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A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

LuAnn Nigara
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1245 episodes

  • A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design  Business Podcast

    1244: Margaret Donaldson and Thomas Donaldson: Transferring Leadership Without Leaving Your Interior Design Business

    13/11/2026 | 1h 13 mins.
    Today with Margaret Donaldson and Thomas Donaldson:

    What happens to your interior design business when you're ready for a different role? What happens to the value you've built, the clients you've served, and the employees who have helped make it successful?

    For Margaret Donaldson, founder of Charleston-based MDI Luxury Design, these questions became increasingly important after nearly four decades in business. She had a successful firm, a talented team, and a strong reputation. But she also knew she didn't want to spend the next chapter of her career managing every aspect of the company.

    Enter her son, Thomas Donaldson.

    Thomas had built his career outside the interior design industry, and neither of them had planned for him to become the firm's CEO. Today, Thomas leads the business while Margaret remains actively involved as founder and creative director.

    In this episode of A Well-Designed Business®, LuAnn talks with Margaret and Thomas about how their leadership transition came together, what Thomas needed to understand before accepting the role, and how they've worked to preserve the firm's strengths while making room for new ideas.

    They also discuss the importance of a capable leadership team, values-based hiring, and the willingness of a founder to let someone else make decisions.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    Why Margaret began considering the future of her firm even though the business was successful.

    How Thomas evaluated the opportunity to lead a company in an industry he hadn't previously worked in.

    Why understanding and protecting the existing company culture mattered to both of them.

    How to distinguish between established practices worth preserving and processes that need to change.

    Why transferring leadership doesn't necessarily mean retiring or stepping away from the work you love.

    Margaret and Thomas offer a thoughtful example of what succession planning can look like when the goal is continuity, not departure.

    Whether you're thinking about your eventual exit or simply want to build a company that depends less on you, this conversation will give you plenty to consider.

    Connect with Margaret and Thomas Donaldson:

    MDI Luxury Design: https://mdiluxurydesign.com/

    More about Margaret Donaldson and Thomas Donaldson:

    Margaret Donaldson

    Founder + Creative Director of MDI Luxury Design ASID, NCIDQ

    Starting Margaret Donaldson Interiors was a total leap of faith! I was due with my first child in three weeks and had just left a design partnership I had been in for several years. Ready for a new adventure, I began my own business in my hometown of Charleston. I’m so glad I did, and I’ve never looked back!

    After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Interior Design, I achieved my NCIDQ qualification. Also, as a longstanding member of the American Society of Interior Design, I have served in numerous leadership positions and been awarded merits for many projects over the years. My passion for creating spaces that ‘live well’ runs deep. Creating a beautiful aesthetic is the easy part. Beauty that is fully in sync with the functionality of a client’s lifestyle is what elevates our designs. We’ve designed every style you could imagine, from historic downtown properties to eclectic beach houses. I take so much pride in everything our team has been able to accomplish! Thirty-three years later, I’m still on this exciting, ever-evolving interior design journey that I love.

    When not at MDI, I love traveling with my family. Experiencing different cultures inspires me, especially in the design process. We are always hunting for artwork or unique finds to bring home from our trips. We are also big Clemson fans (Go Tigers!) and enjoy spending time with family at our harbor front home.

    ——

    Starting Margaret Donaldson Interiors (now, MDI Luxury Design) was a total leap of faith Margaret Donaldson. Just three weeks away from welcoming her first child and having recently left a long-standing design partnership, she decided to take a bold step and launch her own firm in her hometown of Charleston. It was a decision she’s never regretted.

    A graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Interior Design, Margaret went on to earn her NCIDQ certification and has been an active, longtime member of the American Society of Interior Designers. Throughout her career, she has held numerous leadership positions within ASID and has been recognized with multiple project awards. Her passion lies in creating spaces that “live well”—beautiful environments that align seamlessly with the lifestyle and functionality needs of her clients. From historic downtown residences to eclectic beachfront retreats, she has led the design of a wide range of styles with thoughtfulness and intention.

    More than three decades later, Margaret remains energized by the ever-evolving world of interior design. She takes deep pride in the work her team continues to accomplish at MDI.

    Outside of the studio, Margaret enjoys traveling with her family, drawing inspiration from different cultures and always on the lookout for artwork or one-of-a-kind pieces to bring home. She and her family are avid Clemson fans and love spending time at their harborfront home in Charleston.

