You’re not imagining it—your projects might actually be running you. If you’ve ever felt like your design clients are unclear, unsure, or unexpectedly intense mid-project, it’s likely not a personality issue. It’s a systems issue. In this episode, designer Shila Griffith of SG23 Design reveals the exact processes and boundaries that keep her projects running smooth, her team aligned, and her clients confident from start to finish.

From her strategic intake forms to her “you paid for that three months ago” moment of bliss, Shila walks through the real-world fixes newer designers need to confidently lead their projects. This isn’t about being cold or corporate—it’s about clarity, structure, and trust.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why upfront pricing (yes, even 50%) calms client anxiety

✅ How to spot red flags in new client inquiries

✅ The conversation that prevents renovation freakouts before they happen

✅ What to say when clients want to buy their own stuff, and why boundaries boost your quality of life

If you’re an interior designer looking to finally feel in control of your client process (instead of constantly catching up), this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and start running projects with more calm, clarity, and confidence.

(0:00) Upfront billing makes design projects smoother

(2:00) Shila’s origin story and early credibility hurdles

(6:00) Vetting clients through forms and paid consults

(10:00) Setting expectations for reno stress and timelines

(15:00) Switching from hourly to flat fee structure

(21:00) Client boundaries, policies, and communication norms

(35:00) Billing, procurement, and protecting product margins

Shila Scarlet Griffith is the founder and principal designer behind SG23 Design, a boutique interior design studio serving South Jersey, Philadelphia, and New York areas. With over a decade of hands-on experience—including more than five years at a prestigious architecture firm—Shila brings a rare blend of aesthetic finesse and construction-focused expertise to every project. She is NCIDQ Certified and LEED AP accredited, and her philosophy—“Stay Inspired, Not Overwhelmed”—reflects her deep belief that smart systems and empathetic communication create transformative, yet stress-free environments. Shila holds dual degrees in interior design and sustainable design from Philadelphia University (now Jefferson), and she seamlessly integrates modern finishes with vintage elements to elevate both aesthetic and functional value.

At SG23 Design, Shila leads clients through a six-phase process—from consultation and space planning all the way through procurement and construction management. Her ideal clients are busy professionals who value their time and want a smooth, thoughtfully curated renovation without the usual headaches. Whether it’s a residential kitchen refresh or a commercial workspace overhaul, Shila’s meticulous documentation, proactive communication, and emphasis on long-term value ensure that each project is delivered on time, within budget, and with uncompromised integrity—resulting in spaces that not only look stunning but also enhance daily life.

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What if the one thing keeping your designs from truly resonating isn’t visible at all? If your client’s space checks all the boxes but still feels… off, there might be something deeper at play, and today’s episode unpacks exactly that.

While talking with Amanda Gibby Peters of Simple Shui, we get into the overlooked forces that shape how a space feels, and how interior designers can shift energy, not just aesthetics.

She makes the ancient practice of feng shui unexpectedly approachable, surprisingly intuitive, and refreshingly modern. Whether you’re skeptical or curious, her practical take might just flip how you see the role of your work.

You’ll learn:

✅ The hidden impact of “command position”

✅ Why flow matters more than form.

✅ What stagnant energy really looks like.

✅ Small tweaks that change how clients feel at home.

If you’re an interior designer looking to elevate your work from beautiful to deeply aligned and energetically impactful, this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and start designing spaces that feel as good as they look.

(00:00) Defining feng shui and its deeper meaning.

(02:10) Amanda’s backstory and unexpected path to feng shui.

(06:10) The concept of “command position” and practical office tweaks.

(09:15) Feng shui’s origins and the philosophy behind it.

(17:05) Signs of stagnant energy and how to shift it.

(24:15) Feng shui tips for bedrooms and what they reveal.

(30:05) How interior designers can apply feng shui without going all in.

Amanda Gibby Peters is the founder of Simple Shui, where she brings a fresh, modern approach to the centuries-old wisdom of feng shui. With a master’s degree in professional communication and over 20 years of experience, Amanda blends intuitive insight with practical guidance to help people create spaces that truly support their well-being, goals, and growth.

Her work is rooted in the idea that your environment speaks to your energy, and when your space feels aligned, everything else can fall into place. As a writer, teacher, and sought-after expert, Amanda has built a global following of clients, students, and fans who appreciate her no-fluff, down-to-earth perspective on energetic design.

Through her courses, podcast, and online platform, she demystifies feng shui and empowers others to create homes that feel just as good as they look.

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Ever feel like clients just don’t “see” your vision, literally? This episode dives into the often-overlooked tool that can increase client trust, raise your perceived value, and unlock high-end opportunities: 3D renderings. Whether you’re a solopreneur winging it with mood boards or you’re flirting with luxury clients, renderings might just be your biggest untapped asset.

You’ll learn: ✅ Why presenting renderings isn’t just a visual tool, it’s a trust accelerator ✅ How to price, position, and profit from offering renderings ✅ When to line-item them and when to bake them into your services ✅ How AI is changing the rendering game, and what still sets pros apart

If you’re an interior designer looking to start attracting clients who say “yes” faster and with fewer revisions, this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and learn how to make renderings work harder for your business.

