From attending events solo (and why that matters) to designing an elementary school rooted in sensory experience, Sam shares a thoughtful, grounded perspective on creativity, community, and designing with intention.

This conversation is a reminder that the design journey doesn’t start after graduation—it starts the moment you decide to show up.

Stay Connected:

1. Sign Up for Our Newsletter
2. ASID San Diego Website
3. LinkedIn
4. Follow us on Instagram
5. Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
6. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
7. Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
8. Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on the biggest takeaways from her talk and why they matter for interior designers at every stage of business. From embracing the idea that sales is part of service, to setting real revenue goals, to having clearer conversations about money, this episode is all about building a design business with more confidence and intention.

I also dive into one of the most important reminders from her talk: the best salespeople are often the best listeners. When we slow down, ask better questions, and truly hear what our clients need, we create stronger relationships and better outcomes.

Whether you’re an emerging professional or a seasoned designer, this episode is a reminder that business skills do not take away from your creativity—they support it.

Stay Connected:

1. Sign Up for Our Newsletter
2. ASID San Diego Website
3. LinkedIn
4. Follow us on Instagram
5. Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
6. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
7. Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
8. Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

After years of being asked by students and fellow designers what her days actually look like, Rachel walks you through her weekly rhythm—from focused admin days in her 500 sq ft ADU studio to client meetings, sourcing sessions, job site visits, and everything in between.

With 8–10 active projects at any given time—including a Brazilian steakhouse, second homes, kitchen remodels, and a one-of-a-kind astrology reading room—this episode offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the balance of creativity, logistics, leadership, and relationship-building that defines the profession.

You’ll hear how Rachel structures her week for efficiency, how she collaborates with her design assistant to manage procurement and operations, and why the “non-glamorous” side of design is actually what sets great designers apart.

Whether you're an emerging professional, a student, or simply curious about the industry, this episode demystifies the day-to-day and highlights what it really takes to bring thoughtful, well-executed spaces to life.

Connect with Rachel

rachel@tigerveil.com

instagram.com/tigerveil

Stay Connected:

1. Sign Up for Our Newsletter
2. ASID San Diego Website
3. LinkedIn
4. Follow us on Instagram
5. Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
6. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
7. Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
8. Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

In this episode of the Interior Design San Diego Podcast, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with Brittany Cartwright, Design Studio Director at Texture, a Barrio Logan–based design and fabrication studio known for bringing bold, custom ideas to life.

Texture has been shaping some of San Diego’s most memorable hospitality spaces—from beloved restaurants like Nolita Hall to cutting-edge installations for biotech campuses. What sets them apart is their unique ability to design, engineer, and fabricate complex elements all in-house, giving designers and clients a seamless path from concept to installation.

Brittany shares how Texture started with three architecture students working out of a garage and evolved into a multidisciplinary studio collaborating across hospitality, multifamily, commercial, and experiential design. She also explains how their recent rebrand into Texture Studio and Texture Architectural Fabrication (AF) reflects the company’s growing specialties.

Whether you're a designer with a big idea, a student exploring career paths, or a creative curious about fabrication, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how collaboration turns imagination into reality.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Texture combines interior design and fabrication to streamline projects

• Why involving fabricators early in the design process can save time and budget

• The design process Texture uses—from programming and concept through installation

• What designers should understand about lead times, sequencing, and fabrication realities

• How collaboration across disciplines leads to stronger, more creative design outcomes

Key Takeaway

One of Texture’s biggest strengths is their ability to bridge the gap between design vision and physical construction. By collaborating closely with fabricators, estimators, and engineers from the beginning, designers can push creativity further while staying grounded in what’s possible.

Community Spotlight: Texture Open House & SDAF Event

Brittany also shares details about Texture’s upcoming open house in Barrio Logan as part of the San Diego Architectural Foundation Open House.

RSVP Here

The event will feature:

• A behind-the-scenes look at Texture’s fabrication shop

• Local artists, makers, and designers exhibiting work

• A panel discussion with architects, designers, and builders (including Rachel!)

• A community graffiti mural project

• A Oh San Diego Wrap Party featuring espresso martinis, music, and local vendors

Wrap Party Tickets Here

It’s a unique opportunity for the San Diego design community to connect, collaborate, and celebrate creativity together.

Guest Bio

Brittany Cartwright is the Design Studio Director at Texture Studio, where she leads the interiors team on hospitality, retail, and multifamily projects. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, Brittany joined Texture over a decade ago and has helped grow the studio from a small five-person team into one of San Diego’s most dynamic design and fabrication studios.

Her work focuses on creating immersive spaces while collaborating closely with fabrication experts to bring complex custom ideas to life.

Stay Connected:

1. Follow Tecture here: instagram.com/tecture & instagram.com/tecturestudio
2. Tecture Website
3. Sign Up for Our Newsletter
4. ASID San Diego Website
5. LinkedIn
6. Follow us on Instagram
7. Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
8. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
9. Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
10. Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

What you’ll hear in this episode

1. How Lorena’s architecture-rooted upbringing shaped her “superpower” in design
2. The real reason merchandising/model homes became her masterclass in branding + emotional connection
3. How she landed opportunities with major retailers and built product/licensing partnerships (hint: ask, show up, follow through)
4. Her definition of “style”: experiential design—less ego, more user experience
5. Practical advice on contracts, IP ownership, and building a small-but-mighty international firm

Stay Connected:

1. Sign Up for Our Newsletter
2. ASID San Diego Website
3. LinkedIn
4. Follow us on Instagram
5. Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
6. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
7. Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
8. Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Jessica shares her journey from fine arts to hospitality design (including time at Hirsch Bedner Associates) and into academia, where she now champions sustainability, technology, and inclusive pathways into the profession.