    ——

    As Chief Executive Officer of MDI Luxury Design, Thomas leads the firm’s strategic growth while continuing to build on the legacy established by Founder and Creative Director, Margaret Donaldson. As Margaret’s son, he joins the family business with deep respect for the design excellence, culture, and relationships that have defined the firm for nearly four decades.

    Thomas brings a relationship-driven, thoughtful approach to leadership, shaped by his background in partnerships and business development within high-growth marketing and fintech companies. At MDI, he focuses on guiding the firm’s long-term vision while strengthening day-to-day operations—ensuring that growth never comes at the expense of quality, creativity, or client experience.

    Thomas is deeply rooted in Charleston, SC and, when not in the office, enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and three children, soaking in the natural beauty of the Lowcountry.

    Connect with Margaret Donaldson and Thomas Donaldson:

    Website

    Instagram

    Facebook

    Connect with LuAnn Nigara:

    LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Power Talk Friday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Like Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    What’s new with LuAnn Nigara:

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Boardroom for Creatives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Get The Goodies!

    For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

    Book 1: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Audiobook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Book 2: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Book 3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2⁠

    Other Shows Mentioned:

    Episode 468: Power Talk Friday: Ashley Micciche: Why Every Business Needs a Succession Plan

    Episode 999: Faith Fix: Built to Last: Navigating Your Design Business for the Long Term

    Episode 253: Tim Yurek: Three Disturbing Trends That Put Small Businesses at Risk

    Episode 255: Tim Yurek: The Critical Difference Between Exit Strategy and Succession Strategy
  • A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design  Business Podcast

    1243: Jewel Marlowe: Curating a Bespoke Design Experience

    09/11/2026 | 1h 8 mins.
    Today with Jewel Marlowe:

    There is a difference between a client who wants to help you make design decisions and a client who wants to experience the world of design alongside you.

    And understanding that difference could open the door to an entirely new service offering.

    Today on A Well-Designed Business®, LuAnn welcomes luxury interior designer Jewel Marlowe to discuss an unexpected discovery she made while working with a client.

    What began as a departure from Jewel's established design process became something neither she nor her client had anticipated. He enjoyed the opportunity to explore the design world through Jewel's expertise, and Jewel found herself enjoying the experience just as much.

    We're not talking about taking a client to the paint store or spending hours debating selections. We're talking about creating a curated, personal experience that allows a client to discover beautiful materials, furnishings, and resources with an experienced designer leading the way.

    For Jewel, the question became: Could this be something she intentionally offers to more clients?

    And if so, how does she attract the right clients, structure the service, and make sure the budget supports the additional time and attention?

    LuAnn and Jewel explore the difference between accommodating a client and recognizing a genuine business opportunity. They discuss the importance of qualifying clients, protecting profitability, maintaining professional leadership, and knowing when it makes sense to adapt an established process.

    Because a bespoke experience should never mean an undefined scope of work.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    Why a client who wants to participate in design decisions is different from one who wants a curated experience of the design world.

    How an unexpected client request can reveal an opportunity for a new service.

    Why the right client and the right budget are essential to making this type of experience profitable.

    How to maintain your professional leadership while creating a more personal, immersive experience.

    What to consider before turning a one-time client experience into an intentional part of your business model.

    If you've ever wondered whether there's room in your business for a different kind of client experience, this conversation will help you think through the opportunity and the business decisions that need to support it.

    More about Jewel Marlowe:

    Designing unique and client-specific homes is a passion for Jewel Marlowe. Melding eras, colors, and luxury finishes is the particular alchemy she employs to reveal gorgeous rooms that reflect the personality of its inhabitants. Employing her unique knack for mixing soulful finds with quality furnishings brands, Jewel is recognized for creating sophisticated, curated and glamorous spaces.

    Jewel traces her eclectic roots to time spent living in England, nearly two decades ago. There, she religiously attended the British furniture auctions to buy and resell her finds. The auctions affirmed her equal love for a Georgian bow front dresser and an Atollo Mushroom table lamp. Through the artful and imaginative combining of such objects, Jewel brings her interiors to life with real drama.

    Connect with Jewel Marlowe:

    Website

    Instagram

    Facebook

    Connect with LuAnn Nigara:

    LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Power Talk Friday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Like Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    What’s new with LuAnn Nigara:

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RSVP to the 10th Birthday Party for A Well-Designed Business Podcast in HPMKT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Boardroom for Creatives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Get The Goodies!

