The Interior Collective

Season 8 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Loloi. Hi, and welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today we’re diving into one of the most important, and often overlooked, foundations of a healthy design business: contracts and scope management. I’m joined today by Brittney Hakimfar, founder of Far Studio, a Philadelphia–based interior design studio known for its thoughtful, layered work and highly organized project structure. But beyond the aesthetics, Brittney has built a reputation for running projects with clarity, strong boundaries, and systems that protect both the designer and the client experience. In this episode, we’re talking about the contract and scope missteps that so many designers encounter at some point in their careers. We’ll get into the specific language that helps prevent scope creep and revision overload, why vague deliverables often lead to long-term issues on a project, and how to structure revision rounds, approvals, and change orders clearly from the very beginning. Brittney also shares how Far Studio structures their team, how they approach pricing and project management today, and how those systems have evolved as the studio has grown. If you’ve ever had a project expand far beyond its original scope, or struggled to set clear boundaries with clients, this conversation will give you practical tools to protect your time, your creativity, and ultimately your profitability.

Season 8 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Loloi.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Dezign Assist. Today on The Interior Collective, we’re talking about something that every designer eventually faces in their career: the moment when growth requires a leap of faith. Building a successful interior design studio isn’t just about talent or great projects. It’s about mindset. It’s about trusting yourself enough to make big decisions before you feel completely ready. And it’s about recognizing that the strongest businesses are rarely built alone. In this episode, I’m joined by Danielle Chiprut of Danielle Rose Design Co. a designer who has embraced that growth mentality in a meaningful way. We’re talking about what it really looks like to bet on yourself, how to navigate the risks that come with scaling a creative business, and why building a strong support system outside of your internal team can be one of the most powerful decisions you make. From photographers and PR partners to the broader network of collaborators who help bring a designer’s work to life, we’re exploring how those relationships shape not only the visibility of a studio, but its long-term trajectory.

Season 8 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Loloi.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Dezign Assist. Hi, and welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey. Today’s conversation is one I think a lot of interior designers are going to feel deeply seen by. I’m joined by Bri Ussery, and together we’re unpacking a dynamic that quietly shapes almost every design studio: the split between the visionary and the enforcer. Designers are often asked to hold two opposing roles at once. On one hand, you’re expected to be the creative leader. The person with taste, clarity, and vision. On the other, you’re also expected to enforce boundaries, manage approvals, push timelines forward, and uphold fees. When both of those identities live in the same person, something starts to fracture. In this episode, Bri and I explore why that split happens, where it shows up most clearly in real projects, and how it impacts everything from client trust to profitability to a designer’s sense of authority. We also talk through the structural and operational fixes that help protect the principal’s role and keep designers in the visionary posturerole clients believe they’re hiring them for. If you’ve ever felt the tension between leading creatively and enforcing operationally, or noticed moments where your authority starts to blur, this conversation will give language and structure to something you’ve likely been experiencing for years.

Season 8 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Loloi.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Dezign Assist. Today’s guest is Nicole Salceda, founder of Eye for Pretty. Nicole built a highly visible brand at the intersection of interior design, retail, and digital influence. But what makes her story especially compelling is not just how she grew quickly, but how she chose to scale back with intention. In this episode, we’re talking about what happens when growth outpaces alignment, how to downsize without feeling like you’ve failed, and what it really means to be an “influencer designer” in today’s market. We also get into her team structure, partnerships with builders, brick and mortar retail, and how custom spec builds have reshaped her revenue model. If you’ve ever questioned whether bigger automatically means better, this conversation is for you.

Season 8 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Loloi.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Dezign Assist. Today we’re talking about one of the most intimidating and misunderstood layers of an interior design project: art. My guest is Sarah Hurt, founder of Seattle Art Source, an art advisory that has worked alongside interior designers across the Pacific Northwest since 2017. Sarah’s entire business exists to remove the hesitation designers often feel around specifying art, and to help them position it not as an afterthought, but as a strategic and emotional anchor within a home. In this episode, we’re getting practical. We’re talking about when to introduce art into the project timeline, how to speak about it with authority, what your role is versus an art advisor’s role, and how art can actually elevate your client experience while protecting their financial investment. If art has ever felt like the most mysterious line item in your design proposal, this one is for you.

Season 8 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Loloi.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Dezign Assist. Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today we are diving into a topic that every single interior designer has to master if they want a profitable, sustainable business and that is creating proposals, pricing projects, and confidently selling the bid. Because here’s the truth. You can be the most talented designer in the room, but if you cannot build an accurate quote, present it with clarity, and hold your ground when pricing pushback comes up, your business will feel reactive instead of strategic. And this is not just about choosing hourly versus flat rate. This is about understanding your numbers. Gathering real data from your past projects. Accounting for your team’s time. Structuring a proposal that protects your profit. And then having the confidence to walk a client through that number without shrinking when they raise an eyebrow. So I invited back someone who I trust deeply on this topic, Lindsey Borchard, Principal of Lindsey Brooke Design and my co-founder of Design Camp. Lindsey has been incredibly transparent about how her pricing has evolved, what she has learned through trial and error, and how she has built systems in her studio to create accurate, timely, and profitable quotes. Today we are getting very tactical. We are talking about how to calculate flat fees behind the scenes, how to blend hourly and flat rate models, how to turn around proposals efficiently, and how to handle negotiations without discounting yourself into resentment. If you have ever hesitated before hitting send on a proposal, if you have ever wondered whether your number was too high or too low, or if you have ever reduced your fee just to secure the project, consider this episode a mini-masterclass from what you can expect at Design Camp.

Season 8 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Loloi.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Dezign Assist. DuVäl Reynolds is the founder and principal of DuVäl Design, a studio known for its layered, highly curated interiors. But alongside the studio, DuVäl has also created a completely separate brand, House of DuVäl, an e-commerce destination for furniture, lighting, décor, and objects that reflect his design perspective. In today’s conversation, we’re talking about what it actually looks like to build a product business as an interior designer. DuVäl shares why he intentionally kept the studio and retail brand completely separate, how he approaches sourcing and developing products, and what it takes to run an e-commerce company alongside a design firm. We also discuss licensing, including the debut of his new upholstery and casegoods collection with Sherrill Furniture Brands at High Point Market, and of course, his wildly popular “Curse of a Designer” social media series. If you’ve ever thought about expanding beyond client work and building a product-driven brand, this episode is a great place to start.

