135 episodes

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.

Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast Hot Young Designers Club

    • Business
    • 4.8 • 84 Ratings

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.

    118: Do Designers Have Rights?

    118: Do Designers Have Rights?

    Shaun and Rebecca discuss the issues around designers’ rights to their work. They talk about a recent situation where a company used photos of designer Natalie Myers’s work without her permission and modified the pictures a little with the help of AI. They discuss this issue, how having no rights over the pictures of their work is not fair to designers, and finding a fair solution to this issue.
    In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun discuss:
    How designers are often overlooked for bringing food and maintaining morale on job sites while photographers profit off photos without the designer’s consentThe unauthorized brand use of photos of a designer’s workThe Natalie Meyer situation where a company used her photos without permissionPhotographer-designer relationships The complexity of photo licensing contracts and how the system favors photographers over designersThe lack of control designers have over photos of their own workHow designers can have more control over their workFinding a fair way for photographers and designers to share rights and paymentsPhotographers can share licensing rights and revenue with designers when companies use photos of their designs
    Mentioned:
    Episode 107: Just Stop Vi: Judgement Day
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-young-designers-club-interior-design-business-podcast/id1505427626?i=1000637922368
    Natalie Meyer's IG Post
    https://www.instagram.com/p/C32pAPzrOzF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
    Ethnik Living's Apology
    https://www.instagram.com/p/C34kSOztN2I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
    The movie 'The Congress' with Robin Wright has some parallels to what we're talking about: The Congress - Prime Video


    Our links:
    Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
    Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
    Rebecca’s Instagram 
    Shaun’s Instagram
    For more information - Check out the website
    Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
    Design Resources - Check out our shop

    • 53 min
    117: How Will Brown helps clients approach Feng Shui in their homes - Will Brown Interiors

    117: How Will Brown helps clients approach Feng Shui in their homes - Will Brown Interiors

    Will Brown of Will Brown Interiors believes that interior design should be more than just aesthetics — it should also support clients’ well-being and energy flow within a space. In this episode, Will shares how he uses ancient Feng Shui principles to help clients optimize the flow of energy in their homes.
    In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun speak with Will Brown to discuss:
    Will’s career transition from corporate graphic design to interior designWill’s experience working at Hallmark and how it influenced his careerHow Will got introduced and certified in Feng Shui principles How Will’s clients receive the idea of Feng Shui Will’s process for integrating Feng Shui into his interior design process and consultationsSome examples of Feng Shui practices that Will suggests for clients Recommendation of Mindful Homes by Anjie Cho as a guide for enhancing the main areas of a homeHow Will tailors his Feng Shui solutions based on a client’s individual needs, interests, and comfort levelWill’s way of helping clients understand and optimize the flow of energy in their homes through Feng ShuiClearing misconceptions about Feng Shui Bringing in an ad hoc team based on project needs and how it helps him stay focused on his role as the creative directorAbout the Midwest Design & Furniture Fair — Date, venue, competitions that are going to happen there, and more!
    Mentioned:
    The Mindful Design Feng Shui School New York: Mindful Design Feng Shui School
    Will’s website: Will Brown Interiors
    Will’s Instagram: @willbrowninteriors on Instagram 
    Using a Bagua Map for your home: How to Use a Bagua Map: Simple Steps for Powerful Change | LoveToKnow
    Mindful Homes by Anjie Cho: https://amzn.to/3vMEeIN 
    Midwest Design & Furniture Fair: Midwest Design and Furniture Fair
    Our links:
    Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
    Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
    Rebecca’s Instagram 
    Shaun’s Instagram
    For more information - Check out the website
    Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
    Design Resources - Check out our shop
    Mentioned in this episode:
    Moe's Home Collection
    Moe's just released

    • 1 hr 4 min
    116: Can kitchen and bathrooms be profitable?

    116: Can kitchen and bathrooms be profitable?

