In this episode, we sit down with Molly Kunselman, an experienced interior designer and former interior design program coordinator at Montgomery College, to explore some of the most pressing and often confusing topics in the design world today. We delve deep into the evolving definition of interior design, how it differs from interior decoration, and why understanding this distinction matters for aspiring designers.Key Discussion Points:- Designer vs. Decorator: We break down the difference between interior designers and decorators, discussing the roles, responsibilities, and the public’s misconceptions about these terms.- Certification and Education: Molly shares her journey through the world of interior design education, from earning her Master’s at the Corcoran College of Art & Design to teaching at Montgomery College. She explains the complexities and issues surrounding certifications like NCIDQ and the role of accrediting bodies like CIDA in shaping the future of design education.- The Evolution of Design Laws: How legal changes have affected the industry, and what these changes mean for designers today, especially those working in places with varying regulations like Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.- The Rise of Interior Architecture: We discuss the increasing popularity of “interior architecture” and how it’s influencing the broader design industry, affecting accessibility and the way we value design work.- The Path to Certification: Molly offers advice for aspiring designers looking to get certified and the steps involved in pursuing an NCIDQ certification.- Navigating Industry Changes: We tackle the challenges aspiring designers face when navigating industry jargon, regulations, and professional terms, especially in a rapidly changing field.- Design Accessibility: How these shifts in education, certification, and legal requirements influence the accessibility of interior design as a career and service.Whether you're a new designer navigating these industry shifts or a seasoned pro curious about the evolution of design certification, this episode provides valuable insights into the professional and legal landscape of interior design. Tune in to get answers to some of the most critical questions in the design world today!Connect with Molly:Instagram: @mkdinteriorsWebsite: www.mkdinteriors.comNCIDQ Meet Kia Weatherspoon- The design voice of impact and change Part 1 - Behind the DraperyPROFESSOR MOLLY — MOLLY KUNSELMAN DESIGN
Today, we're joined by Katlyn Slocum, a web design expert with a passion for helping custom home builders and designers grow their businesses. Coming from a family in the trades, Katlyn launched her own web design agency after earning her Business degree in 2015. Over the past five years, she’s helped dozens of businesses achieve real results through strategic website design.Today we talk about how to convert clicks into consults with website strategies that work. Katlyn has been featured on several top industry podcasts and will be a guest presenter at the BuildHer Retreat in 2025. She lives in Southeastern Ohio with her husband and three boys, where they enjoy exploring local restaurants and the beautiful landscape. We’re excited to dive into her insights on attracting dream clients and booking more projects through your website. See below free resources we discuss in our podcast episode today including her freebie and website template. Free Website Tools for Your Construction and Design Business — Katlyn Slocum DesignSanctuary Homes Website Template — Katlyn Slocum DesignKatlyn Slocum Design - Web Design for Builder & Contractors
Today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Gretchen Everett, of Everett Design, a seasoned custom to the trade workroom owner and a valued trade partner. Gretchen brings a wealth of experience and insights into the intricacies of custom workrooms and the importance of building strong trade relationships with designers.Born from a desire to find unique, clean, and simple drapery hardware, Gretchen Everett has spent years creating innovative designs for the discerning clientele of her namesake design workroom. Combining her distinctive vision with her early experience in the fashion industry, Gretchen partners with a network of artisans from across the country to bring her hand-cut, hand-polished, metal and acrylic rods and accessories to life. With the introduction of her new line of exquisitely appointed accent furnishings, Gretchen continues to find ways to bring her point of view to life.Couture Drapery | Hardware | Furniture - Gretchen Everett
