Today With Wingnut Social Podcast:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today’s episode is a little different—in the best way. I’m not behind the mic as the host… I’m in the guest seat.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of being invited onto some truly outstanding podcasts—conversations that dive deep into business, leadership, mindset, and the real-life lessons I’ve learned through decades in this industry.

In this special crossover series, I’m excited to bring a few of those guest appearances to you. When the roles are reversed, the conversation shifts—you’ll hear fresh perspectives, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights that don’t always surface when I’m the one asking the questions.

If you enjoy what you hear today, I encourage you to explore the host’s show as well. You’ll find links to their podcast and the original show notes below.

Check Their Show Notes!

Have you always wanted to write a book? Have you also wondered if it’s worth the investment? LuAnn Nigara has written two amazing books and is about to launch her third book, A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 (which Darla wrote a chapter in). In this episode of the Wingnut Social podcast, LuAnn talks about the process of writing and self-publishing a book—and whether or not it’s worth the ROI. 

LuAnn is the co-owner of Window Works in New Jersey and created an award-winning podcast for interior designers, A Well-Designed Business. She is a sought-after keynote speaker with over 30+ years of experience in the industry. LuAnn gave Darla the education, strength, and courage to start her design business. If you’ve had dreams of becoming an author, this is a can’t-miss episode. 

Connect with LuAnn Nigara

• LuAnn’s Website
• A Well-Designed Business podcast
• Get on the email list for LuAnn Live!
• The Power Talk Friday Experts (Book #1)
• The Making of A Well-Designed Business

Resources & People Mentioned

• Book Launchers

Connect With Darla & Wingnut Social

• https://www.WingnutSocial.com
• On Facebook
• On Twitter: @WingnutSocial
• On Instagram: @WingnutSocial
• Darla’s Interior Design Website
• Check out the Wingnut Social Media Lab Facebook Group!
• 1-877-WINGNUT (connect with us for your social media marketing needs)

Today With Melanie Rosenburg:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. What does it mean to create a truly luxury experience? You’re not just creating something nice to look at. You’re creating the space that they are going to live in, foreseeably for a long time. And you’re bringing an expertise and a vision into the picture that they can’t do for themselves.

But today we’re going a level deeper into what that luxury service really entails. A luxury experience for your client is about all of those things, absolutely. But there’s something that takes it to the next level: being able to hear what a client really wants and needs, even when they don’t know how to articulate what that is.

My guest today, Melanie Rosenburg, is here to share how she creates one-of-a-kind, truly authentic projects that form that true luxury experience.

LuAnn Nigara and Melanie Rosenburg’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“I stopped asking my clients what their budget was, and I stopped asking my clients what their style is…I always ask them, how do you want the specific space or home to feel when you walk in.” – Melanie Rosenburg

“Interior design, custom window treatments, it’s luxury, period. Whether it’s entry-level luxury or it’s I’m flying on a jet plane to Paris to pick my furniture luxury. It’s luxury.” – LuAnn

More About Melanie Rosenburg

Introducing Melanie Rosenburg, the creative mind behind MASH Habitat Interiors, where the art of interior design is transformed into a personalized journey of style and functionality.

As the driving force of this design studio, Melanie excels in curating spaces that speak to the unique tastes and aspirations of individuals and families. Her dedication to crafting original, one-of-a-kind designs ensures that your space will stand out in a crowd and speak to your specific lifestyle goals.

What sets Melanie apart is her commitment to your project no matter the scale. She takes pride in customizing budgets that align with your values and priorities, providing transparency throughout the design process to minimize unexpected surprises.

Connect with Melanie Rosenburg⁠

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

LinkedIn

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠

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

Other Shows:⁠⁠⁠

AWDB #548 Terri Taylor: Calculating Flat Fees & Budgets

AWDB #760 Jessica Harling: The 7 Step Sales Process for Interior Designers and Window Treatment Professionals

AWDB #761 Window Treatment Friday: Pricing Window Treatments: How to Ballpark the Numbers on the Fly

AWDB #1060 Design Trade Service: Quality Vendors, Trade Pricing and AI. Your Go to Sourcing Platform

Today With Nicole Heymer:

Hi, welcome! Today, I’m bringing this amazing episode back because, frankly, this one is pure gold. Nicole Heymer, of Glory & Brand, is one of those experts who can take what feels like a foggy mess in your mind and turn it into a clear, strategic plan for your brand. In this conversation, Nicole breaks down the essential discovery process that every business owner should go through before they touch a single pixel on their website.