    As a designer, do you prefer working on kitchens or bathrooms? Are kitchens and bathrooms worth the effort in terms of payoff? Doing kitchens and bathrooms requires a lot of work but doesn’t always result in big profits. Shaun and Rebecca are here to discuss tips and strategies for making smaller projects like kitchens and bathrooms more profitable.
    In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun discuss:
    Challenges and benefits of working within the limitations of kitchen and bathroom spacesDifficulty in finding a contractor who only does bathroom or kitchenThe crucial role contractors play in referralsWays to make kitchen and bathrooms more profitable and enjoyableDoing minimum expenditures on kitchen and bathroom to guarantee more revenueNot adding things that you don’t have any markup onHow can designers guarantee more revenue through minimum purchasing requirementsHow some contractors undermine design decisions by suggesting cheaper alternativesImportance of bringing up material purchases early in the project Challenges of photographing home renovation projects that include NDAsCobbled together approach for making money in kitchen designThe risks and rewards of custom cabinetryBuying products directly from manufacturers and selling them without a third-partyValue of offering design-only services for self-managed clients

    Mentioned:
    Client Purchasing Guide
    https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/products/client-purchasing-guide
    Check out Episode 82 with Linda Hayslett
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-young-designers-club-interior-design-business-podcast/id1505427626?i=1000595637345
    Patreon Episode - Can kitchens and bathrooms be profitable?
    https://www.patreon.com/posts/design-to-go-how-99023498?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

    Our links:
    Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
    Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
    Rebecca’s Instagram 
    Shaun’s Instagram
    For more information - Check out the website
    Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
    Design Resources - Check out our shop
    Mentioned in this episode:
    Moe's Home Collection
    Save an extra 10% off your purchase using code HYDC10 at checkout. https://moeshomecollection.com
    High...

    • 59 min
    115: How process leads to profit with Garrison Hullinger - Studio Garrison

    115: How process leads to profit with Garrison Hullinger - Studio Garrison

    Today’s guest, Garrison Hullinger, overcame adversity to build a thriving design business from the ground up. One of his secrets? Establishing the right process that allows for maximum productivity and profit.
    Garrison discusses his processes — from the structure of his design team to qualifying clients, delegating tasks, establishing design pillars and vision statements for each project, and more. He shows how creativity and profits can thrive with the right planning structures in place.
    In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun speak with Garrison Hullinger to discuss:
    Garrison’s career path and how he got into interior designHow Garrison started his business without technical design skillsHow neighborhood requests turned into his first design projectsThe structure of Garrison’s design team and how the roles are organizedHow Garrison communicates vision and guidance to his design teamWorking during an economic downturn and seeing it as an opportunity for growthThe importance of delivering outcomes and ROIHow Garrison and his team balance creative ideas with practical constraintsGarrison’s process of qualifying prospectsGarrison’s experience breaking into multifamily projectsGarrison’s process for client meetings and project reviewsThe importance of finding collaborators for successful projects
    Mentioned:
    Design Biz Retreat: Design Biz Retreat
    Garrison on Instagram: Studio Garrison (@studiogarrisoninc) on Instagram
    Garrison’s website: Garrison Hullinger Interior Design

    Our links:
    Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
    Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
    Rebecca’s Instagram 
    Shaun’s Instagram
    For more information - Check out the website
    Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
    Design Resources - Check out our shop
    Mentioned in this episode:
    Moe's Home Collection
    Save an extra 10% off your purchase using code HYDC10 at checkout. https://moeshomecollection.com

    • 1 hr 16 min
    114: So you want to open an online shop?

    114: So you want to open an online shop?

    Opening an online shop seems like an exciting way to expand your business, but it is a major undertaking that requires careful planning and execution. Shaun and Rebecca are launching their new e-commerce shop and share the good, the bad, and the ugly of what it really takes to launch a fully robust e-commerce shop.
    In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun discuss:
    Shaun and Rebecca’s experience launching a new e-commerce shopShaun and Rebecca’s experience on Payhip and why they are moving to ShopifyShaun’s experience transitioning his email newsletter to KlaviyoThe challenges they faced moving to Shopify – rebranding their website, redesigning products, etcInvesting in quality product photography to showcase your brand aestheticProduct descriptions and the importance of effective writing in conveying product features like texture, color, size, etcFactors to consider like pricing, content, and inventory management from the beginningSome design sales and marketing strategiesHow working with coach Ashton from The Awakening helped them with their e-commerce businessAlternatives to a full e-commerce site like using affiliate links
    Mentioned:
    shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com
    The Awakening Website: https://myawakening.co/
    Our links:
    Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
    Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
    Rebecca’s Instagram 
    Shaun’s Instagram
    For more information - Check out the website
    Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
    Design Resources - Check out our shop
    Mentioned in this episode:
    Pinterest Masterclass
    Pinterest is not just for inspiration anymore. It can actually be used strategically to gain new clients! Learn more about our Pinterest for Interior Designers Masterclass at:
    shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com

