Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast

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

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. NOV 8

    132: Awkward Money Conversations, It's not the client - it's you!

    Talking about money with clients can be super awkward. But here’s the thing, the real problem might not be the clients, it could be you! In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca discuss their experiences and approaches to navigating these tricky money conversations with clients. They also share their new Interior Design Client Questionnaire tool that makes those money talks a lot less awkward.  In this episode, they discuss: How to have less awkward conversations with clients about money and budgetsStarting budget conversations early to avoid surprises laterClients often have outdated information about costs, based on what their family members paid in the pastExamples of clients being disappointed when the actual project costs are much higher than they expectedInterior design client questionnaire with over 100 questions to guide client discussionsStrategies to screen out clients with unrealistic budgets early onTips for staying calm when clients react to unexpected prices and how to educate them on costs Mentioned: See what’s new on our Blog: https://hotyoungdesignersclub.com/blog/ Submit one of your projects to be featured on our Blog: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/65eb93c448cd67003a74507a Have you checked out our new Interior Design Client Questionnaire: https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/products/interior-design-client-questionnaire Furnishing Budget Calculator: https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/products/furnishing-budget-calculator Client Purchasing Guide: https://shop.hotyoungdesignersclub.com/products/client-purchasing-guide 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

    1h 2m

  2. OCT 25

    131: Jeanne Chung, Transitioning from fashion to interior design insider

    Shaun and Rebecca sit down with Jeanne Chung — an interior designer who used to work in fashion for 20 years before switching to interior design. Jeanne shares her story of how she made this big career change, the challenges she faced, and how she built her business from the ground up. In this episode, they discuss: Jeanne’s background in fashion design and her transition from fashion design to interior designGoing back to school for interior design, starting her design business, and opening a design showroom with her husbandUsing blogging and attending industry events to get recognition and credibility in the interior design industryThe impact and value of attending industry events like the High Point Market in growing her businessThe benefits and challenges of working with her husband in the businessUsing technology and AI tools (like Fireflies.ai) to improve efficiency in her workThe importance of customization and original design in her projectsTips for designers on balancing creative and administrative tasks Mentioned: Follow Jeanne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cozystylishchic/?hl=en0 Cozy Stylish Chic on Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/cozystylishchic/  Cozy Stylish Chic on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozystylishchic/  Check out Jeanne’s work on her website: https://www.cozystylishchic.com/ Jeanne is hosting the Insiders Tour at Fall High Point Market: https://www.highpointmarket.org/InsidersTour JK Chung Interiors on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jkchunginteriors/ 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

    1h 21m

  3. OCT 11

    130: Processes are personal, finding your way in the design industry

    Can you send me your template for that project? What do you put in your client contracts? Can you send me the exact document you use for your project management? It’s tempting to ask for the tools, templates, and processes of successful designers, but you know what? There’s more to being successful than copying someone else’s process or templates. In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca discuss the value of developing your own processes and finding your way in the design industry. They remind you that it’s not about copying someone else’s way of doing things—it’s about developing a process that works best for YOU. In this episode, they discuss: The awkwardness of people asking for resources and the importance of setting boundariesThe challenges of sharing design processes and the importance of not copying others’ workThe vulnerability of sharing work with other designersLearning from resources like podcasts and building your knowledgeThe importance of avoiding comparing yourself to other designers and focusing on developing your unique processHow the unique personality of each designer shapes their businessThe value of building a community of designers and developing genuine relationships instead of just asking for templates or toolsAdapting and improving your process through self-awareness and continuous experimentation Mentioned: Have you checked out what’s new on the HYDC blog? https://hotyoungdesignersclub.com/blog/ My Chief Architect Upgrade Journey: https://hotyoungdesignersclub.com/my-chief-architect-upgrade-journey/ What disclosures do you put on an interior design drawings? https://hotyoungdesignersclub.com/what-disclosures-do-you-put-on-an-interior-design-drawing/ Have your project featured on the HYDC blog: https://hello.dubsado.com/public/form/view/65eb93c448cd67003a74507a 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

