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

Today With Nicole Heymer: Hi, welcome! Today, I’m bringing this amazing episode back because, frankly, this one is pure gold. Nicole Heymer, of Glory & Brand, is one of those experts who can take what feels like a foggy mess in your mind and turn it into a clear, strategic plan for your brand. In this conversation, Nicole breaks down the essential discovery process that every business owner should go through before they touch a single pixel on their website. What you’ll learn: Why your website should never be a guessing game How Nicole’s discovery process acts like “therapy for your business” The keys to identifying your core message, audience, and user journey before a single design decision is made How a clear website strategy can actually improve your confidence and decision-making If you're ready to attract better clients, raise your rates, and finally feel proud of your website—this episode will show you how to start. LuAnn Nigara and Nicole Heymer’s Ah-Ha Moments: “First, get very c

Today With Pippa Biddle: Today with Pippa Biddle, CEO and co-founder of Quittner, we explore why newsletters are becoming the most powerful marketing tool for designers - outperforming social media with 70-85% open rates. Pippa shares how she transformed her business communications from dry corporate speak to authentic storytelling, creating a newsletter that builds genuine community and drives sales. Learn why email marketing gives you ownership of your audience, how to find your authentic voice, and practical strategies for crafting newsletters that people actually want to read. Plus, discover the unexpected ROI of choosing email over chasing social media algorithms. LuAnn Nigara and Pippa Biddle’s Ah-Ha Moments: "I think for most people, social media is junk food, newsletters are protein. You do not want to turn your protein into junk food, then it's just junk food too." - Pippa "You do not own your audience on social media platforms. You do not have their email addresses and only a tiny fraction of

Today With Shea & Syd McGee: This powerhouse episode from 2016 features the dynamic duo behind one of the most recognized interior design brands today—Shea and Syd McGee of Studio McGee. We’re bringing this gem back because it’s more relevant than ever. What you’ll learn: How they carved out a distinctive design identity that stood out from the start The early strategic choices that laid the foundation for a now-iconic brand Why transparency and authenticity fueled their rapid online growth How they navigated business roles as a married couple—dividing and conquering with purpose The mindset shifts that transformed obstacles into opportunities LuAnn Nigara, Shea & Syd McGee’s Ah-Ha Moments: “Once I decided I wasn’t going to be everything to everyone, my brand started to grow.” — Shea McGee “You can’t build a sustainable business if you’re not looking at the financials every single week.” — Syd McGee More About Shea & Syd McGee Shea McGee is the Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder

Today With Megan Thompson: Today, I'm joined by Megan Thompson, founder of Interior Design GreenList. After earning her degree in sustainable design, Megan discovered the frustrating reality that no comprehensive resource existed to help designers implement sustainable practices efficiently. Taking matters into her own hands, she created ID GreenList to bridge this gap. In this episode, we demystify the differences between green, vegan, biophilic, and sustainable design while revealing how these approaches can seamlessly integrate into your projects without sacrificing beauty, functionality, or budget. Megan shares practical insights for designers at any experience level and reveals how sustainability could become your competitive advantage in today's market. Plus, discover her exclusive offer just for our listeners! LuAnn Nigara and Megan Thompson’s Ah-Ha Moments: “The goal with sustainability is to have a lower impact and for humans to be happy and healthy in the spaces we create,” - Megan Thompson

Today With Veronika Miller: I'm excited to introduce you to Veronika Miller, a true innovator who has spent her career building meaningful connections between designers, brands, and international markets. From her early days as a marketing professional and kitchen designer to founding the influential Design Hounds Influencer Network and consulting with organizations like NKBA, Veronika has a unique talent for creating opportunities where others see obstacles. In this episode, Veronika and I discuss her entrepreneurial journey, exploring how a fearless approach and commitment to genuine value have shaped her multiple successful ventures. You'll hear about the power of stepping out of your comfort zone, the importance of international perspectives in design, and how creating strategic connections can transform your business. LuAnn Nigara and Veronika Miller’s Ah-Ha Moments: “The answer is defiintely no if you don’t ask.” - LuAnn “It’s not fearlessness. It’s ‘doing’ despite fear.” - Veronika "It's a piec

