Interior designers face many challenges in this unique industry. But we’re tackling two of them in our new articles this week! First, learn about why you shouldn’t pass on your trade discounts to clients. Then, we talk about the struggles of attempting to scale before your business is ready.
We also have two great new podcasts for you! First up is Mike Ufferman and Catrina Cooper of Loczi Design. Listen to their story of buying the business from the prior owner, and how, with the help of Pearl Collective Coaching, they’ve rocketed to new heights of success! Then Danae Branson of Elite Design Assistants returns to the podcast to speak on the advantages of virtual design assistants, as well as the pitfalls some designers may run into while outsourcing.
It’s a lot of great content to absorb this week, and we hope it resonates!
Finally, our Client Crush is Lisa Kahn, who was recently recognized for her charitable efforts! Read more at the bottom of this newsletter.
Designers, Stop Sharing Your Discounts
Your trade discounts are a reward for your professional relationships and a vital source of revenue, not something owed to the client. Passing them along can actually lead to serious legal and tax complications, potentially putting you out of business. Focus on the extraordinary value and expertise you bring to the table rather than becoming the “cheaper” option.
“I’m Ready to Scale, But I Feel Stuck”
Scaling isn’t just about doing more of the same; it’s about doing things differently to reclaim your time and freedom. Stop being the bottleneck in your design firm by auditing your team for cultural fit, staying in your zone of genius, and solidifying backend systems so you can run like a machine. Ready to move from a firefighter to a true CEO? Read our latest guide on how to build a business that thrives without your constant maintenance.
What happens when employees become owners? Mike Ufferman and Catrina Cooper join Gail Doby to share the “miraculous” story of buying Loczi Design on New Year’s Eve. From record losses to record profits, they reveal the raw truth about partnership, the “brothers and sisters” leadership dynamic, and why the “unreasonable” details are what truly wow their clients.
Are you drowning in tasks you hate? Danae Branson, founder of Elite Design Assistants, joins Gail Doby to share how she built a virtual powerhouse with over 110 assistants to help designers reclaim their time. From CAD drafting to sourcing and even senior designer support, Danae reveals how to successfully scale without the overhead of full-time payroll.
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.
Lisa Kahn, a distinguished leader in both design and philanthropy, was recently recognized among five women for their impactful charitable efforts. Through Finding Sanctuary by Lisa Kahn Designs, she has cultivated a brand dedicated to leveraging design for wellness and refuge, driven by her conviction that “Everyone deserves to live in a place designed for them.”
As President of STARability, Lisa is a powerful advocate, committed to highlighting the abilities of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and providing vital programming and support.
Under her guidance, a team of design professionals consistently delivers exceptional, personalized services, from conceptualization to complete turnkey solutions. Their work is anchored in the company’s vision: empowering clients to realize homes that are true reflections of their ideal sanctuary.
Congratulations to Lisa Kahn for this special recognition that is very well deserved!