What we cover:

1. How today’s design students are reshaping the industry with ethics, sustainability, and tech-forward thinking
2. Why associate degrees and community college pathways deserve more respect
3. How AI is being integrated into design education (and why it’s a tool—not a threat)
4. Palomar College’s new Bachelor of Science in Building Performance & Environmental Design—and why it’s a game changer
5. How firms can support students through mentorships and internships (and why it benefits everyone)

Get involved:

Jessica invites designers and firms to connect with students through internships, mentorship, guest lectures, and real-world collaboration. Email her at: jnewman1@palomar.edu

Info on Palomar's Interior Design program: Interior Design at Palomar College - Interior Design

Info on Palomar's BPED program: Bachelor of Science in Building Performance and Environmental Design - Building Performance and Environmental Design

Perspective and Sketching for Designers - YouTube

Jessica's Book: Perspective and Sketching for Designers (Fashion Series): Newman, Jessica, Beduhn, Jack: 9780132574945: Amazon.com: Books

Jessica's art paintings: JESSICA NEWMAN - ARTIST

Cityscape paintings of San Diego: Jessica Newman Art

About Jessica Newman:

She is an associate professor and the lead faculty for the Interior Design department at Palomar College. She is also the co-lead for Palomar’s first bachelors degree program in Building Performance and Environmental Design. Jessica is a designer, artist, author, and professor. She has an AA and BFA in Interior Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and an MFA in Painting and an MA in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. Jessica has worked for a number of architecture and interior design firms in New York, Atlanta, and San Diego, including the top hospitality design firm in the world, Hirsch Bedner & Associates. Some of the various types of projects she has worked on include; public schools, private colleges, assisted living facilities, office spaces, churches, four and five-star hotels, and private homes. Jessica has been teaching at the college level for over 20 years. She is also an internationally published author. Her textbook Perspective and Sketching for Designers has been published in English and Mandarin. She also has a YouTube channel of the same name, with over 50 free instructional videos for students. Jessica is also an oil painter who exhibits regularly in San Diego, and nationally. Her oil paintings focus on cityscapes and the built environment.

Stay Connected:

1. Sign Up for Our Newsletter
2. ASID San Diego Website
3. LinkedIn
4. Follow us on Instagram
5. Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
6. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
7. Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
8. Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

In this episode, you’ll hear:

1. How a fifth-grade dream became a focused path in interior architecture
2. Why personal experiences in healthcare spaces shaped Julia’s design lens
3. The gap between design school and business—and how internships help
4. How students are actually using AI in their projects
5. Julia’s advice for new design students: say yes, show up, and let your interests evolve

About Julia

Julia Savas is a senior graduating this semester from San Diego State University’s School of Art and Design. A four-year ASID member, they studied architecture abroad in Florence and gained hands-on experience as an intern with Humble Design and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. As they prepare for post-graduation, they’re embracing the transition from student to emerging professional; pursuing certifications, licensure, and meaningful connections within San Diego’s design community, with a long-term focus on healthcare architecture.

Stay Connected:

1. Sign Up for Our Newsletter
2. ASID San Diego Website
3. LinkedIn
4. Follow us on Instagram
5. Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
6. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
7. Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
8. Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Anjum shares how motherhood, resilience, and a passion for creative freedom shaped the evolution of her studio—and how a single ASID showcase bathroom led to her biggest project to date: the iconic Sofia Hotel. If you’ve ever wondered how small residential jobs can lead to big opportunities, or what it takes to transition into hospitality design, this episode is for you.

🌟 Highlights:

1. Anjum’s early spark: Following her architect cousin on site visits in India
2. Finding design footing: Navigating identity, licensing, and inspiration in a new country
3. From freelance to founder: How flexibility and intuition shaped her firm’s growth
4. Landing the Sofia Hotel: A career-defining opportunity born from an ASID showcase
5. Hospitality design today: Tech integration, sustainability, and business-minded creativity
6. Teaching and mentorship: Why sharing knowledge gives just as much as it gets

🛎️ Key Takeaways:

1. Design exposure matters – Participating in ASID showcases directly led to Anjum’s hospitality work.
2. Hospitality is business – Great design must align with guest experience and the owner's bottom line.
3. Stay adaptable – Whether designing 200 unique hotel rooms or shifting to tech-integrated spaces, flexibility is key.
4. Your background is a strength – Anjum’s architectural foundation and global perspective set her apart.
5. Mentorship multiplies impact – Teaching at NewSchool and mentoring ASID members keeps her connected and inspired.

About Anjum Razvi

President | Founder. Anjum Razvi has a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, is a professional member of ASID and is certified by CCIDC and NCIDQ. Her design firm provides interior design services that include residential properties, hospitality properties, commercial businesses and office spaces.

Razvi Design Studio specializes in guiding clients through the endless decisions required for new home construction or an extensive architectural remodel. The designers skillfully detail materials and furnishings to create a unique finished style that is both functional and beautiful. Design expertise includes whole homes, kitchens, baths, custom built-ins, material specifications and more. The design firm provides aesthetic and pragmatic design solutions for public areas and guest rooms of boutique hotel properties, both historical and new. No matter what type of project, they specialize in the intelligent integration of architecture and interior design to create an extraordinary environment.

Additionally, Anjum has been an adjunct professor at The New School of Architecture and Design in their Interior Architecture program since 2019. She is the recipient of several awards for both service to ASID as well as for design excellence competitions and has been widely published in magazines and coffee table books over the years.

WEBSITE: www.razvidesign.com

EMAIL: arazvi@razvidesign.com

instagram.com/designerar

Stay Connected:

1. Sign Up for Our Newsletter
2. ASID San Diego Website
3. LinkedIn
4. Follow us on Instagram
5. Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
6. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
7. Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
8. Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Whether you're a seasoned designer or just stepping into the field, this episode is packed with practical advice for making the most of your Spruce Up experience—from tools to bring, how to prep, and the key to turning consultations into long-term clients.

What You'll Learn:

1. What the Spring Spruce Up is (and why it matters)
2. Rachel’s tried-and-true prep and follow-up strategy
3. What types of consultations to expect (spoiler: it’s not all paint picks!)
4. How AI tools like Plaud can streamline your follow-ups
5. The power of bringing students along for the ride

Key Takeaways:

1. 20% of Rachel’s consultations have turned into full projects
2. Following up within 24 hours makes all the difference
3. Tangible tools like paint kits and business cards go a long way—especially with older clients
4. Recording your sessions (with permission!) can simplify your follow-up workflow
5. It’s a fundraiser—but also a powerful lead generator

ASID Spring Spruce Up Requirements:

1. Must be an ASID member in good standing
2. Minimum of 3 years of professional design experience
3. Available March 1 – April 31, 2026
4. Sign up deadline 1/31/26
5. Sign up link.

Stay Connected:

1. Sign Up for Our Newsletter
2. ASID San Diego Website
3. LinkedIn
4. Follow us on Instagram
5. Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
6. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
7. Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
8. Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

💡 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Lauri’s Path Into Design

Lauri shares her winding journey from communications school (thanks, Mom!) to finding her people at the Art Institute of San Diego, and how her thesis project turned into her first real professional opportunity.

