A Well-designed Business® | Interior Design | Designers | Business |interior Design Success

Today with Reed Humphrey of Dezign Assist Is your team maxed out, or are you stuck doing $10-an-hour tasks when you should be focused on leading your business? In today’s sponsored episode, I’m talking with Reed Humphrey, CEO of Alder & Tweed Interior Design and founder of Dezign Assist, a remote staffing company built specifically for interior designers. Reed created Dezign Assist after solving a bottleneck in his own firm. When his team couldn’t keep up with project demands, he built a scalable system using experienced remote designers. The result? More capacity, less burnout, and happier clients. If you’re a larger firm looking to support your in-house team or a solo designer ready to stop doing it all yourself, this episode will challenge how you think about delegation and show you how to buy back your time without sacrificing quality. What’s new with Reed Humphrey Website Instagram Book A Discovery Call! What’s new with LuAnn Nigara ⁠The Power Talk Friday Tour⁠ ⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠ ⁠https:

Today with Nicole Heymer Today on A Well Designed Business, Nicole Heymer returns to discuss the massive shift happening in online search that's changing how potential clients find interior designers. We're living through a pivotal moment where traditional Google searches are being replaced by AI-powered recommendations from ChatGPT, Google's AI mode, and other large language models. Nicole explains why your website information is now being summarized and served directly to searchers, what this means for how you need to structure your content, and the specific steps you can take to ensure AI systems recommend you. From testing your own search results to prioritizing Google reviews in new ways, this conversation covers the practical strategies designers need to implement right now to stay visible in an AI-driven search landscape. Whether you're getting most of your business from referrals or you're heavily invested in SEO, this shift affects everyone, and the designers who adapt early will have a significant

Today with Kimberly Horton Welcome! Today we’re talking about how to turn client frustrations into actionable change. Kimberly shares the simple but powerful tool she uses — the Frustration Tracker — to capture issues in real time, identify patterns, and make smart adjustments to her processes. From tightening contracts to setting clearer boundaries, Kimberly shows how documenting frustrations can lead to stronger systems, better client experiences, and a more profitable business. Plus, she’s sharing her Frustration Tracker template so you can start using it in your own firm.  Ah-Ha moments “If you're feeling that frustration, nine out of ten times, your client is feeling it too.” - Kimberly Horton “You’ve got to treat your process like a living document that evolves with every lesson you learn.” - Kimberly Horton “It’s not about complaining for the sake of complaining. It’s about learning from the complaint, analyzing it, and turning it into actionable change.” - LuAnn Nigara “We always say: work on

Today With Megan Molten: Welcome! Today we are really excited to have Megan Molten on the show with us. Megan reached out to LuAnn in an email a while ago, telling her that she learned everything she knows about the business of interior design from this show, and it’s changed her life. She went on to explain that after twelve years of being in health-care sales and having listened to the podcast every day for the last year, she finally quit her day job to become an interior designer. Listen in today, to hear Megan’s story. Before quitting her job, Megan managed to have an incredible 29 interior design clients on the side, over six months, while still working full-time, for fifty hours a week! Now, a year later, she has a full-time business manager, a full-time designer, she has leased warehouse space, she has a studio space, she has an e-commerce business, and she has 19 000 followers on Instagram! In her first year, Megan brought in $600 000 in revenue, and she also planned her wedding and got married last

Today with Ali Faulkner Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. We’ve talked before about conducting an autopsy of a project—looking back and figuring out exactly what went right, what went wrong, and where to improve.  But what about conducting an autopsy of projects that you didn’t win? My guest today, Ali Faulkner of AEF Interiors, lost several bids in a row, and decided to make a big change; she reached out to those potential clients and asked for feedback afterward.  Ali is sharing the exact questions she asked and how they changed everything for her business.  Ah-Ha Moments “I realized I was chasing what everyone else wanted to chase rather than what I actually needed to be profitable and continue to build my business.” -Ali "You get a quote to do a roof. One guy is 20K, one guy is 30K and the other guy is 35. Like I'm sorry, who's even thinking about the 20K guy? You're just like, you're off the list, right? Because... you automatically distrust the 20." - LuAnn  A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Po

