
If you’ve ever felt torn between designing and running your business, you’re not alone. Scaling a design firm isn’t just about getting more clients or bigger projects. It’s about building something sustainable without burning yourself out in the process.
In this week’s episode of Success by Design, I’m sharing what scaling actually looks like — the real decisions, mindset shifts, and systems that keep your creativity intact as your business grows.
Here’s a quick peek at what we dive into:
There’s a big difference between bringing on help and taking on someone’s livelihood. I talk about how I learned to hire smarter (and why it’s okay to start small with contract help).
If the word “systems” makes you cringe, this conversation will change your mind. I share the simple structure that lets me stay creative and sane — especially when the calendar gets chaotic.
Ever thought about adding a holiday or specialty service? I share how one small experiment turned into a surprisingly steady stream of revenue — and joy.
Spoiler: scaling isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters, better.
If you’ve been feeling stretched thin or unsure how to grow without losing your spark, this episode will feel like a deep breath.
Listen to “Scaling Your Design Business Without Losing Your Sanity: A Coaching Conversation” — available now on Success by Design wherever you get your podcasts.
#InteriorDesignBusiness #SuccessByDesign #DesignPodcast #CreativeEntrepreneur #DesignBusinessGrowth

I’m a commercial exterior and interior designer with an MBA and nearly 20 years in the industry. When I’m not leading my coast-to-coast, multi-million dollar firm, I love sharing real talk on the business of design, blending insights from 20 years as a business professor. I keep it honest—balancing work and chasing my two girls around.

If you’ve ever felt torn between designing and running your business, you’re not alone. Scaling a design firm isn’t just about getting more clients or bigger projects. It’s about building something sustainable without burning yourself out in the process.
In this week’s episode of Success by Design, I’m sharing what scaling actually looks like — the real decisions, mindset shifts, and systems that keep your creativity intact as your business grows.
Here’s a quick peek at what we dive into:
There’s a big difference between bringing on help and taking on someone’s livelihood. I talk about how I learned to hire smarter (and why it’s okay to start small with contract help).
If the word “systems” makes you cringe, this conversation will change your mind. I share the simple structure that lets me stay creative and sane — especially when the calendar gets chaotic.
Ever thought about adding a holiday or specialty service? I share how one small experiment turned into a surprisingly steady stream of revenue — and joy.
Spoiler: scaling isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters, better.
If you’ve been feeling stretched thin or unsure how to grow without losing your spark, this episode will feel like a deep breath.
Listen to “Scaling Your Design Business Without Losing Your Sanity: A Coaching Conversation” — available now on Success by Design wherever you get your podcasts.
#InteriorDesignBusiness #SuccessByDesign #DesignPodcast #CreativeEntrepreneur #DesignBusinessGrowth

If you’ve ever felt torn between designing and running your business, you’re not alone. Scaling a design firm isn’t just about getting more clients or bigger projects. It’s about building something sustainable without burning yourself out in the process.
In this week’s episode of Success by Design, I’m sharing what scaling actually looks like — the real decisions, mindset shifts, and systems that keep your creativity intact as your business grows.
Here’s a quick peek at what we dive into:
There’s a big difference between bringing on help and taking on someone’s livelihood. I talk about how I learned to hire smarter (and why it’s okay to start small with contract help).
If the word “systems” makes you cringe, this conversation will change your mind. I share the simple structure that lets me stay creative and sane — especially when the calendar gets chaotic.
Ever thought about adding a holiday or specialty service? I share how one small experiment turned into a surprisingly steady stream of revenue — and joy.
Spoiler: scaling isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters, better.
If you’ve been feeling stretched thin or unsure how to grow without losing your spark, this episode will feel like a deep breath.
Listen to “Scaling Your Design Business Without Losing Your Sanity: A Coaching Conversation” — available now on Success by Design wherever you get your podcasts.
#InteriorDesignBusiness #SuccessByDesign #DesignPodcast #CreativeEntrepreneur #DesignBusinessGrowth

insightful conversations & super RELATABLE!
Excited for a podcast directed towards interior designers that covers the business and creative mindsets needed to run a successful firm. Throwing in life balance to every conversation makes this super relatable. Great conversations.
Colorful Conversations is like having a fun chat with your artsy friend who also knows how to create success! Katie's podcast is a must-listen for folks who love design and want to make money from their creative passions. She keeps you in the loop about the latest design trends while dropping priceless tips on turning your creativity into a successful business. Whether you're a design enthusiast or a budding entrepreneur, Katie's show is a goldmine of ideas and inspiration. So, tune in and get ready to blend style and success with her friendly and informative episodes – you won't want to miss it!
Why Don't you leave us a Review too?


Here's What listeners Are saying...
insightful conversations & super RELATABLE!
Excited for a podcast directed towards interior designers that covers the business and creative mindsets needed to run a successful firm. Throwing in life balance to every conversation makes this super relatable. Great conversations.
Colorful Conversations is like having a fun chat with your artsy friend who also knows how to create success! Katie's podcast is a must-listen for folks who love design and want to make money from their creative passions. She keeps you in the loop about the latest design trends while dropping priceless tips on turning your creativity into a successful business. Whether you're a design enthusiast or a budding entrepreneur, Katie's show is a goldmine of ideas and inspiration. So, tune in and get ready to blend style and success with her friendly and informative episodes – you won't want to miss it!
Why Don't you leave us a Review too?
Already running a high 6- or 7-figure design firm? Learn how Katie’s executive coaching helps top interior designers refine their operations, elevate their brand, and scale sustainably.

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