✨ Finding Community Through ASID

Hear how a single volunteer signup led Lauri into leadership — from event chair roles to chapter president. She breaks down how getting involved early can instantly transform your experience from outsider to insider.

📍 Region-to-Region Design Culture

Lauri has worked across San Diego, Orange County, and Arizona. She reflects on the subtle cultural shifts between regions and elevates San Diego for its sophisticated, collaborative design vibe that sometimes goes under the radar.

🤝 Collaboration Over Ego

A core theme of this episode: design isn’t done in isolation. Lauri underscores why collaboration — with peers, industry partners, manufacturers, and clients — is the backbone of successful work and stronger design communities.

↻ Leadership Lessons Through Challenges

From near-board-collapse moments to unexpectedly busy events, Lauri shares candid stories on resilience, pivoting, and why persistence wins in leadership and design.

🎓 What ASID Needs for the Next Gen

Lauri offers actionable insight into how ASID (and industry at large) can better serve emerging designers — from pathways to licensure to business fundamentals that go beyond cocktail-hour networking.

🏡 Sunset West & Designer Partnerships

Learn what drew Lauri to her current role at Sunset West, how the brand uniquely supports designers (like no minimums and quick lead times), and how manufacturer–designer partnerships are evolving to be more transparent, educational, and collaborative.

⚡ Confidence & Creative Identity

Lauri wraps with an empowering message for designers: embrace your unique skill set, trust your voice, and recognize the depth of capabilities you already bring to the table.

📅 Key Takeaways

1. Volunteer roles are career accelerators — you don’t have to wait for opportunity; step in and the community will meet you there.
2. Leadership is about recreating spaces where others feel connected, not about titles or ego.
3. San Diego designers are world-class — and it’s time that reputation gets louder.
4. Emerging professionals need more than events — they need tools, pathways, and business literacy.
5. Partnerships with manufacturers are strongest when built on education, transparency, and mutual support.
6. Confidence in your craft is as essential as technical skills.

🎯 Who This Episode Is For

✔ Emerging designers or recent graduates

✔ Mid‑career professionals looking to deepen community connections

✔ ASID members or industry partners

✔ Designers navigating leadership roles

✔ Anyone curious about the intersection of design, collaboration, and growth

🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned

🔗 Sunset West

Website | @sunsetwestusa

Email: info@sunsetwestusa.com

🔗 Connect with Lauri through ASID events and local chapter collaborations

(Links via your platform)

🎧 Final Thought

This episode reminds us that design is a collective journey — one where mentorship, community, resilience, and shared knowledge shape not just spaces, but the people who create them.

1. Sign Up for Our Newsletter
2. ASID San Diego Website
3. LinkedIn
4. Follow us on Instagram
5. Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
6. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
7. Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
8. Questions, sponsorship or feed back: rachel@tigerveil.com

Laura opens up about what it takes to run a small design firm with intention, how to shape meaningful client experiences, and how she maintains creativity, balance, and joy in her business. This conversation dives deep into systems, process, boundaries, burnout, and evolution — offering practical insights for designers at every stage of their career.

🎧 What You’ll Learn

1. Defining Your Design Identity

Laura describes her core design ethos — livable luxury — where beauty meets practical living, especially for families with pets and kids.

She discusses discovering her creative calling early and pursuing interior design with purpose from the very beginning.

2. Intentional Business Choices

Instead of building a large firm, Laura chose a small, personal studio to protect flexibility, quality, and client relationships — especially important once she started a family.

3. Team, Hiring & Scale

Laura talks about finding the right team members, why design education mattered in her hiring decisions, and the moment she knew she needed help to sustain her business.

4. Defining Success on Your Terms

Success, for Laura, has shifted from accolades and publication to quality of life — like taking a two‑week vacation knowing her business hums without her.

5. A Client Experience Built Around Trust & Process

Laura walks through her three‑stage client journey (Kickoff → Concept → Detailed Design) that helps keep projects calm, clear, and collaborative. She discusses how setting expectations, communication channels, and deliverables upfront creates strong relationships and better outcomes.

6. Burnout, Recalibration, and Coaching

Laura shares how COVID pushed her to the brink, and how working with both a business coach and life coach helped her recalibrate, establish healthier rhythms, and sustain creativity.

7. How Laura Fills Her Creative Well

From time in nature to trade shows and exhibitions like Salone del Mobile Milano, Laura reveals how she intentionally refuels her imagination.

8. Hard Lessons & Smart Systems

Important takeaways include having rock‑solid contracts, flat‑fee pricing models that respect time and scope, payment boundaries, and clear communication to avoid confusion downstream.

About Laura:

Laura Abrams Design, Inc. is a full service, boutique interior design firm located in San Diego, CA. LAD has designed projects all over the United States and abroad including new construction and remodeling.

Lead designer Laura Abrams is a National Certification for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) exam-certified designer and active member of the American Society of Interior Designers. With over 20 years of experience, Laura studied Interior Design at Florida State University and the Interior Design Institute in Milan, Italy. She has won multiple design awards and has been recognized in magazines including the Wall Street Journal, San Diego Home and Garden, Florida Design, Modern Luxury and more.

LAD, Inc. specializes in residential design and is passionate about guiding and educating their clients through the journey of home design.

Laura’s design style is livable luxury and the spaces she provides are calming, inviting and practical for everyday living. She spends a great deal of time getting to know her clients so their homes are truly an extension of who they are. Her goal is to create spaces that bring joy, calm and connection through combining her clients’ needs with her design expertise.

Stay Connected:

1. WEBSITE: lauraabramsdesign.com
2. EMAIL: laura@lauraabramsdesign.com
3. Sign Up for Our Newsletter
4. ASID San Diego Website
5. LinkedIn
6. Follow us on Instagram
7. Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
8. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
9. Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
10. Questions, sponsorship or feed back: rachel@tigerveil.com

We cover everything from how I landed my first client (hi, Thumbtack!) to what I really wish someone told me before starting my own firm. Lynn brings the smart questions—and I’m sharing it all: the messy parts, the wins, and why community and mentorship (hello, ASID!) have mattered most along the way.

Whether you’re a student, emerging designer, or just curious what happens behind the scenes of a boutique design studio, this episode is full of real talk and real tools.

👂 What you’ll hear in this episode:

1. How I made the leap from showrooms to solo designer
2. My philosophy on pricing, flat fees, and charging what you’re worth
3. A business mistake I made recently—and what it taught me
4. Why having a mentor (or becoming one) changes everything
5. The role ASID San Diego has played in my career—and how to get involved now

✨ “If you’re not being invited to the table—make your own table.”