What you’ll learn:

• Why your website should never be a guessing game
• How Nicole’s discovery process acts like “therapy for your business”
• The keys to identifying your core message, audience, and user journey before a single design decision is made
• How a clear website strategy can actually improve your confidence and decision-making

If you’re ready to attract better clients, raise your rates, and finally feel proud of your website—this episode will show you how to start.

LuAnn Nigara and Nicole Heymer’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“First, get very clear on what you need and want your website to do for you and your clients.” – LuAnn Nigara

“One of the most common errors I see is that I have to dig to figure out what area they serve.” – Nicole Heymer

“If your messaging is that you have amazing service, then you better be amazing at service. You don’t just say it. You have to do it so that people tell other people.” – Nicole Heymer

More About Nicole Heymer

Nicole Heymer is the founder of Glory & Brand, a boutique creative agency specializing in branding, websites, marketing automation, and strategy. Since 2011, Nicole has worked with a wide variety of clients at every stage in their development, from nationally known interior design firms to local custom home builders.

Nicole’s clear, practical take on branding has been featured by a range of design industry resources—from the Wingnut Social podcast to the Design Influencers Conference to the . You’ll find her methods in print, on industry webinars, and as the framework for branding workshops.

Connect with Nicole Heymer⁠

Website

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

⁠⁠Design Trade Service⁠⁠

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

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

Other Shows:⁠⁠⁠

AWDB #125: Nicole Heymer- How To Brand Your Business. Yes, again! Do not miss this one!!!

AWDB #306: Rachel Cannon: Key Steps for Success in Your Interior Design Business

AWDB #287: Sandra Espinet: Keys to a Luxury Interior Design Brand

AWDB #259: Kae Whitaker – Get New Clients with the Right Email Sequence

AWDB #248: Marina Umali: How Feng Shui and Interior Design Meet

AWDB #256: Nancy Ganzekaufer- A Powerful Strategy to Attract More Clients

Today With Pippa Biddle:

Today with Pippa Biddle, CEO and co-founder of Quittner, we explore why newsletters are becoming the most powerful marketing tool for designers – outperforming social media with 70-85% open rates. Pippa shares how she transformed her business communications from dry corporate speak to authentic storytelling, creating a newsletter that builds genuine community and drives sales. Learn why email marketing gives you ownership of your audience, how to find your authentic voice, and practical strategies for crafting newsletters that people actually want to read. Plus, discover the unexpected ROI of choosing email over chasing social media algorithms.

LuAnn Nigara and Pippa Biddle’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“I think for most people, social media is junk food, newsletters are protein. You do not want to turn your protein into junk food, then it’s just junk food too.” – Pippa

“You do not own your audience on social media platforms. You do not have their email addresses and only a tiny fraction of the people who follow you see what you put out into the world.” – Pippa

“Luxury is built on relationships and trust… conveying yourself through words and video, if that’s your way to do it, is extremely powerful and is a quick up the ladder to getting there than putting out, like you said, an image that doesn’t say anything behind it.” – LuAnn

“There are so many people who can make a room beautiful, but there’s only one you. So how do you show up?” – Pippa

More About Pippa Biddle

Pippa Biddle is the co-founder with her husband, Benjamin Davidson, of Quittner, a lighting and homewares design practice in the Hudson Valley of New York. As CEO of Quittner, Pippa leads business strategy, growth, marketing, and communications. With a deep background in writing as a published author, essayist, and current writer for the Magazine Antiques, Pippa brings a story-forward approach to brand development. Pippa has a degree in creative writing from Columbia and has previously written for the Atlantic, Wired, BBC, Guernica, and more. She has spoken on the power of storytelling to catalyze action at conferences and gatherings from Los Angeles to Abu Dhabi.

Connect with Pippa Biddle

Website

Instagram

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

⁠Design Trade Service⁠

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

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

Corey Damen Jenkins – Instagram

Staged To Sell – Instagram

Inside Voice – Sign Up!

