Trade Tales

Rayana Schmitz balanced several different early career paths—from fitness trainer to firefighter—before landing on interior design. Today, she’s leading her firm with the wisdom to know when to trust her gut and when to rely on outside experts. On this episode, she shares the showhouse experience that pushed her creative boundaries, how a fractional CFO saved her firm’s finances and why she maintains strict hours of communication with clients. This episode was sponsored by Vanguard Furniture and Kohler. LINKSRayana Schmitz  Kaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

In this episode, Seattle-based interior designer Lauren Caron answers a question from a designer who wants to expand her business beyond her home city without sacrificing her firm’s standards. Caron jumps in with advice on billing clients for travel time, how she maximizes site visits before the transition to remote work, and the value in an exhaustive scope of work document. This episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton. LINKSLauren CaronKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Audrey Scheck’s 20-person firm is a well-oiled machine—complete with a carefully structured leadership team and a top-down approach that sets the tone for every employee. Elsewhere in the episode, she shares her growth mindset as she expanded her team, how a bandwidth tracker helps the firm determine whether it's time to take on new business, and the questions that help clients step outside their comfort zone. This episode was sponsored by Dallas Market Center and Kohler. LINKSHema Persad Kaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Washington, D.C.–based Zoë Feldman on how to hire for aesthetic alignment, the metrics she uses to measure an employee’s progress at the firm, and how a team member with their own style can sometimes save the firm from adopting a formulaic look. This episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton. LINKSZoë Feldman Kaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Hema Persad’s experience as an A-list stylist taught her what the one percent is looking for in the design process—and helped her build a firm that’s structured to meet those needs, while also complementing her decisive approach to leadership. Elsewhere in the episode, she shares how managing a team shifted her perspective on business growth, why she’s been a fast adopter of AI tools, and what to expect from celebrity clients. This episode was sponsored by Dallas Market Center and Kohler. LINKSHema PersadKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Los Angeles–based Christine Vroom answers a question from a fellow designer with a question about a project pipeline gone wrong. Vroom jumps in with advice on the importance of taking inventory of the hypothetical situations that could impact a design business, why her firm implements a “restart fee” for clients who need to push pause, and how to mentally prepare for the ebb and flow characteristic of a designer’s workload. This episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton. LINKSChristine VroomKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Hanna Li has created an infrastructure and recruited a team that allows her to thrive as creative director of her firm. From that vantage point, the Los Angeles–based designer is able to think big about topics like sustainability and longevity, and examine what it takes to embed them into the fabric of each project. Elsewhere in the episode, she shares how she’s measuring the carbon footprint of every project, why she produced short films about her firm’s work, and the reason every role she hires for comes with a five-year plan. LINKSHanna Li Kaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Melissa Oholendt of Minnesota- and Colorado-based firm Oho Interiors answers a question from a designer who is currently interviewing candidates for her firm’s first full-time position. Oholendt jumps in with advice on how to reveal a candidate’s true ambitions, evaluating skillset through a key question and knowing when to call for backup.  LINKSOho InteriorsKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton.

Elizabeth Bennett and Mallory Robins found their better business half in each other—one favoring function, and the other taking the lead on form. In this episode, they share why they no longer use a client questionnaire, how they maintain a single brand voice at every touchpoint, and why a willingness to go all-in is their new criteria for incoming projects.  LINKSJess EbertKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

San Antonio, Texas–based designer Alison Giese answers a question from a designer who is interested in tweaking her presentation approach to inspire trust and cultivate hands-off clients. Giese jumps in with advice on the value of providing clients with curated choices, how to hone powers of observation during the intake process and why whole-home presentations help convey continuity—and give designers a chance to build confidence and salesmanship skills. LINKSAlison GieseKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton.

Jess Ebert received a flood of new clients a few years back—and soon realized that the abundance of work was doing the business more harm than good. As she pared down the pipeline, she brought the firm closer to its ideal clientele—and started to clear the path for her own transition within her firm’s workflow. In this episode, she also shares how she communicates her entire team’s value to clients, the many ways hiring a PR firm is helping her navigate the changing social media landscape and why taking Wednesdays off represents a pivotal moment in her entrepreneurial journey. LINKSJess EbertKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Garrett Leather.

