Interior Design San Diego - Presented by ASID San Diego

Rachel Larraine Crawford
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Design

First Episode launches on September 18th, 2025! Interior Design San Diego - Presented by the ASID San Diego Chapter is your local hub for inspiration, connection, and growth in the design community. Created to support our chapter members, this podcast shares practical business practices, insights from fellow designers, and the many benefits of being part of ASID. Listeners will also stay in the loop on upcoming events, gain valuable product knowledge from our industry partners, and hear the stories that shape our design community. Each month, we’ll also feature a special student-led episode—where the next generation of designers brings fresh topics, perspectives, and curiosity to the mic. Your host, Rachel Larraine Crawford—award-winning designer, founder of Tiger Veil, and voice behind the Holistic Interior Design and Hospitality Design Talks podcasts—brings her signature blend of wisdom and creativity. As a past Communications Director for ASID San Diego, Rachel understands the power of community and connection within our chapter and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an emerging designer, or a student just beginning your journey, this podcast is designed for you. Tune in, learn, and celebrate the strength of our San Diego design community.

  1. 30: Building Relationships, Luxury, and Legacy with Russ Diamond of Snyder Diamond

    1d ago

    30: Building Relationships, Luxury, and Legacy with Russ Diamond of Snyder Diamond

    Building Relationships, Luxury, and Legacy with Russ Diamond of Snyder DiamondIn this episode of Interior Design San Diego, host Rachel Crawford sits down with Russ Diamond, President and CEO of Snyder Diamond, to talk about what it really means to build a legacy brand in the design industry. From traveling through Milan and touring Bertazzoni’s factory to discussing the evolution of luxury, mentorship, and the power of relationships, Russ shares decades of insight from one of the most respected kitchen and bath companies in the country. With over 77 years in business, Snyder Diamond has helped shape the luxury kitchen and bath industry by introducing iconic European brands to the U.S. market and creating curated experiences that connect designers directly with innovation, craftsmanship, and global design culture. This conversation is packed with wisdom for designers at every stage — especially those looking to grow through relationships, travel, curiosity, and client-centered service. In This Episode, We Discuss:How Snyder Diamond became a leader in luxury kitchen and bathThe importance of relationships in the design industryWhat designers can learn from European trade shows like Salone del MobileEmerging design trends in wellness, longevity, and earth-tone palettesWhy communication and support systems matter for successful designersThe evolving meaning of “luxury” in today’s marketAdvice for aspiring interior designers entering the industryHow travel and exposure shape stronger, more inspired creatives Key TakeawaysRelationships are everythingRuss shares how decades of trust, collaboration, and showing up for designers helped Snyder Diamond become a go-to resource for architects and interior designers across Southern California. Great design starts with caring deeplyThe best designers aren’t just creative — they genuinely care about their clients and treat every project like their own. Travel expands creativityFrom Milan to Paris, experiencing global design firsthand helps designers bring fresh perspective and innovation back to their clients. Luxury is more than a labelTrue luxury comes down to quality, craftsmanship, emotional connection, and creating an experience — not just using the word in marketing. Strong teams create strong client experiencesDesigners who build support systems and communicate clearly are the ones who create smoother projects and happier clients. Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

    45 min
  2. 029: Inside Milan Design Week: ASID San Diego Takes Italy

    May 15

    029: Inside Milan Design Week: ASID San Diego Takes Italy

    In this episode of the Interior Design San Diego Podcast, Rachel Crawford welcomes back Kendra Araujo of K2 Interiors to recap ASID San Diego’s unforgettable Design Gems journey through Italy during Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile. From immersive showroom experiences and trend forecasting to Carrara marble mines and late-night dinners with fellow designers, this conversation dives into why travel remains one of the most powerful tools for creative growth. Kendra shares behind-the-scenes moments from organizing ASID San Diego’s first international design trip, what designers can learn from European culture, and how meaningful community connections became one of the most unexpected highlights of the experience. Whether you’ve dreamed of attending Salone yourself or simply want fresh inspiration for your creative practice, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and a reminder that design is ultimately about how we live. In This Episode:What Salone del Mobile and Milan Design Week are really likeWhy travel expands creativity and design perspectiveThe biggest trends spotted in Milan this yearThe rise of color, wellness rituals, and human-centered spacesHow European design culture differs from the U.S.Behind the scenes of ASID San Diego’s Design Gems experienceTouring the Carrara marble mines in ItalyWhy community and connection became the heart of the tripTips for designers interested in attending future international design events Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

    33 min

  3. Apr 2

    028: Show Up & See What Happens: A Student’s Path into Design

    In this student spotlight episode, Rachel sits down with emerging designer Sam Iacometti, a fifth-year architecture student at the NewSchool of Architecture & Design, to talk about what it really looks like to step into the design industry. From attending events solo (and why that matters) to designing an elementary school rooted in sensory experience, Sam shares a thoughtful, grounded perspective on creativity, community, and designing with intention. This conversation is a reminder that the design journey doesn’t start after graduation—it starts the moment you decide to show up. Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

