Episodes
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133 Pressing Pause: Reflecting on 133 Episodes
After 133 episodes, 85 interviews, 54 solo shows, and two live events… I’m pressing pause on the Design Dialogues podcast. This isn’t goodbye forever, but it does feel like the right moment to stop, breathe, and reflect on what’s next. When I started this podcast back in July 2023, I honestly...
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132 Your Second (or Third) Career: Why Your Past Experience is Your Secret Weapon
In this episode of Design Dialogues, I’m sharing why your second, third, or even fourth career is not a setback — it’s actually your biggest strength as a designer. I know it’s easy to feel like you’re behind if you didn’t study interiors straight out of school. But the truth is, the skills and...
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131 A Dialogue with Alison Wheeler
This week on Design Dialogues, I’m joined by Alison Wheeler, founder of boutique digital advertising agency Society State. Alison’s mission? To take the mystery (and stress!) out of social media advertising for small creative businesses. From starting out in PR and events to running a thriving...
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130 Conquering the Showroom Jitters: How to Walk In With Confidence
In this episode, I’m tackling a topic every interior designer has faced at some point: the nerves that come with walking into a showroom. From imposter syndrome to sales pressure, I’ve been there myself (yes, awkward mumbling about fabric samples included!). But here’s the truth: showrooms need…
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129 A Dialogue with Lisa Sinagra
This week I’m joined by Lisa Sinagra, interior designer, founder of Stylis Creations, and the driving force behind the Perth Design Community. With more than 20 years in the industry, Lisa knows the real ups and downs of running a design business—and she’s passionate about making sure other...
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128 Why Your Brand Story Matters More Than Ever
In this solo episode of Design Dialogues, I’m exploring one of the most powerful tools an interior designer has in today’s crowded market: your brand story. With more designers setting up studios across Australia — from city hubs to growing regional areas — standing out is no longer just about…
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127 A Dialogue with Marc Bennett
In this episode, I’m joined by Marc Bennett, Marketing Director at Momo Handles, a brand that has redefined what thoughtful, well-designed hardware can do for a space. Marc’s story is one of longevity, craftsmanship, and connection. With over 30 years of experience in the interiors industry, he’s...
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126 The Missing Piece: What Design School Doesn’t Prepare You For
In this solo episode, I’m exploring a question I hear so often from interior designers who are just starting out — how do you bridge the gap between design school and running your own studio? Whether you’re stepping into design as a second or third career, or you’re graduating and wondering what...
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125 A Dialogue with Laura Hur
In this week’s episode of Design Dialogues, I’m joined by Washington, DC–based interior designer Laura Hur, founder of Lorla Studio. Laura’s journey into design is anything but conventional — from growing up in Key West surrounded by stacks of shelter magazines, to earning her master’s at Pratt...
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124 You Can’t Do It All (And You Shouldn’t Try)
In this solo episode, I’m sharing a personal story about the part of my interior design business I used to dread: documentation. It drained my energy, stole my time, and left me feeling constantly behind. Instead of pushing through, I chose to outsource—and it changed everything. If you’ve ever...
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123 A Dialogue with Hannah Brown
In this episode of Design Dialogues, I’m joined by Hannah Brown, the founder of Hey! Design, a Central Coast-based documentation expert supporting interior designers, cabinet makers, and builders with the technical side of interior design. Hannah shares her fascinating journey from working in…
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122 Is This Still Working for You? Avoiding Burnout & Redefining Success
In this solo episode, I’m sharing something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately: What happens when the business you worked so hard to build no longer fits the life you want to live? After my recent conversation with Shelley Boyd (Episode 121), I felt compelled to explore what it really means to...
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121 A Dialogue with Shelley Boyd
In this episode, I sit down with Shelley Boyd, founder of Boyd Blue, to discuss her remarkable 26-year journey building a wholesale furniture and design business. From starting in 1999 to navigating through economic downturns and a pandemic, Shelley shares candid insights about supplier...
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120 Rethinking Time Blocking: How Interior Designers Can Plan with Flexibility
After a little time away (hello, school holidays and a much-needed breather), we're back and really looking forward to this next season of Design Dialogues. The break gave me time to reflect on how I run my own business—what’s working, what needs adjusting, and how I want to structure my weeks...
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119 A Dialogue with Eliza Smoothey
In this episode, I’m joined by Eliza Smoothey, founder of Eliza Grace Interiors, to talk about building a multi-stream interior design business that’s both sustainable and intentional. With over 12 years of experience, Eliza shares how she’s strategically grown her studio to include full-service...
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118 Stop Doing Everything Yourself - The Power of Strategic Partnerships
In this episode, I talk about why collaboration is one of the most powerful—and underutilised—strategies for sustainable growth in interior design studios. If you’ve ever felt like you need to do everything yourself—concepts, drawings, sourcing, admin, installs—you’re not alone. But trying to…
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117 A Dialogue with Fiona Killackey
In this episode, I sit down with Fiona Killackey — business coach, author, and founder of My Daily Business — to talk about building a business that supports your life, not the other way around. Fiona shares her refreshing take on what it means to run a values-led creative business in 2025, why...
