The Interior Collective

Access the tools in this episode at www.idco.studio This bonus episode marks the beginning of something game-changing for interior designers. Today, I’m joined by two of the most trusted experts in the business of design: Studio Growth Strategist Renee Bush of Tandem and Brooke Stoll, Operations and Profitability Strategist for interior designers. When we had tapped out all possible ideas for products at IDCO Studio, I called the best in the business to create something extraordinary. Together, we’ve developed a brand-new suite of tools created specifically for the way interior design studios operate—and scale. Renee brings years of experience leading creative teams, including her time as Director of Design Operations at Studio McGee, and now consults studios across the country through her firm, Tandem. Brooke has spent nearly a decade inside high-performing firms, building systems that help designers grow their businesses intentionally—without sacrificing creative control or burning out. This collaboration was built from the ground up to solve the real, day-to-day challenges designers face. Inside this new collection, you’ll find three powerful bundles: a Financial Toolkit that brings clarity to your numbers, a Project Pipeline System that helps you forecast and convert the right clients, and a comprehensive Process Outline that maps every step from inquiry to install. In this episode, we’re breaking down what each tool does, how to implement it, and why it has the power to completely transform how you lead your business. These aren’t just spreadsheets—they’re decision-making systems. They’re clarity tools. And they’re here to help you scale your design firm with purpose, confidence, and a whole lot less stress.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective, I’m your host, Anastasia Casey — and today, I am so excited to be joined by one of the most influential voices in modern American design, Nina Freudenberger. As the founder of Freudenberger Design Studio, Nina has built a body of work that transcends trend cycles, coasts, and even design styles — yet every space she touches evokes the same feeling: grounded, effortless, and deeply personal. You might know her from her bestselling design books like Surf Shack, Bibliostyle, and most recently Mountain House, or from her projects featured in Architectural Digest and Vogue. But what’s perhaps most fascinating about Nina’s journey is how she’s built a brand that evolves with her — from interiors, to publishing, and beyond — all while staying visually cohesive and emotionally resonant. In this conversation, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it takes to grow a multidisciplinary design studio, how to build a signature style that still leaves room for reinvention, and how Nina’s expanded her business into new creative categories without losing sight of what matters most. If you’re a designer looking to grow a timeless business that evolves with you, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Let’s dive in.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective, where we dig into the business of beautiful spaces. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today’s episode is one I’m especially excited to share. We’re pulling back the curtain on a beloved Canadian-based brand in the design community—Moe’s Home Collection—and exploring what it really takes to evolve a 25-year-old, family-run company into a rising force in the wholesale furniture space. Joining me are Co-CEOs and siblings, Sara and Moe Jr. Samieian, who have not only scaled Moe’s in impressive ways, but done so with interior designers at the center of their strategy. From streamlining shipping and inventory to launching designer-led product collaborations and educational events, they’ve reimagined what a wholesale partner can look like in 2025. In this conversation, we talk about what designers are asking for right now, how feedback directly influences Moe’s product collections, and why building an authentic community is just as important as beautiful furniture. Whether you’re a solo designer or a studio with a full team, this episode offers a refreshing, behind-the-scenes look at a company that’s putting our industry first. Let’s dive in.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today’s guest is someone I’ve admired for a very long time—interior designer and author Stephanie Sabbe. As the founder of Sabbe Interior Design and owner of Heirloom Artifacts in Nashville, Stephanie is known for her fresh yet deeply reverent approach to historic homes. In today’s episode, we’re unpacking the unique challenges and incredible opportunities that come with designing for history—how to honor a home’s past without sacrificing modern function, how to find the right trades for sensitive restoration work, and how to build time into the process for the kind of thoughtful, layered storytelling Stephanie is known for. We’ll also be diving into her new book, Interiors of a Storyteller, a stunning design memoir that weaves together nine projects and the personal stories that shaped them. This conversation is equal parts business, beauty, and heart—and I can’t wait for you to hear it. Thanks for listening - let’s get started.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today’s conversation feels especially close to my heart. After spending the last ten years building a business, scaling a team, and pouring everything into my work, I finally took the leap into motherhood — and now, I’m sitting here with a four-month-old at home, learning firsthand what it means to balance entrepreneurship with a brand new kind of responsibility. That’s why I was so excited to sit down with interior designer Kim Lapin. Kim runs a thriving, highly intentional design business while also raising three kids under the age of four. Yes — three under four. But what’s even more impressive is the way she’s made conscious decisions to stay small, take on projects that feel deeply fulfilling, and outsource in all the right places — both professionally and personally — in order to create the life and business she truly wants. In this episode, we talk about saying no to the pressure to scale, redefining success in motherhood, and letting go of the guilt that so many of us feel when we don’t do it all. Whether you’re in the thick of this same season, or just thinking about what sustainable success could look like for you, this conversation is full of insight, honesty, and so much grace. Let’s dive in.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective In the evolving landscape of luxury homebuilding, discerning clients are seeking more than just high-end finishes—they desire a seamless, intentional experience from concept to completion. Today, I'm honored to welcome the co-founders behind Simple Finesse—Sia, Interior Design Principal and Creative Director, and Roderick, Architectural Designer and Residential Building Contractor. Together, they lead a Minneapolis-based, full-service architecture, interior design, and build studio dedicated to crafting clean, timeless, and intentional designs for both residential and commercial spaces.​ Sia brings over 15 years of experience consulting Fortune 500 executives, infusing each project with a strategic, process-driven mindset that harmonizes creativity with business acumen. Her leadership ensures that every design seamlessly blends aesthetics, functionality, and personal expression. Roderick, with a rich background in high-end residential architecture and a passion for refined, thoughtful homes, believes that great design emerges from collaboration. His expertise in 3D modeling and architectural visualization ensures precision and efficiency, bringing projects to life with meticulous attention to detail.​ In this episode, we'll explore how Simple Finesse's integrated design-build approach is redefining luxury homebuilding, the motivations driving clients toward design-driven studios, and the significance of being a minority- and women-owned firm in an industry where diverse perspectives are still rare. Let’s go!