Today With LuAnn Nigara: After 9 years, 1,400+ episodes, and over 9 million downloads, A Well-Designed Business® is evolving. In this solo episode, LuAnn shares the next chapter of the podcast—and why this shift isn’t a step back, but a powerful step forward. She explains the two types of episodes you’ll hear in the coming months, and the all-new format she’s creating to deliver even more value for seasoned business owners. Whether you’re new to the show or have been with LuAnn since the beginning, this is an episode that lays out exactly how A Well-Designed Business® will continue to support you, your growth, and your goals—now more than ever. Listen now to hear: Why weekly interviews are on pause What’s replacing them—and why it’s better for your business What you can expect from the new format: pain-point-focused, expert-curated compilation episodes Why LuAnn created InsideVoice (and how to join) And what’s happening with Book #4… This isn’t the end—it’s the evolution. A Big THANK YOU to Today’s

Today With Tracee Murphy: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re diving deep into the psychology involved in the sales process—and why it begins with understanding that you are a luxury service provider. Tracee Murphy, psychologist-turned-designer, leverages her background in her business, and teaches others to do the same thing. Today, she’s here to unpack how understanding client motivations and mastering deep listening are key to success in the high-end market. LuAnn Nigara andTracee Murphy’s Ah-Ha Moments: "Luxury is really defined by the client... if we don't understand what they're wanting, then we can't possibly deliver it." -Tracee "If the only thing you ever did as a salesperson was stop talking and listen, you're gonna be way ahead of the game." - LuAnn More About Tracee Murphy Thanks to degrees in interior design and psychology, Tracee understands how your home’s interior can impact your moods and the way you live. She is particularly skilled at listening to her client’s needs to deve

Today With Brad Robinson: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Design-build is something that so many newer designers want to get into. And the question always becomes how to break into it. It’s always interesting to hear from the builder’s perspective. What are they looking for? How can designers break in? How can they prove themselves and the value they bring to a project? What can they do to set themselves apart? Today, I am so excited to welcome Brad Robinson, founder of Bradford Custom Homes & Remodeling to talk about design-build projects, how designers can break in, and the importance of systems and processes to keep everything running smoothly. Also, if you want to learn more about Buildertrend, one of the valuable resources Brad mentioned in this episode, we have a special link for you! Just go to Buildertrend.com/welldesigned and get started! More About Brad Robinson Brad Robinson is the president of bradford custom homes & remodeling, a premier designbuild firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, where he

Today With Amber Guyton: Today on A Well Designed Business, I'm joined by Amber Guyton, the creative force and entrepreneurial mind behind Blessed Little Bungalow. Amber's journey from corporate America to the design world is anything but typical - she left a six-figure tech job to pursue her passion, and has since created a multi-faceted business as a designer, influencer, product creator, and soon-to-be property investor. LuAnn Nigara and Amber Guyton's Ah-Ha Moments: “I am all about community over competition.” - Amber "You know who doesn't feel imposter syndrome? Actual imposters. They're not worried about imposter syndrome. They're just out here doing." - Amber “Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” - Amber "Burnout is real and you have to take care of yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup…You have to be just a forever student and remain curious, but that gut feeling? You can't ignore it because that's wisdom." - Amber "When it's a ‘No’ for you, it's not going to be good for either one of y

Today With Rebecca Pearson: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. In today’s on-air strategy session, I'm joined by Rebecca Pearson, who recently acquired Design I.D., an interior design and architectural refurbishment consultancy. Rebecca finds herself facing several challenges during the transition, starting with smoothing out processes and creating SOPs. Rebecca’s situation might be unique, but it comes down to the same core problem that so many business owners face—how to find the time to create the systems and processes you know you need to make everything else run smoother. LuAnn Nigara and Rebecca Pearson's Ah-Ha Moments: “It’s never going to feel like there's time for SOPs and regular meetings—you have to carve it out, or it just won’t happen.” – LuAnn “We can’t continue to give the same personal touch our clients expect if we don't have clear processes documented.” – Rebecca “You don’t know what you don’t know—so having processes documented ensures consistency, especially through transitions.” – R