Season 8 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Loloi.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Materio. Hi everyone, and welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today I’m sitting down with Kylie K. Bass, founder of KKB Interiors. Before launching her interior design studio, Kylie built her career in advertising, working inside an industry that’s deeply rooted in strategy, messaging, timelines, and performance. In today’s episode, we’re unpacking how those skills translated into the structure, pricing, and client experience of her design practice. We talk about the surprising ways advertising thinking shows up in everything from proposals to project pacing, how designers can borrow proven frameworks from other industries without overcomplicating their business, and why clarity, not creativity, is often the thing that unlocks growth. As always, we’ll also get into the nuts and bolts. Team structure, pricing models, and how Kylie thinks about running a studio that’s both creatively fulfilling and commercially sound.

Season 8 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Loloi.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Materio. Today on The Interior Collective, I’m sitting down with Erica Vassalotti and Dana Bergman Falcione, co-founders of Bergman Vass. Erica and Dana’s work sits at the intersection of interior design, product development, and brand building, and in this episode, we’re diving deep into what it really looks like to expand beyond services and into physical product. We’ll be talking about the business realities of developing a furniture and rug line, from early concepting and manufacturing decisions to financial risk, pricing, and long-term brand strategy. Erica and Dana also share how growing a product arm has influenced the way they run their studio, how they think about visibility in a crowded market, and why investing in a new studio space was a non-optional move. If you’ve ever considered launching a product line, scaling your brand beyond client work, or building a studio that supports where your business is going, not just where it’s been, this conversation is for you.

Season 8 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Loloi.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Materio. Today on The Interior Collective, I’m honored to be sitting down with Parris of Parris McKenna Design, a Toronto-based interior design firm that has experienced what I would call true star power acceleration. Not only is Parris the principal of one of House & Home’s 100 top designers, she’s a close, personal friend and dear advisor. In just a few short years, Parris has grown her studio from a new business to a multi-office operation serving both Toronto and Muskoka, with a large and expanding team to support it. And what fascinates me most is not just the growth, but the infrastructure behind it. We’re diving into her 0 to 60 trajectory. How she built momentum quickly, what operational decisions supported that scale, how she structured her team, and how YouTube became a serious marketing engine for her business. If you are in a season of growth, or hoping to be, this episode is going to give you a real look at what scaling actually requires.

Season 8 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Loloi.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Materio. Today on The Interior Collective, I’m joined by Alexandra Azat, founder of Plaster & Patina, a renovation-focused design studio known for its thoughtful work in historic homes and layered interiors. Alexandra has built a business rooted in trust, not just in aesthetic vision, but in process, execution, and financial stewardship. From the very first inquiry to the final walkthrough, her studio has developed a reputation for guiding clients confidently through complex renovations while protecting both the integrity of the home and the integrity of the investment. In this episode, we’re unpacking what it really means to build client trust. We talk about screening for alignment before signing, creating true design buy-in, leading with clarity during construction, and positioning yourself as a financial steward once a project budget is set. If you’ve ever felt the tension between creativity and control, or struggled to maintain client confidence through a renovation, this conversation is for you.

Season 8 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Loloi.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Materio. Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today I’m sitting down with Jess Weeth, founder of Weeth Home. Jess has built a studio known not just for beautiful, thoughtful work, but for long-term client relationships that extend well beyond a single project. And that’s exactly what we’re unpacking today. Instead of focusing on one finished space, we’re talking about how designers can intentionally build their businesses to support repeat clients, multi-phase projects, and long-term trust. In this episode, we’re diving into what it actually takes to move from one-off engagements to ongoing relationships. How you structure your services, how you communicate early on, and how your process either invites clients back or quietly pushes them away. We’ll talk about operational decisions, pricing confidence, boundaries, and the systems that make longevity possible, not just creatively, but sustainably from a business perspective. Jess will also walk us through how Weeth Home is structured today, how her team operates, how they charge for their work, and what’s changed as the studio has matured. If you’re thinking about how to grow your business without constantly chasing new leads, this conversation is for you.