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio.An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Interior Design Service Agreement at IDCO Studio Welcome back to The Interior Collective Podcast—where we dive into the business of beautiful spaces. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today’s conversation is one I know every designer needs to hear. We’re joined by the incredibly talented Palmer Weiss—an interior designer whose signature style blends timeless sophistication with vibrant Southern charm. But beyond her eye for color and layered design, Palmer brings something rare to the table: a rock-solid business background. With experience in investment banking and retail merchandising, and an MBA from Kellogg, Palmer didn’t just fall into this industry—she built her design firm on the foundation of financial fluency. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to run a profitable design business. From creating airtight budgets, navigating scope creep, and maintaining profit margins without compromising creative vision, Palmer shares practical, specific strategies that every designer—at any level—can learn from. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by pricing, billing, or managing money in this industry, this one’s for you. So grab your notebook—Palmer Weiss is about to drop some serious wisdom.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio. An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Design Assisted Interior Design Service Agreement at IDCO Studio Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today, we’re diving into the art of bringing a new construction project to life. Our guest is Stephanie Mahaney, founder of Stephanie Rae Interiors, most-known for designing functional, custom residential projects and elevated commercial spaces. With a background at Kemble Interiors and a deep understanding of the building process from her collaboration with Keating Moore Construction, Stephanie brings a unique perspective on integrating design and construction seamlessly. In this episode, we’ll cover: How to collaborate effectively with architects, builders, and contractors Project management strategies to keep designs on track The communication skills every designer needs to navigate challenges and ensure a smooth process Balancing aesthetics and function to create homes that are both beautiful and livable For many designers, custom new construction projects are the dream project, and Stephanie is breaking down just how to ensure they run smoothly. Let’s get started—here’s my conversation with Stephanie Rae.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio. An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Interior Design Service Agreement at IDCO Studio Welcome back to The Interior Collective Podcast, where we dive deep into the business of interior design. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today, we’re exploring one of the most critical aspects of a successful design project: client touchpoints. From the initial consultation to the final styling, how do you structure your process to keep clients informed, engaged, and—most importantly—confident in your vision?  To help us break it all down, I’m joined by the incredibly talented Susannah Holmberg. With over 13 years of experience, Susannah has built a design practice rooted in both fine art and interior design, crafting spaces that are highly customized, deeply intentional, and timelessly beautiful. Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Domino, and more, and today, she’s here to share her insights on sequencing a design into clear phases—what those client touchpoints should look like, and what to cover in each. After 10 years of running my own creative studio, client touchpoints continue to be something we work on refining, implementing, and increasing in order to improve our client experience. If you’ve ever struggled with keeping interior design clients aligned, setting expectations, or simply creating a seamless design process, this episode is for you. Let’s get started.