Today With Noel Gatts: Today I am joined by Noel Gatts, founder of beam&bloom interiors and HGTV Host on "Home Inspector Joe" and "What's Wrong With That House?" With a unique background spanning from Broadway to interior design, Noel brings a character-driven approach that transforms how designers connect with clients. In this episode, she reveals how her theatrical training informs her design process, helping her understand clients as "characters" with unique needs and stories, moving beyond standard questionnaires to questions that lead to deeper discovery. Through examples from both her design practice and television experience, Noel demonstrates how investing time in understanding clients' characters leads to fewer revisions, stronger relationships, and spaces that authentically reflect who they are. Her candid discussion about the realities of design television offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how designers create impact despite tight timelines and budget constraints, while providing pract

Today With Porsche Williams: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, Porsche Williams, founder of The Prototype, joins me to discuss the power of streamlined backend operations for interior designers. Porsche’s company specializes in seamlessly managing client onboarding, discovery calls, lead management, and more, freeing designers from administrative overwhelm. She believes that “your creativity thrives when your business operations are optimized” (a money line if ever I’ve heard one)! Today, she shares how delegating tasks leads to a better client experience, more creativity, and more profitability. LuAnn Nigara and Porsche Williams's Ah-Ha Moments: “Your creativity thrives when your business operations are optimized.” - Porsche Williams "Just because it’s on your to-do list doesn't mean you have to be the one checking it off." - Porsche Williams "Clients don’t expect you to handle every detail personally; they expect professionalism, clarity, and consistency in your process." - LuAnn Nigara More Ab

Today With LuAnn Nigara: Are you thinking about saying yes to a designer show house? Before you commit, listen to this episode. A show house can be an incredible opportunity—but only if you approach it the right way. Too many designers assume that just participating will bring them business. It won’t. Today, I’m sharing the smartest, most strategic insights from three powerhouse designers at different stages in their careers:

Today With Alexander Dornbracht: Today I am joined by Alexander Dornbracht, VP and General Manager of Kallista, a brand renowned for authentic luxury plumbing and brassware. Recorded live from our KBIS podcast booth, Alexander shares how his family legacy in the industry—his grandfather founded Dornbracht—shaped his passion for excellence in design. Alexander reveals why Kallista stands out as a designer-driven luxury brand, explaining that despite its premium positioning, they maintain the personal touch that designers value. He discusses his passion for product development and shares his philosophy: "If you lead with the best possible design product at the highest quality with the best after-sales service, that's a solid foundation to win." Learn about Kallista's engineering innovations, including the industry's thinnest spout and custom stone tubs, plus their evolution from working with small European suppliers to becoming part of the Kohler family while maintaining their distinct luxury identity. Whether

Today With Jessie Surber: In this On-Air Strategy Session, I work with Jessie Surber of Jessie Surber Design to tackle the challenge of growing a design business in a small town. Based in Greenville, Ohio (population 12,000), Jessie is passionate about British-inspired interiors but struggles with converting website visitors into inquiries. I provide strategic guidance on whether to fully embrace her niche now or take a more gradual approach while building her client base, particularly considering her young family. This episode offers valuable insights for designers in smaller markets, those balancing business growth with family responsibilities, and anyone questioning how much to niche down in the early stages of business. LuAnn Nigara and Jessie Surber's Ah-Ha Moments: “Be prepared to be lucky.” - LuAnn Nigara More About Jessie Surber Jessie Surber is the founder and principal designer of Jessie Surber Design, a full-service interior design firm with a passion for British-inspired interiors. Driven by her

