Episodios

  • 1183: BEST OF SHOW: Fred Berns: Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours

    1183: BEST OF SHOW: Fred Berns: Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours
    Apr 14 2026
    The guest on today’s Power Talk Friday is Fred Berns, the only Interior Design Industry Business Coach, and Speaker. Fred was a Speaker at the Design Blogger’s Conference, held in L.A. In March, where he spoke about how to create your bio, so this show is tagged onto the Design Blogger’s Series. This is the fourth time that Fred has appeared on this show and LuAnn is really happy to have him back again because he always brings so much value. (He previously appeared on shows #22, #48 and#96.) Today, Fred will help you to figure out your ‘only‘, so listen in now and find out why it’s so important. Fred creates personal bio’s and other promotional materials for design professionals, worldwide. He has had more than twenty-five years of experience, training design professionals and creating their online profiles, website, and social media copy, blogs, and marketing forums. He also offers a wide range of business coaching services, including his High-End Performance Coaching Program, his bio briefing and his website once over. Listen in to today’s show to find out from Fred how you can really stand out in the marketplace. Today, Fred talks to LuAnn about: Why it’s so important for you to figure out your ‘only’. How he helps designers to arrive at their ‘only’. Some categories to consider when trying to figure out your ‘only’ phrase. How to be sure that you are really the ‘only’ one when making that claim. How to subtly modify your ‘only phrase’, if necessary. Using the word ‘specializes’ to better describe your ‘only’ and to differentiate yourself. That your ‘only’ doesn’t have to be a big thing. How having an ‘only’ helps you to charge a higher fee. How he helps people to draft letters to inform customers that they are raising their fees. How educating people about your value helps to overcome their resistance to your charging top dollar. Why he encourages you, as a designer, to highlight rather than hide your past. That it’s often the small things that make you unique. Some examples of how you can incorporate your ‘only phrase’ into your bio, to make yourself memorable. Ways for newly graduated designers to set themselves apart. His victory vocabulary. Using the law of attraction to draw the kinds of clients you’d like to work with towards you. That the most financially successful designers are not necessarily the best designers. ‘Only’ is not the only word, but it’s the best one!
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    42 m
  • 1182: Sponsored Show: Studio Kasa, How to Source Art That Elevates Your Projects and Increases Your Profit

    1182: Sponsored Show: Studio Kasa, How to Source Art That Elevates Your Projects and Increases Your Profit
    Apr 10 2026
    Today With Josh Kasper of Studio Kasa: Art is one of the most overlooked, and under-monetized, elements in interior design. In this sponsored episode, LuAnn sits down with Josh Kasper, founder of Studio Kasa, to talk about how designers can approach art differently, not just as a finishing touch, but as a strategic part of both the design and the business. Josh shares how his firm helps designers source art efficiently, elevate their projects, and create an additional revenue stream without adding more work to their plate. From understanding how to guide clients through art decisions to avoiding the endless rabbit hole of online sourcing, this conversation reframes what’s possible when you have the right process and partner in place. If you’ve ever struggled with how to confidently incorporate art into your projects, or how to make it profitable, this episode will open your eyes to a smarter way of doing it. More About Josh Kasper: Having spent almost a decade on Wall Street at iconic firms including Goldman Sachs, Josh Kasper launched himself into the art world as a collector. While engaging with traditional advisors and galleries he found the art to be too expensive and mostly based on what was considered “in” versus his unique tastes. This brought him directly to artists’ studios, which led him to develop an Instagram feed (@_Studio Kasa_) where he could share both artists’ stories and their creation process. One day someone asked him to source artwork for their home... the rest is history. Today Josh Kasper leverages his experience in financial services and as an art curator working almost exclusively with interior designers offering various solutions at all pricing thresholds, while providing a seamless client experience. Today, his company Studio Kasa serves as a trusted resource for interior design professionals: Curating artwork tailored to each client’s aesthetic and the unique character of every space Managing the full end-to-end process from sourcing through shipment and installation Negotiating pricing and offering competitive designer referral fees Saving designers valuable time so they can focus on their clients and core design work Connect with Studio Kasa: Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: Watch the Docuseries! http://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 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 Join the giveaway! Through May 5th, when you book and attend a discovery call or webinar with Josh, you’ll be entered into a raffle to win a featured piece of art. (See it below!) Pretty cool, yes. But the real opportunity is this: You will learn how to turn something you’re already doinginto a structured, profitable part of your business. Go to studiokasa.art/luannand choose the session that fits your schedule and you will be entered to win!
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    1 h y 30 m
  • 1181: Sponsored Show with Duke Renders: Is AI Saving You Time… or Wasting It?