Today With Chelsea Viau: Today with Chelsea Viau of Chelsea Lane & Company, we’re talking about the numbers behind your wallpaper—and why they matter more than you might think. Chelsea shares what every designer needs to know before sourcing wallcoverings, including the costly mistakes that can derail your budget, timeline, and client trust. We also dig into vendor relationships, client education, and the importance of working with experts who protect your process and your profit. Whether you love wallpaper or avoid it entirely, this episode is a reminder that every detail counts in a well-designed business. LuAnn Nigara and Chelsea Viau’s Ah-Ha Moments: “Designers are not wallpaper experts. That’s where we come in.” - Chelsea “If your numbers are off, that’s on you. The vendor didn’t tell you to order the wrong quantity.” - LuAnn More About Chelsea Viau Chelsea Lane & Company is an interior design showroom and home decor boutique, specializing in the sale of wallpaper and textiles. The showroom cat

Today With Cheryl Luckett: What does it take to leave behind the security of a corporate job and build a thriving design business? For Cheryl Luckett, principal of Dwell by Cheryl, it took vision, courage, and a commitment to excellence. In this conversation, Cheryl shares how she transitioned from her career as a registered dietitian and HR professional at a Fortune 500 company to becoming one of Charlotte’s most sought-after interior designers. We talk about the transferable skills she brought into her design business, the mentors who guided her, and how she now pays it forward by mentoring other designers. Cheryl’s story is a masterclass in believing in yourself, building on your strengths, and taking bold steps toward your dreams. Whether you’re still in a corporate job dreaming of design or you’ve already taken the leap, Cheryl’s insights will inspire you to design not only beautiful spaces but also a business you love. More About Cheryl Luckett Cheryl Luckett wants to give her clients homes they

Today With Ron Henderson & Kevin Plumb: Today on A Well Designed Business, Ron Henderson from Varaluz and Kevin Plumb from Ciana Lighting share the story behind their recent acquisition—and what it means for designers. This isn't your typical corporate takeover. When their planned 30-minute meeting turned into four and a half hours because they instantly felt like "family," you knew something special was happening. We cover the practical details designers need to know: same-day shipping, under 1% defect rates, their new High Point showroom opening in just two months, plus trade pricing with no minimums. Whether you've worked with Varaluz before or you're discovering them for the first time, this conversation gives you the inside perspective on a partnership that's reshaping how lighting companies serve the design trade. LuAnn Nigara, Ron Henderson & Kevin Plumb’s Ah-Ha Moments: "You ever have one of those meetings where you meet people you don't know at all. And within 10 minutes, you know, you're someho

Today With LuAnn Nigara: Right now, the economy feels shaky. Projects are slowing down. And if you're like a lot of business owners, you're wondering: Is it just me? Is something wrong? Should I be doing something—or should I be bracing for impact? In this WWLD episode, LuAnn walks you through what truly separates business owners who ride out uncertainty with strength—and those who quietly slide into chaos. You'll hear: 3 free strategies (and 1 must-do mindset shift) to stabilize your business today A powerful story of two designers—same market, totally different outcomes Why marketing should never stop (yes, even now) What LuAnn University has become in Fall 2025—and how it's now structured like a real business degree built for our industry Whether you enroll in a class or not, this episode is a business coaching session in your ears. If you're feeling off, overwhelmed, or unsure—press play and take back control. Go to luannuniversity.com now A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor: ⁠

Today With Jamie Gasparovic: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. What comes to mind for you when you think of investing in yourself for the benefit of your business? It’s something we talk about a lot on the show—it’s no secret that I believe every designer, every business owner period, needs to be investing in themselves as soon as possible. But too often, even when business owners do invest in their own growth, it stays behind the scenes. They take courses or hire coaches, and they don’t really talk much about it. And that leaves so many other business owners asking themselves, “Is it REALLY worth it?” In today’s sponsored show, my guest Jamie Gasparovic is doing the opposite—she’s here as a spokesperson for Sandra Funk’s Interior Design Standard, sharing the difference it’s made in her business, and why she will invest in herself again and again to grow her CEO skills. LuAnn Nigara and Jamie Gasparovic’s Ah-Ha Moments: "That's what's in the standard. It's not just do as I say, it's hear how I say i