Today With Maya Crowne & Price Latimer: In today’s episode, I sit down with Maya Crowne and Price Latimer, the visionary co-founders of Alkemis Paint. What started as a personal search for a healthier alternative to conventional paint turned into a groundbreaking company redefining the industry with plastic-free, plant-based, high-performance paint. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ Why most conventional paints contain plastic—and how that impacts indoor air quality and the environment ✔️ How Maya and Price turned a personal frustration into a thriving business that challenges industry norms ✔️ The power of educating your clients about healthier, smarter alternatives ✔️ Actionable strategies for building a brand that aligns with your values ✔️ How to differentiate your business by identifying gaps in the market LuAnn Nigara, Maya Crowne & Price Latimers Ah-Ha Moments: "We’ve been painting our walls with plastic for decades—without questioning it. Once we realized that, we knew there had to be a better wa

Today With Brenda Danso: As an interior designer, you do more than create beautiful spaces—you guide clients through major life transitions, juggle countless responsibilities, and often take on an emotional load that goes far beyond design. But how do you protect your own well-being in the process? In this episode, Brenda Danso, founder of BD Interior Design and mental health expert, shares powerful insights on recognizing burnout, managing stress, and creating environments that promote emotional well-being—for both yourself and your clients. Learn how to set boundaries, navigate emotionally charged client interactions, and design a business that truly supports your mental health. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you’re constantly running on empty, this conversation is for you. Tune in now and take the first step toward a healthier, more sustainable design business. LuAnn Nigara and Brenda Danso’s Ah-Ha Moments: “Burnout doesn’t always show up as exhaustion. Sometimes it looks like resentme

Today With Peter and Alex Spalding: Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. On today’s sponsored show, I’m joined by Peter and Alex Spalding, founders of Daniel House Club. Daniel House Club is a designer trade program that provides access to a vast network of vendors, offering countless product options, concierge services, and tools to simplify procurement, shipping, and admin. Peter and Alex are committed to keeping their program simple and supportive for designers—and they’ve built that goal into every step of their process. Today, they’re here to share their story and tell us how Daniel House Club can help you streamline furniture acquisition and remove headaches and hassle from your projects. LuAnn Nigara, Peter and Alex Spalding’s Ah-Ha Moments: "Let's be real, you're a designer, you should be able to design a home, not design a logistics spreadsheet." -LuAnn "What I do like about this is it has given me the ability to be profitable working at a different range. I can do a $300,000 living room for one clie

Today With Richard Anuszkiewicz: Welcome to another episode of A Well-Designed Business! Today, we’re diving into the world of high-end kitchen and bath design with the incredibly talented Richard Anuszkiewicz. As an award-winning designer and industry thought leader, Richard has built a name for himself through his innovative approach, brand collaborations, and unwavering commitment to excellence. In this episode, we uncover the key ingredients that set luxury design apart and explore how you can apply these principles to your own business. You’ll learn: The essential elements that define true luxury in design. How strategic brand partnerships can expand your influence and opportunities. The mindset shifts needed to position yourself at the top of your niche. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting to carve out your space in the industry, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you elevate your business. LuAnn Nigara and Richard Anuszkiewicz’s Ah-Ha Moments: "Luxury isn’t just

Today With Sandra Funk: Today with Sandra Funk, we explore the transformative power of client experience in building a thriving interior design business. Sandra shares her pivotal "dark night of the soul" moment when three clients fired her in one day, and how this crisis became the catalyst for completely reimagining her approach to client relationships. We dive into her philosophy of viewing client partnerships as "mini marriages" that require clear communication, boundaries, and emotional understanding throughout the design journey. Sandra reveals the specific strategies that have made House of Funk so successful, from surprise and delight moments to avoiding nickel-and-diming clients for small changes. As The Interior Design Standard celebrates five years and 1,000 members, Sandra also shares exciting news about evolving her coaching program into a more intentional, curated community for serious designers who want to level up their businesses. LuAnn Nigara and Sandra Funk’s Ah-Ha Moments: “I started looki