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Winter Series A Dialogue with Jane Ledger
Winter Series - The Design Dialogues Podcast is taking a break over the winter holidays - time to regroup and recharge, ready for the rest of 2025. I have selected some of my favourite guests for you to have a second list to as I am sure you will get so much out of them. Our Thursday episodes…
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Winter Series A Dialogue with Gavin Hepper
Winter Series - The Design Dialogues Podcast is taking a break over the winter holidays - time to regroup and recharge, ready for the rest of 2025. I have selected some of my favourite guests for you to have a second list to as I am sure you will get so much out of them. Our Thursday episodes…
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Winter Series A Dialogue with Sheshi Rogers
Winter Series - The Design Dialogues Podcast is taking a break over the winter holidays - time to regroup and recharge, ready for the rest of 2025. I have selected some of my favourite guests for you to have a second list to as I am sure you will get so much out of them. Our Thursday episodes…
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Winter Series A Dialogue with Justine McLean
Winter Series - The Design Dialogues Podcast is taking a break over the winter holidays - time to regroup and recharge, ready for the rest of 2025. I have selected some of my favourite guests for you to have a second list to as I am sure you will get so much out of them. Our Thursday episodes…
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Winter Series A Dialogue with Donna Guyler
Winter Series - The Design Dialogues Podcast is taking a break over the winter holidays - time to regroup and recharge, ready for the rest of 2025. I have selected some of my favourite guests for you to have a second list to as I am sure you will get so much out of them. Our Thursday episodes…
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116 Why You Need a Success Plan (Not a Business Plan)
In this episode, I explain why interior designers need a "success plan" rather than a traditional business plan. Learn how to create a living, breathing document that defines success on your terms, tracks what matters most to you, and helps you stay focused on building a business that supports…
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115 Real Designer Questions, Real Solutions - Pricing, Marketing & Growth Challenges
In this Q&A episode, I answer real questions from interior designers covering the challenges we all face in building sustainable design businesses. From pricing confidence and marketing strategy to speaking opportunities and avoiding burnout, this episode tackles the practical issues that keep...
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114 Systems That Scale - Why Processes Are the Backbone of Growth
In this episode, I reveal why systems are the secret sauce behind every confident, growing design studio. Learn what systems actually are (hint: it's not complicated tech stacks), discover the top three systems every interior designer needs, and understand how creating repeatable processes...
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113 A Dialogue with Residence Studio
In this episode, I sit down with Tara Debozorghi and Laure Bebbington, the dynamic duo behind Residence Studio. Despite being "chalk and cheese", they've built a thriving design business by leveraging their complementary strengths. From their partnership origin story to their approach to team...
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112 Play to Your Strengths: Who You Need on Your Dream Team
In this episode, I reveal why knowing your strengths and building the right support team is essential for a sustainable design business. Learn how to identify which tasks drain your energy, determine what type of support to hire first, and make the mindset shift from doing everything yourself to...
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111 A Dialogue with Daniela Furtado
https://www.findabledigitalmarketing.com/newsletter/In this episode, I sit down with Daniela Furtado from Findable Digital Marketing to discuss why most interior designers aren't seeing results from their social media efforts. Daniela reveals why campaign marketing outperforms "always on"…
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110 When Business Feels Tough - What You Do Next Is What Counts
In this episode, I address the reality that running an interior design business can sometimes feel overwhelming, frustrating, or just plain hard. Learn why these challenging periods don't mean you're doing it wrong or that you're not cut out for business ownership. Discover practical strategies…
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109 The Fee Proposal Process That Converts Inquiries to Clients
In this episode, I share a recent fee proposal story that highlights why having a structured process for converting inquiries to clients is essential for interior designers. Learn how to handle fee proposals efficiently, build strong B2B referral relationships, and why asking for feedback when…
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108 Going from Designer to a Studio Leader
In this episode, I reveal the critical mindset shift that separates designers who are constantly overwhelmed from those who run thriving studios. Learn why stepping into leadership isn't about ego but ownership, the common mindset blocks holding designers back, and practical steps to start…
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107 A Dialogue with Woods and Warner
In this episode, I sit down with Jacinta Woods and Sonia Warner, the dynamic duo behind Woods and Warner, to celebrate their 18-year partnership in interior design. From starting their business during the GFC to building a thriving studio with a team of six, they share candid insights about...