    1181: Sponsored Show with Duke Renders: Is AI Saving You Time… or Wasting It?
    Apr 7 2026
    Today With Duke Renders and Jenna Gaidusek: AI is everywhere right now. Some designers are excited about it. Others are frustrated by it. And many are quietly wondering… Is this actually helping my business or just adding more noise? In this episode, LuAnn sits down with Mina Duque of Duke Renders and AI expert Jenna Gaidusek to cut through the confusion and get to the truth. What is AI actually good for in the design process? Where does it fall short? And most importantly… what happens when you present something to a client that isn’t fully thought through? Because once you present it, it’s no longer an idea. It’s a promise. You’ll hear why AI can be a powerful tool for early-stage exploration—but why it cannot replace the accuracy, accountability, and decision-making required for real-world execution. Mina breaks down Duke Renders’ structured process, from clay renderings to final visuals, and how that process helps designers catch costly mistakes before they happen. And Jenna explains exactly why AI-generated images can look beautiful at first glance… but fall apart when you zoom in. This episode will change how you think about: • AI as a brainstorming tool—not a final deliverable • The difference between inspiration and execution • Why accuracy protects your profit• How better visuals lead to better decisions not just prettier presentations If you’ve been wondering whether you still need professional renderings in the age of AI, this conversation will give you your answer. And it will likely raise your standards in the process. Connect with Duke Renders: Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Houzz Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! 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 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 Other Shows Mentioned: Episode 951Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: More Interior Designers Share the Value Of Using Duke Renders For Your Rendering Projects Episode 905Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: Why Successful Design Firms Choose Duke Renders for Their Rendering Projects Episode 823Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: A Case Study For a Successful Business Plan Episode 722Power Talk Friday: Duke Renders: How to Incorporate 3D Renderings into Your Interior Design Business
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    1 h y 2 m
  • 1180: BEST OF SHOW: Denise Wenacur: The Design Build Business Model

    1180: BEST OF SHOW: Denise Wenacur: The Design Build Business Model
    Apr 3 2026
    Welcome to A Well-Designed Business! On this episode, LuAnn sits down for a chat with Denise Wenacur, the principle of DW Design & Décor in Croton on the Hudson, which is a beautiful community just outside of NYC. Design-build is the hot topic of the day, and you’ll learn the importance of having an interior designer as the point person for the client between the architect, the builder and themselves. She discusses the ways having an interior designer on their team from the outset truly benefits the process and the result of the project. If that wasn’t enough, Denise will share tips for connecting with people who can introduce you to the type of projects you are looking for. Tune in to this engaging and informative conversation! Show Highlights: Denise recounts why and how she changed her business model to include the construction part. She is always the first point of contact as the interior designer. She rounds out each team with an architect, contractor, and whichever trades need to be added, as well. Each team member has their unique perspective and experience that they bring to the job, all working together for the good of the client and a perfect outcome. Making a 3D version of the architect’s plans can assist in both the design and the build in amazing ways. Denise has a video on her website explaining the pros and cons and importance of having a designer involved at the beginning of construction. One big successful project will generate referrals. Sharing on social media tips and ways that your services have made a positive impact will further help you to get noticed. Denise also holds a Construction Manager certificate from Pace University. This helps build confidence when she’s working with the rest of the team. Communication is everything, and it’s all about the client. Denise feels like she’s doing a good job when she gets new clients from her referral partners. Denise shares some ideas on how to meet architects and builders in the area. It’s important to create the relationship first. A CFO surprise! When you know your numbers, it instills confidence and that comes across to your clients. Potential clients will know if you know what you’re doing. Resources: LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Podcast – Please SUBSCRIBE, Rate & Review! Purchase LuAnn’s Book! Power Talk Friday LuAnn Live Connect with Denise! Denise’s Website Denise’s Facebook Denise’s Instagram Denise SINGS!The 1-4-5’s YouTube Channel Other episodes mentioned: #380 Circle Design, John and Theresa Dorlini #361, #442, Kimberly Merlitti #441 4Pt Design Build, Laura and Cliff Muller #181 H2 Design Build, Angela Rasmussen #202 Enoch Sears #292 Jana Phipps
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    1 h y 12 m
  • 1179: The Business of Interiors Community Summit: The Room That Changes Your Business