    For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

    Book 1: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Audiobook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Book 2: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Book 3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2

    Other Shows Mentioned:

    Episode 287: Sandra Espinet: Keys to a Luxury Interior Design Brand

    Episode 976: On Air Strategy Sessions: Is a Disconnect Causing Your Ideal Clients to Walk Away?

    Episode 1216: Sponsored Show | Sandra Funk: The Season That Tested Everything She Built

    Episode 1068: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: How “Sleeping in Your Guest Room” Can Make You RICH

    Episode 986: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Boundaries and Expectations are a Few of My Favorite Things

    Episode 895: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Millionaire Mindset for Interior Designers

    Episode 845: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: Stop Apologizing and Start Communicating

    Episode 801: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: How Mistakes and Obstacles Led to Growth & Transformation

    Episode 753: Sandra Funk: How to Grow a Thriving Luxury Interior Design Business

    Episode 660: Sandra Funk: Level Up Your Business Through Mentorship, Coaching, and Classes. Sponsored Show: “Interior Design Standard”

    Episode 585: Sandra Funk: Helping Designers Improve Their Business Systems

    Episode 520: Power Talk Friday: Sandra Funk: The Interior Design Standard is Here!

    Episode 145: Sandra Funk of House of Funk: Why and How She Re-Branded her 10 Year old Firm

    Episode 02: The Importance of Systems for a Profitable Interior Design Business With Sandra Funk Levy

    Resources Mentioned:

    Sandra Funk's Interior Design Standard: https://interiordesignstandard.com/luann

    Studio Designer / Mydoma: https://studiodesigner.com/awdb

    Kravet: https://kravet.com
  • A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design  Business Podcast

    1242: MBA: A Stronger Design Team Starts With Stronger Leadership

    06/11/2026 | 34 mins.
    Today With LuAnn Nigara:

    You've hired good people. You've built systems. Your team is busy. So why are you still the person everyone comes to when a decision needs to be made or something isn't getting done?

    Building a stronger design team requires more than hiring capable employees and assigning tasks. It requires you to develop as a leader, define who owns what, and give people the authority, training, and accountability they need to succeed.

    In this MBA episode of A Well-Designed Business®, LuAnn Nigara draws on lessons from Eileen Hahn, Jennifer Tokatyan, Jamie Van Cuyk, and Kathy Kuo, along with her own experience developing the next generation of leadership at Window Works.

    You'll hear why experienced employees still need coaching, how company standards guide decisions when the owner isn't present, and why giving someone responsibility without the authority to follow through creates problems for everyone.

    LuAnn also walks through a common situation in interior design firms: several employees complete their individual tasks, but nobody takes responsibility for making sure the entire process gets finished.

    In this episode, LuAnn discusses:

    Why assigning tasks and transferring responsibility are two different things.

    How to define successful performance without insisting that employees do everything your way.

    Why developing employee judgment requires changing how you respond to everyday questions.

    How to prepare a capable employee for greater responsibility through training and honest conversations.

    Why accountability must extend beyond individual tasks to the completion of a process.

    How to stay informed about your business without personally managing every detail.

    The leadership question: What do you need to become better at so your team can become better at what they do?

    If you've built a successful design business but are still making the most important leadership, operational, and financial decisions on your own, explore LuAnn's Chairman of the Board program.

    Chairman of the Board is a one-on-one strategic advisory relationship. LuAnn works directly with you on your actual business, your goals, and the decisions that will move your company forward.

    She is accepting five business owners for her Chairman of the Board one-on-one advisory program beginning in January 2027. Three of those five spots are already filled, and I have two remaining.

    Learn more and apply at luannnigara.com/cob.

    Related episode: What Would Lu Do: Does Your Dream Team Still Depend on You?

    Ready for an experienced advisor in your corner?

    Connect with LuAnn Nigara:

    LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Power Talk Friday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Like Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    What’s new with LuAnn Nigara:

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠Boardroom for Creatives⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Get The Goodies!

    For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

    Book 1: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Audiobook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Book 2: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Book 3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2⁠⁠
  • A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design  Business Podcast

    1241: What Would Lu Do: Does Your Dream Team Still Depend on You?

    03/11/2026 | 25 mins.
    Today With LuAnn Nigara:

    You hired the team. You built the systems. You have good people working alongside you. So why does it still feel like everything depends on you?

    In this episode of A Well-Designed Business®, LuAnn Nigara examines a leadership challenge that can show up at different stages of growing an interior design firm: the difference between hiring people and actually transferring responsibility.

    Drawing on her experience growing Window Works with Vin, LuAnn shares how even a profitable, system-driven company with excellent employees can run into trouble when responsibilities gradually shift without being formally assigned.