Welcome to Episode 17 of Behind the Drapery, where we delve into the art of building a robust interior design project pipeline. In this episode, we're exploring four key strategies that will help you attract ideal clients consistently and grow your business sustainably. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, these insights will set you on the path to success.#### Episode Highlights:1. **PR and Editorial** - **Importance of PR and Editorial**: Discover how public relations and editorial features can elevate your brand and establish you as an authority in the interior design industry. - **Getting Featured**: Tips on how to pitch your projects to design magazines, blogs, and online publications. - **Building Relationships with Editors**: Learn how to create and maintain relationships with key editors and journalists to ensure ongoing coverage.2. **Trade Partner and Vendor Referrals** - **Leveraging Industry Relationships**: Understand the power of networking with trade partners and vendors to generate referrals. - **Creating Win-Win Partnerships**: Strategies for building mutually beneficial relationships with suppliers, contractors, and other industry professionals. - **Maintaining Long-Term Connections**: How to keep these relationships strong and productive over time.3. **Happy Client Word of Mouth** - **Delivering Exceptional Service**: The importance of exceeding client expectations to turn them into advocates for your business. - **Encouraging Referrals**: Techniques to encourage satisfied clients to refer you to their network. - **Testimonies and Reviews**: Utilizing client testimonials and reviews to build credibility and attract new clients.4. **Social Media Integration** - **Amplifying Your Reach**: How to use social media to showcase your work and reach a broader audience. - **Content Strategy**: Creating content that highlights your PR features, trade partnerships, and client success stories. - **Engagement Tactics**: Best practices for engaging with your audience and turning followers into clients.#### Actionable Tips:- **Pitch Perfect**: Craft a compelling pitch for editors highlighting your unique design perspective and successful projects.- **Network Like a Pro**: Attend industry events and engage with vendors and trade partners to foster strong relationships.- **Ask for Reviews**: After completing a project, ask clients for testimonials and reviews to enhance your online presence.- **Be Consistent on Social**: Regularly post high-quality images of your work, client testimonials, and PR features to keep your audience engaged.#### Listener Challenge:Implement one of these strategies in the next month and share your success story with us! Tag us on social media @behindthedrapery and use the hashtag #DesignPipelineSuccess.#### Stay Connected:- **Website**: lizlevininteriors.com- **Instagram**: @lizlevininteriors#### Subscribe & Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a review on [Apple Podcasts/Spotify/Your Preferred Platform]. Your feedback helps us bring more valuable content to you!Join us next week as we dive into another essential topic for growing your interior design business. Thank you for listening!
Live from the Schumacher showroom in Washington, DC, we sit down with Melissa Coady, a seasoned Schumacher Account Executive and Representative, to delve into the dynamic relationship between trade representatives and designers within the interior design industry. Melissa offers valuable insights into her personal journey in design, the evolving role of a trade rep, and addresses some of the hot-button topics shaping the industry today.Throughout the conversation, Melissa shares anecdotes from her extensive experience working with designers, highlighting the importance of building strong relationships based on trust and collaboration. She discusses the challenges and opportunities that arise in the ever-changing landscape of interior design, emphasizing the need for adaptability and innovation.Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the crucial role that trade reps play in supporting designers, from providing product knowledge and technical expertise to offering personalized guidance and support. Melissa explores the shifting dynamics between reps and designers, shedding light on how these relationships have evolved and the impact of technological advancements on the industry.From ways reps can support your business to the rise of online platforms and how she navigated her way into the industry, Melissa addresses some of the pressing issues facing today's interior design professionals. Her thoughtful insights and practical advice offer listeners valuable perspectives on how to navigate the complexities of the design world while staying true to their creative vision.Whether you're an aspiring designer, a seasoned professional, or simply passionate about interior design, this episode provides a fascinating glimpse into the intricacies of the industry and the invaluable role played by individuals like Melissa Coady in shaping its future. Tune in to gain inspiration, wisdom, and practical tips for thriving in the world of interior design.Schumacher | A Designer's Resource for Fabric, Wallpaper & Trim