About Lynn Salbato:

Lynn Salbato is currently completing her Certificate in Interior Design at San Diego Mesa College, a path inspired by a lifelong love for the visual world and a desire to create evocative atmospheres. Working alongside her husband, she focuses on Interior Design for Masterworks Construction Co. and serves as a Realtor with Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, helping homeowners recognize the potential in a property and translate that vision into reality.

When she isn’t focusing on her design work, Lynn is a volunteer for the San Diego Architectural Foundation’s annual Open House (OH!) event and an active member of Toastmasters International. She leverages this multi-faceted expertise to help her clients navigate the entire process of purchasing, designing, and bringing their projects to life.

Stay Connected:

1. Sign Up for Our Newsletter
2. ASID San Diego Website
3. LinkedIn
4. Follow us on Instagram
5. Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
6. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
7. Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
8. Questions, sponsorship or feed back: rachel@tigerveil.com

Hosted by Rachel Larraine Crawford, ASID Allied

Happy New Year, design community! In this solo episode, Rachel kicks off 2026 with a fresh (and grounding) perspective on what’s actually worth paying attention to—beyond the “what’s in / what’s out” lists flooding your feed every January.

You’ll hear the trends showing up in meaningful ways this year, a handful of unexpected aesthetic shifts worth watching, and the timeless design truths that never go out of style. Rachel also shares ASID San Diego chapter updates, how to get involved as a member or sponsor, and a simple design prompt to carry into the new year.

Chapter Updates + Save the Date

Rachel opens with gratitude for ASID San Diego members, volunteers, and industry partners who helped make the chapter’s programming, events, and collaborations possible.

Sponsorship opportunities for 2026 are still available.

If you or your company want to support programming, education, or outreach, reach out to ASID San Diego’s president: president@CASD.ASID.org

Next Chapter Meeting

January 21 (third Wednesday of the month) at Visions Museum of Textile Art (Liberty Station)

Topic: Custom Window Treatments — a frequently overlooked design element with major aesthetic impact and profit potential. Rachel teases a conversation on elevating projects through custom solutions, client relationships, motorization/tech, and where craftsmanship still matters in the age of AI.

To RSVP / attend: membership@CASD.ASID.org (Membership Chair: Kendra)

What’s Trending in 2026 (The Meaningful Shifts)

Rachel breaks down the trends designers are already noticing—and why they matter beyond surface style.

1) Earthy + Moody Color Palettes

• A continued move away from gray/white toward sun-washed clay, moss green, dusty rose and other grounded hues.
• At the same time: a resurgence of deep forest green, inky navy, charcoal, oxblood, even black-on-black for cocoon-like, luxe spaces.
• Takeaway: These palettes aren’t loud—they’re emotionally intelligent, creating sanctuary and depth.

2) Texture-Forward, Sensory Materials

Luxury is shifting from “shiny” to tactile: plaster, brushed limestone, honed stone, character woods, coarse linen, chunky textiles.

Takeaway: Designers are specifying for the body as much as the eye—helping clients feel more grounded in a post-digital world.

3) Reimagined Nostalgia

Not literal replicas—more like memory translated: curved cabinetry, fluted glass, low-slung seating, subtle checkerboard, with nods to the 70s and 90s (without going full theme).

Takeaway: Nostalgia becomes a doorway to storytelling and comfort.

4) Wellness as the Baseline

Wellness is no longer an add-on. Expect more:

• Circadian lighting
• Acoustic zoning
• Air quality upgrades
• Low-VOC / non-toxic materials
• Nature integration (plants, water, natural light)
• Takeaway: Clients are asking how a space feels, supports stress levels, sleep, and energy—not just how it looks.

5) Personalization Over “Perfect”

The catalog-perfect interior is giving way to homes with soul: handmade pieces, layered art, heirlooms, mixed metals/woods, story-driven choices.

Takeaway: Meaning beats status. Local makers and artist collaborations become a standout value-add.

Unexpected Trends Worth Watching

Rachel shares a few emerging shifts that may not be on the usual “top 10” lists.

• Bold aesthetic fusion (playful, cross-cultural, eclectic “attitude” aesthetics seen on platforms like Pinterest)
• Wallpaper in unexpected places (ceilings, cabinets, closets, mural-scale, textured coverings, narrative prints as “art”)
• Comforting chaos + pattern drenching (layered patterns with intention—not randomness)
• Experimental material concepts (unconventional combos, repurposed elements, story-driven objects)
• Spatial reconfiguration (modular layouts, “spaces within spaces,” intentional vignettes vs. default open plan)

Design Truths That Never Go Out of Style

When trend noise gets loud, Rachel recommends returning to these pillars:

1. Light is everything
2. Great design choreographs light—natural + artificial—to shape mood, rhythm, and experience.
3. Design must serve life
4. Function is the foundation of beauty. If it doesn’t support how someone lives, it’s just a stage set.
5. Storytelling is the ultimate aesthetic
6. Instead of “What’s in?” ask: “What matters here?” Narrative-driven design transcends style categories.
7. Sustainability drives better creativity
8. Sustainability isn’t sacrifice—it’s better questions, better materials, better longevity. A compass, not a constraint.
9. Community creates better work
10. Design thrives in dialogue—with peers, mentors, vendors, makers, and clients. You don’t have to do it alone.

How to Guide Clients Away From Trends That Won’t Serve Them

Rachel shares a practical approach designers can use in real client conversations:

• Start with curiosity: What draws you to this trend—the look, the feeling, the memory?
• Translate the emotion: deliver the spirit of the trend in a way that fits their lifestyle.
• Educate with kindness: help them understand maintenance and real-life implications (especially with families/pets).
• Remind them: timeless means personal (not beige).

A 2026 Design Prompt

Choose:

• One trend that excites you, and
• One design truth that grounds you
• …and commit to designing from both places this year.

Rachel shares her own: deep color + layered patterns/textures, grounded in storytelling.

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

In this solo episode, I’m walking you through the exact process I use to plan my year—not just for projects and profits, but for alignment. This isn’t a rigid goal-setting workshop or a “new year, new you” kind of vibe. It’s a cozy, journal-in-hand moment to reflect on what worked (and what didn’t) in 2025, dream into what’s possible for 2026, and make a plan that feels like you.

Whether you're on a walk, between site visits, or curled up on the couch, this is your permission slip to slow down, zoom out, and reconnect with your vision as an independent designer.

