation about creativity has popped up several times over the years in discussions I have had with many of you.
    I have often wondered, is creativity something you just have or you don’t? And if you do have it, how do you know, and how do you channel it into your work? 
    What is it that makes some spaces just truly, unquestionably impressive? And is there a formula, a process, or a system for developing that? Or is it just innate? Today, I turn to the experts to answer these questions.
    Pick It Apart:
    [5:57] Charles, Leyden, and Maria share their viewpoints on where creativity comes from and how to harness it.
    [18:55] We discuss the teaching side of creativity and how to draw it out of students.
    [30:18] We unpack how to find the balance between your own creativity and the client’s needs and budget.
    [42:32] Charles, Leyden, and Maria share their advice for upcoming designers who want to develop their creative skills.
    LuAnn Nigara, Charles Pavarini, Leyden Lewis, and Maria Viola's Ah-Ha Moments
    “I think that the designer has something that the layperson does not have…and when you can unclutter your head with specifics—that’s when inspiration comes.” -Charles
    “We teach students to open and receive the creativity that’s already stirring inside them, but they just don’t know how to release it. We also take that and help them understand how to put it into the actual design of a room.” -Maria
    “I think for artists, shame is a major component—you have to get beyond it and allow yourself to express yourself. I think the most creative people are the bravest people I know.” -Leyden
    More About Charles Pavarini, Leyden Lewis, and Maria Viola

    Leyden Lewis:
    Leyden Lewis’ received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture from Parsons School of Design, The New School. He has continued to teach at the Parsons School of Design at The New School, as well as the New York School of Interior Design throughout his career.
    Leyden’s design aesthetic is at once rooted in a rich classical Modernism coupled with ancient traditions and methodologies. He operates from a deep interest in art and the history of design to tell a new and modern stories.
    Leyden Lewis Design Studio has created and curated poetic and culturally sensitive spaces for over thirty years. Our practice engages with the cultures of the past and present, and allows for a fluid integration between art, architecture, and design.
    As a fine artist, Leyden has exhibited at the Studio Museum in Harlem and at NYU’s 80WSE.
    Leyden is a Founding Member of the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG).

    Charles Pavarini:
    Pavarini’s years of experience, former career in theater, and extraordinary creativity have made him a trend-setting Interior Designer. Recognized for Residential and Commercial Architectural Interior Design, his work is consistently highlighted with intricate lighting design elements and brilliant technological innovation. His design sensibility incorporates an International Style based in Classicism and a theatrical component in less-than typical ways. Lighting is a focus within his work and he currently serves on the board of directors of the Designers Lighting Forum of New York. His book Lighting Beyond Edison: Brilliant Residential Lighting Techniques in the Age of LED’s was recently published by Schiffer Publications. A Recipient of 34 Design awards including an Interior Design B.O.Y Award, a LUMEN Award, and IFDA’s Circle of Excellence Award, confirms his influence and leadership within the Interior Design Profession.

    Maria Viola:
    Maria adds a unique perspective that ste

    • 1 hr 17 min
    Breegan Jane: The Gift of Transitioning, Turning Risks into Success

    Breegan Jane: The Gift of Transitioning, Turning Risks into Success

    Today With Breegan Jane Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. My guest today is an accomplished interior designer, entrepreneur, brand influencer, children’s book author, real estate investor, philanthropist, and TV personality, and you may probably recognize her from HGTV Dream Home. Breegan Jane, who has transitioned many times, is back on the show for a second time. She refers to it as “the gift of transitioning” because it’s making space for something new, something that will uplevel your business or get you closer to your goals. Listen in as Breegan offers more tips and come-to-Jesus moments with her ever-growing business.
    Pick It Apart:
    [2:29] Breegan shares her experience in general of all of the shifting she has done.
    [6:00] Breegan shares her experience with the blog she started twelve years ago.
    [10:15] Advice on taking risks and how Breegan has evolved.
    [16:20] Breegan shares two of her come to Jesus moments she learned through her shifts.
    [24:50] Working with partners and having contract employees.
    [29:25] Staying true to what you want to do, not what others think you should do.
    [35:07] Breegan’s CEO strategy to getting everything done efficiently.
    [40:22] How Breegan incorporated her sons into her content.
    [42:05] Breegan talks about her philanthropy work and the Makuno Project.
    LuAnn Nigara and Breegan Jane's Ah-Ha Moments
    “Breegan Jane, as a company, has gone through so many growing pains in the evolution of who I wanted to become,” Breegan Jane
    “Sometimes when your business model changes, you could change with it but if it doesn’t work for you, then you can create your own lane,” - LuAnn Nigara
    “The more we change to fit other people’s opinions, the more we lose ourselves and our value,” - Breegan Jane
    More About Breegan Jane
    Breegan Jane is an accomplished interior designer whose resume boasts enterprises that span the gamut, from custom music studios to international real estate projects and everything in between. Her design savvy is well sought after by clients in almost every industry.
    As both a residential and commercial designer, Breegan focuses on the design-build aspect of every project she endeavors. Her unique experience continues to set her apart for exceptional design opportunities, including her most recent work on UNICA, a multimillion-dollar luxury estate in Bel Air, California.

