Design Curious | Interior Design Podcast, Interior Design Career, Interior Design School, Coaching

• 126\\ The Secret to a High-Converting Interior Design Website That Brings You More Clients With Cathleen Barnes

  Are you wondering why, despite having a beautiful website, you are not attracting your ideal clients?As interior designers, we often prioritize the visual aspects of our websites, such as design and imagery, while overlooking important functional and strategic elements.While a stunning website is important, if it doesn’t guide visitors toward taking action, you may be missing out on valuable inquiries and bookings.In this episode, web design expert Cathleen Barnes shares how interior designers can turn their websites into powerful tools that attract high-end clients and increase conversions.She reveals the top mistakes designers make—like weak call-to-actions, unclear client processes, and generic testimonials—and explains how to fix them. She also shares smart strategies like using case studies instead of simple portfolios, streamlining client onboarding, and improving website navigation for a seamless user experience. By applying these tips, you can create a website that not only looks stunning but also works behind the scenes to grow your business.Don't let your website be a missed opportunity. Tune in now and start making simple but powerful changes that will set you apart in the interior design industry!Featured Guest:⁠Cathleen Barnes⁠ is the founder of ⁠Cathleen Barnes Consulting⁠, a web design and branding studio focused on creating strategic websites for interior designers.With over 10 years of experience in e-commerce, Cathleen has recently shifted her focus to the interior design industry. She helps designers recognize the value of their websites, which often serve as the first impression for potential clients.Her approach goes beyond aesthetics; she understands the unique challenges designers face and how their audience interacts with their sites. By leveraging strategic insights, she ensures that each project aligns with her clients’ business goals.Cathleen has successfully partnered with numerous interior designers to enhance their online presence and improve conversion rates through strategies centered on brand positioning and streamlined client onboarding. She empowers designers to fully utilize the potential of their websites.Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn how to create a strategic website that attracts and converts high-end interior design clients Identify common website mistakes designers make and fix them to enhance your online presence Transform your portfolio into compelling case studies that showcase your expertise and make potential clients eager to work with youCheck out the show notes >>> The Secret to a High-Converting Interior Design Website That Brings You More ClientsNEXT STEPS: Join my Launch Your Business Boot Camp!!! I'll help you launch your design business this spring.Grab your freebies: Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my CareerEmail me at [email protected] me on Instagram at@rwarddesignVisit my website atrwarddesign.comThanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(02:42) Cathleen Barnes: Background and Motivation(04:44) The Importance of Strategic Website Planning(08:49) Common Mistakes in Website Design That Interior Designers Make(12:20) How to Get Better Client Testimonials(16:08) Missed Opportunities in Website Strategy(20:08) How to Attract High-End Clients Through Your Website(25:30) The Website Design Process at Kathleen Barnes Consulting

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• 125\\ No Design Experience? Creative Ways to Build Your Interior Design Portfolio and Get Hired

  "How can I show what I can do if no one gives me a chance?" This is a question I often hear from young designers struggling to find paid internships or get clients to take a chance on them. It’s frustrating, discouraging, and can leave you feeling stuck. You know you have the passion and potential to succeed, but without experience, it feels like you’re standing at a locked door, waiting for someone to hand you the key. Don’t worry—there are creative and practical ways to build your skills and portfolio! In this episode, I’m sharing actionable strategies to help you gain the experience you need to stand out. From offering free design help to friends and family, to job shadowing, creating mock projects, and building vendor relationships, you’ll learn how to showcase your talent and make your mark as a designer. You don’t need a fancy job to start building your portfolio—you just need the right plan! I also introduce you to my My Design Mentor program, where you can gain hands-on experience through sample projects, so you feel confident applying for jobs or starting your own business. Whether you’re fresh out of school or transitioning into interior design, this episode is packed with advice to help you get scrappy, increase your knowledge, and build connections that will open doors. Tune in now and take the first step toward your dream design career! Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover resourceful ways to get hands-on experience and build your portfolio without a traditional job Develop the skills and confidence to showcase your talent and attract opportunities Get practical, actionable tips to build your network and use vendor relationships to your advantage Check out the show notes >>> Creative Ways to Build Your Interior Design Portfolio and Get Hired NEXT STEPS: Sign up for My Design Mentor to get an internship or sample project experience Grab your freebies: The Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide Furnishings Investment Guide Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career Listen to Related Episode: Episode 05: The Do’s and Don’ts of Interior Design Internships Email me at [email protected] DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign Visit my website at rwarddesign.com Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week... Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction: Creative Ways to Build Your Interior Design Portfolio and Get Hired (01:23) Challenges Young Designers Face in Gaining Experience (03:06) Gaining Experience Through Small Projects (04:35) Internships and Job Shadowing (07:09) Creating a Portfolio Without Clients   (08:19) Building Vendor Relationships (09:42) Online Learning & Volunteering (11:56) Networking & Finding Opportunities

