Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast

It's officially circle-back season, hotties! As the holidays approach and the end-of-year scramble begins, interior designers everywhere are trying to wrap up projects, manage client expectations, and figure out how to squeeze a little more productivity out of the calendar. This week, Shaun Crha and Rebecca Plum are catching up after Rebecca's incredible trip to Japan, reflecting on the importance of taking time away from your interior design business, and navigating the inevitable flood of follow-ups waiting when you return.From Japan's inspiring retail culture and Shaun's creative holiday card plans to AI-powered meeting notes, client presentations, and smarter interior design workflows, this episode covers a little bit of everything. Shaun shares how he's using actual client quotes to make design presentations more personal and effective, while Rebecca discusses using AI tools to streamline project management and documentation. They also explore the changing role of technology in creative industries, the importance of preserving human connection, and why even experienced designers sometimes forget to include a trash cabinet. If you're juggling multiple design projects, considering hiring help, or simply trying to survive the final weeks of the year, this one's for you!In this episode they discuss:Rebecca's trip to Japan, from Kyoto's charming streets and incredible shopping to the value of unplugging from your interior design business and taking a real vacation.The beauty of specialty retail, traditional craftsmanship, and walkable cities, and what Japan's shopping culture reveals about the changing retail landscape in America.The annual end-of-year circle-back season, including managing client expectations, catching up after time away, and balancing interior design project deadlines with the holiday calendar.Shaun's plans to create custom holiday cards inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's artwork, and how creative hobbies can become meaningful client touchpoints.Changes in the home furnishings industry, including questions about Four Hands showrooms, designer collaborations, and the relationship between trade-only brands and consumer retail.How Shaun is incorporating direct client quotes from discovery calls and onboarding meetings into interior design presentations to create a more personalized, thoughtful client experience.Using AI tools like ChatGPT, Granola, and Programa to capture meeting notes, organize project documentation, create actionable follow-ups, and improve communication with clients and contractors.The benefits and challenges of AI in creative industries, why human collaboration still matters, and how interior designers can use better systems, delegation, and additional team support to manage growing workloads.Our links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shopSponsors:Hot Young Designers Club is brought to you by Programa. Learn more at programahq.link/hydc. Use code HYDC25 to save 25% on an annual plan.

Can being more generous with your interior design clients actually make your business more profitable? In this episode of the Hot Young Designers Club, hosts Shaun Crha and Rebecca Plum explore how generosity, transparent pricing, and strong client relationships can create a better experience for everyone involved. From letting clients purchase their own furniture to rethinking markup strategies for vintage and antique pieces, they're discussing when it's worth holding firm on your business boundaries and when letting the little things go can lead to bigger wins.Shaun and Rebecca also dive into finding your ideal interior design clients, building a portfolio that attracts the right projects, and knowing when to invest in PR to grow your design business. They share why creating a spirit of generosity doesn't mean sacrificing profitability, how to avoid nickel-and-diming clients, and why long-term business success often comes from trust, flexibility, and a little unreasonable hospitality. Plus, they reflect on reaching 200 podcast episodes, the importance of celebrating milestones, and how design inspiration and client expectations differ across the country.In this episode they discuss:Why being generous with interior design clients can build trust, strengthen relationships, and lead to a more profitable business.How to structure interior design pricing, including wholesale markups, vintage and antique commissions, custom furnishings, and transparent pricing policies.Knowing when to let clients purchase items themselves instead of enforcing procurement fees or fighting over small commissions.Balancing healthy business boundaries with flexibility, generosity, and an exceptional interior design client experience.How to identify your ideal interior design clients, recognize green flags during discovery calls, and avoid projects that drain your creative energy.Why building an interior design portfolio around a few exceptional, multi-room projects can attract more of the work you actually want.When hiring a public relations professional makes sense for interior designers and how PR can support visibility, industry recognition, and business growth.How regional design styles, generational expectations, and travel influence client preferences and inspire new creative directions.Our links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shopSponsors:Hot Young Designers Club is brought to you by Programa. Learn more at programahq.link/hydc. Use code HYDC25 to save 25% on an annual plan.