Hamilton Creatives

Other Shows:⁠

AWDB #274: Power Talk Friday: Kae Whitaker- Part 2 of Email Marketing for your Interior Design Firm

AWDB #987: Kate Wood: Discovering and Leaning into Your Niche

AWDB #1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business and Why

Today With Shea & Syd McGee:

This powerhouse episode from 2016 features the dynamic duo behind one of the most recognized interior design brands today—Shea and Syd McGee of Studio McGee. We’re bringing this gem back because it’s more relevant than ever.

What you’ll learn:

• How they carved out a distinctive design identity that stood out from the start
• The early strategic choices that laid the foundation for a now-iconic brand
• Why transparency and authenticity fueled their rapid online growth
• How they navigated business roles as a married couple—dividing and conquering with purpose
• The mindset shifts that transformed obstacles into opportunities

LuAnn Nigara, Shea & Syd McGee’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“Once I decided I wasn’t going to be everything to everyone, my brand started to grow.” — Shea McGee

“You can’t build a sustainable business if you’re not looking at the financials every single week.” — Syd McGee

More About Shea & Syd McGee

Shea McGee is the Chief Creative Officer and Co-Founder of Studio McGee,

leading the creative direction for all facets within the Studio McGee Inc. portfolio of brands— Studio McGee, the interior design arm, and McGee & Co., the product side. Shea’s path to launching Studio McGee in 2014 began years before when she leM her position at an ad agency in order to manage the remodel of her and her husband Syd’s first California home. Documenting the process on social media, Shea became an early online influencer, quickly attracting a loyal following with her approachable style and ethos.

The online success led to the launch of her own interior design firm, Studio McGee. The design business experienced rapid growth, paving the way for the launch of their e-commerce brand, McGee & Co., along with a lineup of licensing partnerships and marketing opportunities that amplified their design voice—an autobiography, Make Life Beau+ful, a coffee table book, The Art of Home, a long-running show on Netflix, Dream Home Makeover, and product collaborations with brands like Target, Kohler, Ann Sacks, and Pura.

Today, Shea is regarded as one of the leading innovators in the interior design industry with her ‘sophisticated but not stuffy’ approach, while maintaining a consistent focus on empowering others to “Make Life Beautiful” by enhancing their daily lives through good design.

Connect with Shea & Syd McGee⁠

Studio McGee

McGee And Co

Studio McGee Instagram

McGee And Co Instagram

YouTube

The Art Of Home Book

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Design Trade Service

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

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

Mydoma Studio – Get 20% off your first three months!

Other Shows:

AWDB #1082: What Would Lu Do?: The Big Shift: What’s Changing on A Well-Designed Business and Why

AWDB #32: Robin Baron – The President of ASID NY Metro Chapter Talks with us about PR and Brand Development

AWDB #540: Robin Baron: Strategic Thinking on Product Development

Today With Megan Thompson:

Today, I’m joined by Megan Thompson, founder of Interior Design GreenList. After earning her degree in sustainable design, Megan discovered the frustrating reality that no comprehensive resource existed to help designers implement sustainable practices efficiently. Taking matters into her own hands, she created ID GreenList to bridge this gap.

In this episode, we demystify the differences between green, vegan, biophilic, and sustainable design while revealing how these approaches can seamlessly integrate into your projects without sacrificing beauty, functionality, or budget. Megan shares practical insights for designers at any experience level and reveals how sustainability could become your competitive advantage in today’s market. Plus, discover her exclusive offer just for our listeners!

LuAnn Nigara and Megan Thompson’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“The goal with sustainability is to have a lower impact and for humans to be happy and healthy in the spaces we create,” – Megan Thompson

More About Megan Thompson

Like many interior designers, Megan Thompson owns her design firm. She has a bachelor’s degree in sustainable interior design from Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. Despite all the knowledge she gained in her education, she found implementing sustainability into her work frustrating. No single platform exists where all the information is easily accessible and saves you time on your projects.

She decided to take matters into her own hands and created Interior Design greenList to make sustainable design easy to understand and implement, regardless of a designer’s background or experience.

At Interior Design greenList, Megan teaches designers about sustainability so they can navigate the industry, be ready for new baselines in industry standards, speak to industry partners with confidence, and become the go-to designer for sustainability in their area.

Connect with Megan Thompson

Website

Instagram

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Design Trade Service

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

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

Mydoma Studio – Get 20% off your first three months!