Today’s episode will be of particular interest to those of you looking to break into the design industry and land your first gig. My guest today is not only a wildly successful interior designer and entrepreneur in her own right, but she was also my very first hire when growing my own design business many years ago. Heather Safferstone is an Interior Designer known for her personalized approach to creating chic and happy spaces. Her style is a healthy mix of high-end to real steals, new, old, and everything in between. She’s especially drawn to items that build character and tell a story that reflects her clients and creates the spaces they love to be in. She has a friendly, approachable style and is often referred to as her clients’ Designer Bestie who magically balances function, form, and fun.She began in the industry in 2007 in Washington, DC, and in 2016, she established Safferstone Interiors, a full-service design firm that designs high-end furnishings projects, large-scale renovations, and new custom builds for discerning homeowners. Her detail-oriented approach blends timeless appeal with color, pattern, and a few smart tricks to create layered spaces that are practical and meet the functional needs of her clients and their families. She has been featured in Philadelphia Magazine, Houzz, Small Space Decorating, DC Modern Luxury, and the Washington Post. Currently, she lives and operates her business in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with her family, servicing projects along the East Coast.Safferstone Interiors & Design
The design voice of impact and change—Kia Weatherspoon has spent the last 15 years defying every design stereotype. The most damaging—that interior design is a luxury reserved for a few. Her voice, advocacy for Design Equity™, and design practice have shifted the narrative, making interior design a standard for all. Kia is challenging the lack of these standards in economically challenged communities. Her presence and leadership have created ripples, prompting housing developers, agencies, and industry partners in economically challenged communities to not just take notice of her work—but to do better.As an advocate and educator in business leadership, equity, and diversity, Kia has been recognized as a HIP Designer for Good by Interior Design Magazine, a part of the Washington Business Journal’s 40 under 40 Class and the International Interior Design Association Luna Textile/Anna Hernandez Visionary Award recipient.Kia is adamant change is possible when difficult conversations happen. She has them every day as a female leader of color, speaker, educator, and mentor who exemplifies what’s possible for those who are determined by design.Kia is a force and her energy is contagious. I am grateful for her friendship and her time today and beyond excited to share her inspiring story with you.
The design voice of impact and change—Kia Weatherspoon has spent the last 15 years defying every design stereotype. The most damaging—that interior design is a luxury reserved for a few. Her voice, advocacy for Design Equity™, and design practice have shifted the narrative, making interior design a standard for all. Kia is challenging the lack of these standards in economically challenged communities. Her presence and leadership have created ripples, prompting housing developers, agencies, and industry partners in economically challenged communities to not just take notice of her work—but to do better.As an advocate and educator in business leadership, equity, and diversity, Kia has been recognized as a HIP Designer for Good by Interior Design Magazine, a part of the Washington Business Journal’s 40 under 40 Class and the International Interior Design Association Luna Textile/Anna Hernandez Visionary Award recipient.Kia is adamant change is possible when difficult conversations happen. She has them every day as a female leader of color, speaker, educator, and mentor who exemplifies what’s possible for those who are determined by design.Kia is a force and her energy is contagious. I am grateful for her friendship and her time today and beyond excited to share her inspiring story with you.
I am so excited to continue my conversation with my good friend and colleague, Marika Meyer. We go way back and chat about how she broke into the design business, her expansive experience that led her to launch her own design firm and ultimately her own textiles and rug collections. We spill the tea! It's a lively chat. I'm glad you're here- let's jump in!Textiles Created by Designers, for DesignersLaunched over five years ago, Marika Meyer Textiles is a go-to favorite for interior designers. Through rigorous testing to ensure quality, functionality, and longevity, our fabric and rugs are created to help provide a beautiful and uniquely practical tool for fellow designers in their role as the “Chief Problem Solver.” With a simple process for creating custom pieces, we help designers to realize their client’s needs and aesthetics.Today, anyone can bring a touch of timeless style and iconic imagery into their home with our fabrics. Available in distinctive colors, patterns, and textures, available by the yard or as pillows, our textiles are designed to fit every need. Check out the links below for our episode references across the board!Thibaut TanzaniaHive CollectiveSFC Home - Sustainable Furnishings CouncilFABSCRAPStudio — Marika Meyer
