Rachel Usher: Creating Community and Strength in the Interior Design Industry

Today With Rachel Usher:
Hi, welcome to A Well-Designed Business! In this episode, I sit down with an inspiring designer, entrepreneur, and community builder to talk about resilience—both in life and business: Rachel Usher. We dive into the challenges of running a design firm, navigating industry roadblocks, and the power of creating a supportive network. From building a business that can thrive beyond its founder to overcoming personal and professional setbacks, this conversation is packed with real, honest insights. If you’ve ever felt like you’re tackling this business alone, this episode will remind you that you don’t have to.
LuAnn Nigara and Rachel Usher’s Ah-Ha Moments:
“I need to tell everybody that comes into the room that we can talk about the stuff that you can’t find on the internet. You know, we can ask those tricky questions and we can get a direct answer from somebody that you never really would get a one-to-one audience with.” – Rachel Usher
“I don’t want to come and learn a half-truth. I want to learn the whole truth so I can absolutely duplicate the thing that you already know how to do.” – LuAnn Nigara
More About Rachel Usher
Rachel Usher is founder and Creative Director of Rachel Usher Interior Design. A successful design practice that has recently celebrated 12 years in business. From her Yorkshire studio, Rachel and her team of Interior Architects have worked on multi-million pound projects from Chelsea Pied-à-terre’s to large scale Lake Houses overlooking Lake Windermere. Rachel’s projects have been featured in Living Etc, Homes & Gardens and House & Garden magazines.
With a successful career as an Interior Designer under her belt, Rachel formed The Business Of Interiors, a platform that aims to inspire, educate and build a community for Interior Designers. Rachel grows this business at the same time as running her successful design studio.
With an aim to build a UK design community, Rachel also launched the If These Walls Could Talk podcast. A podcast that features Interior Designer’s and industry professionals that shares personal business journeys and guidance to its engaged, global audience. Rachel’s podcast is in the top 25% of Interior Design podcasts.
Connect with Rachel Usher
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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
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Other Resources:
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
“The Business Of Interiors Community Summit” Event
The Table: The Future of Interior Design in 2025 – Episode 37
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AWDB #861: Power Talk Friday: Darla Powell: Instagram for Interior Designers
AWDB #601: Darla Powell: Real Tips to Up Your Social Media Game
AWDB #330: Darla Powell: Darla Powell Interiors 18 Months After Opening
AWDB #203: Darla Powell – How to Launch an Interior Design Firm
WTFP #255: Tim Yurek: The Critical Difference Between Exit Strategy and Succession Strategy
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