Today With Joshua Smith: Joshua Smith’s journey from interior designer to high-performance coach is one packed with lessons every business owner needs to hear. In this episode, Joshua pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to design a life and business you love—one that’s profitable, sustainable, and in alignment with your values. We talk mindset, boundaries, and the courage to make big changes when your business model isn’t serving you anymore. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on fumes or chasing the wrong goals, Joshua’s wisdom will inspire you to pause, re-evaluate, and create a plan that actually fuels your success. More About Joshua Smith Joshua graduated from the New York School of Interior Design and started his career in 2012. After Joshua graduated, he joined Steven Gambrel, an influential interior design firm that specialized in high-end residential and commercial commissions worldwide. In 2013, Joshua Smith, Inc. was created and earned national recognition as featured in New Yo

Today With Juliana Ewer: Today with Juliana Ewer, president of the Houston IDS chapter and owner of J Squared Home Designs, we explore how strategic volunteerism and intentional networking can become your most powerful business-building tools - without spending a dime on marketing budgets. LuAnn Nigara and Juliana Ewer’s Ah-Ha Moments: "If you're gonna go to something, don't be a tourist, jump in, right? Don't just show up to the meeting and sit in the back and, you know, meet people." - Juliana "You can't buy that kind of marketing, really. You can't buy people's trust and you can't show up enough.” - Juliana "It’s a long tail thing…You would never add it up and go, that was worth all that time. But you know, we still get business from it 20 years later.” - LuAnn More About Juliana Ewer Juliana Ewer is an Award-Winning Interior Designer, and the Owner/Lead Designer at J Squared Home Designs, founded in 2018. She is passionate about curating elevated, livable spaces taking into consideration lifest

Today With Laurence Carr: Laurence Carr may have launched her interior design business less than two years before we recorded this conversation, but you’d never know it from the way she runs her firm—with vision, clarity, and purpose. In this episode, Laurence shares how she built a strong business foundation from day one, the intentional strategies she uses to keep her pipeline full, and how her commitment to sustainability and holistic design has positioned her as a leader in the industry. Whether you’re brand-new or twenty years in, Laurence’s story is proof that when you have a plan, stick to it, and lead like a CEO, success follows. More About Laurence Carr Born in France and now living in NYC, Laurence Carr has an inherent appreciation for art and design—she is a natural aesthete. Before launching her interior design practice, Laurence was a professional ballet dancer, singer, stage director, and fashion event manager. Today, she is recognized for her application of wellbeing principles and ancien

Today With Brad Leavitt (A Finer Touch Construction Podcast): Join me for a special re-airing of my conversation with Brad Leavitt on the AFT Construction Podcast! We dive deep into the world of entrepreneurship, sharing insights on building strong relationships, setting expectations, and the importance of systems in business. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with practical advice and a few laughs along the way. Tune in to gain valuable tips that can elevate your business! ⁠Check the ⁠⁠A Finer Touch Construction Podcast⁠!⁠ In this episode we discuss the importance of installing systems and protocol in your company. Every small business should have detailed and outlined tasks for each employee. Podcast Instagram Facebook Houzz Pinterest YouTube

Today With Jamie Young Jeter: Today with Jamie Young Jeter, founder and president of Jamie Young Company, we dive deep into what it takes to build a creative business that thrives on "strategic creativity." From selling cement pots out of her truck while pregnant to running a multi-million-dollar home furnishings company, Jamie's 28-year entrepreneurial journey is packed with lessons every designer needs to hear. LuAnn Nigara and Jamie Young Jeter’s Ah-Ha Moments: "Yes, I can do it myself. That's a trap to me. It is a trap because we started businesses. So of course we could do all these things on our own. We are all brilliant. We know what we're doing. We have all these ideas, but it's a trap because it takes great teams." From LuAnn: "If you don't want to make any mistakes, stay home in bed. You'll be very safe there. The rest of us are out here trying to make things happen." More About Jamie Young Jeter Raised in Los Angeles by an artist and entrepreneur, Jamie was drawn to design aesthetics fro