Oakland, California–based designer Chloe Redmond Warner joins the show to answer a question from a designer who is wondering if stronger systems could lend her firm a greater sense of professionalism. Redmond Warner offers advice on why an unstructured design process might miss out on the value-engineering phase, how to find the sweet spot between client responsiveness and total control, and why issuing a project schedule from the outset can help establish a firm’s sense of authority. This episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton. LINKSChloe Redmond WarnerKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Melissa Oholendt has guided her firm through some major changes in recent years, including opening a second office halfway across the country and the introduction of a new business partner. She explains how every step she’s taken is a building block toward a bigger vision. In this episode, she shares the business partner who helped her firm set its sights higher, the strategy behind identifying an Instagram audience, and how she stays above the emotional fray when it comes to discussing finances with clients. LINKSOho InteriorsKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Chiacgo-based designer Alex Kaehler joins the show to answer a question from a designer who has stayed busy as a team of one, but wonders what growth might look like for her small firm. Kaehler offers advice on how to grow your firm without increasing your workload, using social media as a lower-lift lead generator and why size doesn’t always equate to success. LINKSAlex Kaehler Kaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton.

Dana Bergman Falcione and Erica Vassalotti had a surprising path to partnership. In this episode, they explain how they’ve come together—and how their workflow allows each of them to tackle their own domain within the design work while conveying a shared vision to clients. Elsewhere, they share what it takes to delegate decision-making, how they’ve divided their roles as co-leaders of the firm, and why they’ve avoided becoming the technicians of their business.This episode is sponsored by Joon Loloi. LINKSBergman VassKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Dan Mazzarini, the founder of New York–based interiors firm Mazzarini & Co., joins the show to answer a question from a designer who wants to start sourcing antique and vintage pieces, but needs guidance navigating the purchasing process. Mazzarini offers advice on how to buy time with vendors while seeking client approval, what it takes to highlight an item’s top selling points, and why putting extra effort into visualization can help clients get on board with the broader vision. LINKSDan MazzariniKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton.

Bryan and Mike Yates discovered that at the height of their firm’s success, their team’s morale was at its lowest. In this episode, they explain how that realization prompted an internal overhaul, setting in motion a structure that amplifies each employee’s strengths. Elsewhere, they share the low-overhead approach that got their business off the ground, the business consultant that inspired them to transform their firm’s structure, and how they’ve strategically created curriculums that outline pathways to growth for the members of their team.This episode is sponsored by Joon Loloi.LINKSYates Desygn Kaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

DuVäl Reynolds, the founder of East Coast interior design firm DuVäl Design, joins the show to answer a question from a designer whose steady stream of clients has slowed down dramatically in recent months. Reynolds offers advice on how to spot early indicators for a slowdown in new business, adjusting your messaging to attract ideal clients, and the value of diversifying your firm’s offerings during slow months.LINKSDuVäl ReynoldsKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands.

Evan Millard’s strategic approach to showhouses catapulted his firm to early success. In the years since, he’s flourished as a solo designer, pursuing new business opportunities and entering what he calls the “adult stage” of his firm’s aesthetic evolution. In this episode, he also shares how being a solo designer offers him room to grow in new directions and the value in being transparent with clients about his firm’s finances.LINKSEvan MillardKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Victoria Sass joins the show to answer a question from a fellow designer who is hoping to land her young firm’s first magazine feature. She has a project she’s excited to share with the world—but finding press placement has been a challenge. The Minneapolis-based designer jumps in with advice on different approaches to working with a public relations agency, how digital placement can actually yield longer-term results for your business and why local press contains a wealth of value that’s often overlooked.LINKSVictoria SassKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Zoe Feldman got some surprising advice just as she was starting to feel settled in her business: While she thought she couldn’t afford to hire more employees, she was told that if she wanted to keep delivering a high level of service, she couldn’t afford not to. On this episode of the podcast, she shares why she’s introduced a scaled-down option to her design offerings for clients who just want good advice, the many ways she has built philanthropy into the fabric of her firm, and why she insists that clients don’t really want full transparency.LINKSZoe FeldmanKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Kevin Isbell joins the show to answer a question from a fellow designer who reached out with the story of an order gone awry, and is now looking for advice on what it takes to make things right for clients while also holding vendors accountable. The Los Angeles–based designer jumps in with advice on vetting vendors, navigating expensive mistakes, and ensuring that the client’s experience comes first—no matter the cost.LINKSKevin IsbellKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Alvin Wayne spent years juggling a double career in luxury retail and interior design. But when the pandemic happened, he was hit with a realization: it was finally time to wholeheartedly pursue his passion for interiors. Now, he’s committed to crafting a firm that serves him best—between his penchant for shopping retail, his streamlined client vetting process and his growing social media presence, he’s using his exacting attitude to bring his business to new heights.LINKSAlvin WayneKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Erin Gates joins the show to answer a question from a designer trying to establish boundaries with clients who requested revisions too late in the design process. Gates offers advice on the importance of documenting client communication to keep all parties accountable, the value of setting expectations early and how charging hourly can protect a firm in cases of revision.LINKSErin GatesKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton.

Richard Anuszkiewicz has been a rising star in the kitchen and bath industry since his design school days. He spent the better part of his career working within other design businesses—now, he’s starting a new era at the helm of his own. In this episode, he shares how he is developing professional extracurriculars outside of design, why he wants to be a chameleon for each client’s style, and why he evaluates his career goals every six months. LINKSRichard AnuszkiewiczKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Universal and Joon Loloi.

