The DesignDash Podcast

In this episode our guest is Brittny Button, founder of Button Atelier, an interior design studio in Los Angeles. Brittny has built a reputation for creating spaces that feel both calm and timeless, drawing inspiration from Spanish revival architecture, European details, and old Hollywood romance. We talk about her unexpected path into design after leaving a modeling career, how renovating a Palm Springs home while pregnant became her crash course in construction, and what it really takes to start a design firm from scratch. She shares the lessons learned from business partnerships, why antiques and vintage finds shape so much of her work, and how she’s preparing to launch her first furniture collection with major retailers. You’ll also hear Brittny’s thoughts on where true inspiration comes from, what it’s like to balance creativity with raising two young kids, and the confidence it takes to put your work into the world even when imposter syndrome creeps in. If you’ve ever thought about making a big career pivot, chasing a dream project, or simply want to know how a designer turns vision into reality, this conversation is full of insights you can take with you. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

What makes a project catch an editor’s eye? Is it the styling? The story? The angle of the photo? Or is it something much less obvious? This week on Design Dash, we sit down with Andrea Lillo, the Executive Editor of Designers Today. She’s the one shaping the stories and covers that end up defining the conversation in our industry. And she was generous enough to share exactly what goes into those decisions. We covered a lot, but here are a few moments that stood out: The contract story that revealed just how many designers overlook one of the most important tools in their business. Why cropping out a single detail in your photos could change whether your work gets published. The future of wellness and accessible design, and why both are becoming impossible to ignore. What really happens behind the Power List and the new 40 Under 40. It’s one thing to create beautiful work. It’s another to know how to get that work noticed. Andrea gives us an honest look at both. If you’ve ever wondered what editors are really thinking when they look at your projects, this episode is worth your time. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

In this episode we sit down with the dynamic duo Mike and Bryan Yates of Yates Desygn. If you know them, you already know you’re in for sharp wit, bold vision, and unapologetic honesty. If you don’t know them yet—trust me, you’ll want to. We talk about the turning points that pushed them to expand, how they designed a workspace that actually sells their vision to clients, and why natural light and thoughtful details matter more than most people think. Here’s a taste of what we dive into: How they scaled from a 500 sq. ft. shared office to a 3,500 sq. ft. experiential studio that doubles as a design showcase. The real talk about vendor relationships, trust, and why saying no to the wrong clients is sometimes the best “yes” for your business. The messy, human side of growth—losing team members, rethinking operations, and what it really takes to build morale after setbacks. How creating their own projects (and even eating the cost of mistakes) has shaped the way they guide clients through the emotional rollercoaster of design. You’ll hear practical ways to think about vendor relationships, managing the emotional side of projects, and setting clear expectations with clients so trust becomes the foundation of every design. And, of course, we touch on their upcoming Kips Bay Show House project and how giving back fuels their creativity. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

In this episode of Design Dash, we sit down with the one and only Jane Dagmi—Managing Director of High Point by Design (HPxD) and former Editor-in-Chief of Designers Today. If you’re in the design world, chances are you already know Jane as a connector, a champion of creativity, and someone who has shaped the way we talk about design for decades. We talk about the real power of storytelling in design and why the most relatable parts of your journey aren’t always the glossy “big wins,” but the in-between moments that show vulnerability and grit. Jane also shares why the middle of your career can actually be the sweetest spot—and how to stand out when you feel caught between the newcomers and the big, established names. You’ll also hear about High Point beyond market week, and how HPxD is helping designers access resources, education, and community year-round. Jane describes what it’s really like to experience High Point at a slower pace, why it matters for both designers and clients, and how it can reshape the way we think about sourcing and growth. This conversation is full of insights you can actually apply—whether you’re navigating client challenges, battling comparison on social media, or wondering what’s next in your career. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

In this episode, my guest is Tracee Murphy, CEO and Principal Designer of Trademark Interiors and founder of The Designer Launch. Tracee has built a multimillion-dollar design firm and now mentors other designers on everything from conflict management to selling luxury services. We talk about how psychology plays a bigger role in design than most people realize, and why learning to read people is just as important as creating beautiful spaces. Tracee shares how she uses psychology to manage conflict on projects, earn trust with clients, and even handle the fears that come with running a business. You’ll hear practical insights on: What to say (and not say) when a client or contractor gets difficult. Simple ways to build and protect trust throughout long projects. How to recognize fear in your business decisions and move forward with confidence. Why luxury design isn’t going away, even with AI shaking up the industry. Tracee has 25 years of experience and brings a fresh, honest perspective. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance the creative side of design with the very real people challenges, this episode will give you tools and ideas you can use right away. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

