The Design Center

In this episode of The Design Center: Student Edition, host Christine Gee sits down with luxury designer and entrepreneur Traci Connell to explore her journey from teaching to building a successful interior design career. Traci shares how community involvement, including her work with Kips Bay and Dwell with Dignity, has shaped her career and connected her with opportunities beyond the design studio. She also discusses her transition into business mentoring and the lessons she has learned through coaching other designers. For aspiring designers, Traci offers valuable advice on the business side of the industry—from creating strong systems and processes to staying teachable and seeking hands-on experience. She encourages students to be proactive, patient, and willing to learn from established firms before venturing out on their own. This conversation reminds us that a successful design career is built not only on creativity, but also on experience, relationships, business knowledge, and a willingness to keep learning. Read more about Traci and her designs on her website, https://traciconnellinteriors.com.   Want to learn more about Christine Gee and G-Interiors? Visit her website at https://g-interiors.com  Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  Join our Community! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition   

In this episode of The Design Center: Student Edition, host Christine Gee sits down with Gaylynn McBrayer, founder of La Montage Art, to discuss her journey from a career in sales to launching her own successful art gallery at age 40. Gaylynn shares the challenges and opportunities of building her business from the ground up, including starting out of her husband's office and landing an important early partnership with Pandemonium. She emphasizes the importance of relationships, ethical business practices, supporting local artists, and building a strong team. For aspiring designers and creative professionals, Gaylynn also shares why original art can be such an important part of interior design. Rather than simply filling a wall, she encourages designers to help clients find artwork that feels personal and meaningful—creating spaces that are truly unique. Throughout the conversation, Gaylynn highlights the importance of mentorship and creating opportunities for emerging professionals, offering students valuable insight into building a career, a business, and lasting relationships within the design community. Want to learn more about Christine Gee and G-Interiors? Visit her website at https://g-interiors.com  Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  Join our Community! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition   

In this episode of The Design Center: Student Edition, host Christine Gee sits down with Susan Semmelmann, founder of Semmelmann Interiors, to explore her unconventional journey from teaching and working as a flight attendant to building a successful career in luxury interior design. Susan shares how she quickly established herself in the industry, designing more than $500 million in homes, while emphasizing that her greatest measure of success goes beyond business. Inspired by her husband's battle with bone cancer, Susan has made it her mission to use design as a force for good through her foundation, including furnishing homes for families in need. For aspiring designers, Susan offers advice on navigating an evolving industry: embrace technology, develop strong relational skills, and, most importantly, stay true to your own message and what makes your perspective unique. This conversation is a reminder that a successful design career isn't just about creating beautiful spaces—it's about discovering your purpose and using your skills to make a meaningful impact. Check out Susan's website, https://www.semmelmanninteriors.com, for more of her inspiration. Want to learn more about Christine Gee and G-Interiors? Visit her website at https://g-interiors.com  Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  Join our Community! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition   

On this episode of The Design Center: Student Edition, host Christine Gee sits down with acclaimed interior designer and entrepreneur Ruthie Staalsen, founder of Ruthie Staalsen Interiors. Ruthie shares her remarkable journey from growing up in South Africa to building an internationally recognized design business rooted in creativity, culture, and connection. Drawing inspiration from her travels and exposure to diverse cultures, Ruthie explains how global experiences have shaped her distinctive design perspective and helped her create spaces that feel both personal and timeless. She encourages aspiring designers to look beyond aesthetics and develop a strong business foundation, emphasizing that success in the design industry requires both creativity and entrepreneurial skills. Ruthie offers practical advice for students entering the profession, including the importance of building a strong social media presence, attending industry events such as High Point and Dallas Market, and continuously seeking opportunities to learn and grow. She also discusses the power of networking, mentorship, and fostering meaningful relationships within the design community. Throughout the conversation, Ruthie highlights the value of incorporating unique, one-of-a-kind pieces into projects to create truly personalized spaces. She also shares how maintaining an active online presence can help designers attract clients, showcase their work, and stay relevant in an ever-evolving industry. Want to learn more about Christine Gee and G-Interiors? Visit her website at https://g-interiors.com  Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  Join our Community! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition   

In this episode of The Design Center: Student Edition, host Christine Gee welcomes Ashton Sams, an accomplished kitchen and bath designer with more than 14 years of industry experience. Ashton shares her career journey, offering valuable insights into how flexibility, persistence, and a willingness to learn can open doors in the world of design. Beginning with an unpaid internship in the hospitality industry, Ashton explains how each opportunity helped shape her professional path and ultimately led her to discover a passion for cabinetry, restoration, and kitchen and bath design. She discusses the importance of embracing change and remaining adaptable as careers evolve, especially in a dynamic industry where technology and client expectations are constantly shifting. Throughout the conversation, Ashton highlights the technical skills that have contributed to her success, including proficiency in industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and 2020 Design. She emphasizes that developing a strong technical foundation can give emerging designers a competitive edge and create opportunities across multiple areas of the industry. Ashton also shares her experience working in a showroom environment at ProSource, where she has achieved more than $1 million in sales in multiple years. She discusses the unique advantages of showroom design, including direct client interaction, product expertise, and the ability to combine creativity with business acumen. For students and young professionals, Ashton offers practical advice on building lasting professional relationships, maintaining industry connections, prioritizing work-life balance, and exploring different career paths to discover where their talents and passions align best. Want to learn more about Christine Gee and G-Interiors? Visit her website at https://g-interiors.com  Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  Join our Community! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition   