In This Episode, You’ll Journal Through:

1. Your favorite design moments (and the ones that made you want to quit)
2. What actually brought in revenue—and what drained your energy
3. How to design your calendar around your life (not the other way around)
4. A vision for 2026 that feels exciting and sustainable
5. Who you need to become to lead your business with more ease

Here’s a Little Homework (the fun kind!):

1. Print a blank 2026 calendar
2. Pour some tea, or coffee
3. Hit pause after each prompt to journal it out
4. Use this session as your personal planning retreat

You deserve a business that supports your life—not one that consumes it.

Let this episode be your starting point. And hey, if you love it or have your own rituals for planning the year ahead, send me a message rachel@tigerveil.com . I’d truly love to hear what you’re dreaming up for 2026.

Stay Connected:

1. Sign Up for Our Newsletter
2. ASID San Diego Website
3. LinkedIn
4. Follow us on Instagram
5. Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
6. Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
7. Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
8. Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

If you’ve ever wondered how industry partners fit into the design ecosystem—or how to show up confidently at your next ASID event—this conversation is for you.

Meet the Guest: Ximena Harmer

With over 12 years of experience in the Kitchen and Bath industry, Ximena Harmer has developed a true passion for cabinetry and carpentry. Specializing in custom designs, she’s worked on high-profile projects, including national media campaigns with major home improvement networks. Ximena has found her perfect role as a Sales Manager at the Home Depot Design Center, where she leads a team of product partners to help builders and designers bring their clients’ dream spaces to life. Whether it's finding the perfect product for the project or providing expert guidance, Ximena combines her deep industry knowledge with a personal commitment to making every renovation project a success.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What a Sales Manager Actually Does in the Design World
• How Ximena supports designers, firms, and projects—and why strong relationships between designers and reps are so important.
• How Students Can Confidently Connect with Industry Partners
• Practical tips for reaching out on LinkedIn, following up after events, and starting conversations even if you feel “too new” to the industry.
• Making the Most of ASID San Diego Events
• Why showing up—whether it’s a monthly meeting or the holiday party—can be a game changer for your network and career growth.
• Balancing Career, Community, and Home Life
• Ximena shares how being a parent influences the way she chooses events, manages her time, and gives herself permission to be present where she is.
• Networking for Introverts (and Real People)
• Simple, doable ways to connect that don’t require being “on” all the time or knowing everyone in the room.

Connect with Ximena

Ximena invites listeners to connect and continue the conversation:

• www.linkedin.com/in/ximena-harmer

About our Student Host, Theresa Staine:

From an early age, I knew I was destined for a creative path. As a child, I loved sketching and painting landscapes, and that early love for art naturally grew into a passion for design.

My journey into interior architecture has been one of both risk and reward. Before entering the design world, I spent a decade in New York City building a successful career as a buyer for major retailers. While that experience strengthened my business sense and attention to detail, I always felt a creative pull that couldn’t be ignored. Returning to my artistic roots, I decided to pursue my master’s degree in Interior Architecture at the Academy of Art University, where I’ve found a true sense of purpose.

I’m deeply passionate about using design to support healthy urbanism, community development and sustainability. I enjoy creating spaces that inspire connection, encourage movement, and foster well-being. As an active individual who values a healthy lifestyle, I believe thoughtful design can profoundly influence the way we live, work, and thrive.

Continuing to learn and grow in this field excites me every day. My goal is to combine my creative vision, design education, and business background to make a lasting impact through meaningful, human-centered design.

Learn More & Get Involved

Ready to deepen your connections and grow your interior design career?

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Rachel opens with exciting chapter announcements for the year ahead including travel, study, and community events then guides you into a heartfelt conversation about brand, intuition, and identity as a designer. She also shares details about her live workshop, Designing From The Inside Out Build Your Brand With Soul Style And Intuition, happening this evening at Pacific Sales in San Diego.

This episode is a gentle warm up for the workshop and a powerful reflection on whether your brand truly feels like you.

In this episode you will hear

• Current ASID San Diego updates and opportunities for involvement in twenty twenty six

• Details about upcoming chapter programming including education, travel, and celebrations

• Why your brand is more than a logo, color palette, or social grid

• How branding functions as an energetic imprint that people feel when they experience your work

• Rachel's personal story of shifting from a safe generic brand to one that reflects her moody magnetic spiritual style

• Three reflection questions to help you reconnect with your design identity and values

• An invitation to craft a brand that feels like your favorite outfit and your favorite room at the same time

• What to expect from the Designing From The Inside Out workshop and who it is perfect for

Reflection prompts from the episode

You may want to journal on these questions after you listen

• When someone walks into a space you designed and it is working perfectly, how do you want them to feel in their body

• When someone works with you as a client, what do you want to be known for beyond the deliverables

• What parts of you have you been hiding or toning down in your brand

Events and links mentioned

ASID San Diego Big Holiday Bash

Wednesday December 17 at 5pm

Location MSI Surfaces Miramar Road San Diego

Note Tickets must be purchased in advance there are no tickets at the door

• ASID member health insurance program: Open enrollment for the twenty twenty six plan year runs from November 1 through December 15

Design Gems trip to Milan - April 19 through April 25 2026

Includes Salone del Mobile marble quarries in Carrara time in Florence and exclusive workshop visits

Tickets here

Workshop Designing From The Inside Out Build Your Brand With Soul, Style And Intuition

Thursday December 4 2025 at 5:30pm

Location Pacific Sales San Diego

Registration link

Stay Connected:

• Want to get involved? Email our Admin Arnaz: Administrator@casd.asid.org
• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Shannon shares her journey from 20-year-old receptionist at a flooring company to hospitality-focused designer, business owner, long-time instructor at Design Institute, and past president of ASID San Diego. From there, the conversation dives into the heart work: Humble Design—a nonprofit that fully furnishes homes for individuals and families emerging from homelessness.