Season 8 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Loloi.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Materio. Today on The Interior Collective, I’m joined by the Brownstone Boys, a Brooklyn-based design duo who have built a studio that lives at the intersection of historic preservation, modern renovation, media, and brand partnerships. What makes their business especially interesting is not just the work itself, but the way they’ve expanded beyond traditional client services. From editorial features and product collaborations to a strong digital presence and storytelling-led brand, they’ve managed to grow visibility without diluting their design practice. In this episode, we’re talking about what it actually looks like to turn attention into leverage. How they decide which opportunities to pursue, how they protect their studio operations while expanding into new lanes, and what interior designers should think about if they want to build a platform alongside a service-based business. As always, we’ll also get into the practical side: team structure, pricing models, decision-making frameworks, and what’s next behind the scenes.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome to The Interior Collective! Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Sarah Solis, founder and principal designer of Sarah Solis Design Studio. Sarah has made a name for herself in the design world by embracing a refined, minimalist approach that still feels incredibly warm and full of depth. As many interiors today are leaning towards bold colors and layered patterns, Sarah has perfected a nuanced style rooted in quiet layers. She combines her backgrounds in fine art, architecture, and fashion to create spaces that are thoughtfully curated and timeless. In this episode, we’ll dive into Sarah’s unique design philosophy—what she calls “the subtle art of restraint”—and explore how she creates livable, elegant spaces that feel both layered and minimal. Sarah will walk us through her design process, from selecting textures and materials to achieving that delicate balance between simplicity and richness. We’ll also discuss the structure of her design studio, the talented team members who bring her vision to life, and how she approaches pricing her services. And finally, Sarah will give us an inside look at her latest venture, Galerie Solis, a curated collection of original furniture, textiles, antiques, and art that embodies her signature approach to design. This is a conversation about intentionality, craftsmanship, and the art of storytelling through design—I encourage you to take note and begin the practice of refinement in design.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Loloi.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today I’m thrilled to be joined by Sam Sacks—Ontario-based interior designer, former magazine editor, and consummate storyteller—whose work masterfully blends creativity, strategy, and historical context. As the founder of Sam Sacks Design, Sam has carved out a niche working with highly analytical clients—think lawyers, doctors, and finance professionals—who don’t just want a beautiful home, they want to understand the why behind every decision. In this conversation, we’re diving into how Sam has built a design process and presentation style that speaks directly to the left-brained client. From using architectural history as a strategic storytelling tool to delivering visually refined yet logic-driven presentations, Sam shares how she earns trust, builds alignment, and avoids hours of costly back-and-forth. You’ll hear how her time as a writer gave her the language to translate intuition into clarity, and how her detailed intake process filters for client compatibility from the very first conversation. We also unpack how she structures presentations to maintain creative control while still appealing to highly analytical thinkers—essentially, selling her design process like a business case. Whether you’re refining your presentation style, working with more corporate clients, or just want to build a more efficient and aligned process—this episode is full of gems.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Loloi.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Scaling a design firm isn’t just about taking on more projects—it’s about stepping into the role of CEO, redefining your creative direction, and building a business that can grow with you. Because the truth is, if you own your own studio, you are an entrepreneur, even if you first identify yourself as a designer. On today’s episode of The Interior Collective, I’m joined by Hilary Matt, founder and principal of Hilary Matt Interiors, a New York–based residential design studio with projects spanning the country. Known for her fearless mix of post-modern edge and Scandinavian minimalism, Hilary creates layered, highly personal spaces rooted in comfort, function, and material depth. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, ELLE Decor, The New York Times, and House Beautiful, and she’s been recognized as a member of AD’s Designer Directory, House Beautiful’s Next Wave class, and Better Homes & Gardens’ Color Stars for 2024. In this conversation, Hilary shares how her firm evolved from a one-woman show into a nationally recognized business—and the pivotal moment that caused her to reevaluate everything from team structure to brand identity. We’re unpacking the growing pains of leadership, the shifts in her creative voice, and the intentional ways she’s expanding her firm’s reach beyond traditional client services. This is an honest, behind-the-scenes look at what it really means to grow as both a designer and an entrepreneur.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Loloi.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Today on The Interior Collective, I’m joined by husband and wife team Rebekah Zaveloff and Nick Nichols, the founders of KitchenLab Interiors and Imparfait Design Studio. With a shared background in hospitality and a deep appreciation for art, culture, and design, their work is soulful, layered, and rooted in storytelling. Rebekah’s foundation in fine arts and set design has shaped her process-driven approach, while Nick’s early career in the restaurant world—and later, in real estate and renovation—fueled their shared passion for creating spaces where people truly want to linger. Together, they launched KitchenLab Interiors more than 20 years ago before expanding into full-service interiors with Imparfait. In this conversation, we’re diving into what it’s really taken to build and sustain two successful design studios, including their pivotal decision not to rebrand—and why that choice paid off in the long run. We’ll also explore how they’ve scaled through economic shifts, refined their client experience, and marketed their work for lasting growth. If you’ve ever wondered how to evolve your business without losing your momentum, this episode is for you.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Loloi.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today we’re picking up where we left off in our SEO series with Julia Bucchese—this time zeroing in on Pinterest, the visual search engine that’s become a traffic and lead-generation powerhouse for interior designers. Pinterest isn’t just a mood-board tool—it’s a search engine where every pin and board can be optimized to rank, attract high-intent clients, and drive valuable backlinks to your site. Julia is the founder of Julia Renee Consulting, where she helps creative businesses—many of them interior studios—use SEO and Pinterest strategies to boost visibility and bookings. Her blog post, “Pinterest Marketing Strategy for Interior Designers,” has become required reading for designers ready to up their pin game. In this episode, Julia will walk us through everything from auditing your profile for SEO success and conducting Pinterest-specific keyword research, to crafting scroll-stopping pins, A/B testing formats, and even weaving in local keywords to capture your ideal market. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your Pinterest workflow, you’re about to get a wealth of tactical, actionable advice to make Pinterest your most reliable marketing channel.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Loloi.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome to Season 7 of The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today I’m thrilled to welcome Kristin Harrison, founder of Georgia and Hunt Design House. Just one year ago, Kristin left her corporate career to launch Bungalow 10—and soon after rebranded Georgia + Hunt—and has since built a team of five and amassed 50,000 Instagram followers. In this episode, we dive into her playbook: mapping her financial runway, the rebrand, and landing her first clients. We’ll explore why she hired a Creative Lead early on, how she structures fees and scopes projects for profitability, and the systems that keep operations running smoothly. Plus, we unpack her social media strategy—what content types and metrics fueled her growth and why slideshow-style Reels went viral. Finally, Kristin shares her biggest challenges, pivotal decisions, and top-secret projects on the horizon. Make sure to save this episode to come back for notes later.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Loloi.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today’s episode takes us inside the walls—both literal and figurative—of what it really means to design with purpose, clarity, and care. I’m joined by Harper Halprin and Aaron Leshtz, the husband-and-wife founders behind AAHA Studio. Based in Los Angeles, AAHA is known for their concierge-style approach to design, blending architecture, permitting, and full-service interiors into a seamless experience for their clients. Their studio is built on collaboration, curiosity, and a deep respect for the people they serve. But recently, their work has taken on an entirely new dimension. After the devastating fires across California, several of AAHA’s projects—some newly completed—were destroyed. Overnight, their firm shifted focus to helping over a dozen families rebuild, navigating complex legislative hurdles and emotional recovery in equal measure. In this conversation, Harper and Aaron share how they’re guiding their clients through unimaginable loss—using design as a way to restore hope, dignity, and vision for what comes next. We’ll also unpack what makes their studio’s integrated approach so effective, how they lead with elevated service and strong systems, and what interior designers can learn about working more cohesively with architects from the very beginning.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Loloi.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective—I’m your host, Anastasia Casey. Today’s guest embodies what it means to learn at the highest levels before going out on your own. Coco Greenblum spent over a decade honing her craft at five different AD100 design firms—each with its own aesthetic, leadership style, and process. From her first role at Emily Summers Design in Dallas, through creative chapters in San Francisco with Geremia, The Wiseman Group, and Ken Fulk, to leading Jeremiah Brent’s West Coast studio, Coco was very intentional about where she learned, who she learned from, and why. In just two and a half months, she’s launched STUDIO COCO GREENBLUM in Los Angeles—a full-service interior design studio built on the lessons she gathered, the mentors who shaped her, and the pitfalls she vowed to avoid. Today, we’ll unpack how she strategically chose each firm, balanced creative vision with operational rigor, and ultimately weighed the risks of leaving brand-name studios to build her own brand. We’ll dive into everything from team structure and pricing models to client onboarding rituals and mentorship philosophies—practical insights you can apply in your own practice. Whether you’re dreaming of opening your own studio or aiming to level up in your current role, Coco’s story offers a masterclass in turning experience into entrepreneurship.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Loloi.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today we’re diving into one of the most anticipated design events of the year — the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse in Dallas — through the eyes of Austin-based interior designer Avery Cox. Known for her bold use of color, artful storytelling, and a knack for creating interiors that feel both soulful and sophisticated, Avery is bringing her distinctive point of view to Kips Bay for the very first time. Born and raised in Dallas, this project marks a full-circle moment — merging her Texas roots with the refined, expressive aesthetic that’s made Avery Cox Design one of the most admired studios in the region. In this episode, Avery shares what it’s really like behind the scenes of a showhouse — from brand partnerships and creative constraints to the business strategy behind saying yes to an opportunity of this scale. We’ll also talk about balancing artistry with logistics, building visibility, and crafting spaces that leave a lasting impression.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Loloi.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today we’re exploring one of my very favorite corners of design that is often overlooked on this show—hospitality design. Joining me is Amanda Jacobs, founder and principal designer of Amanda Jacobs Design, a studio known for creating boutique hospitality spaces that are both deeply intentional and wildly memorable. This episode is a powerful reminder that good design isn’t just about the way a space looks—it’s about the way it makes people feel. Amanda and her team approach every project with storytelling, sensory experience, and soul at the forefront, blending elevated aesthetics with true hospitality. Whether she’s designing a hotel lobby, a cafe, or a wellness retreat, her work invites people in and makes them feel cared for—something we could all use a little more of. In this conversation, Amanda shares how she vets aligned clients, her exact process for crafting emotionally resonant spaces, and why she believes thoughtful design has the power to shape culture. If you’re ready to move beyond “looking cool” and design with more heart, more soul, and more staying power—this episode is for you.Holy Grale Project