Fresh off Fall 2026 High Point Market, Shaun and Rebecca are back with their favorite showroom discoveries, emerging interior design trends, and the hidden gems you may have missed! From innovative performance rugs and stunning decorative hardware to lighting details that deserve more attention, they're sharing the products, vendors, and creative inspiration that caught their eyes at the world's largest home furnishings trade show. Plus, they're calling out the trends that are starting to feel a little too overdone.Whether you're planning your first trip to High Point Market or looking for fresh sourcing resources for your interior design business, this episode is packed with insider tips. Shaun and Rebecca discuss the benefits of staying close to market, building relationships with vendors, attending industry panels, and finding unique pieces that set your designs apart. Along the way, they share their favorite moments with fellow designers, lessons from their speaking engagements, and plenty of hilarious behind-the-scenes adventures.In this episode they discuss:Their biggest takeaways from Fall 2026 High Point Market, including how staying nearby and using local shuttles completely changed their market experience.Exciting rug discoveries at Jaipur Living, including innovative performance fibers, geometric patterns, and thoughtful design details from Vern Yip's collection.Underrated lighting and hardware vendors, including Art and Forge, Ellis Works, and Hudson Valley Lighting, that deserve a spot on your sourcing list.Why bright white lampshades, repetitive block prints, and beige-on-beige showrooms are starting to feel tired, and what they'd rather see from manufacturers.Discovering one-of-a-kind antiques, textiles, furniture, and accessories at 313 Space and the curated Ticking Tent event.The growing popularity of rustic wood finishes, natural materials, and handcrafted details in furniture and interior design.Their experiences speaking on panels at Norwalk Furniture and Hooker Furnishings, including conversations about originality, creative inspiration, and designing beyond social media trends.How to make the most of High Point Market through strategic sourcing, industry networking, educational events, and meaningful connections with other interior designers.Our links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shopSponsors:Hot Young Designers Club is brought to you by Programa. Learn more at programahq.link/hydc. Use code HYDC25 to save 25% on an annual plan.

What does your tile installer really wish you knew before starting your next interior design project? This week, Shaun Crha and Rebecca Plum welcome Adam Wilson, founder of Icon Tile, to get an insider’s perspective on custom tile installation, bathroom renovations, and the relationship between interior designers and skilled tradespeople. From the great Schluter debate to intricate tile layouts, waterproofing systems, and the true cost of craftsmanship, Adam shares what goes into bringing ambitious design ideas to life—and why some tile installers say “no” when designers want to push the boundaries.With more than two decades of experience in the tile industry, Adam also shares how he has grown Icon Tile into a thriving business, why training the next generation of skilled tradespeople matters, and what designers should understand about natural materials like lime plaster, microcement, and tadelakt. The conversation takes a timely turn into material safety, lead in zellige tile, silica exposure, and the responsibility designers and manufacturers share in creating healthier homes. Whether you're specifying tile for a bathroom remodel or managing a complex custom installation, this episode will help you communicate better with contractors, avoid costly surprises, and create beautiful work together.In this episode they discuss:What tile installers wish interior designers understood about custom tile installation, detailed layouts, and the craftsmanship behind a beautiful finished projectThe debate over Schluter trim, mitered tile edges, and waterproofing systems—and how budget and design intent influence installation decisionsHow Adam grew Icon Tile from a small operation into a larger team and why apprenticeships and skilled-trade education are essential to the future of constructionThe differences between lime plaster, microcement, and traditional Moroccan tadelakt, including the extensive prep work behind seamless bathroom finishesGrowing concerns about silica dust, lead in zellige tile, and how designers, installers, and manufacturers can approach material safety and healthier interior designWhy detailed design plans, accurate tile specifications, realistic budgets, and early communication help contractors say “yes” to creative installationsThe hidden costs of tile installation, from substrate preparation and complex patterns to change orders and the importance of hiring tradespeople with the right expertiseWhat designers should know about shower waterproofing, hot-mop shower pans, drainage systems, and preventing moisture-related problemsMentioned:Icon Tile - WebsiteIcon Tile on InstagramOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shopSponsors:Hot Young Designers Club is brought to you by Programa. Learn more at programahq.link/hydc. Use code HYDC25 to save 25% on an annual plan.