You’ll hear how ASID San Diego partnered with Humble Design, why thoughtfully designed spaces help break the cycle of homelessness, and the many tangible ways designers, students, and industry partners can get involved.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Shannon’s winding path into interior design, from cocktail waitress and receptionist to hospitality designer and firm owner
• What it’s really like to work in hospitality, franchise hotels, and property improvement plans (PIPs)
• How teaching at Design Institute fuels Shannon’s love of mentoring emerging designers
• Shannon’s ASID journey—from student member to president, and now Humble Design liaison
• The origin story of Humble Design and why furnished homes dramatically reduce the rate of families returning to homelessness
• Rachel’s personal connection to housing insecurity and why this work feels so tender and urgent
• What happens on a Day of Joy install—from warehouse prep to the “welcome home” reveal
• The emotional impact of kids seeing their very first bed and a space made just for them
• How ASID designers can leverage projects to support Humble through furniture donations and more
• Volunteer warehouse days, student involvement, and upcoming donation drives in San Diego and North County
• Simple ways to support Humble at ASID’s annual holiday party and beyond

Key Takeaways

• Design truly impacts lives. A thoughtfully furnished home isn’t just “pretty”—it can be the difference between a family maintaining housing or slipping back into homelessness.
• Humble Design is changing the cycle. Families who receive Humble’s services almost never return to homelessness, in part because they finally have a space that feels safe, dignified, and worth fighting for.
• Community over competition in action. ASID San Diego’s partnership with Humble shows what happens when designers, students, and industry partners rally around a shared cause.
• Designers have unique leverage. We’re already inside clients’ homes and job sites—redirecting gently-used furnishings to Humble is a powerful, practical way to give back.
• There’s a place for everyone. From warehouse volunteering and student internships to donation drives and fundraisers, there are meaningful roles for designers at every stage of their career.

How Designers & Students Can Get Involved

• Redirect client furnishings to Humble instead of sending them to landfill
• ASID designers can request free pick-ups for qualifying donations via Humble’s website
• Join quarterly warehouse volunteer days through ASID San Diego sign-ups
• Support Day of Joy installs and annual fundraisers (like the bathroom refresh package)
• Students can seek out Humble-adjacent internships or volunteer hours through SDSU, DI, Mesa, Palomar & more
• Bring a gift card (Target, Walmart, TJ Maxx, etc.) to the ASID holiday party to help cover critical “one-off” items like cribs and baby supplies

About Shannon:

As a highly skilled interior designer with twenty-five years of professional experience and fourteen years of focused business development and self-growth for her own design firm, Shannon has found great reward in the Interior Design industry.

As a senior level project manager for both residential and hospitality related fields, she has advanced knowledge in developing scopes for project opportunities and building seamless experiences for both the client/s and the assembled team/s.   Residential design has always been a passion, particularly major remodels.  Working on homes in Southern Italy, Barbados, New York City, Hawaii and several states across the United States, Shannon doesn’t see geography as an obstacle.  Working as an in-house designer for a major Vacation Ownership Developer connected her interest to hospitality design, opening doors for many projects and opportunities such as converting hotels from one brand to another and overseeing branded property improvement plans for several hotels across the country.   She even had a small part in a revitalization of a historic hotel site in Barbados, her husband’s home country, called Sweetfield Manor.  And, most notably, added to a closed Designer list of only 14 firms for Marriott’s new City Express brand.

President of Payte Miller Interiors, Inc. has afforded her many great experiences and with that brought a desire for her to give back.  Shannon’s volunteering journey began in 2004 when she joined the NEWH (Network of Executive Women in Hospitality) San Diego Chapter as Scholarship Director for five years, graduating as Board President in 2010.  Obtaining her NCIDQ Certification in 2009 catapulted her into becoming an active professional member of ASID San Diego where she has served on the Board as Membership Director and President of the Chapter in 2021.  Teaching Undergraduate level coursework at the CIDA Accredited Design Institute of San Diego in 2009 started her interest in mentorship and supporting students and emerging professionals.  She continues teaching Hospitality and Commercial Design studio courses, Business Practices and Building Systems, fulfilling her passion of giving back, teaming-up, collaborating, and building a foundation of relationships across all aspects of her career.

 In 2020, her compassion ran over when she discovered a local non-profit called Humble Design, an incredible organization who works to change lives and communities by custom designing and fully furnishing home interiors of gently used donated goods for individuals, families and veterans emerging from homelessness.  The mission has become her second job, although 100% volunteer where she spends time in the warehouse sorting donations, doing craft projects and repairing furniture.  Not just behind the scenes, but also contributing to the “Day of Joy” where volunteers move all the furnishings into the homes, stage and install for a long 8 hours with an oftentimes emotional home reveal.  To take it a step further, she serves on the fundraising committee soliciting donations for their annual fundraising event, raising $200K annually. 

Shannon doesn’t take all the credit for her professional successes without mentioning her foundation, her family.   Contributors to her success she recognizes her husband David of 15 years, her sons Ethan (21) and Dillon (14) along with her late mom Cindy, who all give her the motivation she needs to keep doing the work.  Her family is her rock, and she never shies away from talking about how blessed she is to have such an amazing cheering squad.

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Theresa spent a decade thriving as a fashion buyer in New York City before answering the call of her creative roots. Now, she’s deep in her master’s studies at the Academy of Art University, combining an artist’s eye with a heart for sustainable, human-centered spaces.

Together, Anna and Theresa dig into:

• 🎒 What it’s really like navigating the jump from undergrad to post-grad
• ✨ How to find (and trust) your design voice
• 💼 Leveraging past careers to fuel your design future
• 🛠️ The challenges and rewards of grad school in interior architecture
• 🌿 Designing with purpose: community, wellness, and sustainability

Whether you’re a student wondering what’s next or a professional curious about the next generation of designers, this episode is full of heart, honesty, and inspiration.

About Anna:

Anna Wright (she/her) is a junior at San Diego State University studying Interior Architecture and minoring in Engineering. She is originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania. She’s been part of the ASID San Diego community since her freshman year and now serves on the student representative board.

About Theresa:

From an early age, I knew I was destined for a creative path. As a child, I loved sketching and painting landscapes, and that early love for art naturally grew into a passion for design.

My journey into interior architecture has been one of both risk and reward. Before entering the design world, I spent a decade in New York City building a successful career as a buyer for major retailers. While that experience strengthened my business sense and attention to detail, I always felt a creative pull that couldn’t be ignored. Returning to my artistic roots, I decided to pursue my master’s degree in Interior Architecture at the Academy of Art University, where I’ve found a true sense of purpose.

I’m deeply passionate about using design to support healthy urbanism, community development and sustainability. I enjoy creating spaces that inspire connection, encourage movement, and foster well-being. As an active individual who values a healthy lifestyle, I believe thoughtful design can profoundly influence the way we live, work, and thrive.

