Giving can be a magical feeling! And as an interior designer, gift-giving can become a regular part of running your business. Not only does it feel good, but it’s also great for client retention and marketing. Our first new article this week suggests some wonderful gifts you can get for your clients at various stages during the project.
Next, we’re diving deep into your numbers and sharing some of the most important indicators of performance for your interior design business. Learn how to make sense of your profit margin, your client retention rate, and the effectiveness of your marketing spending! No more fumbling in the dark.
Finally, our Client Crush this week is WRJ Design, which has been named the winner of the 2025 RED Awards for the Colorado + Rockies region! Read more about the co-founders and their inspirations for the award-winning design, below.
Top Client Gift Suggestions and When to Send Them for Maximum Impact
Want to stand out and leave a lasting impression with your interior design clients? It’s time to rethink your approach to client gifting. In our latest blog, we explore the art of thoughtful, personalized gifts that strengthen client relationships and boost referrals without adding clutter. From wine that gives back to custom accessories and project wrap-up surprises, this guide will give you ideas to gift with intention and impact.
The KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) That Actually Matter for Interior Design Firms
Tired of tracking dozens of numbers in your business and not knowing what really matters? Our latest blog post breaks down the KPIs that actually move the needle for interior design firms, from profit margins and project efficiency to client referrals and marketing ROI. Start making smarter, faster decisions backed by data—and finally feel confident you’re on the right track.
WRJ Receives 2025 Red Award
WRJ Design, a renowned interior design firm, has been named the winner of the 2025 RED Awards by LUXE Interiors + Design magazine for the Colorado + the Rockies region. The award was presented at a special event in Chicago, where co-founders Rush Jenkins and Klaus Baer accepted the honor.
The winning project is a breathtaking 14-acre compound in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, designed for a discerning client with a deep appreciation for simplicity and harmony with nature. The compound features a main house, guest house, and boathouse, all centered around a serene pond. According to Jenkins, the client’s sophisticated taste and reverence for natural beauty were key inspirations for the design.
WRJ Design’s approach blends seamlessly with the Mountain West landscape, incorporating a palette of earthy tones, soft grays, and creamy whites. The interiors feature an array of hardwood finishes, including reclaimed barnwood, which pays homage to the region’s rich heritage. “Natural materials reign supreme,” noted LUXE, highlighting the project’s effortless fusion of rustic charm and refined elegance.
This achievement showcases WRJ Design’s expertise in crafting spaces that not only reflect their surroundings but also elevate the art of interior design.
Photos by RD Donahoo
Wearing all the hats in your design business? You’re not alone. Many designers struggle to let go of tasks they dislike or aren’t skilled at—and it costs them time, energy, and profit.
That’s where Gail Doby, co-founder of Pearl Collective, comes in. With two decades of experience running her own firm and helping designers grow profits by up to 500%, she’s the go-to expert on building teams that fuel real business growth—without the burnout.
Whether you’re hiring your first assistant or managing a growing studio, this session will help you step back from the tasks that drain you and step into your role as a CEO.
Catch up on the Creative Genius Podcast and all of our latest episodes, featuring guests like Tina Ramchandani, Jane Dagmi, Matthew Tenzin, Mike Agugliaro, and many more! Listen on our podcast page, or find us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.