    39 min

  4. Mar 26

    027: Sales, Listening, and Money: My Takeaways from LuAnn at UP Expo

    At the IP Expo, LuAnn Nigara shared a message that felt equal parts business coaching, mindset shift, and reality check—and it’s one I knew I wanted to bring back to our podcast community. In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on the biggest takeaways from her talk and why they matter for interior designers at every stage of business. From embracing the idea that sales is part of service, to setting real revenue goals, to having clearer conversations about money, this episode is all about building a design business with more confidence and intention. I also dive into one of the most important reminders from her talk: the best salespeople are often the best listeners. When we slow down, ask better questions, and truly hear what our clients need, we create stronger relationships and better outcomes. Whether you’re an emerging professional or a seasoned designer, this episode is a reminder that business skills do not take away from your creativity—they support it. Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

    27 min

  5. Mar 19

    026: Behind the Scenes of My Interior Design Business

    On this solo episode of the Interior Design San Diego Podcast, Rachel Larraine Crawford pulls back the curtain on the reality of running a full-service interior design business. After years of being asked by students and fellow designers what her days actually look like, Rachel walks you through her weekly rhythm—from focused admin days in her 500 sq ft ADU studio to client meetings, sourcing sessions, job site visits, and everything in between. With 8–10 active projects at any given time—including a Brazilian steakhouse, second homes, kitchen remodels, and a one-of-a-kind astrology reading room—this episode offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the balance of creativity, logistics, leadership, and relationship-building that defines the profession. You’ll hear how Rachel structures her week for efficiency, how she collaborates with her design assistant to manage procurement and operations, and why the “non-glamorous” side of design is actually what sets great designers apart. Whether you're an emerging professional, a student, or simply curious about the industry, this episode demystifies the day-to-day and highlights what it really takes to bring thoughtful, well-executed spaces to life. Connect with Rachel rachel@tigerveil.com instagram.com/tigerveil Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

    26 min
  6. 025: From Concept to Creation: How Tecture Brings Custom Design to Life with Brittany Cartwright

    Mar 5

    025: From Concept to Creation: How Tecture Brings Custom Design to Life with Brittany Cartwright

    What happens when interior design and fabrication live under the same roof? In this episode of the Interior Design San Diego Podcast, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with Brittany Cartwright, Design Studio Director at Texture, a Barrio Logan–based design and fabrication studio known for bringing bold, custom ideas to life. Texture has been shaping some of San Diego’s most memorable hospitality spaces—from beloved restaurants like Nolita Hall to cutting-edge installations for biotech campuses. What sets them apart is their unique ability to design, engineer, and fabricate complex elements all in-house, giving designers and clients a seamless path from concept to installation. Brittany shares how Texture started with three architecture students working out of a garage and evolved into a multidisciplinary studio collaborating across hospitality, multifamily, commercial, and experiential design. She also explains how their recent rebrand into Texture Studio and Texture Architectural Fabrication (AF) reflects the company’s growing specialties. Whether you're a designer with a big idea, a student exploring career paths, or a creative curious about fabrication, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how collaboration turns imagination into reality. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How Texture combines interior design and fabrication to streamline projects • Why involving fabricators early in the design process can save time and budget • The design process Texture uses—from programming and concept through installation • What designers should understand about lead times, sequencing, and fabrication realities • How collaboration across disciplines leads to stronger, more creative design outcomes Key Takeaway One of Texture’s biggest strengths is their ability to bridge the gap between design vision and physical construction. By collaborating closely with fabricators, estimators, and engineers from the beginning, designers can push creativity further while staying grounded in what’s possible. Community Spotlight: Texture Open House & SDAF Event Brittany also shares details about Texture’s upcoming open house in Barrio Logan as part of the San Diego Architectural Foundation Open House. RSVP Here The event will feature: • A behind-the-scenes look at Texture’s fabrication shop • Local artists, makers, and designers exhibiting work • A panel discussion with architects, designers, and builders (including Rachel!) • A community graffiti mural project • A Oh San Diego Wrap Party featuring espresso martinis, music, and local vendors Wrap Party Tickets Here It’s a unique opportunity for the San Diego design community to connect, collaborate, and celebrate creativity together. Guest Bio Brittany Cartwright is the Design Studio Director at Texture Studio, where she leads the interiors team on hospitality, retail, and multifamily projects. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Brittany joined Texture over a decade ago and has helped grow the studio from a small five-person team into one of San Diego’s most dynamic design and fabrication studios. Her work focuses on creating immersive spaces while collaborating closely with fabrication experts to bring complex custom ideas to life. Stay Connected: Follow Tecture here: instagram.com/tecture & instagram.com/tecturestudioTecture WebsiteSign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