    Connect with Breegan Jane Website
    Instagram 
    Facebook 
    Pinterest
    What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
    Watch the Docuseries!
    http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
    Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
    To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
    Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
    Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
    Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
    Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
    Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website
    LuAnn’s Blog
    Power Talk Friday
    Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
    Other Resources Mentioned:  Power Talk Friday Tour
    Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #251: Adam Scougall : Managing a Successful Design Firm & a Full-Time Job
     
    AWDB #362: Breegan Jane: Interior Designer, Podcaster, Entrepreneur

    • 1 hr 6 min
    Andrea Liebross: It's Not Big Clients — It's BIG THINKING That Creates Success

    Andrea Liebross: It's Not Big Clients — It's BIG THINKING That Creates Success

    Today With Andrea Liebross Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by certified business and life coach Andrea Liebross, who is on a mission to help women entrepreneurs discover their inner potential and redefine success. Andrea is also the author of the bestselling book, “She Thinks Big” and host of the podcast, “Time to Level Up.” Today she is teaching us how to get out of the messy middle and move into the extraordinary with BIG THINKING. Tune in to learn Andrea’s 5 keys to becoming a big thinker. It’s all about TRUST!
    Pick It Apart
    [1:21] Andrea and discuss what it means to thinking big.
    [6:09] Andrea introduce her acronym TRUST.
    [17:50] LuAnn tells a story from Window Works about embracing uncertainty
    [38:59] LuAnn and Andrea talk about how to move forward at a steady pace as a big thinker.
    [48:00] Andrea shares that the messy middle occurs at different stages of your business, how to grow through these transitions, and why having a community is important to not getting stuck here.
    LuAnn Nigara and Andrea Liebross's Ah-Ha Moments
    “That future you all she's filled with is enthusiasm, and wisdom and knowledge. So big thinking comes from a different place than today. It comes from that future you.” - Andrea Liebross 
    “A big thinker isn't immune to limiting thoughts, a big thinker just understands, ‘oh, I can choose to put that one aside and have a different thought about this,’” - LuAnn Nigara
    “There are times when you're set up in every way for a great opportunity, except the money. And if it's a really good calculated opportunity, you can't not do it because of the money.” - LuAnn Nigara
    “You've got to have monetary support. You've got to have life support. You’ve got to have business support, and you also have to have time support—you have to have protected time.” Andrea Liebross
    “[Big thinking] is like the big umbrella. And then you need the tools, the strategy, the system's below to support that big thinking.” - Andrea Liebross
    “Your business is only going to grow at the rate that you're growing personally.” - Andrea Liebross
    “The messy middle is always there, but it's navigating it with more efficiency and more clarity, and more more speed.” - LuAnn Nigara
    More About Andrea Liebross

     After graduating from Dartmouth College and marrying the guy that lived down the hall, Andrea Liebross and her husband packed up the 1980s red Cadillac, left the northeast, and eventually made their way to the midwest city known for the Indianapolis 500. Over the last few decades, Andrea has started 3 successful businesses, all while raising two kids, now ages 20 and 17, and several giant puppies.
    As a certified business and life coach, Andrea's known for helping high-achieving women make the shift from overwhelm to freedom in both their personal and professional life. Her goal is to guide these bold, ambitious women to create their own custom secret sauce for success by combining just two ingredients - the right mindset and solid systems. Andrea believes every problem is solvable and every dream is possible IF you make it all simple, doable and FUN (even the systems).

