Business Mantras Interior Designers Swear By
Call it a mantra, mission statement, or your guiding principles. Distilling the aim of your business down into a few sentences can be a challenge. But pinpointing a driving philosophy can be a helpful tool to keep you and your team on track. A dozen industry vets share the mantras for their interior design businesses.
Lauren Li of Sisällä
“Our business mantra is we design spaces with good vibes, for good times. We mean this sincerely. We design for our clients; it’s not for us or to inflate a designer ego. We believe that good design can greatly enhance daily life.”
David Hopkins of Praed Projects
“Our most rewarding projects are those that we feel are really done – when the space is furnished, all of the white tags are cut off of the ends of the lamps cords, and the dining room buffet is full of perfect napkins just waiting to be used. We don’t think that clients are hiring us to just design for them…we are setting up a lifestyle for them.”
Staci Munic of Staci Munic Interiors
“My mantra: I treat my clients’ projects as if they were my own.”
Deborah Costa of Design Alchemy
“Home is very important to us and we need to live and work in spaces that inspire and ground us. We feel blessed that we can do the same for others. We do our best to create peace in our client’s homes and develop spaces where people can truly relax, reflect, love and grow.”
Kerry Green of Kerry Green Design
“My job to show clients things they never knew existed and mix things in an unexpected unique way. As Diana Vreeland said, ‘Give ‘em what they never knew they wanted.’ ”
“I definitely like to infuse my designs with a healthy dose of sunny California optimism. I also believe that everything in life begins with our thoughts – so I like my designs to inspire people, lift their spirits, and bring out their best.”
Leslie Martin and Kim Meardon of M & M Interior Design
“Always exceed expectations.”
Leanne Yarn of Yarn Design Associates
“Richard Branson has a nice quote that I follow in business. He said, ‘If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!’ ”
Sashya Thind Fernandes of iD8 Design Studio
“Be a great collaborator, and most importantly, have fun! I strive to create a culture where our designers’ opinions are valued and the studio environment is positive and fun! As a working mom, I focus on creating a balance between work and life for myself and my employees.”
Lisa Furtado of Lisa Furtado Interiors
“I think most people in this industry would agree that the fun, creative part is only a small part of the gig. Although running a business can have its challenges, the feeling I get when I’m creating something beautiful and personal for my clients is a high like nothing else. I feel truly honored that people trust me to help them create a backdrop for their lives. With every project I remind myself, ‘Make it livable, keep it personal, and make sure it’s amazing.’ ”
Lindsey Borchard of Lindsey Brooke Design
“You can do anything, but not everything. Here at LBD, we are a team and work better and stronger because of it. I am where I am today because of so many people other then myself and I always want to remember that.”
Barbi Stalburg of Stalburg Design
“I’ve never really had a business mantra, but I can absolutely say that I have never let any obstacle stop me from growing, learning, and trying again. Ever. Not a difficult job, not a mean client, not a construction nightmare. Nothing will get us down for long, and there is always a learning opportunity.”