    37 min
  7. 024: From San Diego to Global Stage: Lorena Gaxiola's Journey in Design, Licensing, and Creative Expansion

    Feb 26

    024: From San Diego to Global Stage: Lorena Gaxiola's Journey in Design, Licensing, and Creative Expansion

    This week on Interior Design San Diego, Rachel sits down with Lorena Gaxiola—San Diego native and global design force—whose career spans luxury hospitality, high-end residential, product licensing, and international practice. Lorena shares how curiosity, systems, and a whole lot of courage helped her scale from local projects to designing around the world—while staying grounded in purpose, people, and energy. What you’ll hear in this episodeHow Lorena’s architecture-rooted upbringing shaped her “superpower” in designThe real reason merchandising/model homes became her masterclass in branding + emotional connectionHow she landed opportunities with major retailers and built product/licensing partnerships (hint: ask, show up, follow through)Her definition of “style”: experiential design—less ego, more user experiencePractical advice on contracts, IP ownership, and building a small-but-mighty international firm Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

    44 min
  8. 023: Teaching Tomorrow’s Designers: Jessica Newman on What’s Changing in the Classroom

    Feb 19

    023: Teaching Tomorrow’s Designers: Jessica Newman on What’s Changing in the Classroom

    In this episode, Rachel sits down with educator and designer Jessica Newman to talk about the evolving world of interior design education—and why students today are uniquely positioned to lead the future of the industry. Jessica shares her journey from fine arts to hospitality design (including time at Hirsch Bedner Associates) and into academia, where she now champions sustainability, technology, and inclusive pathways into the profession. What we cover: How today’s design students are reshaping the industry with ethics, sustainability, and tech-forward thinkingWhy associate degrees and community college pathways deserve more respectHow AI is being integrated into design education (and why it’s a tool—not a threat)Palomar College’s new Bachelor of Science in Building Performance & Environmental Design—and why it’s a game changerHow firms can support students through mentorships and internships (and why it benefits everyone) Get involved: Jessica invites designers and firms to connect with students through internships, mentorship, guest lectures, and real-world collaboration. Email her at: jnewman1@palomar.edu Info on Palomar's Interior Design program: Interior Design at Palomar College - Interior Design Info on Palomar's BPED program: Bachelor of Science in Building Performance and Environmental Design - Building Performance and Environmental Design Perspective and Sketching for Designers - YouTube Jessica's Book: Perspective and Sketching for Designers (Fashion Series): Newman, Jessica, Beduhn, Jack: 9780132574945: Amazon.com: Books Jessica's art paintings: JESSICA NEWMAN - ARTIST Cityscape paintings of San Diego: Jessica Newman Art About Jessica Newman: She is an associate professor and the lead faculty for the Interior Design department at Palomar College. She is also the co-lead for Palomar’s first bachelors degree program in Building Performance and Environmental Design. Jessica is a designer, artist, author, and professor. She has an AA and BFA in Interior Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and an MFA in Painting and an MA in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Jessica has worked for a number of architecture and interior design firms in New York, Atlanta, and San Diego, including the top hospitality design firm in the world, Hirsch Bedner & Associates. Some of the various types of projects she has worked on include; public schools, private colleges, assisted living facilities, office spaces, churches, four and five-star hotels, and private homes. Jessica has been teaching at the college level for over 20 years. She is also an internationally published author. Her textbook Perspective and Sketching for Designers has been published in English and Mandarin. She also has a YouTube channel of the same name, with over 50 free instructional videos for students. Jessica is also an oil painter who exhibits regularly in San Diego, and nationally. Her oil paintings focus on cityscapes and the built environment. Stay Connected: Sign Up for Our NewsletterASID San Diego WebsiteLinkedInFollow us on InstagramAsk your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodesShare this podcast with a fellow designer in your communityQuestions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

    30 min
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About

First Episode launches on September 18th, 2025! Interior Design San Diego - Presented by the ASID San Diego Chapter is your local hub for inspiration, connection, and growth in the design community. Created to support our chapter members, this podcast shares practical business practices, insights from fellow designers, and the many benefits of being part of ASID. Listeners will also stay in the loop on upcoming events, gain valuable product knowledge from our industry partners, and hear the stories that shape our design community. Each month, we’ll also feature a special student-led episode—where the next generation of designers brings fresh topics, perspectives, and curiosity to the mic. Your host, Rachel Larraine Crawford—award-winning designer, founder of Tiger Veil, and voice behind the Holistic Interior Design and Hospitality Design Talks podcasts—brings her signature blend of wisdom and creativity. As a past Communications Director for ASID San Diego, Rachel understands the power of community and connection within our chapter and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an emerging designer, or a student just beginning your journey, this podcast is designed for you. Tune in, learn, and celebrate the strength of our San Diego design community.

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