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Loloi.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Today on The Interior Collective, I’m joined by Cyrus Loloi, CMO + Principal of Loloi and Joon Loloi. What began as his father’s American dream — immigrating from Iran with almost nothing, and later building Loloi Rugs from the ground up — has become one of the most recognizable names in the home industry. Cyrus and his brother have carried that vision forward, scaling Loloi into a powerhouse brand while simultaneously launching Joon Loloi, a digitally native sister brand expanding into furniture, lighting, art, and more. In our conversation, we’re talking about the evolution of vendor–designer relationships, how brands like Loloi are adapting in today’s challenging marketplace, and what’s next for this family-run business that’s shaping the way designers source for their clients.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Loloi.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today’s conversation is one that every interior designer needs to hear—especially if you’ve ever felt like you're running a successful business on the outside but struggling to make sense of the numbers behind the scenes. I’m joined by Gabriela Eisenhart, founder of the award-winning Silo Studio Design based in Atlanta, Georgia. Known for her sophisticated, storytelling interiors that push boundaries while honoring comfort and function, Gabriela leads a growing team creating homes and boutique commercial spaces across the country. But beyond her incredible aesthetic, what really struck me about Gabriela is how seriously she takes the business of design—especially when it comes to profitability, cash flow, and keeping your head in the books as you scale. In this episode, Gabriela opens up about the early mistakes that shaped her financial approach, the KPIs she watches like a hawk, and why staying personally connected to your bookkeeping is one of the most creative decisions you can make as a business owner. We’re talking pricing strategy, cash flow, profit margins, and how to build a team while staying lean, nimble, and profitable. If you’re ready to trade burnout for sustainability, and guesswork for clarity—this conversation is your permission slip to get intimate with your numbers and build a business that truly supports your life.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Loloi.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective What happens when you combine high-level experiential design with concierge-level project oversight, architectural fluency, and a completely fixed-fee pricing model? You get a firm that’s quietly redefining what full-service interior design can look like—and that firm is Haldon House. In today’s episode, I’m joined by Autumn Oser, co-founder and creative director of Haldon House, a Philadelphia-based studio delivering fully bespoke homes that reflect the lives, tastes, and aspirations of the people who live in them. Known for their soulful, client-led aesthetic and comprehensive approach, Haldon House serves as the single point of contact for their clients—overseeing not just interiors, but architecture, landscape, township approvals, and construction project management across the board. With a background leading experiential design at Google, Autumn brings a fresh perspective to the design process—rendering entire homes before materials are ever sourced and building a visual language that guides every creative and logistical decision. And at the core of it all? A flat-fee, all-inclusive structure that prioritizes trust, transparency, and strategic execution at every turn. In this conversation, Autumn shares the exact systems behind their fixed-fee model, how she defines scope across disciplines, and what it takes to run a truly client-first firm alongside her husband and business partner. Whether you’re looking to streamline your pricing, refine your client experience, or reimagine what’s possible in a design studio, this episode is a masterclass in doing things differently—with intention.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Loloi.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today’s guests are two women whose work I’ve admired for years. I’m joined by Lucia Bartholomew and Cayley Lambur, the co-founders and design principals of Electric Bowery. Based in Venice, California, Electric Bowery is a design studio that has carved out a distinct niche at the intersection of residential and hospitality design. With a philosophy rooted in wellness, inclusivity, and creating spaces for “a life well-lived,” their work is as soulful as it is striking. What began with residential development projects has grown into a portfolio of hospitality destinations that celebrate landscape, site specificity, and collaboration at every level. Lucia and Cayley’s story is also one of partnership—meeting at Gehry Partners, building a shared vision, and founding a female-led studio that thrives on openness and innovation. In this conversation, we’ll explore what it means to run a business together as women in a male-dominated industry, how they’ve grown their firm, and how their signature Electric Bowery aesthetic translates seamlessly between private homes and public spaces. If you’ve ever been curious about partnership, hospitality, or the design philosophies shaping today’s most inspiring spaces, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Loloi.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today’s guest is no stranger to the show—Brooke Stoll is back, and this time we’re going deep on one of the most powerful tools a designer can have in their business: SOPs. That’s right—standard operating procedures might not sound glamorous, but they’re the key to building a design firm that runs smoothly, scales intentionally, and actually gives you your time back. If you caught our episode with Brooke and Renee from Tandem earlier this season, you already know that Brooke is a systems genius with nearly a decade of experience helping interior designers streamline their operations and scale without the chaos. Today, she’s walking us through exactly what an SOP is, how it can reduce mistakes, increase profitability, and create consistency both for your team and your clients. Whether you're just starting to document your processes or you’ve got a whole Google Drive full of half-finished systems, Brooke shares where to begin and how to approach SOPs in a way that actually supports creativity instead of stifling it. Plus, we’re sharing a behind-the-scenes look at our collaborative product, the Interior Design Process Outline, and how it’s designed to help you build your SOP library one phase at a time.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Materio.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Loloi.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. This episode is brought to you in partnership with LoloiSubscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today’s guest is someone whose career I have admired for years — the incomparable Corey Damen Jenkins. As principal and CEO of Corey Damen Jenkins & Associates, Corey has built an internationally acclaimed design and architecture firm recognized for its fearless layering of color, pattern, and texture to create spaces that are nothing short of iconic. From being named to the Architectural Digest AD100 and ELLE Décor A-List to launching bestselling coffee table books, globally recognized licensed collections, and a MasterClass viewed by millions, Corey has redefined what it means to build a design business with both creative vision and commercial success. His work spans residential and hospitality projects across the U.S. and beyond, yet his ethos is always the same — putting the client’s personality and lifestyle at the center of the story. In our conversation, we’re diving into the moments of triumph and challenge behind the scenes, from scaling a team and developing product lines to building partnerships that feel authentic and lasting. Corey shares what it takes to stay creatively energized while leading a growing firm, why education and mentorship remain so central to his mission, and what we can expect from his highly anticipated second book, Design Reimagined, launching this fall. This is a conversation about design, yes — but it’s also about legacy, resilience, and the courage to evolve.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective What happens when a celebrated interior designer hits a wall—and chooses to rebuild everything from the ground up? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Meg Lonergan, founder of Meg Lonergan Interiors, whose timeless, story-driven spaces have long stood out for their layered beauty and impeccable detail. But behind the scenes, like so many of us, Meg reached a breaking point in 2020. Burnout forced her to step back and completely rethink how she was running her business—what clients she said yes to, how her team was structured, and most importantly, how she could protect her creative energy for the long haul. This conversation is a masterclass in business resilience. Meg walks us through exactly how she restructured her firm with process at the center—shifting from reactive to intentional, from hustle to harmony. We talk about aligning with the right clients, what it really costs to ignore red flags, and how investing in team culture can completely transform the quality of your work and your life. If you’ve ever felt like your business was running you instead of the other way around, this episode is for you.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Today’s guest is not only a seasoned design entrepreneur, but also a dear friend and a familiar voice here on The Interior Collective. I’m so excited to welcome back Bria Hammel, the visionary behind Bria Hammel Interiors and Brooke & Lou. If you’ve been with us since the early seasons, you might remember Bria’s first appearance in Season 2, Episode 2, where she shared her insights on pivoting through uncertainty with strength and strategy. That episode is still one of our most listened-to—and for good reason. This time, Bria’s back to pull back the curtain on her most recent and ambitious move: opening a second interior design office in a completely different city. We’ll get into the why, how, and what now of growing her team across state lines, building systems that can scale, and leading with confidence from afar. Whether you’re dreaming of expanding your business or simply curious what it actually takes to make a multi-city firm run smoothly, this episode is full of practical insights and candid reflections you won’t want to miss.