Other Shows:

AWDB #729- Erica Reiner: Make More Green by Going Green

AWDB #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

AWDB #996- Power Talk Friday: Katie Decker-Erickson: Building True Confidence Through Knowledge and Experience

AWDB #991: Chloe Bullock: Conscious Design

AWDB #1072: Maya Crowne & Price Latimer: Alkemis Paint is Disrupting the Industry with Sustainable Luxury

Today With Veronika Miller:

I’m excited to introduce you to Veronika Miller, a true innovator who has spent her career building meaningful connections between designers, brands, and international markets. From her early days as a marketing professional and kitchen designer to founding the influential Design Hounds Influencer Network and consulting with organizations like NKBA, Veronika has a unique talent for creating opportunities where others see obstacles.

In this episode, Veronika and I discuss her entrepreneurial journey, exploring how a fearless approach and commitment to genuine value have shaped her multiple successful ventures. You’ll hear about the power of stepping out of your comfort zone, the importance of international perspectives in design, and how creating strategic connections can transform your business.

LuAnn Nigara and Veronika Miller’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“The answer is defiintely no if you don’t ask.” – LuAnn

“It’s not fearlessness. It’s ‘doing’ despite fear.” – Veronika

“It’s a piece of wood. If you don’t like this one, I’ll get you another.” – Veronika

More About Veronika Miller

Veronika Miller is CEO of M2 Connect LLC and Founder of three brands: The Designhounds Influencer Network, which includes Designhounds Events and the Designhounds Talks Webcasts; M2 Consulting Group, a team of industry experts focused on business development for brands and industry organizations including the NKBA’s international development program, Global Connect and finally the DesignTrail App, a digital lead management and communication application for buyers and sellers set to launch in 2025.

Connect with Veronika Miller

Design Hounds

Design Hounds – Instagram

M2 Consulting Group

M2 Consulting Group – Email

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Design Trade Service

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

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

Designhounds Talks Chicago at The Mart : Business Spark Conference – May 7th!

ISH Frankfurt

InstallerSHOW 2025 UK – June 24th to 26th!

German Haus Fair Tour – Sept 20th to 24th!

Interzum in Cologne, Germany – May 20th to 23rd!

Other Shows:

AWDB #807: Power Talk Friday: Claire Jefford: Interior Design Boss Academy. Why Trust & Experience Matter in Creating a Profitable Business

AWDB #485: Power Talk Friday: Claire Jefford: Rock the Consult

AWDB #825: Power Talk Friday: Cheryl Clendenon: The Design Paradigm – Creating a Strong Framework For Your Interior Design Business

AWDB #482: Cheryl Clendenon: Small Business, Think Big

AWDB #568: Arianne Bellizaire: “A Reluctant and Accidental Leader in #BLM”

AWDB #20: Arianne Bellizaire – Could Your Hobby or Hidden Talent Be Your Marketing Platform?

Today With LuAnn Nigara:

After 9 years, 1,400+ episodes, and over 9 million downloads, A Well-Designed Business is evolving.

In this solo episode, LuAnn shares the next chapter of the podcast—and why this shift isn’t a step back, but a powerful step forward. She explains the two types of episodes you’ll hear in the coming months, and the all-new format she’s creating to deliver even more value for seasoned business owners.

Whether you’re new to the show or have been with LuAnn since the beginning, this is an episode that lays out exactly how A Well-Designed Business will continue to support you, your growth, and your goals—now more than ever.

Listen now to hear:

• Why weekly interviews are on pause
• What’s replacing them—and why it’s better for your business
• What you can expect from the new format: pain-point-focused, expert-curated compilation episodes
• Why LuAnn created InsideVoice (and how to join)
• And what’s happening with Book #4…

This isn’t the end—it’s the evolution.

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Design Trade Service

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

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

InsideVoice – Sign Up Here!

Design Trade Service

Designhounds Talks Chicago at The Mart : Business Spark Conference

Other Shows:

AWDB #1062: 9 Years of A Well-Designed Business—How Vision & Bold Action Can Grow Your Business

Today With Tracee Murphy:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Today, we’re diving deep into the psychology involved in the sales process—and why it begins with understanding that you are a luxury service provider.

Tracee Murphy, psychologist-turned-designer, leverages her background in her business, and teaches others to do the same thing. Today, she’s here to unpack how understanding client motivations and mastering deep listening are key to success in the high-end market.