I am delighted to share my conversation with my good friend and colleague, Marika Meyer. We go way back and chat about how she broke into the design business, her expansive experience that led her to launch her own design firm Marika Meyer Studio, and ultimately her own textile and rug collections. We spill the tea! It's a lively chat. I'm glad you're here- let's jump in!Textiles Created by Designers, for DesignersLaunched over five years ago, Marika Meyer Textiles is a go-to favorite for interior designers. Through rigorous testing to ensure quality, functionality, and longevity, our fabric and rugs are created to help provide a beautiful and uniquely practical tool for fellow designers in their role as the “Chief Problem Solver.” With a simple process for creating custom pieces, we help designers to realize their clients’ needs and aesthetics.Today, anyone can bring a touch of timeless style and iconic imagery into their home with our fabrics. Available in distinctive colors, patterns, and textures, available by the yard or as pillows, our textiles are designed to fit every need. Studio — Marika MeyerThe Business of Design: Balancing Creativity with Profitability on Amazon
Meet Deborah DiMareDeborah is a renowned interior design consultant, author, educator and pioneer of the ethical/wellness design movement. She has been executing beautiful living and sensory environments that contribute to the mental and physical health and well being of people and the protection of animals and the planet for nearly 20 years. Her company, DiMare Design, is the only 100% cruelty-free design consulting firm specializing in the creation of organic, optimal spaces, and sourcing vegan textiles and sustainable furniture that bear zero-to-low toxinsDeborah also heads VeganDesign org, where she educates consumers and designers about humane & healthy design through virtual courses, a blog and a full online shop of cruelty free, vegan and low toxin furniture, décor & curated spaces.Deborah is showing the world that less toxic, healthier, durable and luxurious faux alternatives can easily replace wool, fur, leather & other animal derived materials. She believes in designing sensory environments free from tragedy and despair.Only good, healthy, clean energy should be had in all spaces!Her expertise has been featured in Architectural Digest, The Hollywood Reporter, Forbes, Better Homes & Garden, Real Simple, Dezeen, Live Kindly, Veg News and The Today Show to name a few. Deborah proudly serves on the board of Farm Sanctuary and is a PETA Approved Business.Coupon code to course is LIZLEVINFIFTY for 50% off
Hello friend. Today you’re in for a treat as I welcome my dear friend and design superstar, Lauren Liess. When I met Lauren 13 years ago while neighbors at the DC Design House, I loved her immediately. She radiates positivity, has endless energy (like, religiously writing her blog at 5am while her toddlers slept) and has that magical X factor you can’t quite put your finger on. As her design stardom grew, through her books, product lines, HGTV show and real estate endeavors, her authenticity and clear point of view in design stayed strong. She’s a beauty inside and out and a lovely friend and colleague that I feel lucky to have kept in touch with over the years as our careers evolved and sometimes overlapped in moments we could catch up and high-five each other.Her design philosophy is not only about embracing imperfection but celebrating it. It's raw, rediscovered, handmade, and homegrown—she believes home is a place where your story is woven into every worn edge. It embodies her belief that meaning and contentment aren't bought or achieved but cultivated.It’s a celebration of living each day intentionally, savoring the little things in life: a homemade meal, a bouquet of foraged flowers, a freshly made bed, or dancing in the kitchen. Home is a place that reminds her to slow down, let go, and be. So dear listeners, if you don’t already know and love Lauren Liess, get ready to be inspired. Similar to her 3, soon to be 4, beautifully written and insightful books we get into design, living, evolving in our careers and even seed oils. Yep. You are in for a treat. Without further ado- let’s jump into our next episode of Behind the Drapery with my guest Lauren Liess. Down to Earth: Laid-back Interiors for Modern Living - By Lauren LiessLauren Liess | Interior Design
Hello friend. Today you’re in for a treat as I welcome my dear friend and design superstar, Lauren Liess. When I met Lauren 13 years ago while neighbors at the DC Design House, I loved her immediately. She radiates positivity, has endless energy (like, religiously writing her blog at 5am while her toddlers slept) and has that magical X factor you can’t quite put your finger on. As her design stardom grew, through her books, product lines, HGTV show and real estate endeavors, her authenticity and clear point of view in design stayed strong. She’s a beauty inside and out and a lovely friend and colleague that I feel lucky to have kept in touch with over the years as our careers evolved and sometimes overlapped in moments we could catch up and high-five each other.Her design philosophy is not only about embracing imperfection but celebrating it. It's raw, rediscovered, handmade, and homegrown—she believes home is a place where your story is woven into