(00:00) Why designers undervalue renderings, and what’s changing.

(04:50) Overcoming client objections and selling the value.

(07:00) Outsourcing renderings: mindset, timing, and delegation.

(11:10) Pricing renderings: line items, baked-in fees, and markups.

(16:00) Renderings as marketing assets and portfolio builders.

(22:40) AI vs. human touch: future-proofing your rendering strategy.

Mina Duque is the Head of Client Success at Duke Renders, a premier 3D rendering studio serving interior designers and design firms around the world. With a formal background in interior design and years of hands-on experience in the field, Mina understands exactly what it takes to translate a designer’s vision into visuals that win client trust, fast-track approvals, and elevate the perception of any design business. What started as her husband Fernando’s solution for her own design needs quickly evolved into a fast-growing, service-driven company.

At Duke Renders, Mina plays a pivotal role in ensuring every rendering is not only technically precise but emotionally resonant, helping designers communicate with clarity, save time, and look like absolute pros. She’s particularly passionate about supporting solopreneurs and small teams who want to grow into the luxury space without burning out. Her unique combination of design chops and client-centric strategy makes her a powerful resource for anyone ready to uplevel their presentation game.

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What if the most ignored room in your project is quietly dragging down the whole design?

Today, I’m with Jennifer Q. Williams of St. Louis Closet Company to reveal why closets, yes, closets, are one of the most underestimated elements in all of residential design. So if you’re creating a luxury home or updating a modest space, your clients’ daily routines and resale values are being shaped by what’s behind those closet doors. If you’ve been sleepwalking past the wire racks and sliding doors, this episode will wake you up fast.

Jennifer breaks down the functional and emotional impact of a well-designed closet, how it can save time, reduce stress, and even increase a home’s market value. We dig into the common oversights made by designers and architects alike, from door swings to ceiling height, and how getting these wrong can silently sabotage the client experience. You’ll also hear why collaborating with a custom closet pro early in the design process isn’t just nice to have, it’s a smart, brand-elevating move.

You’ll learn: ✅ Why poor closet design quietly adds stress to your client’s daily life ✅ What interior designers and architects regularly overlook (and regret) ✅ How to collaborate with closet experts to elevate your designs ✅ The surprising ROI of a custom closet, and why it matters at resale

If you’re an interior designer looking to create truly high-end homes with functional beauty in every corner, this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and start designing with every square inch in mind.

(00:00) Why closets are always the afterthought in design.

(02:24) Jennifer’s journey into the custom closet industry.

(06:12) How an organized closet impacts your day and mindset.

(09:22) What interior designers and architects usually overlook.

(17:48) Why custom closets are more accessible and valuable than clients think.

(25:01) How to vet and collaborate with a local closet company.

Jennifer Q. Williams is the founder and owner of St. Louis Closet Company, the region’s first locally owned, floor-based custom closet business. With over three decades in the industry, Jennifer has built a reputation for blending high-end organization with practical everyday use, transforming even the most neglected storage spaces into stunning, functional showpieces. A proud St. Louis native and entrepreneur, she’s as passionate about her community as she is about organization, supporting numerous local charities and small business initiatives. Her signature? Turning chaotic closets into calm, curated spaces that improve daily life and property value.

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Is your contractor ghosting you, or are you just not speaking their language?

Most interior designers know they need reliable contractors to grow their business, but few realize contractors are also sizing them up.

In this episode, Elizabeth Scruggs shares what makes contractors roll their eyes... and what makes them want to call you back. Whether you're a designer dreaming of launching a design-build firm or just tired of construction projects going sideways, this episode lays out the path forward with practical steps, stories, and no-fluff advice.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why finding contractors at the pro desk may be smarter than scouring Instagram.

✅ What builders are really evaluating when deciding to partner with a designer.

✅ The biggest mistake new design-build firms make, and how to avoid it.

✅ How to protect your business legally before the demo starts.

If you’re an interior designer looking to get more control, more confidence, and more respect from contractors, this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and start building the partnerships that elevate your entire business.

(00:00) Learning construction by doing: Elizabeth’s origin story.

(05:28) How designers can find and vet great contractors.

(12:19) The importance of setting expectations with trades.

(17:32) Legal and liability considerations for design-build firms.

(24:43) What contractors actually want from interior designers.

(30:33) Should you become your own general contractor?

Elizabeth Scruggs is a licensed general contractor and the principal designer behind Superior Construction and Design, LLC, one of the only female-led design-build firms in Middle Tennessee. With over 30 years of hands-on experience and a national reputation as a speaker, author, and High Point Market Insider Tour co-host, Elizabeth brings unmatched insight into bridging the gap between construction and design. Her passion? Helping interior designers confidently step into the design-build space and build businesses they love, without sacrificing quality or control.

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You’ve invested in professional photography. Your portfolio looks incredible. Your social media presence is growing. And yet… those high-end clients you’ve been aiming for? They’re still not booking. Something isn’t lining up, and the culprit might be hiding in plain sight: your website.

