Designing for Legacy: Fusing Craft, Tech & Purpose in the Home with Union Place

SUMMARY:In this high-value episode of Homegrown Hustle, we dive deep with Brian and Maud Duggan, the powerhouse couple behind Union Place — a second-generation business blending artisan interior design and design-minded home technology. Perfectly tailored for entrepreneurs with a growth mindset, this conversation explores scaling legacy businesses, fusing aesthetics with innovation, and aligning your work with meaningful community impact.From running a multi-disciplinary business to mentoring through civic work, Brian and Maud offer a masterclass in integrating craftsmanship, tech-savvy, and values into a brand that lasts. This isn’t just about homes — it’s about building a life and a business with intention.KEY TAKEAWAYS:The importance of evolving a legacy business while maintaining its foundational values.How “design-minded technology” creates seamless living environments.Why personalization and purpose matter more than trends in interior design.Practical lessons on working with your spouse and integrating family with entrepreneurship.How community leadership can organically extend your brand’s influence.CHAPTERS:00:00–01:00 — Introduction to Brian & Maud Duggan and Union Place’s legacy01:00–03:30 — Fusing interior design with custom home technology03:30–07:00 — Origin story: transitioning from solo ventures to a family business07:00–11:00 — Design philosophy: crafting spaces that reflect the client, not the designer11:00–15:00 — Moving away from trends like the “white and gray bomb” and beige safety15:00–18:30 — The renaissance of durability: why quality matters more than ever18:30–21:00 — Tech invisibility: making technology disappear into the design21:00–26:00 — Building summer homes for legacy experiences at Lake Minnetonka26:00–30:00 — How lifestyle and generational needs shape interior and tech decisions30:00–34:00 — Lifelong clients and relationship-driven business longevity34:00–38:00 — The Excelsior effect: rooted in a tight-knit, vibrant lake community38:00–44:00 — Leading change: Maud’s advocacy with Rotary, Imagination Library & food insecurity44:00–48:00 — Scaling impact through business and service — without needing the credit48:00–52:00 — Travel as creative fuel: how international exposure inspires innovation52:00–57:00 — Rapid fire: fake plants, smart homes, white bombs & the perfect number of pillows57:00–End — Humor, humanity, and real talk: blending work, life, and legacyGUEST RESOURCES:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnionPlaceMNWebsite: https://www.unionplace.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unionplaceinteriors/