Are you taking on more liability in your interior design business than you realize? This week, Rebecca and Shaun are diving into the sometimes confusing world of project management, construction coordination, and business compliance. After hearing about an interior designer facing a workers' compensation audit for potentially operating like a general contractor, they're asking some important questions about where an interior designer's responsibilities should end and how to protect your business from costly mistakes.But it's not all insurance audits and legal headaches! They're also talking about hiring employees versus independent contractors, outsourcing the parts of your business you don't love, and building a design team that actually understands your creative vision. Plus, they're sharing practical insights on business lines of credit, cash flow management, and why growing your interior design firm doesn't have to mean giving up the creative work that brings you joy. Whether you're a solo designer or growing your studio, this episode is a reminder that running a profitable interior design business means making intentional decisions about your time, your team, and your risks.In this episode they discuss:The difference between interior design project management, design intent management, and construction management—and why defining your scope of work matters.How acting like a general contractor could expose interior designers to workers' compensation audits, insurance requirements, and unexpected financial penalties.The risks of misclassifying independent contractors as employees, plus why hiring an HR consultant can help keep your design business compliant.How Programa simplifies construction documentation, FF&E schedules, and communication with contractors to keep interior design projects organized.Deciding which responsibilities to outsource and which creative tasks to keep as your interior design business grows.Building an interior design team that understands your studio's values, design philosophy, and approach to client experience.Navigating the hiring process, delegating responsibilities, and learning to trust other designers to make decisions without giving up creative control.How business lines of credit, credit cards, and strategic cash flow management can support growth and hiring in your interior design firm.Mentioned:High Point Market – The furniture and design industry market where Rebecca and Shaun are speaking on panels.Norwalk Furniture – Rebecca's High Point Market panel location.Hooker Furnishings – Shaun's High Point Market panel location.Hotties on Holiday: Mexico City – Learn more about the March 2027 group trip for interior designers.Hot Young Designers Club Blog – Submit your interior design projects for a designer feature and potential SEO-building press exposure.Yond Interiors – Julia Miller's interior design studio, mentioned in the conversation about creative roles and business management.Gusto – Payroll and HR software discussed for managing employees and payroll taxes.Our links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shopSponsors:Hot Young Designers Club is brought to you by Programa. Learn more at programahq.link/hydc. Use code HYDC25 to save 25% on an annual plan.

Vintage furniture brings character, personality, and soul to a space, but incorporating it into your interior design business comes with its own set of challenges. From sourcing one-of-a-kind pieces to navigating shipping disasters, pricing antiques, and managing client expectations, there's a lot more to selling vintage than finding a beautiful treasure. In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca welcome Heather Peterson, founder and principal designer of Minneapolis-based Heather Peterson Design, to discuss her approach to vintage sourcing, transparent pricing, and creating a client experience built on trust.Heather shares how her background in advertising and art curation influences her eclectic, color-filled interiors and how years of hard-earned lessons have shaped her interior design business processes. From creating client education guides and navigating furniture receiving to styling photo shoots, investing in PR, and building a strong design team, this conversation is packed with practical advice for interior designers looking to streamline their operations and grow a more profitable, sustainable business. Plus, Heather shares why developing a recognizable design point of view can attract better-aligned clients and why building a successful design business doesn't always mean building a bigger one.In this episode they discuss:How to source, price, and sell vintage furniture and antiques while educating clients on the true value of secondhand pieces beyond potential cost savingsHeather's transparent pricing strategy, including her 35% markup on furnishings and materials and 20% markup on labor, reupholstery, and workroom servicesCreating "What to Expect" client guides for vintage purchases, receiving and shipping, installations, and photo shoots to prevent surprises and build client trustManaging vintage furniture restoration, freight complications, unexpected damages, and the realities of furniture receiving and procurementHow professional interior design photography, intentional styling, and developing a recognizable aesthetic can help attract ideal clients and increase opportunities for publicationHeather's strategy for sourcing and selling styling accessories during installations without pressuring clients to purchase everythingBuilding better interior design business systems, delegating responsibilities, working with a business coach, and investing in public relations to grow your studioWhy designers should define success on their own terms, embrace different seasons of business ownership, and prioritize sustainable growth over simply getting biggerMentioned:Heather Peterson Design - WebsiteHeather Peterson Design - InstagramHeather Peterson Design - Press and PublicationsOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shopSponsors:Hot Young Designers Club is brought to you by Programa. Learn more at programahq.link/hydc. Use code HYDC25 to save 25% on an annual plan.