What an incredible journey it's been! In the Season One finale of Design Center: Student Edition, host Christine Gee reflects on the incredible journey of launching the podcast and the inspiration she's gained from hearing the personal career stories of industry professionals. She encourages listeners to revisit past episodes for valuable insights from accomplished designers and reminds them that every career path is unique. Christine also celebrates the podcast's growing reach, with nearly 1,000 downloads across nine countries in just five months, and thanks listeners for their support. Looking ahead, she offers a preview of an exciting Season Two featuring expert guests in design, cabinetry, color, and branding, along with new resources to help students transition into the design profession. Until then, listeners can look forward to exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews and content between seasons. We're also working on an exciting new initiative designed to help bridge the gap between design school and your first job in the industry, so stay tuned for that announcement. And if you can't wait until Season Two launches, neither can we! Keep an eye on our channels for behind-the-scenes interviews and exclusive conversations with innovative brands shaping the future of design, sure to inspire your next project. Want to learn more about Christine Gee and G-Interiors? Visit her website at https://g-interiors.com  Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  Join our Community! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition   

On this episode of The Design Center: Student Edition, host Christine Gee welcomes designer Kristi Hopper for a conversation about creativity, career reinvention, and building a successful design business. Kristi shares how her path into interior design was not a straight line. After working in corporate management and facing an unexpected career change, she reconnected with her passion for design and founded Kristi Hopper Designs. That decision led to the creation of a full-service interior design firm that has served clients across North Texas for more than two decades. Throughout the episode, Kristi emphasizes that great design is deeply personal. Rather than focusing on a single signature style, she explains the importance of listening to clients, understanding how they live, and creating spaces that support connection, comfort, and everyday life. This philosophy has become the foundation of her work in residential and commercial design.  Kristi also discusses the realities of entrepreneurship, including learning to value her work, balancing creativity with profitability, and building a team that allows her to focus on her strengths. Her experience offers an honest look at the challenges and rewards of running a design firm.   For students interested in interior design, product development, or creative entrepreneurship, this episode is both inspiring and practical. Kristi's story demonstrates that successful design careers are built through curiosity, resilience, relationship-building, and a commitment to creating spaces that truly improve people's lives. Read more about Kristi on her website www.kristihopper.com  Want to learn more about Christine Gee and G-Interiors? Visit her website at https://g-interiors.com  Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  Join our Community! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition       

What does it take to turn creativity into a successful career? On this episode of Design Center: Student Edition, host Christine Gee sits down with Scottie Collins, a creative and product development expert with more than 20 years of experience in the fashion and home industries. Scottie shares how his journey began at the University of North Texas, where he started weaving placemats and table runners—an experience that sparked a career filled with innovation, product development, and collaborations with well-known brands such as Kate Spade and Jack Spade. From creating samples to developing products for major retailers, Scottie reflects on the opportunities that helped shape his path. Throughout the conversation, Scottie emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer and the purpose behind every product. He explains why successful design goes beyond aesthetics and requires a deep understanding of how people live, use, and connect with the products they bring into their homes. For students and emerging professionals, Scottie offers practical advice on building a career in the design industry. He highlights the value of networking, attending industry events, seeking mentorship, and remaining curious throughout every stage of your professional journey. Continuous learning, he says, is one of the most important tools for long-term success. The episode also explores Scottie's latest venture, Ellora Casa, a brand centered on timeless design and the concept of "future heritage." His vision is to create beautiful, functional products that stand the test of time—pieces designed to be used, cherished, and passed down for generations. Want to learn more about Christine Gee and G-Interiors? Visit her website at https://g-interiors.com  Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  Join our Community! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition   

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:547a581c-c793-4639-bea7-3f23b0ec171d-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:547a581c-c793-4639-bea7-3f23b0ec171d-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode of The Design Center: Student Edition, host Christine Gee sits down with Sammi Day, founder of Day Drapery, to discuss her unexpected path from accounting aspirations to becoming a respected leader in the custom drapery industry. With more than 15 years of experience, Sammi shares how Day Drapery has become a trusted behind-the-scenes partner for interior designers, specializing in high-end custom window treatments. She explains the level of precision, craftsmanship, and attention to detail required to execute luxury drapery projects successfully — from fabric selection and hardware decisions to measurements, installation, and motorization options. Sammi also gives listeners an inside look at the business side of running a custom workroom, including the time-intensive quoting process and the importance of maintaining strong relationships with designers. She emphasizes that professionalism, communication, and reliability are essential in an industry built heavily on referrals and repeat partnerships. Throughout the conversation, Sammi reflects on the growth of her company, the increasing demand for motorized treatments, and the value of networking within the design community. Her insights offer students and emerging designers a realistic look at the collaboration, technical knowledge, and trust required to bring beautiful interiors to life. Want to learn more about Christine Gee and G-Interiors? Visit her website at https://g-interiors.com  Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  Join our Community! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition                   

In this episode of The Design Center: Student Edition, Christine Gee sits down with Kim Bailey, founder of Design Lifestyles and the Heritage School of Interior Design, to discuss her journey and her unique approach to design education. Kim shares how she transitioned from a business administration background into a successful career in interior design, ultimately building both a thriving design firm and a school dedicated to preparing the next generation of designers. She challenges the traditional education model, emphasizing that real-world experience is essential — and that many programs fall short by lacking instructors with true industry backgrounds. At the Heritage School, Kim has created a hands-on learning environment, offering a 12-week foundational program and an advanced master's program. Students gain practical experience through industry visits, workshops, and direct exposure to how the design business actually works. Throughout the conversation, Kim stresses the importance of networking, gaining applicable skills, and getting involved in the industry early. She also highlights the accessibility of her program, which attracts both career changers and recent graduates, along with its strong job placement success. This episode is a must-listen for students and aspiring designers looking for a more practical, experience-driven path into the design industry — and a reminder that success comes from doing, learning, and building real connections along the way. Want to learn more about Christine Gee and G-Interiors? Visit her website at https://g-interiors.com  Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show!  Join our Community! Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition