Page 27 – LuAnn Nigara

11-28-202302-10-2025

934: Eddie Maestri: Analyzing Past Projects for Future Success

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1:4:28

934: Eddie Maestri: Analyzing Past Projects for Future Success

Today With Eddie Maestri:

In today’s episode we’ll be touching on a topic I love, project autopsies. My guest today, Eddie Maestri, has also found these autopsies to help not only improve his overall business, but also the relationship with his team members. Eddie Maestri started designing homes in Dallas in 2004 and officially founded Maestri Studio in 2008. Certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), he is a registered architect in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Nevada. Eddie delivers custom architecture and interiors tailored to his client’s style and needs. Each project influenced by the grand, yet approachable architecture of his hometown, the clean lines and patterns of mid-century design, and his exposure to far away places through his love of travel.

More About Eddie Maestri

Eddie Maestri, AIA, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, started designing homes in Dallas in 2004 and officially founded Maestri Studio in 2008. Certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), he is a registered architect in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Nevada. Eddie holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, with a Health Systems & Design certificate. In addition, he spent a semester in Italy, focusing on architectural and urban studies and expanding his talents and love of freehand drawing, art, and interior design.

Eddie delivers custom architecture and interiors tailored to his client’s style and needs. Each project influenced by the grand, yet approachable architecture of his hometown, the clean lines and patterns of mid-century design, and his exposure to far away places through his love of travel. Eddie guides the firm’s team throughout the process of every project while encouraging a collaborative design studio with independent and innovative thinking.

Eddie’s work has been featured on several AIA and neighborhood home tours throughout the Dallas area and in numerous local and national publications such as DHome, Luxe Interiors + Design, Architectural Digest, The Wall Street Journal, and Domino. He prides himself on his passion for design, attention to detail, and building strong client relationships.

Connect with Eddie Maestri

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn University – Registration is now OPEN for the Winter 2024 semester!

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

Other Shows Mentioned:

AWDB 604 – What Would Lu Do: The All Important, Project Autopsy

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

Other Resources Mentioned:

How the Industry Has Changed: Actionable Tips to Adapt, Grow, and Profit – Free Webinar!

Eileen Hahn

11-28-2023

934: Eddie Maestri: Analyzing Past Projects for Future Success

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01:02:32

934: Eddie Maestri: Analyzing Past Projects for Future Success

11-24-202302-10-2025

933: Power Talk Friday: Leslie Carothers: Is the Metaverse and AI the Future of Interior Design?

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1:22:03

933: Power Talk Friday: Leslie Carothers: Is the Metaverse and AI the Future of Interior Design?

Today With Leslie Carothers:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. You’ve probably heard about new technology developing—AI, chatGPT, the metaverse—all the things. But are you jumping on the bandwagon? Today Leslie Carothers of Savour Partnership, a digital marketing firm for interior designers, is here to talk about how metaverse applications and AI are changing the future of the world, business in general, and our industry.

Pick It Apart

[2:30] Leslie unpacks all things metaverse and how they’re being used.

[11:20] Leslie discusses how big brands are using metaverse activations.

[46:54] Leslie and LuAnn talk about AI and its implications for designers.

[0:09] Leslie discusses the ethical implications of AI.

[10:05] Leslie shares a product design project she completed with AI assistance.

LuAnn Nigara and Leslie Carothers’ Ah-Ha Moments

“There is nothing that will replace the soul that you bring to a project, there is nothing that will replace the execution ability that you bring to a project. There’s nothing that will ever replace the problem-solving ability that you bring to a project. And there’s nothing that will ever replace the therapeutic aspect, as many of you know, that you bring to a project for your clients. You are irreplaceable as designers. So you never have to worry about AI replacing, in my opinion, ever, your jobs.” -Leslie

More About Leslie Carothers

Named by Home Furnishing News Magazine as one of the Top 40 Most Inspiring Women In Home, Ms. Carothers has a long history of innovating within the digital marketing space.