    She also looks at two other common situations: owners who hire management positions before their businesses are ready for them, and owners who delegate work but continue making every decision themselves.

    You'll learn why clearly defined roles, decision-making authority, consistent standards, and accountability matter as your company grows. And you'll be challenged to consider whether you're building a team that can operate independently or one that still needs you at every turn.

    In this episode, LuAnn discusses:

    Why hiring employees and transferring responsibility are not the same thing.

    The risk of creating management positions before defining what the business actually needs.

    What LuAnn and Vin learned when trusted Window Works employees took on more responsibility without formal role changes.

    How micromanaging can teach employees to bring every decision back to the owner.

    Why the CEO must remain accountable for the company without personally managing every responsibility.

    Ready to strengthen your leadership skills? Explore the Leadership Track in the Boardroom for Creatives and connect with experienced Board Members who help interior design business owners develop teams, establish expectations, and build accountability.

    Find a Board Member in the Leadership Track at boardroomforcreatives.com.

    And listen for Friday's MBA episode, A Stronger Design Team Starts With Stronger Leadership, when LuAnn will teach the practical steps for transferring responsibility within your design firm.

    Connect with LuAnn Nigara:

    LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    LuAnn’s ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Power Talk Friday⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Like Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Tweet Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Follow Us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Listen Here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    What’s new with LuAnn Nigara:

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Boardroom for Creatives⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch the Docuseries!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.luannnigara.com/cob⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Get The Goodies!

    For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

    Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

    Book 1: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Audiobook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Book 2: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Book 3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
  • A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design  Business Podcast

    1240: Tyler Vieira: What AI Built for Interior Designers Could Mean for Your Business

    30/10/2026 | 1h 4 mins.
    Today with Tyler Vieira:

    How much of your workday is spent doing things that have nothing to do with designing? Checking order statuses, entering product specifications, reconciling invoices, following up with vendors. It's all necessary work, but it's also time you aren't spending on your clients, your creativity, or growing your business.

    In this episode of A Well-Designed Business®, LuAnn Nigara welcomes Tyler Vieira, CEO of Studio Designer, for a conversation about what happens when AI is developed specifically for the interior design industry.

    Since joining Studio Designer in 2022, Tyler has overseen the company's growth from approximately 30 employees to more than 120, serving around 10,000 design firms. With a background in software, Tyler brings a valuable perspective to the challenges of building technology that doesn't just demonstrate what AI could do, but works reliably enough to become part of your everyday business operations.

    LuAnn and Tyler discuss why general-purpose AI tools aren't always equipped to handle the complexities of an interior design firm, where industry-specific AI can make a meaningful difference, and how technology could reduce the time you spend on purchasing, tracking products, reconciling invoices, and managing project information.

    Tyler also shares a striking example: Studio Designer users created approximately 4.5 million product items in one year. If AI could save just one minute per item, that would represent 75,000 hours of potential time savings across the industry.

    But this conversation isn't about replacing your judgment or creativity. It's about understanding where technology can support your business so you can spend more time doing the work that actually requires your expertise.

    If you've been wondering how AI fits into your design business, this episode will help you think beyond the headlines and consider the practical opportunities.

    Special offer from Studio Designer: Visit studiodesigner.com/awdb to receive 20% off your first two months on a monthly subscription to either Studio Designer or Mydoma.

    More about Tyler Vieira:

    Tyler Vieira is the CEO of Studio Designer. He has been with the company since 2022 and overseen its growth from 30 employees to over 120 employees. Tyler comes from the software industry and is new to design (his designer and family make interiors decisions at home). When not at work, he and his wife are kept plenty busy by his 6-mo-old and 2.5-year-old sons.

    Connect with Tyler Vieira:

    Website

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    What’s new with LuAnn Nigara:

    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RSVP to the 10th Birthday Party for A Well-Designed Business Podcast in HPMKT⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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    Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here:

    Book 1: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Audiobook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Book 2: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Book 3: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2
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About A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast
In today's world being a talented interior designer isn't enough to ensure that you have a profitable and successful business. Design school curricula doesn't always equip you with the business skills to have your interior design business be everything you imagined it would be! A Well-Designed Business® is here to fill in the gaps and give you real live business skills from some of the top interior designers. Your host, LuAnn Nigara shares her 40 years of success in the interior design industry, and she finds the most successful guests to share their interior design business best practices. This podcast is sponsored by Kravet Inc and Mydoma Studio.
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