Many interior designers assume that a visually attractive website is enough to convert browsers into buyers. But what if your site’s design choices are actually sending subtle signals that work against the luxury service you provide? What if, despite your best efforts, your digital presence is whispering “entry-level” to the very clients you’re trying to attract?

I sit down with branding and web strategist Nicole Heymer, founder of Glory & Brand, to unpack the exact elements that create a high-end feel online, and the seemingly small details that can quietly sabotage it. We talk fonts, color palettes, white space, and layout, but we also go deep on things most designers overlook, like SEO structure, AI search visibility, and the impact of editorial copy on how your business is perceived.

Whether you’re a seasoned designer ready to uplevel your client base or you’re just starting out and want to set the right tone from the get-go, this conversation is a must-listen. Because in the luxury market, your first impression isn’t made in person, it’s made on your website. And it needs to feel just as high-end as the spaces you create.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to make your website immediately feel more high-end ✅ The small website mistakes that silently repel luxury clients ✅ Where SEO and AI intersect, and how your site can start working 24/7 ✅ Why strong copy and professional photography are non-negotiable

If you’re an interior designer looking to attract premium clients and elevate your brand presence online, this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and learn how to align your digital first impression with the level of service you actually provide.

(00:00) The two-bucket problem - traffic vs. conversion

(02:39) Why a beautiful site isn’t enough if no one sees it

(06:00) What makes a website feel upscale (fonts, white space, color restraint)

(12:30) Balancing minimalism and SEO using hidden copy and structure

(16:02) How to handle your site when you’ve only got one good project

(20:59) AI reads everything: Why your site copy matters more than ever

(25:10) Costly DIY mistakes even luxury designers make on their websites

Nicole Heymer is the founder and creative director of Glory & Brand, a boutique agency specializing in branding, website design, and marketing automation for interior designers, architects, and builders. Since launching in 2011, Nicole has been known for her clear, practical approach to digital strategy, helping clients craft upscale, conversion-focused online presences that reflect their unique value. Her work has been featured in industry podcasts, conferences, and branding workshops, highlighting her influence in the design community.

Nicole's journey into entrepreneurship was inspired by her early experiences working with interior design firms and her passion for creating cohesive brand experiences. At Glory & Brand, she leads a team that delivers well-made, practical branding and websites, focusing on helping design firms make the most of their digital presence. Nicole's commitment to excellence and her ability to merge aesthetics with strategy have made her a trusted partner for businesses seeking to elevate their brand and attract the right clients.

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What if being overlooked was the best thing that ever happened to your business?

When Wandra Cain walked into showrooms and got ignored, she didn’t flinch—she made a mental note. That “Pretty Woman” moment stuck with her, not as a grievance, but as fuel. She’d always had a sharp eye and a natural gift for pulling beauty out of limitation, but that experience sharpened her resolve to create a design business that didn’t ask for permission to be taken seriously. She built WCA Interiors from the ground up, not with flashy backing or a big team, but with intention, consistency, and a deep belief that her work belonged, regardless of who initially acknowledged it.

Her journey started with pivots. From corporate desk jobs to cosmetology school, and eventually to earning her interior design degree while working full-time, she followed the tug toward creativity even when the path forward looked unclear. Early projects tested her—contractors challenged her decisions, budgets fell apart, and she didn’t always know how to protect her time or profit. But instead of hiding the hard parts, she leaned in. Every mistake became a tool. Every misstep taught her how to run a better project, have firmer boundaries, and value her own expertise.

What really sets Wandra apart is her ability to show up with humility and confidence at the same time. She leads projects with warmth, listens deeply to clients, and isn’t afraid to say no when the fit or the numbers are off. Even with over 11,000 Instagram followers, she’s more focused on building genuine relationships—online and off—than chasing engagement. For her, design isn’t about ego or aesthetic signatures; it’s about helping people feel truly at home in their spaces. The business didn’t happen overnight. It was ten years of quiet hustle, small wins, big learning curves, and showing up again the next day.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to lead projects (and set boundaries) when contractors push back

✅ Why visibility matters—and how Wandra handled being underestimated

✅ Systems and client processes that helped her turn a hobby into a real business

✅ What she’s doing now to market her firm without burning out on Instagram

If you’re an interior designer looking to grow a business that reflects who you are—and makes money doing it—this is the episode that’s going to help you get there.

Listen now and remember: being underestimated might be your greatest edge.

(0:00) The “Pretty Woman” moment that shaped Wandra’s mindset

(0:50) Wandra’s origin story and entering the interior design world

(4:40) Why representation in the design industry matters

(12:30) Pivoting from cosmetology to design and going back to school

(15:50) Learning the hard way: pricing, client management, and early business mistakes

(22:40) Building confidence and refining systems and client processes

(30:50) Grassroots marketing, networking, and digital growth

Wandra Cain is the founder and principal designer of WCA Interiors, a full-service interior design firm based in Easton, Pennsylvania. With a focus on creating refined yet livable luxury, Wandra believes that a well-designed home should serve as a sanctuary, capturing the spirit of the client and enhancing their lifestyle. Her approach emphasizes collaboration, ensuring each space reflects its inhabitants' unique personalities and needs.

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