    1179: The Business of Interiors Community Summit: The Room That Changes Your Business
    Mar 31 2026
    Today With Rachel Usher and Rick Campos: The Business of Interiors Community Summit: The Room That Changes Your Business What if the thing that changes your business isn’t another course, another podcast, or another late night Googling session, but simply getting in the right room? In this episode, LuAnn talks with Rachel Usher, founder of The Business of Interiors, and Rick Campos, creator of the Design Biz Survival Guide, about the power of community, candid conversations, and why designers need spaces where the real business of interior design is discussed openly. This isn’t about inspiration for inspiration’s sake. It’s about sitting in a room with other designers who are asking the same questions you are, navigating the same challenges, and willing to share what’s actually working in their businesses today. If you’ve ever felt like you’re building your business on your own, this episode is your reminder that you don’t have to. And more importantly, you shouldn’t. More About Rachel Usher and Rick Campos: Rachel Usher: Rachel Usher is a luxury Interior Designer, podcast host and business mentor. With over a decade of experience running an award-winning Interior Design business Rachel is now breaking down barriers within the Interior Design industry through her company The Business Of Interiors, a platform to unite designers and build a community through her podcast If These Walls Could Talk and her annual Business Of Interiors Community Summit. Rachel's award-winning studio Usher & Co Interior Design is going from strength to strength, working on illustrious properties across the UK & internationally. Rick Campos: Rick Campos is a business coach specialising in helping interior designers run profitable, efficient businesses. Through his Design Biz Survival Guide, Rick’s practical insights help designers streamline their processes and achieve long-term success. Connect with The Business of Interiors Community Summit: Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: The Power Talk Friday Tour 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. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! 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 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
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    55 m
  • 1178: BEST OF SHOW: Amy Lynn Allard: Tactics for Team and Project Management

    1178: BEST OF SHOW: Amy Lynn Allard: Tactics for Team and Project Management
    Mar 27 2026
    Today with Amy Lynn Allard: Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Looking for advice on systems to turbo-charge your business? Amy Lynn Allard of Boston’s Amy Lynn Interiors learned to thrive using well-crafted, meticulous systems. She is big on time blocking, but that’s not all. Amy walks through two of her most powerful systems, the team agenda and an invaluable spreadsheet she uses to create a multiple-project timeline. Pick it apart: [17:53] Amy explains her approach to adding specs to elevations. [25:47] Amy walks through how she creates her agenda. [42:14] Amy explains her Monday morning overview meeting. [45:22] Amy shares how she creates a schedule for new client work. [46:42] LuAnn recaps Amy’s new client schedule creation process. [53:52] Amy shares about her business coach. LuAnn and Amy Lynn Allard’s Ah-Ha moments: “Hire and fire off your core values.” – Amy Lynn Allard Connect with Amy Lynn Allard: Website Instagram Pinterest What’s new with LuAnn Nigara luannuniversity.com https://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Pre-Order Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 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
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    1 h y 18 m
  • 1177: Aga Artka and Jenny Rebholz: Define Your Personal Brand for Long-Term Career Stability

