967 episodes

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.

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast LuAnn Nigara

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 722 Ratings

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.

    Andrea Liebross: It's Not Big Clients — It's BIG THINKING That Creates Success

    Andrea Liebross: It's Not Big Clients — It's BIG THINKING That Creates Success

    Today With Andrea Liebross Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am joined by certified business and life coach Andrea Liebross, who is on a mission to help women entrepreneurs discover their inner potential and redefine success. Andrea is also the author of the bestselling book, “She Thinks Big” and host of the podcast, “Time to Level Up.” Today she is teaching us how to get out of the messy middle and move into the extraordinary with BIG THINKING. Tune in to learn Andrea’s 5 keys to becoming a big thinker. It’s all about TRUST!
    Pick It Apart
    [1:21] Andrea and discuss what it means to thinking big.
    [6:09] Andrea introduce her acronym TRUST.
    [17:50] LuAnn tells a story from Window Works about embracing uncertainty
    [38:59] LuAnn and Andrea talk about how to move forward at a steady pace as a big thinker.
    [48:00] Andrea shares that the messy middle occurs at different stages of your business, how to grow through these transitions, and why having a community is important to not getting stuck here.
    LuAnn Nigara and Andrea Liebross's Ah-Ha Moments
    “That future you all she's filled with is enthusiasm, and wisdom and knowledge. So big thinking comes from a different place than today. It comes from that future you.” - Andrea Liebross 
    “A big thinker isn't immune to limiting thoughts, a big thinker just understands, ‘oh, I can choose to put that one aside and have a different thought about this,’” - LuAnn Nigara
    “There are times when you're set up in every way for a great opportunity, except the money. And if it's a really good calculated opportunity, you can't not do it because of the money.” - LuAnn Nigara
    “You've got to have monetary support. You've got to have life support. You’ve got to have business support, and you also have to have time support—you have to have protected time.” Andrea Liebross
    “[Big thinking] is like the big umbrella. And then you need the tools, the strategy, the system's below to support that big thinking.” - Andrea Liebross
    “Your business is only going to grow at the rate that you're growing personally.” - Andrea Liebross
    “The messy middle is always there, but it's navigating it with more efficiency and more clarity, and more more speed.” - LuAnn Nigara
    More About Andrea Liebross

     After graduating from Dartmouth College and marrying the guy that lived down the hall, Andrea Liebross and her husband packed up the 1980s red Cadillac, left the northeast, and eventually made their way to the midwest city known for the Indianapolis 500. Over the last few decades, Andrea has started 3 successful businesses, all while raising two kids, now ages 20 and 17, and several giant puppies.
    As a certified business and life coach, Andrea's known for helping high-achieving women make the shift from overwhelm to freedom in both their personal and professional life. Her goal is to guide these bold, ambitious women to create their own custom secret sauce for success by combining just two ingredients - the right mindset and solid systems. Andrea believes every problem is solvable and every dream is possible IF you make it all simple, doable and FUN (even the systems).

    Connect with Andrea Liebross  All Links Here!
    What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
    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.
    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 Web

    • 1 hr 10 min
    Mona Nahm: Equitable Design for People and the Planet

    Mona Nahm: Equitable Design for People and the Planet

    Today With Mona Nahm Today on A Well-Designed business I am so happy to welcome Mona Nahm to the show. Mona is here sharing her incredible journey and her current work designing affordable housing. Mona truly understands how creating spaces with compassion at their core can empower people and allow them the safety and stability to reclaim their lives. Her glass-half-full spirit will leave you inspired. Listen now.
    Pick It Apart:
    [2:27] Mona shares her story of homelessness as a teenager.
    [12:51] Mona and LuAnn reflect on the value of basic education, obtaining degrees, and street smarts.
    [21:59] Mona explains how she realized that she wanted to directly impact lives, so she moved away from a career in film to interior design in her 40s.
    [38:11] LuAnn asks Mona about her current work in affordable housing.
    [59:58] Mona suggests showing up to community meetings to learn about affordable housing in your community if you are interested in this design avenue.
    LuAnn Nigara and Mona Nahm's Ah-Ha Moments
    “I just saw people with or without opportunities.” - Mona Nahm
    “The circumstances that you were in can create that lack of worth, and that lack of esteem, and so, therefore, you don't value yourself and then, therefore, you don't come to a relationship where you expect to be valued. And guess what? When we don't come to a relationship expecting to be valued—we're not.” - LuAnn Nigara
    “The stability of having a roof over your head gives you the opportunity to have the stability to get the job, and then the stability to save money and get yourself out…It all comes from, first, that safety—a place for them to have a home.” - Mona Nahm
    “You have got to get the hope going, and the opportunities for enjoyment, so that you can aspire to do the next thing, right?” - LuAnn Nigara
    “If you're so focused on the difference, you'll never see the similarities.” - Mona Nahm
    “Go where you are rare.” - Mona Nahm

