Zain Suthar and Trent Kendrick: Build a More Successful Design Business with the Right Partner

Episode 1137 of A Well-Designed Business®

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1137: Zain Suthar and Trent Kendrick: Build a More Successful Design Business with the Right Partner

Today With Zain Suthar and Trent Kendrick

How many times have you thought, “If only I had someone to handle the numbers, the marketing, and the tough client calls, I could just focus on design”?

Today, I’m chatting with a duo who is living that reality—Trent Kendrick and Zain Suthar of Studio Fifth Sunday.

They met in an Uber, both swearing off business partnerships, only to realize they were the perfect “left brain/right brain” match. Trent is the brilliant designer and artist; Zain is the operations and finance pro.

Their story is a masterclass in how a well-matched partnership can change the game—creating accountability, unlocking new revenue streams, and allowing you to do more of what you love.

More About Zain Suthar and Trent Kendrick

Zain Suthar:

Born in India, I was only six months old when I moved to Kinshasa, Congo. When I was 10, my family moved to Atlanta, Georgia. I grew up watching my dad run his own business, which taught me the value of hard work and sparked my entrepreneurial spirit. During college, I envisioned owning a company that provided meaningful solutions for people. Earning a B.S. in Economics from Georgia State University laid the groundwork for my business journey. While design wasn’t my main focus, running a home improvement company gave me hands-on experience in bathroom remodeling. As Trent and I became friends, I learned more about his vision for Studio Fifth Sunday. While I was looking for my next venture, this partnership came at the perfect time. Our friendship allowed me to continue pursuing my passion for construction and design. In 2025, I teamed up with Trent, drawn by his keen design eye and commitment to quality. We both love minimalist and modern design, making our partnership a perfect match. When working with clients, I believe in active listening. Our clients hire us to help achieve their vision. Understanding their vision is key to creating spaces that truly reflect their personalities. Listening and collaborating with you is the heart of our process, ensuring we deliver the value we promise. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling with my wife, snowboarding, and biking around Chicago in the summer. Each city we visit offers fresh design and architectural inspiration. With such unique experiences and being able to experience a variety of aesthetics, I believe that possibilities are endless when it comes to transforming a space. My favorite city that captures my design aesthetic is Santa Barbara, California, as it stands out for its seamless blend of minimalist aesthetics and unique architectural style. Looking ahead, we’re excited to help more clients bring their dream spaces to life and are particularly eager to expand into commercial design projects.

Trent Kendrick:

I grew up on a small Mennonite farm nestled in the rolling hills of southern Iowa. My Mennonite upbringing shaped my strong work ethic and deep appreciation for minimalism and craftsmanship. From an early age, I spent hours in my great-grandfather’s woodworking shop, and by 16, I was working full-time in construction. In 2013, I moved to Chicago to pursue a degree in Interior Design at Harrington College of Design. After gaining experience across various facets of the industry, I founded Studio Fifth Sunday in 2023 to focus on projects that ignite my passion while offering clients a boutique, hands-on experience from concept to completion. In 2025, I partnered with Zain, one of my closest friends, who brings invaluable expertise in business and construction, further strengthening Studio Fifth Sunday’s foundation. My passion lies in minimalism and modern interior design, with a strong emphasis on architecture. I’m inspired by the small, unexpected details that make a space truly unique. Collaborating with artisans and craftspeople is central to my process—I seek out pieces with soul and originality, elements that can’t be replicated in mass production. I also love researching and sourcing materials globally, particularly from Mexico City, whose modern design community and artists continue to inspire me. When I’m not working, you’ll find me traveling or immersed in an art project. With every client, I strive to understand what truly moves, excites, and inspires them. I believe that the success of my designs, business, and client relationships is rooted in collaboration and a shared passion for creating spaces that elevate, define, and express individuality.

Ah Ha Moments with Zain Suthar and Trent Kendrick

“He does everything that I don’t like doing. I get to design, he does everything else.” – Trent Kendrick

“My last business was all about pushing… I need to close, close, close. But here… it comes more to a point like, ‘Are you sure you want to work with us?'” – Zain

“He can sell me better than I can sell myself, so let him do it.” – Trent

“It is so much better if the person who doesn’t get all gaga about the project is the one making the decision whether to take the project or not. If they’re two separate people, that is just so great.” – LuAnn