Season 7 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey — and if you’ve ever felt like running the business side of your design studio is harder than the actual design work, you are not alone. That’s why I’m so excited to be joined today by Mary Beth Chau, co-founder of Materio — the first end-to-end project delivery system designed specifically for interior design and build teams. Materio brings together visual-first project management and real-time financial clarity in one connected workflow — from concept to client presentation, procurement to install. In this conversation, we’re digging into what makes Materio different from clunky legacy platforms, how it helps designers make smarter decisions faster, and what it looks like to finally have one beautiful, intuitive system that handles both the creative and the business side of your projects. If you’ve been stuck between tools that feel overly corporate, overly complicated, or just… not built for you — this episode might just change the way you run your studio. That’s why I’m genuinely excited (and proud) to introduce you to Materio.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective, where we go behind the business of interior design with the most compelling voices in our industry. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey. Today’s guest is a force of creative energy and intention—Jessica Schuster, the visionary behind Jessica Schuster Design, based right in the heart of SoHo, New York. Known for her fearless use of color, sculptural form, and soulful storytelling, Jessica has carved out a design identity that’s instantly recognizable, yet deeply personal. In this conversation, we’re diving into the power of personal brand—how Jessica’s recent rebrand became an anchor point for growth, the strategy behind her website and visuals, and how boldness and clarity can translate into business success in one of the most competitive markets in the world. We’re also pulling back the curtain on her design process—where inspiration begins, how she balances client identity with her own signature style, and why her work always begins with the story behind the space. If you’ve ever felt like your design voice was “too much” or worried about breaking away from the status quo—this episode is for you.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today I’m joined by someone whose work has stopped me in my scroll more times than I can count—Keren Richter, the co-founder and creative director behind the New York-based design studio White Arrow. Known for her background as a commercial illustrator and painter, Keren brings a singular perspective to interiors—one that’s rooted in narrative, color theory, and the emotional composition of a space. In a design world where maximalist color trends are everywhere, Keren’s work stands out for its methodical restraint. Her use of color feels both intentional and expressive—never overwhelming, always artful. In this conversation, we unpack how Keren’s background in the fine arts informs everything from material selection to custom furniture design, how she thinks about color as a strategic tool, and why artwork plays such an essential role in her process. For all of you listening who want to bring more color into your designs—without going full colordrenching—this one is for you.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today’s guest is someone I’ve admired for years—Lisa Staton of Lisa Staton Interior Design. Based in Seattle with deep roots in the East Coast, Lisa brings a timeless sensibility to every space she touches. But what makes this conversation so special is Lisa’s perspective after two decades of running her own design firm. We’re digging into what it means to evolve as a designer—through economic highs and lows, through shifts in client expectations, and through the massive transformation of our industry from physical portfolios to the Instagram age. Lisa’s insight is both refreshingly grounded and incredibly relevant, especially as so many of us are recalibrating what this “new normal” looks like after the Covid boom. We talk about staying creatively inspired in a world of algorithms, the art of sourcing outside the digital mainstream, and how to build a design career that actually lasts. Whether you’re just starting out or 15 years in, Lisa’s perspective is a masterclass in longevity and intentionality. Let’s get into it.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Hi everyone, and welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s been top of mind for so many designers lately: signature style. I’m joined by Minneapolis-based interior designer Heather Peterson—principal of Heather Peterson Design and a self-proclaimed “mix master” known for her richly layered and genre-spanning interiors. As the design scene in Minneapolis continues to flourish and take on a distinct identity of its own—Heather has found herself asking: how do you stand out in a market that’s beginning to look a certain way? In this conversation, Heather pulls back the curtain on the deeply personal process of defining her studio’s signature style. From creating a “Love List” of materials her team consistently gravitates toward—think cork, burl, patchwork, and marble—to wrestling with the vulnerability of saying, “this is what we like,” Heather shares what it means to lead with intuition in a world that rewards trend-following. Whether you’re in the thick of a rebrand or just trying to define your design identity, this episode is a must-listen. Thanks for listening.