    Connect with Mona Nahm  Website
    Projects
    730 Stanyan
    Projects
    Projects
    What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
    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.
    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: AWDB #03: Things Every Designer Should Know to Run a Successful Design Business with Shannon Leddy
    AWDB #29: Shannon Leddy Returns for Graduation Week- Best Tips for Landing Your 1st Job
    AWDB #71: Ellen Fisher- Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of New York School of Interior Design
    #569: Power Talk Friday: Mike Peterson: Leveraging Design’s Influence on Health and Wellness to Increase Your Value Proposition
    #670: Power Talk Friday: Susan Inglis: Sustainable Furnishings Council, What You Need to Know
    #773: Power Talk Friday: The Company Store: Quality, Sustainability, and Innovation
    AWDB #809: Power Talk Friday: Michelle Rohrer-Lauer: Turning Eco-Friendly Design into a “Green” Bottom Line

    • 1 hr 22 min
    Power Talk Friday: Brittany Bowen and Ava Vienneau: Unlock the Potential of Your Business Through Brand Photography

    Power Talk Friday: Brittany Bowen and Ava Vienneau: Unlock the Potential of Your Business Through Brand Photography

    Today With Brittany Bowen and Ava Vienneau Today on A Well-Designed Business, it is Power Talk Friday and I am joined by Brittany Bowen and Ava Vienneau. Brittany and Ava are the co-founders of Girls at Flourish, a full-service creative photography agency specializing in the luxury home industry. They help interior designers accurately represent their brand through their brand images, which sets them apart from the competition. 
    We are discussing everything that goes into your brand images, how often you should have photos done, what they should represent, an acceptable balance of real life and professionalism, and more.
    Pick It Apart:
    [2:50] Brittany and Ava share what it was like working with Rachel Bozsik.
    [8:41] How Brittany and Ava do an interior designer's brand photography when it is somewhere like High Point Market.
    [13:08] LuAnn shares how she felt and prepared for her recent branding shoot.
    [17:35] Ava explains how they portray a good mixture of “put together” and real.
    [23:53] Being intentional with your brand image to help you stand out in an oversaturated market.
    [30:50] Examples of image identifiers some designers use to stand out.
    [38:10] How to get involved with Girls at Flourish for a High Point session. 
    LuAnn Nigara, Brittany Bowen and Ava Vienneau's Ah-Ha Moments
    “You should have a good mixture of “perfection” and realness in your photos to help build trust with clients,” - Brittany Bowen
    “There are ways to show you’re human and also have a beautifully curated portfolio and headshot,” - Ava Vienneau
    “Designers who stand out, consistently show up where you can't forget their face, color schemes, or style and that's the key to growth,” Brittany Bowen
    More About Brittany Bowen and Ava Vienneau

    Brittany Bowen:
    Brittany has worked with a range of clients from established firms like Studio McGee to those who are up and coming industry leaders. With a degree in photography and over ten years of experience, she is dedicated to serving the up and comers in the interior design, real estate, and home professional world with elevated brand imagery.
    Today, alongside her co-founder Ava (and very best friend) the duo exclusively supports luxury home professionals who are ready to level up their business and take worrying the stress about photography off their plate. Brittany brings an extra, special “VIP Magic” to her shoots - which is why when you hire Girls at Flourish you’ll have everything taken care of from behind the scenes session prep to the easiest photo shoot you’ll ever have. 
    In her life outside of photography, she consumes just about any piece of good home design or business advice she can— watching the best shows on HGTV, listening to design or business podcasts, reading books from the experts, and flipping through the pages of design magazines. She has a wonderful husband and two sweet boys, and enjoys travel, yoga, and trying out the latest restaurants.

    Ava Vienneau:
    Ava prides herself as a photographer representing clients featured in AD and Domino and the home industry's most talented interior designers and top performing realtors, helping them land larger clients, press and ultimately create more opportunities for their business with show stopping brand imagery.
    With nearly 10 years of experience in her field and extensive training with renowned architectural and interior photographer, Lindsay Salazar, Ava brings a seasoned expertise to each client and project. Ava’s clients lovingly refer to her as their CPO (chief photography officer) as she uplevels their brand vision from ideation to real life.
    When working with the team at Girls at Flourish, Ava brings a kind, generous and thoughtful understanding about how small businesses work and operate. She is passionate about ensuring the entire creative process is streamlined and seamless.
    When she isn’t behind the camera, you can find her strolling through antique sho

    • 54 min
    Adam Scougall: Choosing Your Interior Design Business as a Side Hustle