every worn edge. It embodies her belief that meaning and contentment aren't bought or achieved but cultivated.It’s a celebration of living each day intentionally, savoring the little things in life: a homemade meal, a bouquet of foraged flowers, a freshly made bed, or dancing in the kitchen. Home is a place that reminds her to slow down, let go, and be. So dear listeners, if you don’t already know and love Lauren Liess, get ready to be inspired. Similar to her 3, soon to be 4, beautifully written and insightful books we get into design, living, evolving in our careers and even seed oils. Yep. You are in for a treat. Without further ado- let’s jump into our next episode of Behind the Drapery with my guest Lauren Liess. Down to Earth: Laid-back Interiors for Modern Living - By Lauren LiessThe Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ckLauren Liess | Interior Design
I love chatting with Tricia Huntley. From how she got started to highlights in her career and ultimately moving her DC-based interior design business halfway across the country to her home state of Minnesota mid-pandemic: we get into the delicious details together talking about life and growth as an interior designer. Aspiring Designers, get ready for some real nuggets of goodness in the latest episode of my DC All-Star Designer Tour. About — HUNTLEY & CoSolís Betancourt & Sherrill
Calling all aspiring designers! In this week's episode, we talk about three things that will transform your interior design business. 1) Move it Online and StreamlineDigitize your routine activities with online tools. I'll share two easy ones to get you started.2) AutomateFind ways to automate daily tasks like booking appointments.3) Elevate your processUpgrade all of your client-facing moments such as proposals and information packets with these tools.Watch your productivity and profit soar in 2024 by investing the time in upgrading and streamlining your client experience process and procurement. Digital tools (many of them free!) not only project a professional appearance to your clients, but they save you time and increase your profitability so you can book clients on repeat and make your design business dream a reality.Check out my favorites mentioned in the episode:Design Business Accelerator » Now ON SALE - Learn how to improve your overall design process and build your 6-figure interior design business. Whether you're starting from the beginning or a few years into your journey, I've got you covered. I'll show you how to grow the interior design business of your dreams. It's all inside the Design Business Accelerator.Canva - Create beautiful client information packets and more with Canva.Dubsado | Business Management Solution - Digitize your client agreements and more with Dubsado.Free Online Appointment Scheduling Software | Calendly - Automate your client booking process. It's like getting a digital assistant for free!
This week we continue in our series that I affectionately call The DC Designers All-Star Tour. Where you get to meet the most in-demand talent and hear their untold stories from behind the scenes with some of the best designers I know in our nation’s capital. Today we welcome interior designer, Erica Burns. Erica is uniquely positioned as a designer who rose from the ranks in commercial and residential construction. Originally from the Southeast, Erica graduated from the University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction & Planning. She began her career in the construction industry, eventually finding her niche in residential design. Drawing on her strong understanding of the construction process, Erica is well-equipped to guide clients in selecting every detail, from plumbing fixtures and door hardware to furniture and window treatments. Her involvement throughout design and construction brings efficiency to the process and ensures that the interior elements are seamlessly integrated with the home's architecture.We chatted about her personal career path that led to the founding of her eponymous design firm, Erica Burns Interiors. With over a decade of experience turning visions into reality, Erica Burns Interiors has quickly become one of Washington, DC’s leading residential design firms.Through attention to detail and thoughtful editing, Erica and her team create homes that are timeless and classic, with a touch of the unexpected.Today we dive into how her early experience in renovation and construction allowed for mutually beneficial partnerships and opportunities with DC’s top architectural firms. A dynamic relationship that exponentially benefits both the design team and the homeowner. We dish on lingering client projects, the beauty of learning by doing and how she built her 7 person (and growing!) design team. I’m excited for you to meet Erica, and get inspired as we talk about launching and growing her firm and what she sees for business 5 years ahead.Mentioned in the episode:Couture Drapery | Hardware | Furniture - Gretchen EverettThomson & Cooke Architects – Custom Residential Architecture Firm in Washington DCErica Burns InteriorsWelcome to another episode of Behind the Drapery.