What does it look like to build an interior design business where creativity—not just revenue—is the driving force? Shaun and Rebecca sit down with Julia Miller, founder and creative director of Yond Interiors, to talk about protecting the creative vision of a project from the first client inquiry all the way through installation, styling, and photography.Julia shares how Yond has built a process that allows the team to execute large-scale interior design projects across the country while delivering a high-touch client experience. They get into choosing aligned clients, setting expectations with contractors, preserving design intent, taking on private and NDA projects, and why Julia would rather turn down a lucrative project than sacrifice creative freedom. Plus, Julia explains how she has shaped her role as creative director, why she took styling back in-house, and how The Studio Table is helping other interior designers learn the systems behind Yond’s work.In this episode they discuss:How Julia built Yond Interiors around creativity, strong processes, and doing their best work on every projectWhy Julia sees Yond as the “guardian of the design” and how the team protects design intent through construction and installationCreating a high-touch luxury interior design experience by solving problems behind the scenes instead of handing them back to the clientHow Yond evaluates potential clients, projects, contractors, timelines, and creative opportunities before saying yesThe complicated business and marketing decisions behind NDA projects, private clients, and projects that can’t be photographed or publishedWhy creative freedom is a bigger motivator for Julia than money—and why not every well-paying project is the right projectHow Julia defines her role as creative director, collaborates with her design team, and stays involved without needing to control every decisionWhy Julia brought interior styling in-house and how styling and photography have become an essential part of Yond’s creative process and brandMentioned:Yond Interiors - https://www.yondinteriors.com/The Studio Table - https://www.thestudiotable.co/Brunel - https://shopbrunel.com/Yond Cottage - https://www.yondinteriors.com/projects/yondcottageBrunel Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shopbrunel/Our links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shopSponsors:Hot Young Designers Club is brought to you by Programa. Learn more at programahq.link/hydc. Use code HYDC25 to save 25% on an annual plan.

What if your interior design project tracker could tell you when you actually have capacity for your next client—and forecast the revenue coming with it? This week, Shaun and Rebecca are talking about owning your accomplishments, getting more intentional about the projects you want to attract, and using technology to make running an interior design business a whole lot easier.Then Shaun shares an interactive project management and capacity dashboard he built with ChatGPT, starting with the idea of a simple spreadsheet and turning it into a custom tool for tracking project phases, scheduling, payments, cash flow, and future studio capacity. They walk through what it can already do, what they’d add next, and why tools like this could completely change how interior designers plan proposals, manage their pipeline, and make business decisions.In this episode they discuss:Why interior designers need to stop downplaying their accomplishments when talking about their businessesHow confidently explaining the type of design work you want can help attract better-fit interior design clientsReframing lead qualification around the projects your studio actually has capacity for instead of simply telling prospects they don’t meet your minimumsCreating a referral network of other interior designers for leads that aren’t the right fit for your firmWhy understanding your project pipeline and studio capacity makes it easier to know when you can take on new interior design projectsHow Shaun used ChatGPT to turn a basic spreadsheet concept into an interactive project management and capacity dashboardTracking project phases, payment milestones, design fees, procurement revenue, project coordination, installation fees, and cash flow projections in one placeHow AI-powered tools could help interior designers build custom business systems without knowing how to codeOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shopSponsors:Hot Young Designers Club is brought to you by Programa. Learn more at programahq.link/hydc. Use code HYDC25 to save 25% on an annual plan.

