170: Terri Brien | Leveraging Transferable Skills

Today we welcome Terri Brien, owner and principal designer of Terri Brien Interiors based in San Clemente, CA. In this episode Terri shares her experience working with a residential home builder for over nineteen years and the many lessons learned about design and business that influenced her current business model like detailed processes, time management, and problem solving. We also talk about the many ways that as a now solopreneur Terri has relied on our design community to build a network of trusted allies and resources to help her navigate the ever complex business of design.

Show Highlights:

• From Corporate to Solopreneurship: How Terri transitioned from a design management role to starting her own firm.

• The Power of Process: Why process mapping is essential for client satisfaction and team collaboration.

• Community & Networking: Building relationships with industry peers and leveraging shared knowledge.

• Lessons from Residential Builders: Insights from working on 50-70 homes per year and the impact on her design philosophy.

• Client-Centric Design: Understanding clients' true needs through communication and material knowledge.

Notable Quotes:

• "Getting out of my own way was the biggest challenge. I realized I already had a strong foundation; I just needed to trust it."

• "Mapping your process isn't just for efficiency—it's about identifying pain points for clients, trades, and yourself and finding ways to make the entire experience better."

• "It's our job as designers to look beyond what clients say they want and dig into what they truly need for long-term happiness."

Supporting Resources:

• Learn More About Terri Brien Interiors: Visit Terri's Website

• Follow Terri on Instagram: @terri.brien.interiors

• Register for the Design Biz Power Course: Sign Up Here

Sponsor Links:

A big thank you to our sponsors:

• James and James Trade Program – Makers of solid hardwood furniture, supporting the design trade with quality craftsmanship and customization.

• Design Manager – A comprehensive project management and accounting platform for interior design professionals.

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