A short and sweet solo episode with Liz Levin that highlights the importance of finding your niche and doubling down on your design aesthetic. The proof is in the pudding. The "proof is in the pudding" is an expression that means the value, quality, or truth of something must be judged based on direct experience with it—or on its results. The expression is an alteration of an older saying that makes the meaning a bit clearer: the proof of the pudding is in the eating.For interior designers, that means prioritizing the capturing of beautiful photos of our work. Photos are the product of an interior designer's work. The general public does not have access to our clients' homes. Investing in photography is critical, but can sometimes be out of reach for many of us designers starting out. In this episode, I share a hot resource for leveraging your smartphone to capture those scroll-stopping photos yourself. Smartphone Photography for Interior Designers - Learn how to leverage your smartphone to take professional interior design photos for your portfolio and socials. imagine...Scrolling through Instagram and stopping to gaze at a beautiful image –and realize YOU took the picture!ORHaving a potential new client call you and tell you that the images from your latest project caught your eye.(Yes, the ones YOU took!)Elevate your image quality to:Become Your Own Professional PhotographerFull ownership and instant access to your imagesBoost Your Brand Confidence!It's created especially for iPhone and Android (Samsung and Google Pixel) users who have limited or no formal photography training.Hope this episode and resource gives you the inspiration to continue following your bliss!Happy New Year, everyone! 2024 has great things in store.Mentioned in this episode:Design Business Accelerator ToolkitGrab your spot in our Design Business Accelerator course- launching Jan 22, 2024! https://www.lizlevininteriors.com/dba
In today's episode, I catch up with my talented, inner circle designer friend, Julie Weber. We explore her career path from design school to working for a commercial interior architecture firm before ultimately joining forces with her high school friend, Joe Ireland. They are celebrating 20 successful years of their namesake firm, J.D. Ireland.Darryl Carter | Interiors, Furniture, LightingJD Ireland Interior Architecture & DesignWe dig into the benefits of a business partnership and the less sexy topic of business liability inherent to working as an interior designer. Tune in for an in-depth conversation with Julie on working with clients and advice for new business owners. Mentioned in this episode:Design Business Accelerator ToolkitGrab your spot in our Design Business Accelerator course- launching Jan 22, 2024! https://www.lizlevininteriors.com/dba
Jason Claire is an old friend and the man behind my first design gig. In this episode, we dive into his career path in design via the retail angle. He shares his personal journey following his passion in art to design and lifestyle travel. We cover key advice from our dads and how the design industry has evolved since we met in 2003. We even touch on the racey topic of pricing goods for clients and how design firms make a profit. Washingtonians will love a little DC design district history and the witty banter of one of my favorite people. VASTU - Project Photos & Reviews - Washington, DC US | HouzzVastu - The design shop that started it allMentioned in this episode:Design Business Accelerator ToolkitGrab your spot in our Design Business Accelerator course- launching Jan 22, 2024! https://www.lizlevininteriors.com/dba
Meet my good friend, decorator, and entrepreneur of 24 years Sally Steponkus Roche as we chat about how she started her business, how she grew her team and the challenges we all face in the design trade. We dig into sharing our first design assistant, the most rewarding client project ever and how Sally helped me get a foot in the door of the design industry.Sally Steponkus :: Interior Design, Washington, DC. - Dive into Sally's gorgeous interiors and meet her team.Design Business Accelerator Toolkit- Grab your spot soon! - If you're serious about starting your interior design business, The Design Business Accelerator Toolkit is the done-for-you roadmap you've been looking for. Launching soon- go grab your spot and turn your passion into a profitable profession.