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106 Hiring Your First Team Member: What You Need to Know
In this episode, I reveal the key signs it's time to hire your first team member and how to make this transition successfully. Learn how to identify what tasks to delegate, who to hire first, and why having systems in place before bringing someone on is absolutely critical for success. This…
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105 A Dialogue with Kelly Donougher
In this episode, Kelly Donougher of 13 Interiors shares her remarkable journey from mining superintendent to successful interior designer with studios in both Perth and Melbourne. Learn how she manages a thriving business across two cities, builds a cohesive team, and creates systems that allow…
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104 When to Move from Home Office to Studio Space
In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest decisions you'll face as your design business grows: when to move out of your home office and into a dedicated studio space. Learn the key signals that it's time to make the move, how to budget for this significant investment, and why a studio space…
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103 How to Charge for Your Interior Design Services
In this episode, I break down the different pricing models for interior designers and how to choose the right approach for your studio. From hourly rates to fixed fees, percentage-based pricing to hybrid models, learn how to charge appropriately for your work and make markup a sustainable, clear,...
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102 The Habits of Financially Savvy Designers
Being good with money isn't about being stingy or sacrificing creativity—it's about creating a business that sustains you. Financially savvy designers understand that a profitable business gives them more freedom to be creative, not less. I hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx I share a story about...
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101 A Dialogue with Michelle Canny
In this episode, Michelle Canny of Michelle Canny Interiors shares her approach to designing spaces with neurodiversity in mind. Learn how she creates environments that consider sensory needs, particularly for her son who is on the autism spectrum, and discover practical tips for incorporating...
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100 Lessons from 100 Conversations: What It Really Takes to Build a Thriving Studio
In this milestone 100th episode, I reflect on the journey of creating Design Dialogues and shares the most valuable lessons I've learned from conversations with designers across 100 episodes. From the importance of clear communication to building resilience, these insights have not only shaped…
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099 A Dialogue with Mia Fileman
In this episode, marketing expert Mia Fileman of Campaign Del Mar explains why campaign marketing isn't just for big brands with big budgets. Learn how small businesses can create high-impact, low-cost marketing campaigns that deliver real results, and why relying solely on "always on" social…
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098 Are You Leaving Money on the Table? Financial Systems to Protect Your Profit
The Reality of Design Business Finances • Why even the most talented designers can struggle financially • Common ways money slips through the cracks in design businesses • The mindset shift from "hobby" to "profitable business" Cashflow Tracking Essentials • How to set up proper accounting…
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097 Solo with Beth Why Your Studio Portfolio Is More Than Pretty Pictures
Why Most Portfolios Fall Short • The problem with showing only final images • Why a portfolio of just "after" photos is like "showing a wedding photo album to explain what marriage is like" • How clients view your portfolio differently than you might think Your Portfolio as a Communication Tool •...
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096 Why Every Interior Designer needs a Project Management System
Every interior designer knows the chaos of managing multiple projects simultaneously—design concepts to finalize, orders to place, client emails to answer, and site visits to attend. Without a centralized system, important details slip through the cracks, deadlines are missed, and stress levels...
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095 A Dialogue with Nikki McGar
In this week's episode, Nikki McGar shares her journey from Airbnb host to sought-after interior designer. Learn how she creates memorable vacation rental experiences through storytelling, incorporates vintage pieces with modern design, and builds a thriving design business in the Geelong area. I...
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094 Project Timelines: How to Prevent Client Frustration and Stay in Control
In this episode, I tackle one of the biggest stress points for interior designers: project timelines. If you've ever had a client ask "When will this be done?" or "Why is this taking so long?", you know how frustrating timeline confusion can be. Learn how a clear, structured timeline doesn't just...
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093 A Dialogue with Daryl Wark and Sarah James
In this episode of Design Dialogues, I sit down with two experienced interior designers - Daryl Wark from Interiors by Daryl Wark and Sarah James from Greenwoods Home. This candid conversation reveals the realities of running a successful interior design studio and offers invaluable insights for...
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092 Client Communication Hacks: What Top Designers Do Differently
Most client frustrations don't come from bad design - they come from unclear communication. In this episode I provide actionable communication strategies to prevent problems before they start. I hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx Three Key Communication Strategies: • Proactive updates that…
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091 Understanding Client Indecision
Every interior designer will face indecisive clients at some point. This episode provides a structured approach to managing client indecision without endless back-and-forths or project delays. I hope you enjoy the episode Beth xx Download your free Client Decision Guide here Why Clients Struggle...
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090 How to Handle Scope Creep Without Burning Bridges
In this episode, we tackle scope creep - that slow, sneaky project killer that eats away at your profit, burns you out, and leaves you resenting even your best clients. Learn practical scripts and strategies to maintain clear boundaries while preserving great client relationships. I hope you…
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089 A Dialogue with Bea Lambos
Building a Successful Interior Styling Career | A Conversation with Bea Lambos This week I am joined by Bea Lambos from Bea & Co. as she shares her journey from kitchen design to becoming a sought-after interior stylist. With refreshing honesty, Bea reveals how networking, relationship building,...
About this show
The Design Dialogues Podcast is your go to interior design podcast. Through our conversations we will be inspired and educated so that you can build a succesful interior design studio.
Hosted by
Beth Bieske
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