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• 124\\ Overcome Fear and Self-Doubt; Boost Your Interior Design Career With Human Design Insights From Diamond Drip

  Fear, self-doubt, and limiting beliefs are the three major obstacles that can leave an interior designer feeling stuck, unsure of their path, and questioning how to build confidence as they begin their interior design career. In this episode, I sit down with Diamond Drip, a business strategist and personal growth expert, who shares how understanding your unique Human Design can help you overcome fear and self-doubt. She explains that Human Design reveals your natural strengths, decision-making style, and purpose, so you can align your passion for interior design with your true self. Diamond also shares her journey of breaking free from burnout and finding success by embracing her innate gifts. Plus, you’ll learn practical tips to harness your creativity and stay productive by working with your natural energy cycles. Don’t miss out—pull your Human Design chart today and start designing a career and life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and uniquely you! Featured Guest: ⁠Diamond Drip⁠ is an award-winning speaker. Her journey has been featured on KQED radio, On Stage Plus TV, New York Weekly, and numerous podcasts. With a background in visual communications & business strategy and a passion for personal growth, Diamond brings a unique blend of creativity, expertise, and energy to every conversation. Her mission is to help women break free from fear and self-doubt and step boldly into their power. Using tools like Human Design and Gene Keys, she guides folks to trust their intuition, embrace authenticity, and unlock their full potential. Her favorite saying is, "The limit doesn't exist, but fear and self-doubt will make you think it does." Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover how to use Human Design to help you understand your natural strengths, decision-making process, and life purpose Be inspired and empowered to break free from limiting beliefs, boost your confidence, and navigate challenges as a newbie Learn practical tips to help you maximize creativity, focus, and efficiency in your design work and daily life Check out the show notes >>> Overcome Fear and Self-Doubt; Boost Your Interior Design Career With Human Design Insights Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (02:16) Diamond’s Background and Entrepreneurial Journey (06:11) Introduction to Human Design for Entrepreneurs (09:19) Detailed Explanation of Human Design (12:09) Applying Human Design to Business (14:28) Applying Human Design in Interior Design Projects (15:56) Consulting Services Offered by Diamond (18:26) Fertility Awareness Method for Creativity and Productivity (23:09) Overcoming Fear and Limiting Beliefs Through Self-Discovery NEXT STEPS: Join the waitlist: Launch Your Business Boot Camp—spots are limited! Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

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• 123\\ Designer's Boot Camp: Step-By-Step Guide to Launching Your Dream Interior Design Business Without Feeling Overwhelmed

