Is your firm hiding deeper issues? This week’s new article shares five signs that you might have a culture problem that you’re not aware of. If any of these sound like you and your business, it’s time to take a look at how to stabilize your business in 2026.
We have two new podcasts this week! First, Gail catches up with designer Elissa Grayer to discuss her adventure through the business coaching process and how her design business has grown into what it is today, even through difficult times. Next, Gail talks with designer L.A. DeRiggi, whose young business has taken off like a rocket thanks to expert coaching and trusting his gut.
Don’t forget to take the Interior Design Business Survey! Share your 2025 experience and contribute to this industry-wide report.
5 Signs Your Design Firm’s Culture is Quietly Breaking
Is Your Design Firm’s Success Hiding a Culture Problem? Even a million-dollar business can be invisibly breaking if the owner remains the primary bottleneck or if hiring is done out of desperation. True success requires shifting from a “freelancer with helpers” mindset to becoming a CEO who prioritizes internal stability and accountability over external validation. Read our latest article to identify the five signs of a crumbling culture and learn how to build a firm that runs on repeatable systems rather than constant fire-fighting.
Are you running a design business or just flying by the seat of your pants? Elissa Grayer, founder of Elissa Grayer Interior Design, shares her design business evolution and the pivotal moment she realized she was leaving $800,000 on the table. She and Gail Doby discuss the necessity of financial forecasting, the hybrid team model, and the importance of a 10-year succession plan. A must-listen for designers looking to up-level their operations.
Luxury is an emotion, not a price point. L.A. DeRiggi of Hudson Park Design shares how he used his background in business and marketing to build an award-winning firm that connects with clients on a deeper level. From solo hiking in Sedona to navigating the AI revolution, L.A. explains why trusting your gut is the key to mastering your craft.
The interior design industry is evolving—and the businesses leading it are the ones willing to share what’s really happening behind the scenes.
This week’s focus: the 2025 Interior Design Business Practices Survey, developed by Pearl Collective in collaboration with American Society of Interior Designers, Business of Home, and Interior Talent.
In just 15 minutes, interior design business owners and independent practitioners can contribute real-world insight on:
- Fee structures and pricing models
- Business operations and team structures
- Growth trends shaping the future of the profession
Your responses will directly inform the 2025 Interior Design Business Practices Report, a benchmarking resource designed to help firms make smarter, more strategic decisions.
As a thank-you for participating, you may opt in to:
- A drawing to win one of five $200 gift cards
- Complimentary early access to the full report in April 2026
All responses are anonymous and reported only in aggregate.
Your voice matters.
Client Crush in the wild! We love getting to connect with our clients while they are traveling or on vacation. Patti and Shannon met in Mexico over Christmas and enjoyed the ocean breeze and sunshine together. Keep us in the loop on your travels. We would love to see you!