I just got back from a 10-day vacation. Melissa’s about to head out on hers. And in the space between “leaving” and “coming back,” we realized something: burnout isn’t always obvious until it’s running the show. In this episode, we get brutally honest about how burnout shows up in our lives, why “I’m so busy” is not a badge of honor, and how the wrong kind of hustle can quietly rob you of the joy that made you start your business in the first place. We also share a simple, practical tool, the Studio Wellness and Burnout Checklist—that’s helping us and our teams step back, breathe, and reset. We talk about: The signs you’re closer to burnout than you think (and how to catch them early) Why vacation might not be the magic cure you think it is How leaders accidentally model bad habits for their teams—and how to flip the script The surprising questions that get your team talking honestly about workload, mental health, and creativity Why “busy” isn’t the same as “successful” If you’ve been spinning your wheels, wondering why your motivation is tanking, or catching yourself daydreaming about burning it all down (we’ve been there), this one’s for you. Because your business should support your life—not swallow it whole. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

Ever left a client meeting thinking, “Is it me… or are they just an ahole?”** If yes, you’re not alone—and this episode is definitely for you. In this episode we are pulling back the velvet curtain on the three personality types that show up in interior design projects: discerning, demanding, and downright disrespectful. The differences between them? Subtle… but game-changing. We’re diving into: What separates a high-standard client from a high-maintenance one Red flags we’ve learned to spot (and wish we had sooner) How to professionally course-correct when clients go off the rails When to part ways—and how to protect your team and peace in the process And yes, how we’ve dealt with those 17-texts-in-20-minutes situations  This isn’t a rant. It’s real talk. Because respect is everything, and your best clients? They’ll push you in the best way possible. If you’ve ever wrestled with how to set boundaries, stay sane, and still deliver incredible work, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. You’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and permission to ditch the drama and chase the dream projects. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

Let’s be honest—if you’ve ever found yourself drowning in invoicing, juggling a million tabs, or spending more time sourcing tile than actually designing the room, you’re not alone. In this episode, we’re joined by Danae Branson, founder of Elite Design Assistants and creator of Niche Maven, two brilliant solutions helping interior designers ditch the overwhelm and build the kind of businesses they actually want to run. Whether you’re a solopreneur stuck in admin quicksand or leading a firm that’s too busy to find the right senior designer, this episode is your green light to stop spinning your wheels and start building the team that gets you back to your creative zone. Here’s a taste of what we unpack: Why burnout is optional when you have the right support The most requested roles Danae fills for design firms (spoiler: invoicing is a universal pain point) How as-needed, no-minimum hiring could be your secret weapon When to hire a full-timer vs. when to go virtual The big shift in marketing needs post-COVID—and why social is back Plus… the tools, platforms, and mindset shifts that make it all actually work If you’ve ever said, “I’d grow if I just had the right help,” this one’s for you. Danae shares real talk, real options, and real encouragement for designers who want more time, more sanity, and more room to do what they love. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

In this episode, my guest is LuAnn Nigara, host of A Well-Designed Business and a true leader in the interior design industry. If you’ve ever wondered how to run a creative business that actually makes money, this conversation is your wake-up call. LuAnn shares what she’s learned from building her own business since the early '80s and coaching thousands of designers along the way. We talk about the first few years of business—why they’re so chaotic, how to shorten the learning curve, and what systems actually matter. You’ll hear: Why your first hire probably shouldn’t be a design assistant The financial habits that set successful designers apart (and why skipping them is so common) How to talk to your team about revenue goals without sounding like a spreadsheet And the one mindset shift LuAnn says separates real CEOs from hobbyists It’s a real conversation about the messy middle of growing a business, what to expect as you scale, and how to make better decisions from the start. Whether you're solo or scaling, you’ll walk away with practical takeaways you can use right away. Go ahead and hit play. You’re going to learn something that saves you time, money, and maybe a few headaches. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

You know that feeling when you’re drowning in sticky notes, juggling a million hats, and wondering if hiring help will save your sanity or sink the ship? Yeah. That. In this episode of Design Dash, Laura and Melissa are showing up (yes, even with scratchy voices and the post-travel fog) to unpack exactly what it looks like to move from solo scrappiness into sustainable team-building. Whether you're in full-on startup chaos or quietly pretending your business isn’t overdue for a scale-up—this one's for you. We talk about: What startup mode really looks like (and how to know if you're stuck in it) The moment when hiring becomes less optional and more “must-do” Common pain points that signal it’s time to scale (spoiler: stress is a big one) The real math behind hiring your first designer or office assistant (with numbers that actually make sense) Why delegation feels so scary—and how to shift your mindset so your team can thrive Mistakes we’ve made hiring (and what we do differently now) How to onboard someone without setting them up to fail Plus… our take on whether your first hire should be a design assistant, bookkeeper, or marketing lead (the answer might surprise you) If you’ve ever asked, “Can I afford to hire?” or “Am I even ready to grow a team?” this episode will help you make that decision with way more confidence. And hey, if you’re already knee-deep in projects and can barely breathe—this might be the most important 40 minutes you spend on your business this week. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

