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

Today With Rebecca Pearson:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. In today’s on-air strategy session,

I’m joined by Rebecca Pearson, who recently acquired Design I.D., an interior design and architectural refurbishment consultancy. Rebecca finds herself facing several challenges during the transition, starting with smoothing out processes and creating SOPs.

Rebecca’s situation might be unique, but it comes down to the same core problem that so many business owners face—how to find the time to create the systems and processes you know you need to make everything else run smoother.

LuAnn Nigara and Rebecca Pearson’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“It’s never going to feel like there’s time for SOPs and regular meetings—you have to carve it out, or it just won’t happen.” – LuAnn

“We can’t continue to give the same personal touch our clients expect if we don’t have clear processes documented.” – Rebecca

“You don’t know what you don’t know—so having processes documented ensures consistency, especially through transitions.” – Rebecca

“These team meetings aren’t for no reason—a lot of good comes out of them.” – LuAnn

More About Rebecca Pearson

As Creative Services Director for Waterfield Hill, a family-run investment company focused on the interiors sector, I oversee business growth, design, brand, and marketing across our three subsidiaries—DBSJ, Denne Joinery, and Design I.D.

After studying architecture at university, my career has spanned creative services in the interiors sector, working with contractors, consultants, and design studios before co-founding Waterfield Hill in 2022 alongside my father, mother, brother, and husband. Since then, we have strategically expanded our group — acquiring DBSJ in 2022, Denne Joinery in 2023, and Design I.D. in 2024 — with a shared vision: to create exceptional interiors, together. In 2024, we were honoured to be recognised by The Sunday Times as one of Britain’s Top 20 fastest-growing private companies and by Construction News as Fit-Out Specialist of the Year (DBSJ).

My current focus is successfully integrating our latest acquisition, Design I.D., an interior design and architectural refurbishment consultancy, ensuring a seamless transition into our group. I thrive in fast-paced environments, bringing clarity and structure to complex challenges, and am dedicated to setting up our businesses for continued success, profitability, efficiency, and growth.

Connect with Rebecca Pearson

Website

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

Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference – April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida!

Design Trade Service – Sign Up Today!

2025 Business of Interiors Community Summit

Kravet

Today With Noel Gatts:

Today I am joined by Noel Gatts, founder of beam&bloom interiors and HGTV Host on “Home Inspector Joe” and “What’s Wrong With That House?” With a unique background spanning from Broadway to interior design, Noel brings a character-driven approach that transforms how designers connect with clients. In this episode, she reveals how her theatrical training informs her design process, helping her understand clients as “characters” with unique needs and stories, moving beyond standard questionnaires to questions that lead to deeper discovery.

Through examples from both her design practice and television experience, Noel demonstrates how investing time in understanding clients’ characters leads to fewer revisions, stronger relationships, and spaces that authentically reflect who they are. Her candid discussion about the realities of design television offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how designers create impact despite tight timelines and budget constraints, while providing practical strategies for creating a character-driven approach that saves time and builds trust in your own design business.

LuAnn Nigara and Noel Gatts’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“We can learn so much if we don’t make it about what we want to do, but use our talents to enhance what the client wants to do,” – Noel Gatts

More About Noel Gatts

HGTV Host and Designer on two popular hour long renovation shows since 2022, “Home Inspector Joe” and “What’s Wrong With That House?” and creator of the “heart+home+harmony LIVE” series on Instagram and YouTube, Noel is known for her warm & spirited personality and her penchant for statement earrings. A hallmark of her ethos is her ability to authentically, compassionately & intuitively connect with her audience, colleagues and clients. Her character driven approach to design, and her focus on savvy and sustainable investments is prevalent in all of her work.

Connect with Noel Gatts

Beam & Bloom, Interior Design Studio

Website

Instagram

Noel Gatts, TV/Hosting/Personality Page

Website

Instagram

YouTube, Interior Enthusiast Chanel, with heart+home+harmony “podcast” LIVE archives

YouTube

TikTok

LinkedIn

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

Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference – April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida!