Access the tools in this episode at www.idco.studio This bonus episode marks the beginning of something game-changing for interior designers. Today, I’m joined by two of the most trusted experts in the business of design: Studio Growth Strategist Renee Bush of Tandem and Brooke Stoll, Operations and Profitability Strategist for interior designers. When we had tapped out all possible ideas for products at IDCO Studio, I called the best in the business to create something extraordinary. Together, we’ve developed a brand-new suite of tools created specifically for the way interior design studios operate—and scale. Renee brings years of experience leading creative teams, including her time as Director of Design Operations at Studio McGee, and now consults studios across the country through her firm, Tandem. Brooke has spent nearly a decade inside high-performing firms, building systems that help designers grow their businesses intentionally—without sacrificing creative control or burning out. This collaboration was built from the ground up to solve the real, day-to-day challenges designers face. Inside this new collection, you’ll find three powerful bundles: a Financial Toolkit that brings clarity to your numbers, a Project Pipeline System that helps you forecast and convert the right clients, and a comprehensive Process Outline that maps every step from inquiry to install. In this episode, we’re breaking down what each tool does, how to implement it, and why it has the power to completely transform how you lead your business. These aren’t just spreadsheets—they’re decision-making systems. They’re clarity tools. And they’re here to help you scale your design firm with purpose, confidence, and a whole lot less stress.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective, I’m your host, Anastasia Casey — and today, I am so excited to be joined by one of the most influential voices in modern American design, Nina Freudenberger. As the founder of Freudenberger Design Studio, Nina has built a body of work that transcends trend cycles, coasts, and even design styles — yet every space she touches evokes the same feeling: grounded, effortless, and deeply personal. You might know her from her bestselling design books like Surf Shack, Bibliostyle, and most recently Mountain House, or from her projects featured in Architectural Digest and Vogue. But what’s perhaps most fascinating about Nina’s journey is how she’s built a brand that evolves with her — from interiors, to publishing, and beyond — all while staying visually cohesive and emotionally resonant. In this conversation, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it takes to grow a multidisciplinary design studio, how to build a signature style that still leaves room for reinvention, and how Nina’s expanded her business into new creative categories without losing sight of what matters most. If you’re a designer looking to grow a timeless business that evolves with you, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Let’s dive in.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective, where we dig into the business of beautiful spaces. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today’s episode is one I’m especially excited to share. We’re pulling back the curtain on a beloved Canadian-based brand in the design community—Moe’s Home Collection—and exploring what it really takes to evolve a 25-year-old, family-run company into a rising force in the wholesale furniture space. Joining me are Co-CEOs and siblings, Sara and Moe Jr. Samieian, who have not only scaled Moe’s in impressive ways, but done so with interior designers at the center of their strategy. From streamlining shipping and inventory to launching designer-led product collaborations and educational events, they’ve reimagined what a wholesale partner can look like in 2025. In this conversation, we talk about what designers are asking for right now, how feedback directly influences Moe’s product collections, and why building an authentic community is just as important as beautiful furniture. Whether you’re a solo designer or a studio with a full team, this episode offers a refreshing, behind-the-scenes look at a company that’s putting our industry first. Let’s dive in.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today’s guest is someone I’ve admired for a very long time—interior designer and author Stephanie Sabbe. As the founder of Sabbe Interior Design and owner of Heirloom Artifacts in Nashville, Stephanie is known for her fresh yet deeply reverent approach to historic homes. In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the unique challenges and incredible opportunities that come with designing for history—how to honor a home’s past without sacrificing modern function, how to find the right trades for sensitive restoration work, and how to build time into the process for the kind of thoughtful, layered storytelling Stephanie is known for. We’ll also be diving into her new book, Interiors of a Storyteller, a stunning design memoir that weaves together nine projects and the personal stories that shaped them. This conversation is equal parts business, beauty, and heart—and I can’t wait for you to hear it. Thanks for listening - let’s get started.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today’s conversation feels especially close to my heart. After spending the last ten years building a business, scaling a team, and pouring everything into my work, I finally took the leap into motherhood — and now, I’m sitting here with a four-month-old at home, learning firsthand what it means to balance entrepreneurship with a brand new kind of responsibility. That’s why I was so excited to sit down with interior designer Kim Lapin. Kim runs a thriving, highly intentional design business while also raising three kids under the age of four. Yes — three under four. But what’s even more impressive is the way she’s made conscious decisions to stay small, take on projects that feel deeply fulfilling, and outsource in all the right places — both professionally and personally — in order to create the life and business she truly wants. In this episode, we talk about saying no to the pressure to scale, redefining success in motherhood, and letting go of the guilt that so many of us feel when we don’t do it all. Whether you’re in the thick of this same season, or just thinking about what sustainable success could look like for you, this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and so much grace. Let’s dive in.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective In the evolving landscape of luxury homebuilding, discerning clients are seeking more than just high-end finishes—they desire a seamless, intentional experience from concept to completion. Today, I'm honored to welcome the co-founders behind Simple Finesse—Sia, Interior Design Principal and Creative Director, and Roderick, Architectural Designer and Residential Building Contractor. Together, they lead a Minneapolis-based, full-service architecture, interior design, and build studio dedicated to crafting clean, timeless, and intentional designs for both residential and commercial spaces.​ Sia brings over 15 years of experience consulting Fortune 500 executives, infusing each project with a strategic, process-driven mindset that harmonizes creativity with business acumen. Her leadership ensures that every design seamlessly blends aesthetics, functionality, and personal expression. Roderick, with a rich background in high-end residential architecture and a passion for refined, thoughtful homes, believes that great design emerges from collaboration. His expertise in 3D modeling and architectural visualization ensures precision and efficiency, bringing projects to life with meticulous attention to detail.​ In this episode, we'll explore how Simple Finesse's integrated design-build approach is redefining luxury homebuilding, the motivations driving clients toward design-driven studios, and the significance of being a minority- and women-owned firm in an industry where diverse perspectives are still rare. Let’s go!