    Adam Scougall: Choosing Your Interior Design Business as a Side Hustle

    Today With Adam Scougall Today on A Well-Designed Business, I am happy to welcome back Adam Scougall, of Adam Scougall Design. If you have ever considered pivoting from your full-time job to interior design, this episode is for you. It’s always valuable to hear two sides to every story. A lot of my guests have pivoted successfully into starting a design firm. 
    Adam does have a successful design firm, but he pivoted right back into his full-time job while keeping design as a side hustle — and that couldn't have been a better choice for him.
    Pick It Apart:
    [5:00] No matter your level of expertise, always be open to new AHA moments.
    [9:33] Adam explains why he preferred to stay in his corporate job while managing his firm as a side hustle.
    [17:55] How Adam sourced out, so he could also work his corporate job.
    [33:30] Adams advises how to make connections with other designers.
    [37:37] Adam shares the types of AHA moments he provides during his podcast and with his one-on-one clients.
    LuAnn Nigara and Adam Scougall's Ah-Ha Moments
    “I learned that design was a way to express myself as a creative outlet, but I didn’t need it to be full financial support,” - Adam Scougall
    “We don’t have to have someone else’s aspirational expectations on how to run a successful business, it’s what personal boundaries work for us,” - LuAnn Nigara
    More About Adam Scougall
    Adam’s story is one that is a little out of the box. We hear a lot about interior designers aspiring for luxury clients and an office full of staff. But Adam couldn’t imagine anything worse. After 18 years of leadership in his corporate life, he ventured out in 2018 to running his solo design biz full time. This lasted for 3.5 years before he returned to where he started. Corporate [with a buzzing design side hustle]
    After working with a broad range of clients, some great and some a nightmare, Adam became tired of having to accept jobs that could make ends meet, as opposed to fulfilling his creative juices. Covid didn’t help financially, nor an always ‘pending’ recession, and after those years, Adam realized he did not wish to pursue a ‘be all and end all’ approach to his design career. He wanted stability, steadier finances and the ability to only take on design work that fulfilled both his own and client vision.
    Adam now enjoys what we call a lifestyle business, balancing projects he only wants to take on whilst [now happily] holding down a full-time gig at his corporate firm of choice. He has also developed his own signature design implementation system that employs other designers to assist day to day, with Adam coming in only at key points in the project.
    Adam recently launched his Podcast and YouTube show ‘So You Want to be an Interior Designer’ where he shares his experiences.
    His aim for the show is to teach the thrills, reveal the spills and share how you can also create an Interior Design career that suits your lifestyle.

    Connect with Adam Scougall Website
    Quiz
    YouTube
    What’s new with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn University - Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!
    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.
    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: AWDB #130: Kate O’Hara -Director of Mark

    • 58 min
    It’s the 8th Birthday of the Podcast; Thank You Kravet Inc.! PART 2

    It’s the 8th Birthday of the Podcast; Thank You Kravet Inc.! PART 2

    Today With Kravet Inc.
    Today on A Well Designed Business we are doing things a little different in celebration of our Eighth Birthday. We are paying tribute to Kravet, Inc., our sponsor here on the podcast since the beginning with a trip down memory lane. We are kicking things off with a clip from my interview with Scott Kravet, when we were celebrating our 100th show, and continue through clips featuring 14 more designers and industry experts all sharing their sentiments on this iconic brand.
    RSVP to SWDD Market Day HERE!
    Kravet Collections: Malene Barrett
    Mary Fisher
    Joni Vanderslice
    Barclay Butera
    Barry Lantz
    Candice Olsen
    Mabley Handler
    Joe Cariati
    David Phoenix
    Corey Damen Jenkins
    Sue Firestone
    Nate Berkus
    Jan Showers
    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.
    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: AWDB #14: Malene Barnett Success Secret – Build Relationships
     
    AWDB #34: Mary Fisher – Author, Artist, Advocate, Social Entrepreneur
     
    AWDB #59: A Special Visit with the Sr. Director of Merchandising for CuratedKravet.com
     
    AWDB #100: Scott Kravet – Celebrating our 100th Episode!
     