LuAnn Nigara andTracee Murphy’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“Luxury is really defined by the client… if we don’t understand what they’re wanting, then we can’t possibly deliver it.” -Tracee

“If the only thing you ever did as a salesperson was stop talking and listen, you’re gonna be way ahead of the game.” – LuAnn

More About Tracee Murphy

Thanks to degrees in interior design and psychology, Tracee understands how your home’s interior can impact your moods and the way you live. She is particularly skilled at listening to her client’s needs to develop spaces that meet and exceed expectations. From managing multiple perspectives on a project to staying abreast of the latest codes, Tracee thrives on reflecting “Your Style of Living.”

Tracee and her team believe that each project is unique, with its own singular design aesthetic. To that end, she and her team work to reflect the personality of each homeowner or business behind the space. Her passion is for classic styling with a relaxed and sophisticated feeling.

A licensed interior designer in Florida, Tracee regularly attends continuing education classes to ensure she is constantly evolving in her approach while also remaining up to date on all health and safety requirements.

When she isn’t creating beautiful living spaces, Tracee loves traveling the world, walking the beach and enjoying the “salt life.” She regularly supports the arts and culture that Sarasota has to offer, but most of all, she relishes spending time with her family and dogs, George Washington and Sophie Jo, who you’ll find in the TMI Design Studio on most days.

Connect with Tracee Murphy

Website

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

The Designer Launch – Download Now!

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Design Trade Service

2025 Business of Interiors Community Summit

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

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

Design Trade Service

Designhounds Talks Chicago at The Mart : Business Spark Conference

Other Shows:

#409 Candy Scott & Rachel Cannon: Interior Design is a Service Business Not a Commodity Business

#587 Darrell Long: The Best Design Comes From Within, Not Pinterest

#842 Joshua Smith: Sell the Experiences, Not the Commodity

#971 Vicente Wolf: How to Bring True Artistry into Interior Design

Today With Brad Robinson:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. Design-build is something that so many newer designers want to get into. And the question always becomes how to break into it. It’s always interesting to hear from the builder’s perspective. What are they looking for? How can designers break in? How can they prove themselves and the value they bring to a project? What can they do to set themselves apart?

Today, I am so excited to welcome Brad Robinson, founder of Bradford Custom Homes & Remodeling to talk about design-build projects, how designers can break in, and the importance of systems and processes to keep everything running smoothly. Also, if you want to learn more about Buildertrend, one of the valuable resources Brad mentioned in this episode, we have a special link for you! Just go to Buildertrend.com/welldesigned and get started!

More About Brad Robinson

Brad Robinson is the president of bradford custom homes & remodeling, a premier designbuild firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, where he creates luxurious, personalized, and highperforming living spaces. As the founder of six construction-related businesses, Brad’s influence extends beyond Atlanta, with multiple companies serving clients regionally and nationwide.

Drawing from a rich history rooted in his family’s construction business and extensive experience in home renovations, Brad’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and client satisfaction has driven the success of his ventures. Above all, Brad is most proud of the teams he has built, each dedicated to delivering thoughtfully designed and expertly crafted homes tailored to each client’s unique vision.

Connect with Brad Robinson

Website

Instagram 

Facebook 

LinkedIn

Houzz

TikTok

YouTube

A Big THANK YOU to Today’s Podcast Sponsor:

Design Trade Service

2025 Business of Interiors Community Summit

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

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

Buildertrend

Mydoma Studio

Design Trade Service

Jude Charles’ Website

Other Shows:

#542: Brad Leavitt: AFT Construction: A Builder’s Perspective on the Design Build Process

#560: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Design Book

#580: Brad Leavitt, AFT Construction: The Two “B” Words: Budget & Builders

#615: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Overcoming Resistance in the Design-Build Process

#649: Power Talk Friday: Brad Leavitt: Understanding Design-Build from the Builder’s Perspective

#709: Jenny and Ben Slingerland of Black Ink Interiors:The Stages and Decisions to Grow Your Design Business

#644: Kat Anderson: Design Build and Bookkeeping Classes for Interior Designers

#724: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Using Video to Close More Interior Design Deals

AWDB #718: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: The Power of Dramatic Demonstration in Your Business Videos

#626: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: How to Tell Your Story to Connect with Clients in Interior Design

#516: Power Talk Friday: Jude Charles: Video Storytelling for Your Brand