Design Biz Survival Guide

Design Biz Survival Guide
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What if you could hang out with experienced design professionals and entrepreneurs who have drive and vision, ask them about their successes and failures, and more; then take an insight or two to guide your own business journey? That's what we do each episode on Design Biz Survival Guide. Hosted by Rick Campos – recovering interior designer turned business coach with over a decade of experience in the design industry –– every episode is an in-depth look at how to launch, navigate, and grow your design business. The intention of this podcast is to inspire and empower designers with the tools and information you need to survive in the business of design.

  1. 6D AGO

    205: Tammy Covington | High Point Market Authority, Special Industry Spotlight Episode

    This is a special Industry Spotlight episode of Design Biz Survival Guide. This supplemental format is designed to highlight brands and partners that support designers both creatively and professionally. This is our way of sharing valuable information and resources for your business with you, our loyal listeners. Today we're speaking with Tammy Covington, President and CEO of High Point Market Authority. In this episode, Tammy shares the history of High Point Market and she pulls back the curtain to reveal the magic behind the industry's favorite furniture market. We also break down the role of High Point Market Authority and their contribution to the overall experience of market. Get ready to hear some surprising statistics, insider tips and strategies for navigating market, and their commitment to diversity through the launch of the Diversity Advocacy Alliance. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS The history of High Point Market and how it has evolved over 100+ years The vital role of High Point Market Authority in organizing and enhancing the Market experience Surprising stats: 180 buildings, 1,800+ exhibitors, and 75,000 attendees per Market An overview of the transportation system and concierge-level service for guests The launch and purpose of the Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA) Strategic partnerships, including with the NKBA, to support the "whole home" design approach Breakdown of Market attendees: 60% are designers, 40% are retailers and industry professionals Educational offerings including tours, peer-to-peer learning at The Point, and keynote presentations NOTABLE QUOTES "High Point Market is in the DNA of this area. The industry really lives here." "We want you to feel like you've received an ROI on your trip to High Point." "Designers now make up about 60% of our buyer base — and that's transformed how we shape the Market experience." "This market is built on relationships — it's about connection, storytelling, and access." SUPPORTING RESOURCES High Point Market Website High Point Market Instagram SPONSOR LINKS High Point Market

    45 min

  2. JAN 26

    204: Kaitlyn Wolfe | Trust the Process

    Today we welcome Kaitlyn Wolfe, Founder and Principal Designer of her namesake design and construction studio based in Phoenix, Arizona. In this episode, Kaitlyn shares her multifaceted business model, her intention behind bringing construction services into the mix, and her approach to building a diverse team of leaders to support the brand. We also discuss her perspective on mindset and comparison, and how expanding one and limiting the other creates room for innovation, growth, and creativity. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS How Kaitlyn built a hybrid design-build firm and the importance of clearly defined processes for each The evolution of her business from solo design-build to a team of 30 with multiple divisions The mindset shift needed to scale a business and empower team leaders How she approaches the design process with construction costs in mind to manage expectations and budgets The origin of her retail concept "Shop My Warehouse" and her philosophy on curated, intentional materials Launching her own furniture and lighting line, and how travel inspires her product collections The importance of staying true to your "why" when making business decisions Why mindset is Kaitlyn's ultimate key to survival in the design business NOTABLE QUOTES "Just make it exist, and then we'll make it perfect over time." "It's like falling in love with a wedding dress you can't afford." "There's way more differences than there are similarities between a design process and a construction process." "Finding the confidence to delegate allows the business to grow and allows you to continue to be in your zone of genius." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Kaitlyn Wolfe Instagram: @kaitlynwolfe__ Kaitlyn Wolfe Website: kaitlynwolfe.com SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager Design Biz Retreat + Business of Interiors Community Summit