Continuing to learn and grow in this field excites me every day. My goal is to combine my creative vision, design education, and business background to make a lasting impact through meaningful, human-centered design.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresamstaine/

instagram.com/Theresastaine

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Key Topics Covered:

• Kristy’s unconventional path into interior design: from a decade as a software and embedded systems engineer to retraining at the Design Institute of San Diego and starting her own studio.
• How her technical/engineering background informs her design process — especially problem solving, usability, organization.
• Founding her design firm in San Diego in 2008; moving the business to San Francisco in 2014, then relocating to Berlin and building an international practice.
• Expanding her services: emphasizing lighting design and integrating her engineering + interior design expertise. Her current master’s thesis topic: Advancing Quality of Light in California Homes.
• Discussion of residential versus commercial design, and why Kristy values residential for its personal connection to clients.
• Insights into her lighting design philosophy — the role of color temperature, color rendering (CRI, TM‑30), layering light, the importance of proper lighting in realizing design.
• Her decision to say “yes” to the board role for ASID: giving back, supporting the chapter, helping bridge student/professional gaps.
• What her upcoming year as President‑Elect looks like: supporting the President, focusing on student involvement, launching new programs, lighting‑focused chapter meeting coming up on November 19 at Blackwell Lighting & Home in Encinitas.
• Ways for listeners (designers, students, industry partners) to connect with her and the chapter.

Takeaways for Listeners:

• A reminder that career paths in design can be non‑linear — technical skills and creative interests can combine powerfully.
• The often‑underestimated role of lighting in interior design — not just aesthetics but usability, quality, and outcome.
• The value of professional community (like ASID) in supporting designers, especially emerging ones.
• Encouragement for students and young professionals: how to engage, network, and transition into the profession.
• Practical event opportunities: upcoming ASID San Diego events, programs and how to plug in.

Kristy Kropat is an interior designer, lighting designer, engineer, and entrepreneur. She founded her boutique design studio 18 years ago in San Diego, designing award-winning residential and commercial projects throughout California and Germany. With a background that blends creative and technical expertise, she combines analytical problem-solving and design thinking to create beautiful, functional, sustainable and inclusive spaces. Kristy’s designs have been featured in over 28 national and international publications including Better Homes and Gardens, Wall Street Journal, Atomic Ranch, Cooking Light, Houzz Germany and more. Kristy was the off camera designer for A&E’s reality design show “Fix This Kitchen” and was the featured interior designer in California Closet’s TV commercial.

Having lived in San Francisco and Berlin, she brings an international perspective to her designs. After spending 11 years abroad, she has returned to her native San Diego, where she is currently serving as President-Elect of the San Diego Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers and a judge for San Diego Magazine’s Home + Design Awards 2026.

• Connect with Kristy Kropat: Kristy@kristykropatdesign.com

Stay Connected:

• ASID November 19th Chapter Meeting
• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Vitti Pruett of Vitti Interiors—a San Diego-based designer who turned her love of design into a multi-stream business that blends creativity, construction, and serious adaptability. From working in flooring and high-end residential to landing military contracts and launching a rendering side hustle, Heather shares how she grew her design career by staying flexible, saying yes to new skills, and following her intuition (even when the economy said otherwise).

If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your design passion alive while building something sustainable—especially as a parent, a multi-hyphenate creative, or someone just starting out—this episode will remind you that your path doesn’t have to be linear to be successful.

About Heather:

Stay Connected:

• Connect with Heather: vitti.interiors@outlook.com
• Facebook/Instagram/LinkedIn
• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

3–5 Key Takeaways:

1. Your path doesn’t have to be linear. Mallory’s background shows that even unexpected careers (music major → retail management → design industry) can lead to meaningful roles in design leadership.
2. Community is everything. ASID San Diego made Mallory feel welcomed—even as someone who didn’t attend design school—and that sense of belonging is a powerful asset when you show up.
3. Design professionals benefit when industry & trade connect. Mallory’s role at The Home Depot Design Center places her at the intersection of builders, designers, and vendors—highlighting how collaboration across segments strengthens the ecosystem.
4. Leadership is about service, not spotlight. Even though “Finance Director” might sound behind the scenes, Mallory emphasizes how critical this role is for making everything else possible—reimbursements, compliance, strategic growth.
5. Show up, then lean in. Whether you’re new to San Diego, shifting careers, or stepping into board service, consistency, curiosity, and connection are key. Mallory invites us to stay tuned for big things happening this year with ASID San Diego.

About Mallory:

Mallory Duran serves as the 2025-2026 ASID Finance Director and is the West Coast Builder Sales Specialist with the Home Depot Design Center. With a diverse background ranging from stay-at-home mom to designing custom window coverings and owning a construction company, Mallory brings a wealth of experience to her current role. Her passion for fostering positive relationships is her greatest strength both professionally and personally. As a proud mother of four, she expertly balances her family and career. Mallory eagerly anticipates future opportunities with ASID and is dedicated to making a significant impact in the market.

Connect with Mallory: MALLORY_L_DURAN@homedepot.com

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

In this candid convo, Kendra shares her journey from growing up in Baja to launching a vibrant, soulful design business in San Diego. With a style rooted in maximalism, global inspiration, and deeply personal design, she’s the creative match for clients ready to ditch the cookie-cutter.

Kendra also shares what drew her back into the ASID fold, why mentorship matters, and how she’s helping create experiences that speak to every stage of a designer’s career — like the upcoming Design Gems trip to Valle de Guadalupe (you’ll want to grab your seat fast!).

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Kendra rebuilt her design business from scratch — twice
• Why ASID is more than networking — it's a home base for creatives
• How mentorship is evolving for students and emerging professionals
• What makes her short-term rental projects so creatively satisfying
• What to expect on our first-ever Design Gems trip across the border 🍷

What’s New:

• Design Gems: Valle de Guadalupe | November 15
• A one-day architectural + culinary field trip across the border
• Membership questions? DM or email Kendra — she’s your go-to guide
• Mentorship pilot program in the works — stay tuned!

Design Gems Sign-up link.

📬 Connect with Kendra:

• Instagram: @k2interiors
• Email: Membership@casd.asid.org
• Website: www.k2deco.com

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Have you ever walked into a room and felt like you didn’t belong there? Like you were somehow “faking it,” even though your experience, talent, and heart were 100% legit?

Same. 🙋🏻‍♀️

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a recent experience that had me deep in imposter syndrome — yes, even after 25 years in the design industry. It was humbling, it was hard, and it taught me a few big lessons I want to share with you today.

