Most interior designers begin in a whirl of creativity, energy and optimism. In an average working week, they will act as designer, specifier, accountant, project manager, client liaison, IT support, office dogsbody and tea-lady. There is no time to spare for marketing the business or finding new clients. Workflows are impossible to manage, and famine follows feast in a never-ending cycle that can be difficult to break. This is the curse of the small business. Yet some design businesses seem to quickly grow and effortlessly thrive acquiring prestige and financial success along the way. Their founders serene, glamorous and much admired. So, what is their secret? At what point did they make the jump to hyperspace? And how did they orchestrate it? In this episode, we are joined by two very special guests, successful designer Lindsey Rendall, British Institute of Interior Design President and founding partner of Rendall and Wright, and Rose Murray, founder and creative force behind These White Walls, to find out they did it. This episode was recorded at the Parkside Studio in Clerkenwell - thanks to Parkside for their support. We are a Wildwood production. ...
In this special episode, we look at the unethical practice of kick-backs in interior design on the day that the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID) launches its Kick Out the Kick-Backs campaign. Susie and Jeff are joined by Katherine Elworthy, COO of the BIID, to find out more about the potential issues that can arise for interior designers and how the Kick Out The Kick-Backs campaign can help. Recorded in the Experience Centre of BIID Industry Partner, Lutron, this episode is released to coincide with International Anti-Corruption Day 2019. ...
We're in Manchester to explore the chemistry between interior designers and private residential clients. It can be hugely satisfying and fun to work on private residential projects. Indeed, interior designers can have a massively positive impact on the lives of clients and their families. All designers dream of working for delighted, grateful, non-quibbling, fee-paying, private clients, but, in reality, how easy is this to achieve? And, what can you do to avoid some of the possible pitfalls? Fiona Watkins of Fiona Watkins Design joins co-host Susie Rumbold, Head of Tessuto Interiors and a Past President of the British Institute of Interior Design, to share their experiences and offer practical advice. We also take the temperature of business in the North with the help of Natalie Holden from NH Interiors and Melinda Kiss of Keyhole Interiors. Natalie and Melinda are the founders of Concept North, the region's fast-growing community for designers. We find out what Concept North is all about and the type of events, activities and support that they offer to help interior designers in the North. This episode is recorded in the Havwoods Manchester Showroom, located in Deansgate, the Design Quarter of the city. The Interior Design Business is a Wildwood and Alfi Media production. ...