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Interior Design Service Agreement at IDCO Studio Welcome back to The Interior Collective Podcast—where we dive into the business of beautiful spaces. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today’s conversation is one I know every designer needs to hear. We’re joined by the incredibly talented Palmer Weiss—an interior designer whose signature style blends timeless sophistication with vibrant Southern charm. But beyond her eye for color and layered design, Palmer brings something rare to the table: a rock-solid business background. With experience in investment banking and retail merchandising, and an MBA from Kellogg, Palmer didn’t just fall into this industry—she built her design firm on the foundation of financial fluency. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to run a profitable design business. From creating airtight budgets, navigating scope creep, and maintaining profit margins without compromising creative vision, Palmer shares practical, specific strategies that every designer—at any level—can learn from. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by pricing, billing, or managing money in this industry, this one’s for you. So grab your notebook—Palmer Weiss is about to drop some serious wisdom.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio. An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Design Assisted Interior Design Service Agreement at IDCO Studio Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today, we’re diving into the art of bringing a new construction project to life. Our guest is Stephanie Mahaney, founder of Stephanie Rae Interiors, most-known for designing functional, custom residential projects and elevated commercial spaces. With a background at Kemble Interiors and a deep understanding of the building process from her collaboration with Keating Moore Construction, Stephanie brings a unique perspective on integrating design and construction seamlessly. In this episode, we’ll cover: How to collaborate effectively with architects, builders, and contractors Project management strategies to keep designs on track The communication skills every designer needs to navigate challenges and ensure a smooth process Balancing aesthetics and function to create homes that are both beautiful and livable For many designers, custom new construction projects are the dream project, and Stephanie is breaking down just how to ensure they run smoothly. Let’s get started—here’s my conversation with <st

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio. An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Interior Design Service Agreement at IDCO Studio Welcome back to The Interior Collective Podcast, where we dive deep into the business of interior design. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today, we’re exploring one of the most critical aspects of a successful design project: client touchpoints. From the initial consultation to the final styling, how do you structure your process to keep clients informed, engaged, and—most importantly—confident in your vision?  To help us break it all down, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Susannah Holmberg. With over 13 years of experience, Susannah has built a design practice rooted in both fine art and interior design, crafting spaces that are highly customized, deeply intentional, and timelessly beautiful. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Domino, and more, and today, she’s here to share her insights on sequencing a design into clear phases—what those client touchpoints should look like, and what to cover in each. After 10 years of running my own creative studio, client touchpoints continue to be something we work on refining, implementing, and increasing in order to improve our client experience. If you’ve ever struggled with keeping interior design clients aligned, setting expectations, or simply creating a seamless design process, this episode is for you. Let’s get started.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio. An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Pricing Models for Interior Designers with Lindsey BorchardMastering the art of working with trade vendors is one of the biggest challenges interior designers face. From wholesale vendors to custom furniture workrooms, strong vendor relationships are key to a seamless design process. But how do you find the right vendors, create lasting partnerships, and ensure every project runs smoothly while maximizing profitability? Today, we’re joined by Melissa Oholendt, founder of Oho Interiors, whose path to design was anything but traditional. After beginning her interior design studies in 2001, Melissa spent over 15 years in the fast-paced world of distressed debt hedge funds before launching a decade-long career in photography. In 2019, she returned to her first love—interior design—building a business that has since been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Domino, Homes & Gardens, and more. In 2024, she launched a shop with luxury retailer Perigold, was named a Top 40 Expert on The Expert, and took the stage as a keynote speaker at The Haven Workshop. Melissa brings a wealth of experience in managing high-level vendor relationships, and today, she’s sharing her best strategies for sourcing, organizing, and collaborating with trade partners. Whether you're looking to refine your process, build stronger industry connections, or avoid costly vendor mistakes, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in!