Shaun and Rebecca are getting real about the messy overlap between interior design, construction project management, and everything clients assume is included in “project management.” After catching up on home renovations, home office frustrations, and the never-ending search for furniture that actually functions, they dig into how Rebecca is refining her discovery calls to better qualify potential interior design clients and uncover what they really want from their homes.Then, they tackle a bigger question for interior designers working on construction projects: Are we actually managing the construction, or are we managing the design intent? They talk through contractor responsibilities, client expectations, liability, job site walkthroughs, and why designers need much clearer language around what project management does—and does not—include. They also explore whether construction milestone meetings could become a defined, systematized, and profitable part of an interior designer’s scope of work.In this episode they discuss:Why today’s home office furniture still isn’t meeting the way people actually work from homeHow thoughtful discovery call questions can uncover a client’s priorities, design style, budget expectations, and readiness to hire an interior designerWhy asking potential clients what they want their new home to give them can reveal the real problem they’re trying to solveThe difference between construction project management and managing the designer’s design intentWhy interior designers need to clearly define what “project management” means in their proposals and contractsHow contractor communication, scheduling, and client expectations can create gaps that designers often end up fillingWhy defining milestone walkthroughs for framing, plumbing, electrical, tile, and other construction phases could protect the design and clarify the designer’s roleHow systematizing and pricing construction site visits could turn an often-unpaid responsibility into a more intentional revenue streamMentioned:EP160: Renée Biery, “The Only Girl on the Job Site” EP90: A Conversation with Rachel MoriartySponsors:Hot Young Designers Club is brought to you by Programa. Learn more at programahq.link/hydcOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shopSponsors:Hot Young Designers Club is brought to you by Programa. Learn more at programahq.link/hydc. Use code HYDC25 to save 25% on an annual plan.

What can Costco hot dogs and Hermès handbags teach interior designers about running a high-end design business? Quite a lot, apparently. Rebecca and Shaun dig into the wildly different business models behind Costco and Hermès and uncover surprising lessons about luxury, value, trust, vendor relationships, pricing, craftsmanship, and creating a brand clients believe in.They also catch up on some big personal and business changes, including Shaun’s decision to leave his studio and reduce overhead, Rebecca’s adventures in home renovation and color drenching, and the importance of making strategic business decisions with trusted advisors. From cost-plus pricing and designer discounts to vintage sourcing and what actually defines a luxury client, this episode explores how interior designers can create more profitable businesses while delivering an experience that feels truly high-end.In this episode they discuss:Why Shaun decided to give up his office space, reduce overhead, and make aggressive financial moves for the next chapter of his interior design businessHow working with a CPA and financial advisor can help designers make smarter decisions about expenses, profitability, retirement, and long-term business goalsRebecca’s spontaneous color-drenched hallway and the design concept of “compression and release” inspired by Frank Lloyd WrightWhat the Acquired podcast’s deep dive into Costco reveals about limited product selection, strong supplier relationships, customer trust, and delivering exceptional valueHow designers can build deeper vendor relationships and use purchasing power to create better pricing without making a luxury design service feel “cheap”Whether a cost-plus pricing model can work for high-end interior design, especially when sourcing custom furniture, vintage pieces, and products from preferred vendorsWhat Hermès teaches us about craftsmanship, consistency, exclusivity, brand identity, and creating luxury products that clients desire beyond pure functionalityThe difference between offering a luxury design service and working with a truly luxury client who values trust, access, one-of-a-kind pieces, expertise, and the finished result over price shoppingOur links:Subscribe and leave a review - Apple PodcastsLike, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club InstagramRebecca’s InstagramShaun’s InstagramFor more information - Check out the websiteBecome a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on PatreonDesign Resources - Check out our shop