Business of Design® Podcast | Grow a Profitable Interior Design Business with Kimberley Seldon

What separates a busy interior designer from the owner of a thriving, scalable design firm? It isn't better clients or bigger projects—it's strong systems, clear boundaries, and the ability to build a team that doesn't rely on you for every decision.

In this candid conversation, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Rebekah Zaveloff and Nick Nichols, co-founders of Imparfait Design Studio, to discuss what it really takes to grow an interior design business. From pricing and client expectations to hiring, delegation, and leadership, they share the lessons they've learned while building a successful design firm that can scale without sacrificing creativity or profitability.

If you're ready to stop operating like a solo designer and start leading your interior design business like a CEO, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why building systems is the foundation of a scalable interior design business
- How to hire and delegate without sacrificing quality or creativity
- Why clear contracts and client boundaries lead to more profitable projects
- How empowering your team creates better designers and a stronger firm
- When to walk away from the wrong clients—and why it's good for business
- Why protecting your design process is the key to long-term growth and profitability

What if the key to growing your interior design business isn't working harder—but trusting someone else to do the work?

In this solo episode, Kimberley Seldon shares the story of Kathy, the project manager who has been at the heart of her interior design firm for more than 20 years. Through that relationship, Kimberley explores what it really takes to build a team, delegate with confidence, and create a business that runs seamlessly behind the scenes.

Whether you're hiring your first employee, transitioning to independent contractors, or struggling to let go of control, this episode offers practical insights for building trust, strengthening systems, and focusing on the work only you can do.

What you'll learn in this episode:
- Why trust is the foundation of every successful interior design team
- How delegation creates more time for business growth and client relationships
- Why identifying your highest-value activities changes everything
- How strong systems make your interior design business feel effortless to clients
- What it takes to build lasting relationships with employees and independent contractors
- Why great leadership starts with taking responsibility for your business systems

Are you trying to do everything yourself in your interior design business?

As AI tools become more powerful, many designers are wondering whether they still need an assistant or additional support. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Gina Cotner, founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, to discuss why delegation remains one of the most important strategies for growing a profitable interior design business.

Together, they explore how AI is changing the role of executive assistants, why accountability matters, and how the right support can help you reclaim your time and focus on the work only you can do.

If you've ever said, "It's faster if I just do it myself," this episode is for you.

What you'll learn in this episode:
- Why AI won't replace great assistants in an interior design business
- How to know when it's time to hire support for your design firm
- Why delegation is essential for scaling your business and reducing overwhelm
- How to create accountability without micromanaging your team
- Questions that help employees and contractors think like leaders
- Why giving work away creates more freedom, profitability, and growth

Special for listeners of Business of Design!
Receive 5 free hours of service added to your first full month of work with Athena Executive Services (AES)—a $275 value! Just mention this offer during your first call with us.

It’s easy to mistake people-pleasing for good project management. But avoiding difficult conversations doesn’t reduce project stress—it creates it.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Utah designer Ali Henrie to discuss what it really takes to lead successful projects. From managing client expectations to navigating contractor relationships, Ali shares why clear communication, documented processes, and strong boundaries are essential for keeping projects on track.

If your projects have started to feel more complicated, exhausting, or unpredictable, this conversation will help you understand why—and what to do about it.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why builders and trades respect clarity more than people-pleasing
- How strong communication and documentation prevent project chaos
- The difference between being flexible and abandoning your process
- Why establishing roles, responsibilities, and expectations early matters
- How to handle budget conversations with greater confidence and authority
- Why leadership—not perfection—is the key to successful project outcomes

What if the key to making more money in your interior design business isn’t taking on more projects—but taking on fewer?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with longtime Business of Design® member Ellen Walker, who recently achieved a milestone many designers dream of: $1 million in revenue and $200,000 in net profit from just three projects.

After years of working hard with little financial reward, Ellen transformed her business by embracing project management, capturing every available revenue stream, and following proven systems. Today, she manages entire projects from concept to completion, works closely with trusted trades, and enjoys greater profitability, control, and satisfaction than ever before.

If you've ever felt trapped by the belief that earning more requires working harder, Ellen's story will show you another way.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why taking on fewer projects can lead to greater profitability
- How project management creates both control and additional revenue
- The three revenue streams every interior designer should capture
- Why clients often prefer having one person manage the entire project
- How strong contractor relationships support long-term business growth
- The value of accountability, forecasting, and sharing financial results honestly
- Why it’s never too late to transform your business and increase profitability
- How following proven systems creates confidence, consistency, and wealth