Ashley Hughes joins the show to answer a question from a designer who is looking to reach the next level of clientele. Hughes, whose firm is based in Dallas, offers advice on the importance of auditing your existing clientele, how to create a rendering that reflects the client you want to attract, and finding the vendors that align with your ideal demographic.LINKSAshley HughesKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton.

Lilse McKenna honed her craft under some of New York’s top design talents before striking out on her own. She learned from the best when it comes to systems and processes, but as the leader of her own firm, she’s also left room for her own creativity to run wild. On this episode, she shares how she honed her firm’s aesthetic and what it takes to find clients who are looking for her creative voice.LINKSLilse McKennaKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Universal and Joon Loloi.

Designers Heather Fujikawa, Jean Stoffer and Grace Start joined host Kaitlin Petersen for a live episode of the show—recorded at the Four Hands showroom in Austin—to hear anonymous designer questions on topics like post-pandemic recruiting tactics, discussing price changes with clients in the era of tariffs, and expanding a firm’s client base to include out-of-state projects. The trio jumped in with advice on modeling your ideal work culture for new team members, staying level-headed in money conversations, and prioritizing communication and organization when working with out-of-state clients.LINKSHouse SprucingJean Stoffer DesignKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton.

Ariel Okin’s early look at the industry inspired her to structure her business with a clear separation of the creative and operations teams. She also built a media empire, complete with a digital platform, a podcast and in-person events for design enthusiasts. On this episode, she shares how she stays open to new ideas, what it means to be a leader, a new experiment with delegating, and how writing her first book shaped her outlook about the firm’s next decade.LINKSAriel OkinKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Renewal by Andersen and Dallas Market Center.

Jenna Chused joins the show to answer a question from a designer who is looking for help when it comes to communicating with clients about tariffs. Chused, whose firm is based in Brooklyn, jumps in with advice on why she’s shifted her sourcing approach to shield her business from price volatility, how tariffs show up on her firm’s invoices and how early budget discussions prevent sticker shock further along in the design process.LINKSJenna ChusedKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton.

Dan Mazzarini kicked off his career working in retail design before stepping into residential and hospitality work. Today, clients hire his firm for all three—leading to a diverse project mix that keeps his team freshly inspired. On this episode, he shares how he used his firm’s recent rebranding as a team-building opportunity, the one question he uses to kick off every project and how he’s talking to clients about the economics of design in today’s climate.LINKSDan MazzariniKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Renewal by Andersen and Dallas Market Center.

Anissa Zajac joins the show to answer a question from a designer who is looking to scale her business by expanding into new markets. Zajac, whose firm is based in Indianapolis, jumps in with advice on the importance of setting clear expectations with clients from the outset, establishing in-person touchpoints at key moments in the design process, and the remote project management tools that keep all team members on the same page.LINKSAnissa ZajacKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton.

Heather Fujikawa quickly realized that she wanted her firm to be about more than herself, and built up a team early on so that her budding design business could grow exponentially. The secret, she says, is a work environment specifically designed for each employee to thrive.LINKSHouse SprucingKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Joon Loloi and Serena & Lily.

Noz Nozawa joins the show to answer a question from a designer who’s finding it difficult to expand her team. Nozawa, whose firm is based in San Francisco, jumps in with advice on the value of investing in a professional recruiter to find top talent, how to gauge a candidate’s design passion in the interview process and why it’s essential as principal to set the firm’s standards for boundaries and communication.LINKSNoz NozawaKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton.

Jean Stoffer and Grace Start’s multigenerational firm always has an eye towards the future. They’ve paved a path to growth by launching new ventures—including a cabinetry business, a home store and a Magnolia network show—all while making sure to protect the creativity that got them here in the first place.LINKSStoffer HomeKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Joon Loloi and Serena & Lily.

Georgia Zikas joins the show to answer a question from a fellow designer whose firm is experiencing a slowdown in new business. Zikas, whose firm has offices in Boston and West Hartford, Connecticut, jumps in with advice on why slower periods provide an opportunity to fine-tune processes, tips for curating a network that produces potential clients and the importance of conducting regular assessments on a firm’s financial health. LINKSGeorgia ZikasKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton.

Lindsay Anyon Brier’s business spans a full-service firm and a home boutique with outposts in San Francisco and Dallas. As she explains, she couldn’t do it without her team—a group guided by a shared set of core values that shape everything from strategic planning to the way they reply to client emails.LINKSLindsay Anyon BrierKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Regina Andrew and The Shade Store.