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio. An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective Pricing Models for Interior Designers with Lindsey BorchardMastering the art of working with trade vendors is one of the biggest challenges interior designers face. From wholesale vendors to custom furniture workrooms, strong vendor relationships are key to a seamless design process. But how do you find the right vendors, create lasting partnerships, and ensure every project runs smoothly while maximizing profitability? Today, we’re joined by Melissa Oholendt, founder of Oho Interiors, whose path to design was anything but traditional. After beginning her interior design studies in 2001, Melissa spent over 15 years in the fast-paced world of distressed debt hedge funds before launching a decade-long career in photography. In 2019, she returned to her first love—interior design—building a business that has since been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Domino, Homes & Gardens, and more. In 2024, she launched a shop with luxury retailer Perigold, was named a Top 40 Expert on The Expert, and took the stage as a keynote speaker at The Haven Workshop. Melissa brings a wealth of experience in managing high-level vendor relationships, and today, she’s sharing her best strategies for sourcing, organizing, and collaborating with trade partners. Whether you're looking to refine your process, build stronger industry connections, or avoid costly vendor mistakes, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in!

Season 6 of The Interior Collective is brought to you by Materio. An operating system built specifically for design projects—from start to finish. That’s what Materio is.From concept to handoff, client billing to procurement—it’s one connected workflow. Try it for free.It’s intuitive. It’s fast. The Interior Collective listeners get 50% off their first month. Just head to getmaterio.com to claim the offer.Mastering the art of working with trade vendors is one of the biggest challenges interior designers face. From wholesale vendors to custom furniture workrooms, strong vendor relationships are key to a seamless design process. But how do you find the right vendors, create lasting partnerships, and ensure every project runs smoothly while maximizing profitability? Join the Serena & Lily trade program for exclusive perks, best pricing, custom sizing, and white-glove delivery at serenaandlily.com/interiorcollective. Subscribe now at patreon.com/theinteriorcollective  IDCO Studio Spec Book Welcome back to The Interior Collective. I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and today, we’re sitting down again with one of the most respected names in the industry—Heidi Caillier. An AD100 designer, Heidi has built a career on reinventing tradition, crafting interiors that feel intimate, layered, and deeply personal. Known for her confident use of pattern, color, and nostalgic elements, she designs spaces that stand the test of time, valuing heirlooms, antiques, and handcrafted details over fleeting trends. But beyond her signature aesthetic, Heidi has also simplified and standardized the business side of interior design—something we’re diving deep into today. I first learned of Heidi’s straight forward approach last October at Design Camp, and the details utterly blew my mind. Heidi’s model of whole home design presentations and flat rate product markup feels refreshingly easy to manage, and all around magical. We’ll explore why she made that decision, how it streamlines client communication, and why presenting an entire home concept at once—instead of breaking it into phases—has transformed her design process. From the systems behind her full-scale presentations to how this approach strengthens client buy-in and decision-making, Heidi is sharing the strategies that make her projects not only beautiful but also incredibly efficient. If you’ve ever struggled with pricing transparency or felt overwhelmed by phased presentations, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Don’t forget to tune in to Season 2 Episode 1 to hear our first conversation about Heidi’s signature style after this episode. But for now, let’s get started.

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. Hi! Welcome back to The Interior Collective - I’m your host, Anastasia Casey! Today, I’m excited to welcome Jason Saft, the mastermind behind Staged to Sell Home, a company that has transformed over $3 billion in luxury homes since its official founding in2016, but Jason’s been staging as a passion project since 2005. With an impressive background of more than 20 years in real estate sales and staging, Jason brings a unique perspective on what it means to craft interiors that are both aspirational and functional. Known for his contemporary, curatorial style and unwavering commitment to producing results, Jason has earned accolades for his work, including features in the Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, and more. For Jason, great design isn’t a straight line—it’s about balancing artistry and intent, creating spaces that captivate buyers and maximize value. Because I truly do believe there is no single way to run a successful design business, I’m thrilled to chat with Jason about how he has forged his own path in luxury staging, standing out as both a respected business owner and creative visionary. Jason’s approach is anything but conventional, and his 98% success rate speaks for itself. Today, we’re diving into Jason’s methods for making luxury staging stand out, exploring everything from his business model and inventory curation to timelines and the decisions behind staging versus full-service design. And we’re especially excited to catch up because not only is Jason an IDCO Studio client, he is also a past attendee of our own Design Camp—so much so that he sent his team to the very next session! Join us as we explore how Jason combines expertise, intentionality, and market knowledge to elevate homes and help buyers envision their dream lives.