Her innovations have included: implementing the USA’s first ever furniture product development initiative in the virtual world of Second Life, implementing the USA’s first ever multi-brand influencer marketing program on behalf of her past client, Cargill’s BiOH Polyols division, and acting as co-principal in the world’s first virtual designer showhouse to include augmented reality.

Other innovations include being the first agency to offer shoppable digital magazine creation on behalf of brands within the home furnishings and interior design industry and being the first to work with a major publisher, Meredith Corporation’s Better Homes and Garden Magazine, to bring together a group of influencers with a group of journalists, during the implementation of BHG’s first Stylemakers program.

Most recently, she is the founding advisory partner and an investor in the world’s first international search engine platform, Ethos Design Collective, that allows consumers to search for vetted luxury designers to hire.

Ms. Carothers was also an early user of Facebook Groups and now runs the popular Facebook Group, #DesignWealth, for interior designers who are interested in all aspects of designing passive income into their websites.

In her spare time, she is a long time volunteer board member of the Bienenstock Furniture Library and also writes a popular lifestyle blog, Design Happy Living, where brands like Thibaut have collaborated with her to reach new consumer/designer audiences.

Connect with Leslie Carothers

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Watch the Docuseries!

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

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

11-24-2023

933: Power Talk Friday: Leslie Carothers: Is the Metaverse and AI the Future of Interior Design?

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01:20:51

933: Power Talk Friday: Leslie Carothers: Is the Metaverse and AI the Future of Interior Design?

11-21-202302-10-2025

932: What Would Lu Do: How To Turn Your Aha’s into Action

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0:37:45

932: What Would Lu Do: How To Turn Your Aha’s into Action

Today With LuAnn Nigara:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to turn your aha moments into actionable steps that will help you achieve your goals for your business and your life. You will hear some of the amazing insights from Amber De La Garza, a productivity coach who was a guide at LuAnn Live, and how she taught us to get our CRAP together.

LuAnn Nigara’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll wind up somewhere else.” -LuAnn

“The best version of your well designed business is only achievable through a well designed life. They are intertwined, without question.” -LuAnn

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

Exciting Windows! Build a Better Business Registration

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

11-21-2023

932: What Would Lu Do: How To Turn Your Aha’s into Action

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36:33

932: What Would Lu Do: How To Turn Your Aha’s into Action

11-17-202302-18-2025

931: Power Talk Friday: Matthew Finlin: The Key to Selling with Authenticity and Compassion

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0:57:20

931: Power Talk Friday: Matthew Finlin: The Key to Selling with Authenticity and Compassion

Today With Matthew Finlin:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. If you’re a long-time listener of the show, you already know that I was a salesperson basically from birth. Selling is a part of my nature. But for most designers, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Why is that? Why do some of us gravitate toward selling while it sends others into a panic? My guest today, Matthew Finlin, CEO of The Human Potential Academy, believes he knows—and he’s shedding light on why this happens and what designers can do to bring more assertiveness into the process and close with confidence and compassion.

Pick It Apart

[2:58] Matthew explains why creatives have a natural resistance toward sales.

[7:10] Matthew dives into personality traits and their impact on business and relationships.

[17:48] LuAnn and Matthew discuss why designers struggle to set boundaries and why they need to learn how.

[32:51] Matthew and LuAnn dive into how our personality traits impact our pricing.

[36:32] LuAnn and Matthew highlight why confidence matters in pricing and selling.

LuAnn Nigara and Matthew Finlin’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Compassionate closing is all about recognizing that if you have a product or service that you truly believe is going to benefit this person and change their life positively.” -Matthew

“You really need one thing to be good at sales. And it’s not knowledge, unfortunately. You actually just need confidence.” -Matthew

“I don’t care how wealthy you are wants to overpay. That’s the truth. But what I know from all the interviews I’ve done is that 99% of designers are going to deliver their heart and soul into the project—they just need to convey their value.” -LuAnn

More About Matthew Finlin

Matthew Finlin is the founder and CEO of Human Potential Academy. He has been a business phenom since he started his career a decade ago. From door-to-door sales trainer to high level business in Hong Kong.