Dwayne Bergmann joins the show to answer a question from a fellow designer who recently received an offer from the principal of her firm to purchase the business. Naples, Florida–based Bergmann jumps in with advice on how to assess the financial health of a firm that’s on the market, a breakdown of the two most common types of business acquisitions and how a simple pros and cons list can help identify the challenges that lie ahead when it comes to leading a firm.LINKSDwayne BergmannKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton.

Luis Fernandez’s boundless creative energy led him to a career in architecture, fashion, and ultimately, interiors. Now, he’s intent on pushing the limits of his craft with new challenges, like designing in the metaverse and some special side projects that have no client attached to them. Along the way, he is establishing airtight systems to guide his firm’s output even as his inspiration runs wild.LINKSLuis FernandezKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Regina Andrew and The Shade Store.

Michael Hilal joins the show to answer a question from a fellow designer about how to prioritize project photography after missing out on the opportunity to shoot a great job. San Francisco–based Hilal explains how he knows when it’s time to photograph a project, why he no longer feels the pressure to photograph everything he designs, and how to strategically leverage a firm’s best work to further your business goals.LINKSMichael Hilal Kaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton.

Anne McDonald made a big push a few years back to take her firm to the next level—toward bigger projects, more robust budgets, and new opportunities. The process required not only refining her team, but also learning to trust her own abilities. On this episode of the podcast, the Minneapolis, Minnesota–based designer shares why bringing on a CFO has helped her look toward the future, how she is navigating a shift towards smaller projects, and how her team is adjusting to a new pace of work.LINKSAnne McDonald Kaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Joon Loloi.

Jean Liu joins the show to answer a question from a designer who is wondering whether or not to pass along vendor processing fees to clients. The Dallas–based designer jumps in with advice on communicating additional fees to clients in a pre-invoice estimate, the value of using credit cards as a form of consumer protection and preparing for tariff-related fees.LINKSJean LiuKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Four Hands and Crypton.

Dwayne Bergmann’s multifaceted approach to business growth has included everything from repping cabinet lines and cofounding a slab importing company to acquiring another Florida designer’s firm. He shares how, despite his passion for expansion, he now finds himself more in the weeds than ever when it comes to creative work.LINKSDwayne BergmannKaitlin PetersenBusiness of HomeThis episode was sponsored by Joon Loloi.

Brian Paquette joins the show to answer a question from a fellow designer who wanted to know the best way to protect items in storage for her clients. The Seattle-based designer jumps in with advice on vetting storage partners, how warehouse insurance can result in profitability for both parties, and why the design business is 95 percent execution and logistics. This episode was sponsored by Four Hands. LINKSBrian PaquetteKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Michelle Gage found herself fast-approaching the point of burnout several years ago. In response, she threw herself into the process of remaking her business—overhauling back-end systems and making high-level hires in order to rekindle the sense of enjoyment that drew her to design in the first place. Elsewhere in this episode, she also shares the book that transformed her approach to leadership, the benefits of hiring a brand manager and how she educates clients on the costs of design.LINKSMichelle GageKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Bria Hammel joins the show to answer a question from a fellow designer in need of advice as she embarks on an overhaul of her payment processes, especially amid a recent shift to charging flat fees. Minnestoa–based Hammel jumps in with tips on aligning payments with various phases of the design process, why every firm’s first hire should be an accounting position, and the go-to management software that keeps everything in order.This episode was sponsored by Four Hands. LINKSBria HammelKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Chloe Redmond Warner realized several years ago that she had reached a breaking point. To get back to herself, she took a four-month sabbatical, with the hopes of returning to her firm as a better designer, and a better leader, too. The result wasn’t exactly what she was expecting, but it gave her the clarity she needed to change the way she worked.LINKSChloe Redmond WarnerKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Designers Arianne Bellizaire and Cortney Bishop joined host Kaitlin Petersen for a live episode of the show—recorded during Spring High Point Market—to dish out advice on topics including  when to start talking about design costs with prospective clients, what it takes to scale the receiving arm of your business and how to deal with an unreliable contractor. At the end, the designers fielded live questions from the audience on topics ranging from building a design team to discussing photography with reluctant clients.LINKSArianne BellizaireCortney BishopKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

When Meg Lonergan embarked on her design career, it seemed that her biggest hurdle was demonstrating to the rest of the design industry that despite her nontraditional education and early career experiences, she was just as talented and qualified as any other successful firm owner. Then, a near-total firm meltdown during the pandemic led her to a stunning realization: The biggest obstacle standing in the way of her firm’s growth was herself. LINKSMeg LonerganKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home

Meagan Camp joins the show to answer a question from a fellow designer in need of advice on streamlining her procurement process as she takes on a larger project load. The New York designer jumps in with tips on building storage costs into client budgets from the beginning, her vetting process for new receivers and the organizational system that ensures every item gets to the right place.This episode was sponsored by Four Hands. LINKSMeagan CampKaitlin PetersenBusiness of Home