    43 min

  3. JAN 12

    203: Edith Ponciano | An Unexpected Look into Hospitality

    Today we welcome Edith Ponciano, founder and principal of EP Atelier, a Nevada-based hospitality interior design studio specializing in sports venues. In this episode, Edith shares her ten-year journey of honing her skills, cultivating relationships, and building the confidence to launch her own interior design business. We unpack the complex niche of sports venue design and how the tenets of hospitality design have influenced the look, feel, and function of the world's leading sports arenas. Edith also shares the value of personal brand building and how it helps establish relevance and trust with existing and future clients. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Edith's unique path into hospitality design and the inspiration behind EP Atelier How a decade at Gensler prepared her for entrepreneurship The intersection of hospitality and sports design, from club suites to locker rooms The evolving role of stadiums as year-round entertainment destinations Why personal brand building within a firm is vital for long-term success Insight into long-term, large-scale projects like Nissan Stadium in Nashville Navigating confidentiality in high-profile design work How Edith is mentoring the next generation of hospitality designers through her course NOTABLE QUOTES "Essentially, it is hospitality design, but just on a different scale." "Everything that you do really builds your future credibility." "Success is living a life that feels meaningful at the end of the day and not just productive." "I wish someone would have told me to treat myself like a brand earlier." SUPPORTING RESOURCES EP Atelier Website: epatelier.com Instagram: @ep_atelier_design Mastering Hospitality Interior Design Course: View Course Use code PODCAST10 for 10% off SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager Design Biz Retreat + Business of Interiors Continuity Summit

    42 min

  4. 12/29/2025

    202: Raili Clasen & Brooke Wagner I Party of Two

    Today we welcome Raili Clasen of Raili CA Design and Brooke Wagner of Brooke Wagner Design, both full-service interior design studios based in Corona del Mar, California. In this episode, Raili and Brooke share how they became neighbors, friends, and trusted business confidants—and the support they offer each other as they both navigate the ever-changing business of design. We discuss how they overcome comparison, kick competition to the curb, and focus on paying their individual strengths forward. Raili and Brooke also share their personal perspectives on the nuances of the business of design and the three key areas in which they support each other most. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS How a shared studio space sparked an organic friendship and business alliance. The power of in-person connections versus online relationships in building trust. Why vulnerability and consistency are essential to designer friendships. Insights on overcoming comparison and avoiding the social media trap. The three biggest pain points they support each other through: clients, vendors, and employees. How their monthly "Bitching & Biting" lunches help sustain business and personal growth. Advice for finding your own "design bestie" even if you're not local. Their personal definitions of success and survival in the business of design. NOTABLE QUOTES "You can't learn this in school. You have to live it, and having someone to share it with makes all the difference." "You don't need a posse—you need one or two great confidants you can trust." "There's enough business for everyone. If they picked Raili, then she was the right fit." "We cover clients, vendors, and employees—those are our top three pain points we support each other through." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Raili CA Design Website Brooke Wagner Design Website Raili Clasen on Instagram Brooke Wagner on Instagram SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager Daniel House Club Hooker Furnishings

    58 min

  5. 12/15/2025

    201: Elliot Barratt | The Business of International Design

    Today we welcome Elliot Barratt, co-founder of Elliott James Interiors, an award-winning, globally recognized interior architecture and design studio with offices in Dubai, London, and Singapore. In this episode, Elliot shares his design journey, influences, and the leap of faith that inspired the international brand. We also discuss the complexities of international design—from culture and lifestyle to budgets and expectations. Elliot also shares tips and advice for designers considering expanding their design business across borders. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS The leap of faith that led to launching a design firm in Singapore with no existing clientele How Elliot built an international presence through strategic networking and market research The importance of hiring local experts when expanding into new global markets Elliot's systemized approach to onboarding and client communication Differences in client expectations and design processes across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe Building personalized design concepts through deep client discovery and storytelling How travel continues to shape Elliot's aesthetic and influence his design philosophy Advice for designers considering global expansion of their design business NOTABLE QUOTES "I arrived with a laptop, a flashy website, and no SEO... and we had zero uptake for six months." "Only you know how to design your way. People may support the journey, but you're the vision." "It's so important to be respectful of people's budgets, whatever level that is. You are a steward of their investment." "If your system is right, you don't have to worry about the process—you can focus on culture and creativity." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Elliot James Interiors Website Elliot James Interiors on Instagram SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager Daniel House Club Hooker Furnishings

    47 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    200: Rick Campos | Anniversary Episode

    Today we're celebrating 200 episodes of Design Biz Survival Guide Podcast! Listen in as self-proclaimed "recovering interior designer," host, and founder Rick Campos recalls how it all began. Rick shares his most memorable interviews, lessons learned, and what's next for the DBSG platform. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS Rick's origin story and inspiration for launching the podcast in 2018 Early challenges and the evolution of the show's production and content Most memorable guest interviews and defining podcast moments The role of resilience and community in the entrepreneurial design journey Highlights from DBSG live events, retreats, and market panels Sneak peek into 2026 programming: UK Summit, retreats, and coaching expansion Reflections on imposter syndrome and the power of confidence Personal favorite quotes and lessons learned over 200 episodes NOTABLE QUOTES "Comparison is poison." "You simply can't survive in this business without confidence, but we're not all born with it. Some of us have to learn it." "This platform—the podcast, the coaching, the retreats, and workshops—has always been for you." "If the conversation has an impact on just one person out there, then you've done your job." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Join the RETREAT / SUMMIT interest list Catch up on past episodes Follow DBSG on Instagram SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager Daniel House Club Hooker Furnishings