    1h 2m

  4. SEP 27

    129: A Conversation with Rona Graf, growing Grace Blu Interior Design incrementally and small

    Grow small and incrementally. It’s not a race. It’s a marathon! Shaun and Rebecca sit down with Rona Graf, the founder of Grace Blu Interior Design. Rona shares her journey from being a teacher to starting her own design firm and discusses the importance of slow and steady growth in building a sustainable business. She explains why businesses should focus on sustainable, incremental growth instead of rapid expansion and how rushing into growth can lead to challenges. In this episode, they discuss: Rona’s background and her transition from teaching to interior designStarting Grace Blu during the 2007 economic downturn and the challenges she facedThe importance of having a business mindset, not just a creative mindsetGrowing your business incrementally instead of rushing into expanding too fastHiring people with skills where you lack expertise and delegating tasks and responsibilities The importance of collaboration and learning from others in the industryThe importance of saying no and not taking on every projectBalancing the creative and business aspects of running a design firmRona’s approach to managing client expectations and the importance of not showing them the messy, unfinished parts of the workHow hiring a CFO has helped her forecast revenue, manage overhead costs, and make informed business decisions Mentioned: Design Biz Survival Guide Retreat: https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/ Design Biz Survival Guide Podcast: https://designbizsurvivalguide.com/podcasts/ Follow Grace Blu on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graceblu/ Check out Grace Blu’s website: https://www.graceblu.com/ The E-Myth: https://amzn.to/47CoO8S Rana experienced the luxury of the Palmilla to help understand her clients better: https://www.oneandonlyresorts.com/palmilla Email Rona for help, or templates, or mentoring: https://www.graceblu.com/contact 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

    1h 7m

  5. SEP 13

    128: Just Stop VII: The Squeakquel, Vendors, Renders & Offenders

    Shaun and Rebecca are back with another installment of the perennial favorite, the Just Stop series, where they call out things in the design world that seriously need to stop. They discussed Just Stops from the coaching industry (coaches who brag about their income without proving their value) to the frustrations with generic and ineffective outreach emails from vendors, the use of AI-generated renders without disclosing their authenticity, and much more! In this episode, they discuss: Shaun and Rebecca’s Hot Spot tour at High Point Market on October 26Coaches focus on their earnings instead of the results they help clients achieveThe importance of routine check-ups and preventive careUsing AI-generated renders and photorealistic images on social media without clearly labeling them as suchStop doing everything yourself in your business, especially for photo shootsGeneric, impersonal outreach emails from vendors and sales representativesPersonalizing your emails and messages and providing real value upfrontVendors making websites that are overly exclusive and difficult to accessHotels and hospitality design that lacks creativity and design appeal Mentioned: High Point Furniture Market: https://www.highpointmarket.org/Fall/2024/RegistrationOpen  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

    1h 10m

  6. AUG 30

    127: A Conversation with Etch Design Group, Stephanie Nelson & Jessica Nelson redefined their partnership

    Shaun and Rebecca sit down with Stephanie Nelson and Jessica Nelson from Etch Design Group, a full-service design studio. Stephanie and Jessica share their journey from colleagues to co-founders and how their unique skills and deep trust have allowed them to build a successful business. They also talk about harnessing the power of AI to streamline their design process and push the boundaries of their creativity. In this episode, they discuss: How Stephanie & Jessica met and started Etch Design GroupHow they divide responsibilities in their businessThe importance of communication and mutual support in their partnershipBuilding their team gradually, starting with interns and eventually hiring full-time employees as their business grewManaging a remote team, trusting their team, and giving them autonomyTheir fears and misconceptions about AI and embracing and exploring its potentialAI’s impact on creativity, ethics, and controlHow they use AI to improve their efficiency, creativity, and profitabilityWhy they prefer hourly billing and the pros and cons of using a flat rateUsing AI for design inspiration, visualization, and renderingThe potential of AI to transform the design industry Different AI tools designers can use to enhance their business operationsDetails of their live webinars to help people with various AI tools and techniques Mentioned: KBIS: https://kbis.com/ Follow Etch Design Group: https://www.instagram.com/etchdesigngroup/ Check out Etch Design Group online: https://etchinteriordesign.com/ Hear more from Jessica & Stephanie on their podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/100-lunches/id1727481441 It’s time to discover AI for Interiors online: https://aiforinteriors.com/ Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiforinteriors/ Check out their podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ai-for-interiors/id1734103554 AI Tools Mentioned: Gemini: https://gemini.google.com/ ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/ Midjourney: https://www.midjourney.com/home Prome AI: https://www.promeai.pro/ Listen back to Crystal Bright in Episode 125 for how she uses AI in her business Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram Rebecca’s...