In this episode we sit down with the incredible Laurie Laizure, founder of the Interior Design Community—a space that’s rewriting the rules for designers worldwide. We’re digging into some of the real challenges designers face every day, stuff that doesn’t get talked about enough. Laurie shares why so many designers are still undercharging for their work, how billing methods can make a huge difference in your bottom line, and what happens when designers don’t put a proper value on their time. We also get into why so many designers end up paying out of their own pocket to make a project “look right” and how to start breaking that habit. We talk about what it really means to build a business that lasts—one that not only supports your family now but can actually be sold later when you’re ready to step away. Laurie gives practical ideas on things like: How to handle difficult conversations with clients The pros and cons of flat fee vs. hourly billing How to think about your career beyond the next project If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re charging enough, or you’ve felt that quiet pressure to make everything perfect at your own expense—this one’s for you. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

In this episode, our guest is Carolyn Rodz from Hello Alice, a powerful platform helping over 1.5 million small business owners find the right resources at the right time. We talk about what it really takes to build a business and a life you actually love. Carolyn shares how she made the bold move from Houston to a small town in Spain, what it’s like to renovate a 300-year-old rectory, and how stepping out of the U.S. hustle reshaped her view on leadership, creativity, and success. You’ll hear practical insights about: How to make big life decisions without losing your head Why failure is a normal, necessary part of growth (and how to actually get better at it) The tiny details that make a brand feel truly human How to build a company that supports small businesses at scale without losing the personal touch There’s a lot to learn in this conversation—from running a business across continents, to making room for creativity, to how the pace of life can actually shape what we value. Carolyn’s story will get you thinking about what you’re building and why. Grab a coffee. Let’s dive in. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

In this episode of Design Dash, we’re thrilled to sit down with Tammy, President & CEO of the High Point Market Authority—aka the woman behind the curtain of one of the most iconic events in the design world. We dig deep into the real High Point story—the chaos, the creativity, and the quiet evolution that turned a century-old furniture market into the can't-miss destination for interior designers. From riding buses undercover to fix broken signage, to forging powerful partnerships with the NKBA, Tammy shares how she’s not just running a show… she’s reshaping an industry. If you’ve ever wondered: Why the designer experience at High Point feels tailor-made How to actually prep like a pro (hint: ditch the heels, pick up the desktop planner) And what the future holds for whole-home design… …you’ll want to hear every second of this. Oh—and if you’ve ever felt intimidated by kitchen & bath, or unsure how to maximize market for biz development? Tammy’s got some gold for you. This episode is about more than strategy. It’s about finding your Framily in the madness, soaking up the energy, and turning inspiration into ROI. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

Ever wonder what it really takes to build a creative empire without losing your soul in the process? In this episode we sit down with Jamie Young—co-founder of the Jamie Young Company—to unpack the beautiful chaos of growing a globally recognized design brand from scratch. Picture this: launching a business while breastfeeding and faxing orders to a small village in Mexico. That’s the kind of grit Jamie brings to the table. We talk about everything from her first product line to the moments she hit burnout after COVID and had to ask herself, “Now what?” Jamie opens up about scaling her business, staying curious, trusting the people around her, and reinventing the brand—again and again—without losing its soul. There’s so much heart in this conversation. Jamie gets real about risk, creative leadership, parenting while building, and how she kept her edge when it would’ve been easier to play it safe. If you’re a creative business owner, a designer with a dream, or someone navigating burnout and wondering if it’s worth pushing through—this one’s for you. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

In this episode, our guest is Thom Filicia, legendary designer, author, and TV personality—recorded live from High Point Market. We talk about how inspiration actually works in the real world. Not just the Pinterest version of it, but how to train your eye to notice the right things. Thom pulls back the curtain on how he blends creativity with functionality, especially when moving between residential, hospitality, and product design. He shares how designers can think several steps ahead when creating a piece of furniture—and why sometimes the way a sofa leg is shaped today can make or break an entire collection tomorrow. We also get into the conversations designers need to have with clients: how to speak their language, how to build trust, and how to lead them away from trend-chasing into something that actually reflects who they are. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a creative idea into something that actually works—for the client, the showroom, and the market—this one’s for you. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