    25 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    199: Ronniesha Rivera I Vetting Your Support Team

    Today we welcome Ronniesha Rivera, owner of Alder & Stone Interiors — a full-service Washington-based interior design studio specializing in mountain homes for active families. In this episode, we discuss how a CAD class in high school inspired her to pursue a formal college education in design and launch her own design studio. We also explore the importance of developing an intentional business model that honors design, relationships, and family. Ronniesha is also the founder of Vetted by Design, and we talk about how a pain point in her own business journey prompted the creation of a vital resource that supports design professionals across the country. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS How early exposure to drafting and CAD set Ronniesha on the path to design Her transition from working in firms to launching her own business Rebranding from Studio 8 to Alder & Stone to reflect a refined design niche Building a business model around family, flexibility, and intentionality The financial and emotional toll of a bookkeeping mistake — and the lesson learned The creation and purpose of Vetted by Design as a trusted outsourcing resource Ronniesha's personal definition of success rooted in legacy and family support Her candid insight on resilience and learning through entrepreneurial missteps NOTABLE QUOTES "Owning an interior design business is one of the hardest things I've ever done. But I've learned that I can do hard things." "I wanted to work with people who got it — CEOs and business owners who understand the value of what we bring to the table." "Every failure is a lesson in disguise. Don't ignore it." "My idea of success is building something that allows me to step away and support my family in the future — that's the dream." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Alder & Stone Interiors Website: https://alder-and-stone.com Alder & Stone Interiors Instagram: @alderandstone_ Vetted by Design Website: https://vetted-bydesign.com Vetted by Design Instagram: @vettedbydesign SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager: https://www.designmanager.com Daniel House Club: https://danielhouse.club/pages/dbsg Hooker Furnishings: https://www.hookerfurnishings.com

    51 min

  8. 11/03/2025

    198: Gina Holz | Building an IMPACTFUL Design Business

    Today we welcome Gina Holz, principal of Gina Holz Designs based in Los Angeles, California. In this episode, Gina shares how an interaction with a professional interior designer as a child impacted her life and perspective on design—and how these early experiences eventually led to the launch of her own interior design business. We also explore the importance of embracing your core intention as a designer and how building the right team and cultivating a supportive work environment can unlock creative freedom. Gina offers a wealth of practical advice, including her favorite systems for improving efficiency and a game-changing approach to delegation that helped her build a truly impactful design business. This episode is full of valuable insights into running a business that feels as good as it looks. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS How a childhood hospital stay and a room makeover ignited Gina's passion for design Why early construction site experience with her father gave her a unique edge The pivotal moment she realized she had to prioritize artistry over logistics How she built a culture-first studio environment for creative and team success The "10-80-10" delegation model that transformed her time management and team collaboration Tips for working in the high-end luxury market and building trust with clients' extended networks Practical financial systems for clarity and profitability Why rest, gratitude, and creative exploration are non-negotiables in her business NOTABLE QUOTES "I was trying to be the best businesswoman I could be—but I wasn't trying to be the best artist I could be." "Gratitude is the attitude. The more mistakes you make, the better you are in this business." "$10 million companies are not built on $10 tasks." "For me, success is when you can't tell the difference between working and playing." SUPPORTING RESOURCES Gina Holz Designs on Instagram Gina Holz Designs Website SPONSOR LINKS Design Manager Daniel House Club Hooker Furnishings

    1h 1m
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4.8
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62 Ratings

About

What if you could hang out with experienced design professionals and entrepreneurs who have drive and vision, ask them about their successes and failures, and more; then take an insight or two to guide your own business journey? That's what we do each episode on Design Biz Survival Guide. Hosted by Rick Campos – recovering interior designer turned business coach with over a decade of experience in the design industry –– every episode is an in-depth look at how to launch, navigate, and grow your design business. The intention of this podcast is to inspire and empower designers with the tools and information you need to survive in the business of design.

Information

  • Creator
    Design Biz Survival Guide
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    205
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Design Biz Survival Guide
  • Show Website
    Design Biz Survival Guide

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