    AWDB #101: Joni Vanderslice – Principal of J. Banks Design – Resort is Home & Home is Resort- another firm that reinforces niching as a path to success
     
    AWDB #122: Barclay Butera- Mix Talent + Opportunity + Business Savvy = Epic Interior Design Business
     
    AWDB #173: Mabley Handler Interior Design Launches New Furniture Line with Kravet Inc
     
    AWDB #197: Joe Cariati Collection for Curated Kravet & Business Insights for Creatives
     
    AWDB #360: David Phoenix and His New Kravet Fabric Collection, Well-Suited
     
    AWDB #388: Corey Damen Jenkins: Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, & Gentleman
     
    AWDB #404: Sue Firestone: The Malibu Collection with Kravet Inc
     
    AWDB #433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection with Kravet
     
    AWDB #446: Power Talk Friday: Jesse Lazarus: Technology & Innovations in the Design Industry
     
    AWDB #465: Jan Showers: A Glamorous Career
     
    AWDB #697: Barry Lantz: Advice from a Seasoned Interior Designer
     
    AWDB  #839: Flashback Friday: Candice Olson: How to Be an Overnight Success in 25 Years

    • 1 hr 11 min
    It’s the 8th Birthday of the Podcast; Thank You Kravet Inc.! PART 1

    It’s the 8th Birthday of the Podcast; Thank You Kravet Inc.! PART 1

    Today With Kravet Inc.
    Today on A Well Designed Business we are doing things a little different in celebration of our Eighth Birthday. We are paying tribute to Kravet, Inc., our sponsor here on the podcast since the beginning with a trip down memory lane. We are kicking things off with a clip from my interview with Scott Kravet, when we were celebrating our 100th show, and continue through clips featuring 14 more designers and industry experts all sharing their sentiments on this iconic brand.
    RSVP to SWDD Market Day HERE!
    Kravet Collections: Malene Barrett
    Mary Fisher
    Joni Vanderslice
    Barclay Butera
    Barry Lantz
    Candice Olsen
    Mabley Handler
    Joe Cariati
    David Phoenix
    Corey Damen Jenkins
    Sue Firestone
    Nate Berkus
    Jan Showers
    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.
    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: AWDB #14: Malene Barnett Success Secret – Build Relationships
     
    AWDB #34: Mary Fisher – Author, Artist, Advocate, Social Entrepreneur
     
    AWDB #59: A Special Visit with the Sr. Director of Merchandising for CuratedKravet.com
     
    AWDB #100: Scott Kravet – Celebrating our 100th Episode!
     
    AWDB #101: Joni Vanderslice – Principal of J. Banks Design – Resort is Home & Home is Resort- another firm that reinforces niching as a path to success
     
    AWDB #122: Barclay Butera- Mix Talent + Opportunity + Business Savvy = Epic Interior Design Business
     
    AWDB #173: Mabley Handler Interior Design Launches New Furniture Line with Kravet Inc
     
    AWDB #197: Joe Cariati Collection for Curated Kravet & Business Insights for Creatives
     
    AWDB #360: David Phoenix and His New Kravet Fabric Collection, Well-Suited
     
    AWDB #388: Corey Damen Jenkins: Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, & Gentleman
     
    AWDB #404: Sue Firestone: The Malibu Collection with Kravet Inc
     
    AWDB #433: Nate Berkus: Introducing His Collection with Kravet
     
    AWDB #446: Power Talk Friday: Jesse Lazarus: Technology & Innovations in the Design Industry
     
    AWDB #465: Jan Showers: A Glamorous Career
     
    AWDB #697: Barry Lantz: Advice from a Seasoned Interior Designer
     
    AWDB  #839: Flashback Friday: Candice Olson: How to Be an Overnight Success in 25 Years

    • 59 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
722 Ratings

722 Ratings

lildantay ,

LuAnn changed my life.

Coming from a windy road of a career path, I didn’t know how to start an interior design business and wanted to make a shift. Starting from the very first episode, Luanne’s authenticity and transparency through her questions with her guest speakers taught me that anything is possible. There are helpful tactical takeaways from each episode that’s sprinkled into my business today and I am now on year 4 of a profitable, thriving interior design business. I contribute part of this to Luannes podcast. Luann is like no other… I’d call her the “Oprah” of the Interior Design industry!

construction2style ,

A Goldmine of Wisdom and Inspiration for Creatives and Entrepreneurs

I had the opportunity to meet the talented LuAnn at KBIS during our Contractor Coalition Summit a year ago. She is a breath of fresh air, a ball of energy, and just as authentic in person as she is online. And she brings this exact energy to her podcast. Each guest she brings in is a wealth of knowledge, sharing insights generously. It’s like hanging out with the most brilliant minds in the industry. For anyone in or into the home industry - this podcast is a goldmine of inspiration and practical wisdom! It truly is a Goldmine of Wisdom and Inspiration for Creatives and Entrepreneurs.

Ghfjjgcgjfcgcgjffgjc ,

A great experience!

Being interviewed by LuAnn for my first ever podcast interview was such a great experience and such an honor after being a big fan of her show for so long. I’ve learned so much from her show and love listening to other designers and business owners she’s interviewed and I’m hopeful that what I had to share helps at least one person who listens in!

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