In this episode, our guest is Victoria Holly, founder of The Victoria Holly Interiors, an interior design firm with locations in Los Angeles, Newport Beach, and New York, with projects near and far. We recorded this conversation live at High Point Market, and it's packed with real talk on what it means to build—both literally and creatively—when everything around you feels uncertain. Victoria opens up about the impact of the recent LA fires and how it’s shifted not just her projects, but her perspective as a designer, business owner, and mom. If you’ve ever felt the pressure of balancing creativity with chaos, or the tension between personal branding and real-life identity, this one’s for you. We also dive into: What clients are really looking for in a post-crisis rebuild How design aesthetics shift based on life stage, geography, and emotional context The unexpected ways motherhood shapes creative direction Why “classic, playful, and unexpected” became her new design pillars (and how to define your own) And how to find clarity when inspiration feels completely out of reach Victoria shares her process, her mindset shifts, and the quiet lessons that come from being forced to slow down and ask: What do I really want to create? This isn’t just a design chat. It’s a fresh look at what it means to create meaning through space—even when the ground beneath you is shifting. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

Let’s be real—when business feels uncertain, your first instinct might be to cut back on marketing. It feels like the safe, practical move.  In today’s episode, we break down what to do instead of pulling back. We talk about how to stay visible when times feel uncertain, and how to make smart, realistic decisions about where your marketing dollars (and effort) should actually go. Whether you’re a solo designer or running a larger firm, you’ll come away with a better sense of what’s worth it and what you can let go of. We also talk about: How to decide how much to spend on marketing (and why percentages matter more than fixed numbers) What types of marketing are worth the investment right now—and which ones can wait Why consistency is more important than size when it comes to visibility How long it really takes to see results from things like SEO, blogs, and print What we would do differently if we had an unlimited budget (and what we wouldn’t) We also get into practical things like hiring a copywriter, partnering with other businesses, and what to do if you're starting from scratch or bootstrapping. This isn’t a marketing 101 episode or a “do it all” checklist. It’s a real, honest talk about how to keep showing up—even when it feels like no one’s looking. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

In this episode, we're talking about something that completely changed the way we run our design business: Profit First. If you’ve ever wondered: “Can I afford to hire someone right now?” “Can I invest in a branding shoot?” “Where the heck is all the money going?” …then this episode is going to feel like a warm cup of clarity (with a strong espresso shot of truth). We’re flipping the traditional profit formula on its head. Most business owners think: Revenue – Expenses = Profit. But what if it was the opposite! We break down: How the Profit First method flips the traditional business budgeting mindset (and why it actually works) How to know when you can afford to grow your team or take on a big project (not just hope) Why hourly billing is a powerful tool for creating consistent monthly revenue—especially when projects get delayed What to look for in your cash flow before making your next big move (hint: your bank balance might be lying to you) How to make decisions with confidence instead of confusion You’ll also learn how we think about revenue goals, set margins, and make sure profit isn't something that “happens if we’re lucky”—it’s something we plan for. Whether you're running solo or growing a team, this episode gives you practical tools, real numbers, and mindset shifts that will help you build a business that pays you well and gives you freedom. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

If you've ever felt like time tracking is a total buzzkill? Yeah, we get it. But what if it’s actually the secret weapon to unlocking consistent revenue and profitability in your design firm? In this episode, Melissa and I are diving headfirst into one of the most unglamorous but essential parts of running a successful design business – time tracking and billing. We’re pulling back the curtain on our monthly time billing process, the systems we rely on, and the strategies we use to keep cash flowing. We’re talking about why sticking to a monthly billing schedule isn’t just about getting paid – it’s about setting clear expectations with clients, staying profitable, and avoiding those dreaded, awkward “why is this taking so long?” conversations. Plus, we’re sharing our top tips for keeping your billing simple, transparent, and bulletproof – from breaking down hours by phase to crafting invoices that actually make sense to your clients. And if you’ve ever wondered how we calculate our target profitability, we’re unpacking how we came up with that number and how it influences everything from setting billing rates to determining whether you can actually afford to hire that new designer. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher

Okay... be honest. How many browser tabs do you have open right now? Now add the mental tabs—your calendar’s exploding, your inbox is laughing at you, and suddenly everything feels urgent (but also kind of... not?). Yeah, we’ve been there. In today’s episode, it’s just the two of us having a raw, honest convo about focus and why it feels nearly impossible when you’re running a business (or two), managing a team, trying to remember to eat lunch, and oh yeah—being a human with a life. We also talk about: Why focus is so hard when you're wearing 12 hats and running two businesses or more The mental overload of switching between your creative brain and your business brain Our go-to tools like Pomodoro, the “One Thing” rule, and that Eisenhower Matrix thing we actually use What to do when your calendar says yes, but your brain says absolutely not And why rest—yes, rest—is one of the most productive things you can do We’re not perfect—far from it. But this episode is about sharing what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how we’re still learning to show up with intention in the middle of the madness.  So If you’ve ever felt like you're doing all the things, but still wondering what actually matters… this one’s for you. Check out our website too: https://designdash.com/ Follow us on socials: https://www.instagram.com/designdasher/ https://www.tiktok.com/@designdasher https://www.facebook.com/DesignDasher