Building Client Trust from Inquiry to Referral with Alex Azat

Season 8 of The Interior Collective Podcast is brought to you by Loloi.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Materio. Today on The Interior Collective, I’m joined by Alexandra Azat, founder of Plaster & Patina, a renovation-focused design studio known for its thoughtful work in historic homes and layered interiors. Alexandra has built a business rooted in trust, not just in aesthetic vision, but in process, execution, and financial stewardship. From the very first inquiry to the final walkthrough, her studio has developed a reputation for guiding clients confidently through complex renovations while protecting both the integrity of the home and the integrity of the investment. In this episode, we’re unpacking what it really means to build client trust. We talk about screening for alignment before signing, creating true design buy-in, leading with clarity during construction, and positioning yourself as a financial steward once a project budget is set. If you’ve ever felt the tension between creativity and control, or struggled to maintain client confidence through a renovation, this conversation is for you.