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio. An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Mastering the art of working with trade vendors is one of the biggest challenges interior designers face. From wholesale vendors to custom furniture workrooms, strong vendor relationships are key to a seamless design process. But how do you find the right vendors, create lasting partnerships, and ensure every project runs smoothly while maximizing profitability? Join the Serena & Lily trade program for exclusive perks, best pricing, custom sizing, and white-glove delivery at serenaandlily.com/interiorcollective. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective  IDCO Studio Spec Book Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today, we’re sitting down again with one of the most respected names in the industry—Heidi Caillier. An AD100 designer, Heidi has built a career on reinventing tradition, crafting interiors that feel intimate, layered, and deeply personal. Known for her confident use of pattern, color, and nostalgic elements, she designs spaces that stand the test of time, valuing heirlooms, antiques, and handcrafted details over fleeting trends. But beyond her signature aesthetic, Heidi has also simplified and standardized the business side of interior design—something we’re diving deep into today. I first learned of Heidi’s straight forward approach last October at Design Camp, and the details utterly blew my mind. Heidi’s model of whole home design presentations and flat rate product markup feels refreshingly easy to manage, and all around magical. We’ll explore why she made that decision, how it streamlines client communication, and why presenti

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. Hi! Welcome back to The Interior Collective - I’m your host, Anastasia Casey! Today, I’m excited to welcome Jason Saft, the mastermind behind Staged to Sell Home, a company that has transformed over $3 billion in luxury homes since its official founding in2016, but Jason’s been staging as a passion project since 2005. With an impressive background of more than 20 years in real estate sales and staging, Jason brings a unique perspective on what it means to craft interiors that are both aspirational and functional. Known for his contemporary, curatorial style and unwavering commitment to producing results, Jason has earned accolades for his work, including features in the Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, and more. For Jason, great design isn’t a straight line—it’s about balancing artistry and intent, creating spaces that captivate buyers and maximize value. Because I truly do believe there is no single way to run a successful design business, I’m thrilled to chat with Jason about how he has forged his own path in luxury staging, standing out as both a respected business owner and creative visionary. Jason’s approach is anything but conventional, and his 98% success rate speaks for itself. Today, we’re diving into Jason’s methods for making luxury staging stand out, exploring everything from his business model and inventory curation to timelines and the decisions behind staging versus full-service design. And we’re especially excited to catch up because not only is Jason an IDCO Studio client, he is also a past attendee of our own Design Camp—so much so that he sent his team to the very next session! Join us as we explore how Jason combines expertise, intentionality, and market knowledge to elevate homes and help buyers envision their dream lives.

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. Welcome back to The Interior Collective - a podcast for the business of beautiful living! I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for today’s episode because it’ll be a masterclass in social media authenticity AND strategy. Today, I’m joined by my dear friend Chloe Legras of Boxwood Avenue Interiors. For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of diving into Chloe’s world yet, you’re in for a treat. She’s the visionary behind the stunning interiors and lifestyle brand Boxwood Avenue—a brand that effortlessly combines luxury design with the art of intentional, slow living. Chloe and I have been friends for years - we actually met at The Haven Workshop years ago and stayed close since. I’ve even had the privilege of attending her retreats abroad—experiences that were truly life-changing. This past May I attended Boxwood Abroad in the Cotswolds and it truly was the trip of a lifetime. Well, until next September when I attend Boxwood Abroad in Provence. Those retreats have given me a firsthand look at Chloe’s passion for honoring heritage, simplicity, and the beauty of old-world charm alongside Chloe’s joy for life that extends way beyond beautiful interiors. Today, she’s here to share her approach to balancing a luxury design business with a lifestyle brand that celebrates the everyday. We’ll get into the nitty-gritty of her social media strategy–particularly over the last year, how she connects with her followers so authentically, and her secrets for building a brand that high-budget design clients are genuinely excited to be part of. I mean this in the most genuine way possible - get ready to dive in because this is Chloe’s world and I feel just so lucky to be living in it.

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. Welcome to another episode of The Interior Collective podcast - a podcast for the business of beautiful living! Today, we're diving into a fascinating conversation with one of Austin's most sought-after interior designers and someone who has truly transformed my life, Audrey Scheck. You know, we often hear the advice to say "no" to many things to make room for the right ones. But Audrey has taken a different path—one that embraces a resounding "yes" to projects of all sizes. As the founder and principal designer of Audrey Scheck Design, Audrey has built an incredible reputation for transforming residential and commercial spaces into warm, inviting environments. Her projects are a testament to her unique approach, blending diverse materials and the charm of both old and new to create designs that are not just beautiful but also deeply livable. Audrey’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From her childhood days watching her parents build their dream home in rural Texas to remodeling her own home in Los Angeles, she has always had a passion for design. Now, after moving back to Texas in 2020, she's established herself as a leading designer, with her work featured in esteemed publications like Martha Stewart, Better Homes & Gardens, and Forbes. What I find particularly special about Audrey is her genuine networking ability and her generous spirit. What began as a simple "can I buy you lunch?" inquiry has blossomed into one of my closest friendships. Her approach to saying yes—not just to projects but to people—has not only propelled her business forward but has also enriched her life and the lives of those around her. When I was deep in the weeds growing IDCO Studio and The Interior Collective, I was a definite homebody with a false sense of community via my remote team and Instagram friendships. I’d developed a notable level of social anxiety and thought I was perfectly content. After Audrey invited me to lunch, she instantly invited me to a small girl group of fellow designers and artists - with the likes of Claire Brody and Aileen Fitzgerald for monthly dinner dates. That group, and Audrey’s friendship, changed my life. Audrey refused to let us make excuses for getting together, and made sure we were all, always included. I can say with certainty that Audrey Scheck absolutely changed my life and helped turn me into a more confident, healthy person who can balance and prioritize both digital friendships and friendships in real life as well.</sp