    1177: Aga Artka and Jenny Rebholz: Define Your Personal Brand for Long-Term Career Stability
    Mar 24 2026
    Today With Aga Artka and Jenny Rebholz: When you hear the phrase "personal brand," do you immediately think of your color palette and your website layout? What if we are getting so caught up in the visual pieces that we are forgetting what a brand really is, and why it has to reflect who we are as humans? My guests today, Aga Artka and Jenny Rebholz, authors of The Brand of You, join the show to discuss what a personal brand really means, why your "why" is the ultimate survival tool for your business, and the importance of human connection. More About Aga Artka and Jenny Rebholz: Aga Artka Aga is known for bringing creative energy, analytical thinking, hard work, and heart to all that she does. From her work as Owner & Creative Director of Aga Artka Interior Design to her role as a mentor and community activist, she uses her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to challenge the status quo, reimagine possibilities and influence positive change. She seeks knowledge, expands her perspective and gains inspiration from the world around her. Aga’s fearless approach to her career journey exemplifies that if you have the will, then there is a way. Jenny Rebholz Jenny is known for her compassion, positive energy, sense of responsibility and wordsmithing. As Principal of PushPoint Marketing, she focuses her creativity and communication skills on elevating others, helping professionals shine and businesses thrive. She’s the ultimate connector—whether teaching, consulting, or collaborating, Jenny prioritizes building relationships. She defines her own success by leveraging her strengths, seeking and creating opportunities. Jenny’s commitment to building impactful content and meaningful connections has forged a fulfilling career path, demonstrating that words matter and who you know is just as important as what you know. Ah Ha Moments with Aga Artka and Jenny Rebholz: “You may choose to say whatever it is that you want to be known for. But when you're not in the conversation or when you're not in the room, if people say something different about you, then that promise that you just shared with the world—it didn't stick.” -Aga “When you start to connect with who you are as a designer, what your values are, what your purpose is…when you hit the hard moments, you know you can cry a minute, you you can scream, whatever you need to do, but when you know who you are and are clear on your brand and what you bring to the table, you're ready to figure out the next step.” -Jenny "If you don’t start with mission, vision, values, like, I’m sorry, you are going to get your teeth kicked in and you’re not gonna know how to stand up." -Luann Connect with Aga Artka and Jenny Rebholz: Website LinkedIn LinkedIn Aga Artka LinkedIn Jenny Rebholz What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! http://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 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 Other Resources Mentioned: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Other Shows Mentioned: #174 Power Talk Friday- Fred Berns- Own Your “Only” Word & Tips to Discover Yours #466 Power Talk Friday: Nicole Heymer: You’ve Defined Your Brand…Now What? #1136 David Neagle: Three Powerful Choices That Will Change Everything in Your Interior Design Business
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    1 h y 4 m
  • 1176: Gage Edward: How to Stop Losing Your Furniture Market Finds

    1176: Gage Edward: How to Stop Losing Your Furniture Market Finds
    Mar 20 2026
    Today With Gage Edward: In this sponsored episode of A Well-Designed Business, LuAnn sits down with entrepreneur and former Flipping Out star Gage Edward to talk about a challenge every designer knows well: coming home from market with hundreds of photos… and no clear way to organize or use them. After more than a decade leading business development for a nationally recognized design firm, Gage saw firsthand how inefficient the product discovery process can be. Designers walk miles of showrooms at High Point or Las Vegas Market, snap endless photos of tags and products, and return home to a camera roll that is nearly impossible to sort through. That frustration led him to co-found Discover Market, an app designed to help designers capture and organize product information in real time while they’re walking market. In this conversation, LuAnn and Gage break down: Why sourcing at market often creates more chaos than clarity The hidden cost of leaving market without an organized system How scanning product tags can instantly capture pricing, vendor info, and availability Why efficiency at market directly impacts profitability back in your studio The bigger opportunity for designers to streamline product sourcing and project workflow If you’ve ever returned from market with hundreds of photos and no idea where that perfect chair came from, this episode will hit home. Because here’s the thing. Market is an investment. Your time, your travel, your energy. And if you don’t have a system to capture what you discover, you’re leaving value on the table. More About Gage Edward: Gage Edward is an entrepreneur and business development leader with more than a decade of experience working at the intersection of interior design, product development, and strategic partnerships. For ten years, he led business development for a nationally recognized design firm, overseeing client intake, managing interior design projects and construction builds, and developing creative partnerships with brands including Living Spaces, Walter E. Smithe, and Alder & Tweed Furniture. During that time, he structured and negotiated national licensing programs across multiple product categories — including doors with Masonite, tile with Jeffrey Court, and paint with Dunn-Edwards and Vista Paint — all sold in partnership with The Home Depot, a retail relationship he helped cultivate and expand. Much of this work was documented over seven seasons and more than 70 episodes of Bravo’s Flipping Out, where he appeared as himself while building and operating the business behind the scenes. After a decade in leadership, Gage left to pursue independent development projects, including overseeing the design of the Pelican Golf Club and its restaurants in Belleair, Florida. Drawing from his own challenges sourcing, discovering, and organizing vendors Gage later co-founded SideDoor and the Discover Market app — platforms built from more than 15 years of firsthand experience navigating trade shows and the product marketplace. Connect with Discover.Market: Discover.Market Instagram Discover.Market Website Gage's Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara: The Power Talk Friday Tour 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 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
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    50 m