Design Trade Service – Sign Up Today!

Other Shows:

AWDB #297: Mikel Welch: Interior Design, TV, Self Made Man

AWDB # 833: Flashback Friday: Mikel Welch: Be Determined and Get the Job Done

AWDB #1005: Campbell Minister: Building a Referral Based Interior Design Business

AWDB #704: Power Talk Friday: George Oliphant: George to the Rescue

Today With Porsche Williams:

Welcome to A Well-Designed Business. Today, Porsche Williams, founder of The Prototype, joins me to discuss the power of streamlined backend operations for interior designers.

Porsche’s company specializes in seamlessly managing client onboarding, discovery calls, lead management, and more, freeing designers from administrative overwhelm. She believes that “your creativity thrives when your business operations are optimized” (a money line if ever I’ve heard one)! Today, she shares how delegating tasks leads to a better client experience, more creativity, and more profitability.

LuAnn Nigara and Porsche Williams’s Ah-Ha Moments:

“Your creativity thrives when your business operations are optimized.” – Porsche Williams

“Just because it’s on your to-do list doesn’t mean you have to be the one checking it off.” – Porsche Williams

“Clients don’t expect you to handle every detail personally; they expect professionalism, clarity, and consistency in your process.” – LuAnn Nigara

More About Porsche Williams

Porsche Williams is the CEO of The Prototype, a Business Concierge firm dedicated to supporting interior designers, leaders, and entrepreneurs. The Prototype enhances the client experience for interior design firms by handling essential business tasks, allowing designers to focus on their craft. With a team of Client Experience Specialists, they serve clients across the US, Canada, and Australia. The Prototype partners with IDS, ASID, Business of Design, and Business of Home, and was awarded the inaugural ASID Diversity in Design Small Business Grant in 2024.

Connect with Porsche Williams

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Free 30-minute Client Experience Audit for LuAnn Listeners!

Plus, LuAnn Listeners will get an exclusive bonus for our self-paced course “The Designer’s Guide to Reliable Lead Generation”! Open for enrollment from today to April 11th!

Unlock the Secrets to Successful Discovery Calls

The Prototype – Apply To Work With Us

Free Resource – The Lead Generation Jumpstart

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

Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference – April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida!

Jenny Blake’s Concept of Permission Slips Episode

Today With LuAnn Nigara:

Are you thinking about saying yes to a designer show house? Before you commit, listen to this episode.

A show house can be an incredible opportunity—but only if you approach it the right way. Too many designers assume that just participating will bring them business. It won’t.

Today, I’m sharing the smartest, most strategic insights from three powerhouse designers at different stages in their careers:

Barbara Ostrom – The “Queen of Show Houses” explains why some rooms bring in clients while others don’t.

Laura Hodges – Managed an entire Southern Living Idea House and reveals how to juggle a massive project while keeping your business on track.

Naika Andre – A first-timer who learned, the hard way, what works, what doesn’t, and what she’ll do differently next time.

We’ll cover:

The real costs (hint: it’s not just the furniture)

How to make sure a show house actually leads to press and clients

Why marketing yourself is non-negotiable—no one will do it for you

The tight deadlines and fast decision-making required to pull it off

If you’re serious about making a show house work for your business, this is the episode for you.

And if you want more details, listen to the full interviews with Barbara, Laura, and Naika—links are in the show notes.

PLUS: If you’re in NJ, PA, or NY, check out the Mansion in May and Bucks County Designer House, where Hannah Goldberg and Lori Bruno will be showcasing their work. Window Works is honored to be providing the window treatments for both!

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

Exciting Windows! 21st Annual Conference – April 16th-18th in West Palm Beach, Florida!

Mansion in May

Bucks County Designer House & Gardens

Other Shows:

AWDB #08: Barbara Ostrom: Curtain Up! Thirty Years of Spectacular Showhouse Rooms

AWDB #960: Laura Hodges: The Behind the Scenes of the Southern Living Showhouse

AWDB #1055: Naïka André: Do It Scared – A Designer’s Journey Through Her First Show House