Whether you’re just getting started in your design career or you’ve been around the block a few times, I promise this one will feel like a warm hug and a heart-to-heart.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• A real story of a time I questioned if I belonged — even with years of experience
• The sneaky ways imposter syndrome shows up (and how it cost me 10 months of unpaid work 😳)
• Why having a design community like ASID makes all the difference
• My go-to toolkit for getting back in alignment when doubt takes over

📝 Mentioned in this episode:

• The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan + Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Imposter syndrome might pop up from time to time, but it doesn’t get the final say. You’re doing incredible work. You belong here. And this space? It needs what only you can create.

Until next time — keep designing, keep showing up, and remember: you’re enough, just as you are.

Love,

Rachel

Why you’ll love this episode

• Understand the pivotal moment when hiring your first assistant is no longer optional
• Learn how to let go of control without sacrificing quality
• Get a behind‑the‑scenes look at structuring a growing design firm
• Discover ways to connect with clients and the trade through events and showroom strategy
• Hear what’s next for Blythe Interiors and how Jennifer is exploring business coaching for designers

Key Takeaways & Actionable Tips

Hiring is your growth lever: When workload becomes unsustainable, the right hire (assistant, purchasing coordinator, etc.) can free you to focus on higher-value design work and growth.

Mindset over minutiae: Trusting your team, relinquishing control, and allowing “good enough” (when the client is happy) are essential for scaling.

Structure with intention: From operations to marketing to design leadership — building a clear org chart helps prevent chaos and burnout.

Flexible brand identity: Blythe doesn’t rigidly prescribe one look. The common thread is client-first, supported by designers who can span aesthetics.

Pause and grow organically: Rather than always chasing the next goal, sometimes growth is about leaning into who you already are, with curiosity and openness.

Stay in Touch with Jennifer

• Instagram: @blytheinteriors
• Website: blytheinteriors.com

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

As the first Industry Partner to step into the role of Chapter President, Kirsten brings a fresh, inclusive perspective on what it means to lead, support, and reimagine what our local ASID community can be.

From her journey as a lighting showroom owner to her vision for Design Gems (yes, we’re talking international design trips), this episode is packed with insight, heart, and tangible ways to get involved in the year ahead.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Kirsten went from math major to owning a showroom to leading ASID SD
• The services her business, Black Whale Home, offers to support busy designers
• What’s changing in the 2024–2025 ASID San Diego year—and why it matters
• A first look at Design Gems, our new travel + inspiration series (Valle de Guadalupe, Milan, Palm Springs + more!)
• Why collaboration between designers, students, and industry partners is essential—and how you can get involved
• New sponsorship opportunities and what’s coming for industry partners

Upcoming Chapter Travel Events

Nov 2025: Design Gems: Valle de Guadalupe Day Trip

Feb 2026: Modernism Week + Private Tour of the Kellogg House

Apr 2026: Milan + Florence Design Tour

Spring 2026: Iconic Home Tour in LA

Connect with Kirsten:

• 📧 president@casd.asid.org (ASID inquiries)
• 📧 kirsten@blackwhalehome.com (Showroom/design trade questions)
• 📸 @blackwhalelights on Instagram

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Yeah… same here.

In this solo episode, Rachel Larraine Crawford shares her own winding journey with ASID San Diego—from feeling like a shy, 22-year-old outsider to becoming Communications Director and building lifelong friendships, powerful collaborations, and a true sense of belonging in the design world.

We’re talking about the real reason community matters—not just for your creativity or career growth, but for your mental health, confidence, and joy. If you’ve ever felt like you’re building your design career on an island, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to do it alone.

What You’ll Hear:

• The early days: feeling like an outsider at chapter meetings
• Finding connection in unexpected places (like showrooms and markets)
• Why mentorship and peer community are essential—no matter your career stage
• The human need to belong—and why it’s a business strategy, not just a feel-good bonus
• How ASID San Diego helped spark confidence, creativity, and collaboration
• Specific ways students, emerging pros, and seasoned designers can get involved today

If you're a:

Student → Don't wait to build your network. Start now.

Emerging professional → You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Seasoned designer → Your wisdom is so needed. Your next chapter might start here.

Whether you’re just starting out or decades into your practice, this episode is a reminder that your people are out there—and they’re ready to welcome you in.

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of your ASID San Diego membership (or why it even matters), this episode is your guide. Host Rachel Larraine Crawford shares five powerful and practical ways to tap into the full value of ASID—whether you’re a student, emerging professional, or seasoned designer looking to deepen your roots in the design community.

Rachel walks through actionable tips and real-life stories that highlight how ASID can support your career, your confidence, and your connections. If you're feeling disconnected, unsure how to get involved, or just ready to level up in your design journey—this one’s for you.

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

Welcome to the very first episode of the Interior Design San Diego Podcast, hosted by Rachel Larraine Crawford and brought to you by the ASID San Diego Chapter.

This show was created with one goal in mind: to connect and uplift the San Diego design community. Whether you're a student just starting out, a seasoned designer looking for new inspiration, or an industry partner eager to build deeper relationships, this podcast is for you.

In this kickoff episode, we share:

• Who this podcast is for and how it will support you—no matter where you are in your career
• The types of episodes you can expect, including interviews, solo lessons, industry insights, and student-led conversations
• How this podcast is an extension of the ASID San Diego Chapter’s mission to foster connection, education, and advocacy
• How you can get involved, share your voice, and maybe even step behind the mic as a future guest
• This is a space for real stories, local voices, and honest conversations about what it means to build a design career—and a creative life—in San Diego.

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Ask your question, share a topic of interest or be our guest here.
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community
• Questions, sponsorship or feed back: sandiegoasid@gmail.com

In this short trailer episode, host Rachel Larraine Crawford shares what you can expect from the Interior Design San Diego Podcast. Whether you’re a student just beginning, an emerging designer building your career, a seasoned professional, or an industry partner supporting the community—this podcast is for you. Tune in each week for local designer interviews, industry partner spotlights, chapter happenings, and student-led episodes that bring fresh perspectives to the conversation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Who this podcast is created for and how it will support you
• The types of episodes you can expect—solo lessons, designer interviews, industry insights, and student-led discussions
• How this podcast connects to the ASID San Diego Chapter and community
• Ways to get involved, share your story, or even become a guest

Stay Connected:

• Sign Up for Our Newsletter
• ASID San Diego Website
• LinkedIn
• Follow us on Instagram
• Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss upcoming episodes
• Share this podcast with a fellow designer in your community