    1h 11m

  7. AUG 16

    126: Project Timelines, managing your bandwidth, deadlines, and planning capacity

    What are your project management strategies? How do you set expectations with clients and manage your deadlines? Shaun and Rebecca discuss their project management strategies and methods for setting expectations with clients and managing deadlines in the world of interior design. They also dive deep into the challenges of managing project timelines, client expectations, predicting and planning capacity to avoid overbooking, and much more. In this episode, they discuss: How Shaun and Rebecca handle multiple projects and manage client expectationsDetermining if you have the capacity to take on a new project and avoid overbookingOrganizing and visualizing project workload and pipelineHandling challenges like clients being unresponsive or changing their minds during a projectSetting realistic project timelines and communicating them effectively to clients and adding buffer time for client feedback and approvalsSome project management tools – Gantt charts, Basecamp, Monday, etcDealing with clients who constantly change requirements or are slow to respond and how that impacts workflowTaking time off as a business owner, and challenges and considerations around taking a long breakStory of a problem Rebecca had with a third-party Dubsado templateThe importance of having backup systems and emergency contacts in place for your business Mentioned: PMO Work Management Software | monday.com: https://monday.com/work-management/pmo  Gantt: https://www.gantt.com/  Basecamp: https://basecamp.com/  ClickUp: https://clickup.com/  Dubsado: https://www.dubsado.com/  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

    1h 8m

  8. AUG 2

    125: Crystal Bright, How she streamlines virtual projects with Design Live

    Shaun and Rebecca sit down with Crystal Bright, a virtual interior designer. Crystal shares how she grew her business in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Crystal has completed over 400 projects in the past five years and helps other designers transition to virtual work. Crystal explains how she uses AI and tools like 2020 Design Live to streamline her virtual design process and provide high-quality services to clients.  In this episode, they discuss: Crystal’s story of starting a virtual interior design business and growing a lot during the 2020 pandemicCrystal was offering kitchen plans on Fiverr initially at a low cost of just $15 but later realized her valueOvercoming impostor syndrome, and gaining confidence in her design work through education and experience, and taking NKBA coursesVirtual design and rendering software that Crystal uses – 2020 Design Live, SketchUp, Lumion, etcPros and cons of flat rate vs hourly fee structures for design servicesChallenges of in-person design work vs remote work and balancing business and creativityHow Crystal automates her client communication and uses tools like Canvas, Monday CRM, Zapier, etc, to simplify workflowsHow Crystal streamlines her virtual projects with Design LiveFinding a balance between charging rates that clients can afford and appropriate compensation for her skills and expertiseStrategies for negotiating project proposals Using AI tools like ChatGPT to streamline client onboarding, interpreting clients’ questionnaires and design preferences, etc Mentioned: Follow Crystal: @crystaldbright https://www.instagram.com/crystaldbright/  @livingbrightinteriors https://www.instagram.com/livingbrightinteriors/  @3dbrightdesigns https://www.instagram.com/3dbrightdesigns/  Living Bright Interiors Website: https://www.livingbrightinteriors.com/  NKBA courses for kitchen and bath: https://nkba.org/  Scanning floorpans with Canvas app: https://canvas.io/  Lumion for renderings: https://lumion.com/  Monday CRM app to communicate internally: https://monday.com/  Zapier for automation: https://zapier.com/  Loom for video replies and communication: https://www.loom.com/  Learn more about Cyncly and Design Live: https://www.2020spaces.com/2020products/2020designlive/  Our links: Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts Like, Comment, & Follow - a...

    1h 7m
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4.8
out of 5
104 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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