A man of many talents, he started off as an entrepreneur and after a massive spiritual awakening, he answered the call. His life mission is to bridge the gaps between the business, scientific, and spiritual communities.

Matthew’s extensive experience in both business and personal development allows him to bring out the best in every individual, helping them achieve their full potential and make a difference in the world. He is dedicated to helping as many people as possible reach their fullest potential by empowering self-leadership.

He now trains and coaches his teams and clients in his philosophy: the 5 Pillars of Human Potential. It’s important to note that he started his coaching career working exclusively with women and helping them achieve any goals they desire, whether it’s business, relationships or more.

Connect with Matthew Finlin

What’s new with LuAnn Nigara

LuAnn Live 2023

Watch the Docuseries!

luannuniversity.com

https://www.luannnigara.com/cob

A Big Thank You to Our Keynote Sponsors:

Nancy Ganzekaufer

Traci Connell

Duke Renders

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

11-17-2023

931: Power Talk Friday: Matthew Finlin: The Key to Selling with Authenticity and Compassion

0:00

55:24

931: Power Talk Friday: Matthew Finlin: The Key to Selling with Authenticity and Compassion

11-14-202308-13-2024

930: April Gandy: The Key to Managing a Successful Renovation Project

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1:8:49

930: April Gandy: The Key to Managing a Successful Renovation Project

Today With April Gandy:

Today on A Well-Designed Business I am joined by April Gandy, owner and Principal Designer of Allure Designs. With six successful years in the design industry and an appearance on HGTV, April could teach us a lot! But today she wanted the focus to be on what you, and your client, can expect both mentally and financially when working on a renovation project. This is an episode that will give you simple AHA moments. Any episode where my guest wants to help with the process with our clients, is a win.

LuAnn Nigara and April Gandy’s Ah-Ha Moments

“Understanding what you are doing before you do it is going to help you keep your time lines and budgets in check, but also your client in check,” – April Gandy

“The more information that you give them from the start, the more you ensure them that you know what you are doing and they’ll trust you,” – April Gandy.

More About April Gandy

I’m from Chicago’s Avalon Park neighborhood on city’s south side. Growing up in the inner city provided me with a strong foundation in which failure was not an option. I vowed to overcome my circumstances and to create a better life for myself and my family. After graduating from St. Francis de Sales High School, I went on to college at Northern Illinois University and became the first in my family to graduate from a university. During this time, I joined the US Air Force Reserve in 2000 and proudly served our country for 21 years. I pledged the greatest Sorority in the world, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc in 2002. I later graduated with a BA in Criminology and went on to complete an MEd in Instructional Design (much different than interior design lol). I started my design career journey in 2006. At the age of 23, I bought my first piece of property; a 700 square foot fixer–upper condominium in the west suburbs of Chicago. As an impecunious single mother, I had to think outside the box to bring my new home to life. I taught myself many things on the road to transforming my fixer–upper into a beautiful home. During this undertaking, I realized I enjoyed the process of home improvement. Throughout the years, my skills evolved and I began assisting family and friends in making their homes beautiful. After a decade of working on personal projects, I decided to make the business official and pursued an interior design career. I created Alluring Designs Chicago in 2017. I partnered with my mother, Valerie Steward, and close family friend, Jennifer Anderson, to breathe life into this business venture. Together we have overseen multiple renovation projects and countless room makeovers. Our team dynamic is seamless and together we bring so much value to every project. Although becoming owner and Principal Designer of my interior design firm, my expansion mission includes founding a community development organization dedicated to building beautiful homes in the inner city. The vision is to make communities beautiful one home at a time. Let’s get to work!