  Are you an aspiring interior designer dreaming of starting your business, but feeling overwhelmed by all the steps involved? I've got you covered! I am here to guide you through the process of launching your interior design business in just 2 months. In this episode, I am sharing my personal experiences and insights on the challenges of starting a business, PLUS introducing you to the ultimate solution to help you go from aspiring designer to client-ready entrepreneur in just two months with my Launch Your Business Boot Camp. I am breaking down each week of the program, guiding you through branding, financial management, and launch planning so that you’ll be ready to open your doors and attract clients by spring. Don’t let fear hold you back from building the design business you’ve always wanted. The Launch Your Business Boot Camp is designed to remove the guesswork of setting up your interior design business and make starting it exciting, not scary. Ready to take the leap? Tune in now and Sign up for the Launch Your Business Boot Camp today. Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Discover the step-by-step process for launching your interior design business Overcome the fear and uncertainty of entrepreneurship Be client-ready by Spring and capitalize on the seasonal demand Check out the show notes >>> Designer's Boot Camp: Step-By-Step Guide to Launching Your Dream Interior Design Business Without Feeling Overwhelmed NEXT STEPS: Join the waitlist: Launch Your Business Boot Camp—spots are limited! (0:00) Introduction & Overview of Launching Your Interior Design Business Boot Camp (03:28) Overview of Launch Your Business Bootcamp (04:39) Week 1: Foundation Building: Core Values and Business Messaging (06:10) Week 2: Branding and Website Setup (07:39) Week 3: Legal and Administrative Setup (08:54) Week 4: Business Operations/Running the Business (10:13) Week 5: Money Management (10:54) Week 6: Launch Planning (11:37) How to Join the Launch Your Business Boot Camp Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design! Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question Leave me a rating and review! Click here.  Visit my website at rwarddesign.com to learn more about my services Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

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• 122\\ How New California Design Legislation Could Transform Interior Design Practices in 2025 With Genise Plessas

  State laws often define the scope of practice, certification requirements, and licensing regulations for interior designers. Staying informed ensures you comply with these rules, allowing you to work legally and avoid fines or penalties. In this episode, I have an insightful conversation with Genise Plessas, a seasoned interior designer and advocate for the profession in California. Genise delves into the challenges facing interior designers, particularly the proposed changes by IDEX that could create unnecessary barriers for both commercial and residential designers. She shares valuable insights into the work of the California Legislative Coalition for Interior Designers (CLCID), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering individual designers. She also reveals the resources every designer needs - a comprehensive guide on codes and regulations, as well as study materials to help you prepare for the IDEX exam. Plus, hear her inspiring story of starting her design business, working internationally, and balancing creativity with technical know-how. Whether you're a newbie dreaming of your first big project or a seasoned pro navigating new rules, this episode offers a wealth of information to help you stay informed and navigate the industry's ever-evolving landscape. Tune in now! AND don't forget to get on the Launch Your Business Boot Camp waitlist to secure your spot and get ready to launch your design business in 2025! Featured Guest: Genise Plessas is the owner of ⁠Genise Plessas Designs⁠ and brings over 27 years of experience in interior design. She assists clients in achieving the best possible design outcomes for their individual and business projects. With an office in Granite Bay, California, Genise has built a reputation in her private practice and as a partner in the commercial interior design industry. She educates clients on how to fashion a beautiful aesthetic while selecting products to fit and perform at the highest level using state-of-the-art innovations and technology. She currently sits on the California Legislative Coalition for Interior Designers known as CLCID; is a past president of the California Central Nevada chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) as ASID as well as past president of the California Capital Chapter for National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). Connect with Genise Plessas: Website: ⁠Genise Plessas Designs⁠ Email: ⁠[email protected]⁠ Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode: Learn how evolving legislation, like California's certification requirements, could impact both residential and commercial interior designers Get access to valuable tools, like code guides and study materials, that can help you navigate certification exams and stay compliant with state laws Gain insights and practical advice from a seasoned designer for balancing creativity with technical skills Check out the show notes >>> How New California Design Legislation Could Transform Interior Design Practices in 2025 Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction & Announcement: Waitlist for "Launch Your Business Bootcamp" for aspiring interior designers in 2025 (03:12) Genise Plessas: Career Journey in Interior Design (06:52) Challenges and Transitions in Genise's Career (10:23) Insights from Working Internationally and in Commercial Design (12:19) Genise's Involvement in Interior Designers Organizations (13:51) Understanding California Legislative Coalition for Interior Designers (CLCID) Mission and Goals (20:23) Perspective on California Legislation Updates and Industry Challenges (27:40) The Importance of Designer Advocacy (34:06) How to Get Involved and Stay Informed NEXT STEPS: Join ⁠the waitlist⁠ for the Launch Your Business Boot Camp—spots are limited! ⁠https://rwarddesign.myflodesk.com/launch-your-business-bootcamp Email me at [email protected] DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign Thanks for listening!

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