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. Welcome back to The Interior Collective - a podcast for the business of beautiful living! I’m your host, Anastasia Casey, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for today’s episode because it’ll be a masterclass in social media authenticity AND strategy. Today, I’m joined by my dear friend Chloe Legras of Boxwood Avenue Interiors. For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of diving into Chloe’s world yet, you’re in for a treat. She’s the visionary behind the stunning interiors and lifestyle brand Boxwood Avenue—a brand that effortlessly combines luxury design with the art of intentional, slow living. Chloe and I have been friends for years - we actually met at The Haven Workshop years ago and stayed close since. I’ve even had the privilege of attending her retreats abroad—experiences that were truly life-changing. This past May I attended Boxwood Abroad in the Cotswolds and it truly was the trip of a lifetime. Well, until next September when I attend Boxwood Abroad in Provence. Those retreats have given me a firsthand look at Chloe’s passion for honoring heritage, simplicity, and the beauty of old-world charm alongside Chloe’s joy for life that extends way beyond beautiful interiors. Today, she’s here to share her approach to balancing a luxury design business with a lifestyle brand that celebrates the everyday. We’ll get into the nitty-gritty of her social media strategy–particularly over the last year, how she connects with her followers so authentically, and her secrets for building a brand that high-budget design clients are genuinely excited to be part of. I mean this in the most genuine way possible - get ready to dive in because this is Chloe’s world and I feel just so lucky to be living in it.

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. Welcome to another episode of The Interior Collective podcast - a podcast for the business of beautiful living! Today, we're diving into a fascinating conversation with one of Austin's most sought-after interior designers and someone who has truly transformed my life, Audrey Scheck. You know, we often hear the advice to say "no" to many things to make room for the right ones. But Audrey has taken a different path—one that embraces a resounding "yes" to projects of all sizes. As the founder and principal designer of Audrey Scheck Design, Audrey has built an incredible reputation for transforming residential and commercial spaces into warm, inviting environments. Her projects are a testament to her unique approach, blending diverse materials and the charm of both old and new to create designs that are not just beautiful but also deeply livable. Audrey’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. From her childhood days watching her parents build their dream home in rural Texas to remodeling her own home in Los Angeles, she has always had a passion for design. Now, after moving back to Texas in 2020, she's established herself as a leading designer, with her work featured in esteemed publications like Martha Stewart, Better Homes & Gardens, and Forbes. What I find particularly special about Audrey is her genuine networking ability and her generous spirit. What began as a simple "can I buy you lunch?" inquiry has blossomed into one of my closest friendships. Her approach to saying yes—not just to projects but to people—has not only propelled her business forward but has also enriched her life and the lives of those around her. When I was deep in the weeds growing IDCO Studio and The Interior Collective, I was a definite homebody with a false sense of community via my remote team and Instagram friendships. I’d developed a notable level of social anxiety and thought I was perfectly content. After Audrey invited me to lunch, she instantly invited me to a small girl group of fellow designers and artists - with the likes of Claire Brody and Aileen Fitzgerald for monthly dinner dates. That group, and Audrey’s friendship, changed my life. Audrey refused to let us make excuses for getting together, and made sure we were all, always included. I can say with certainty that Audrey Scheck absolutely changed my life and helped turn me into a more confident, healthy person who can balance and prioritize both digital friendships and friendships in real life as well. In this episode, we'll explore how Audrey’s mindset of inclusivity and opportunity has shaped her business and her team, leading to remarkable success in such a short time. We'll also discuss how embracing all types of projects has led to her rapid growth and how she navigates the sometimes-competitive landscape of interior design with a collaborative spirit. So, join us as we learn from Audrey’s journey and discover how saying "yes" can lead to extraordinary transformations in both our businesses and our relationships.

Save 15% site wide at www.idco.studio with promo code Podcast15. Welcome back to The Interior Collective. Today, we have an exciting episode lined up for you as we explore the journey of transforming an interior design studio into a thriving lifestyle brand. Joining us is the incredible Kristen Forgione, the creative force behind THELIFESTYLEDCO Design Firm and Retail Shop, and long-time, close, industry friend. After spending a decade in diverse fields like finance and hospitality, Kristen found her true calling when she attended fashion school in Los Angeles. This experience reignited her childhood passion for color and design, setting her on the path to creating a brand that would soon take the west coast design market by storm. Based in Arizona, THELIFESTYLEDCO has been leading the charge since 2012, serving clients nationwide and building a talented team of Organic Desert loving designers and support staff. Kristen has expertly mastered the art of selling a lifestyle to a wide audience, from affordable home and fashion finds to top-of-the-line, new construction custom homes. In today’s episode, Kristen will share her inspiring journey of expanding from a design studio to a full-fledged lifestyle brand. We’ll dive into the lessons she’s learned, the challenges she’s faced, and her vision for the future. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or a seasoned pro looking to broaden your horizons, Kristen’s insights will undoubtedly inspire you to think bigger and be bolder.