    • 1 hr
    113: Don't Call Them Hacks - Tips for Pre-Construction, Billable Time, and Productivity

    113: Don't Call Them Hacks - Tips for Pre-Construction, Billable Time, and Productivity

    What tools and apps can help me with time tracking and invoicing? How do I organize my notes and stay organized? Is an iPad worth it for work? How can it be used effectively? Tune in as we share some of our tried-and-true methods for staying organized and productive. With some small adjustments to your processes, these small methods can make a big difference for your business. Just don't call them hacks!
    In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun discuss:
    Tools and apps that can help with time tracking – Harvest app, GoodNotes Tips for using technology effectively during meetingsValue of iPads for workUsing Canvas to take measurements during home consultationsHow to determine if a remodel makes financial senseUseful tools for site visits and consultationsStrategies for note-taking, file sharing, and collaborating on projects remotelyWhen should a contractor be brought in – during initial consultations or after the design processGetting early cost estimates and feasibility studies from contractors before fully developing design plansHow to work with clients to establish a realistic budget and avoid cost overruns

    Mentioned:
    Amazon Salad Bar: https://amzn.to/3SnWeAO
    Harvest App: Time Tracking Software With Invoicing | Harvest
    Good Notes app: Goodnotes | Notes Reimagined | Note-Taking App
    Canvas app for home measurements: The easiest way to get as-builts | Canvas
    Tankersley Construction Episode: ‎Hot Young Designers Club 105: A Conversation with Tankersley Construction
    Cost vs. value remodeling guide: Cost vs. Value 2023 | National
    Rebecca’s Upwork Freelancer for Chief Architect: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~012a205720d9c6bb42

    Our links:
    Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
    Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
    Rebecca’s Instagram 
    Shaun’s Instagram
    For more information - Check out the website
    Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
    Design Resources - Check out our shop
    Mentioned in this episode:
    High Point Market
    https://highpointmarket.org/registerhydc
    Moe's Home Collection
    Save an extra 10% off your purchase...

    • 1 hr 16 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
84 Ratings

84 Ratings

01echogirl ,

These Hotties are so generous, and fun to spend my days with as I learn and grow!

Shaun and Rebecca feel like my design soul sisters! I feel connected having taken a very similar path to ID as my 2nd career. Even after several years in my business, they are always sharing new things so I am continually learning. And in a fun and casual environment too. They are so generous with sharing the knowledge they've gained along the way with the rest of the design community, and I am so grateful. Thank you!

SierraCH925 ,

You won’t be disappointed!

I love listening to Shaun and Rebecca! As a baby designer, I love tuning in to hear what I have to look forward to and Ty hear the good, bad and not glamorous at all faces of this business. Having been working within it, I know some of these realities already but it’s completely different to hear what to expect as a business owner. They do a great job conveying what’s to come and what to look out for. I tune in when I need that extra motivation too! They’re so funny too, it’s like listening to two friends who get what we all go through. Love this podcast!!

AMDTODC33 ,

Super helpful

I’ve been listening to this podcast for over a year now and also gone back and listen to all the previous episodes as well. Shaun and Rebecca are so so awesome. The information is so relevant and helpful. I found a lot of value in their Patreon community as well. There are a ton of helpful downloads to get you buttoned up with your processes. but aside from that, they have created a really wonderful community. I don’t really have a designer community that I’m tapped into in my area, so they really feel like my design besties. I can’t wait to meet up with them in person at Market this fall!

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