Today With Claire Staszak: LuAnn really loves the process of how these designers create blogs to serve as a marketing arm for their business and a lead generator for their design firm. Listen in today to get some really great, actionable tips that you can duplicate. Today we're bringing back Claire Staszak's episode. She won the award at the Conference for the best blog writing of 2017. She is a Chicago-based interior designer who is known for her holistic design process of combining refined aesthetics with wellness principals, as she draws on her years of experience as a Yoga and Meditation Instructor, to gently guide her clients through the process of unearthing and then refining their own, unique style, resulting in a sanctuary which is timeless, rather than trendy. More About Claire Staszak Claire Staszak is a Chicago-based interior designer known for her holistic design process and expertise in designing and restoring homes, infusing them with soul. She has a special affinity for crafting timeless

Today With Dr Colleen Mullen (Coaching Through Chaos Podcast): I’m so excited to re-share this incredible conversation I had with Dr. Colleen Mullen on her podcast, Coaching Through Chaos. Colleen and I dive deep into the journey behind Window Works, what it really takes to build a business that lasts, and the mindset that’s helped me through over 40 years of entrepreneurship. This isn’t just for interior designers—this episode is for any business owner who’s ready to get serious, show up with purpose, and take ownership of their success. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos (and who hasn’t?), Colleen’s questions help pull out the key lessons that will bring you clarity and direction. ⁠Check the ⁠Coaching Through Chaos Podcast⁠!⁠ LuAnn Nigara is the co-owner of Window Works in New Jersey for over 30 years now, but she is probably most known now on a larger scale for her expertise on building, growing and sustaining a business. She hosts The Well-Designed Business Podcast, is a well-known speaker

Today With Jenna Gaidusek: The world of AI is moving at lightning speed, and it's easy to feel left behind. But what if you could ignore the noise and focus on a few core tools that could fundamentally change your workflow for the better? This week on the podcast, I invited AI expert and industry guide Jenna Gaidusek back to the show to do just that. She walks us through the foundational AI strategies that are here to stay. Learn how to leverage AI note-takers to automate your meeting summaries and to-do lists, understand the key differences between powerhouse platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity, and discover the practical ways to use visual AI to close sales faster—while staying ethical along the way. This episode is your practical starting guide to making AI work for you. LuAnn Nigara and Jenna Gaidusek’s Ah-Ha Moments: "I do not take other designers' work and run them through my models... Just because you can, because you can, should you? There has to be these ethical boundaries that we have to set

Today With Courtney McLeod: I’m thrilled to re-air this gem of a conversation with Courtney McLeod, the powerhouse behind Right Meets Left Interior Design. If you’ve ever thought, “Can I really pivot from another career into design?” Courtney is living proof that not only can you—but you can do it brilliantly. Courtney left a successful 15-year career in finance, took her Wharton-honed business skills, and combined them with her passion for design to create a thriving, process-driven firm in NYC. In this episode, she pulls back the curtain on how she did it—with intention, confidence, and a six-step client process that lets her lead with both creativity and clarity. If you’re looking for inspiration to lean into your strengths, define your process, and build a brand that truly reflects YOU—this one’s a must-listen. And if you’ve got those “but I didn’t go to design school” doubts swirling in your head? Hit play. Courtney will show you exactly how to turn what makes you different into what makes you success

Today With Barb Davids (Small Business Sweet Spot): If you've ever heard me say, “Excellence is a decision,” then you already know I mean it with every fiber of my being. I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Barb Davids on her podcast, Small Business Sweet Spot, to talk all about that exact idea—what it takes to build a business with intention, how systems create consistency, and why knowing your mission, vision, and values isn’t optional... It's essential. We got into the nitty-gritty of how I built my businesses, what makes a strong personal brand, and how creative entrepreneurs (like you!) can stand out in a noisy, saturated market. This episode is packed with real stories, tangible strategies, and a whole lot of “tough love wrapped in motivation.” If you’re ready to stop playing small and start showing up as the powerhouse leader your business needs, this episode is for you.