    Connect with Andrea Liebross  All Links Here!
    What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
    Watch the Docuseries!
    http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
    Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
    To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
    Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
    Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
    Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
    Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
    Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Web

    • 1 hr 10 min
    Mona Nahm: Equitable Design for People and the Planet

    Mona Nahm: Equitable Design for People and the Planet

    Today With Mona Nahm Today on A Well-Designed business I am so happy to welcome Mona Nahm to the show. Mona is here sharing her incredible journey and her current work designing affordable housing. Mona truly understands how creating spaces with compassion at their core can empower people and allow them the safety and stability to reclaim their lives. Her glass-half-full spirit will leave you inspired. Listen now.
    Pick It Apart:
    [2:27] Mona shares her story of homelessness as a teenager.
    [12:51] Mona and LuAnn reflect on the value of basic education, obtaining degrees, and street smarts.
    [21:59] Mona explains how she realized that she wanted to directly impact lives, so she moved away from a career in film to interior design in her 40s.
    [38:11] LuAnn asks Mona about her current work in affordable housing.
    [59:58] Mona suggests showing up to community meetings to learn about affordable housing in your community if you are interested in this design avenue.
    LuAnn Nigara and Mona Nahm's Ah-Ha Moments
    “I just saw people with or without opportunities.” - Mona Nahm
    “The circumstances that you were in can create that lack of worth, and that lack of esteem, and so, therefore, you don't value yourself and then, therefore, you don't come to a relationship where you expect to be valued. And guess what? When we don't come to a relationship expecting to be valued—we're not.” - LuAnn Nigara
    “The stability of having a roof over your head gives you the opportunity to have the stability to get the job, and then the stability to save money and get yourself out…It all comes from, first, that safety—a place for them to have a home.” - Mona Nahm
    “You have got to get the hope going, and the opportunities for enjoyment, so that you can aspire to do the next thing, right?” - LuAnn Nigara
    “If you're so focused on the difference, you'll never see the similarities.” - Mona Nahm
    “Go where you are rare.” - Mona Nahm

    Connect with Mona Nahm  Website
    Projects
    730 Stanyan
    Projects
    Projects
    What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
    Watch the Docuseries!
    http://www.luannnigara.com/cob
    Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here.
    To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999!
    Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
    Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action
    Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts
    Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
    Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website
    LuAnn’s Blog
    Power Talk Friday
    Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast
    Other Shows Mentioned: AWDB #03: Things Every Designer Should Know to Run a Successful Design Business with Shannon Leddy
    AWDB #29: Shannon Leddy Returns for Graduation Week- Best Tips for Landing Your 1st Job
    AWDB #71: Ellen Fisher- Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of New York School of Interior Design
    #569: Power Talk Friday: Mike Peterson: Leveraging Design’s Influence on Health and Wellness to Increase Your Value Proposition
    #670: Power Talk Friday: Susan Inglis: Sustainable Furnishings Council, What You Need to Know
    #773: Power Talk Friday: The Company Store: Quality, Sustainability, and Innovation
    AWDB #809: Power Talk Friday: Michelle Rohrer-Lauer: Turning Eco-Friendly Design into a “Green” Bottom Line

    • 1 hr 22 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
725 Ratings

725 Ratings

Hygge DB ,

Learn All the Things with LuAnn!

This podcast is a must for everyone! Newbie designers as well as the seasoned ones! I have learned soooo much from LuAnn and all of her guest speakers. I love the fact that she’s an open book and willing to help anyone & everyone! Thanks Lu!!!

LisF03 ,

LuAnn is the Real Deal!

I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of LuAnn’s new free on-air strategy sessions! I was nervous but so ready for her to give me “the business”. With all the value she gave me, it shouldn’t have been free, lol. LuAnn is a truth-teller. If the baby’s ugly, she’ll tell you the baby’s ugly and we all need that. I don’t need to get sound business advice from someone that sugar coats things or tries to cushion the blow of what needs to be said. How can I get better if I don’t know what the diagnosis is? Our businesses are no different. LuAnn genuinely wants to help interior designers run successful businesses that don’t just succeed, but THRIVE! Thank you LuAnn for truly wanting to bring the best out of us. It’s already in there…it just needs to be brought out. That’s what you do. Thank you #smartlady!

JamieRoseD ,

Amazing resource for beginners and seasoned designers!

Luann’s podcast is SUCH an amazing resource no matter where you’re at in your design journey. Every single episode has insightful takeaways and ideas that help me up level my business. One of the most valuable podcasts out there, I recommend it to everyone!

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