Shows
Designing TomorrowEpisode #8: Alexa Stevenson — From Magazine Editor to Design EntrepreneurSend us a textAlexa Stevenson began her career as a magazine editor in New York City, working for Oprah Magazine, Women's Day, and luxury shelter publications before launching her interior design firm in 2010. Today, she runs her thriving practice while also co-founding Lex & King, a table linens and home accessories business.In this conversation, Alexa shares how her journalism background shaped her approach to design, the evolution of her business from her dining room table to multiple office spaces, and why she believes in nurturing young designers. She discusses her signature style of combining...2025-03-0646 min
Designing TomorrowEpisode #7: Christina & Shawn Taylor — From Corporate Retail & Custom Furniture to Design-Build EntrepreneursSend us a textChristina and Shawn Taylor founded Dacotah Studio, their Los Angeles-based design-build firm, in 2019 after successful careers in retail creative services and custom furniture manufacturing. Since then, they've been featured in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, The Los Angeles Times and more.In this episode, Christina and Shawn share their journey from corporate careers to entrepreneurship, how they've built their business with intention rather than scale, and why process has been key to their success. They discuss the benefits of the design-build model, their approach to hiring and team culture, and how they've...2025-02-271h 04
Designing Tomorrow#6: Jen Davidson — From Flight Attendant to Design EntrepreneurSend us a textJen Davidson is the principal and founder of Interiors by Jen Davidson, bringing her unique perspective from twenty years as a flight attendant to create thoughtfully designed spaces. With no formal training but a natural eye for design, Jen transitioned careers after renovating her own home and now leads a team of four talented women.This episode explores Jen's journey from overcoming a fear of flying to building a successful design business from scratch. We dive into her approach to client communication, team building, and creating processes that deliver consistent results...2025-02-2054 min
Designing Tomorrow#5: Paul De Andrade — Building A Digital-First Design FirmSend us a textPaul De Andrade is principal and owner of Studio Kestrel, a luxury interior design firm based in New York City and Miami. With an unconventional background including biomedical engineering, journalism, and a Harvard nanotechnology fellowship, Paul brings a uniquely analytical and process-driven approach to interior design.This episode explores Paul's journey from staging to founding his own firm during the pandemic, and how he's built robust digital systems to support growth. We dive into his methodical approach to team building, client relationships, and content creation. From managing installations in hazmat suits...2025-02-131h 09
Designing Tomorrow#4: Mia Whitaker — Building Interior Design Systems While Growing a Family and TeamSend us a textMia Whitaker brings process-driven thinking and sustainability focus to residential interior design. As Communications Director for ASID DC Metro and owner of Whitaker Interiors, she's spent over 300 hours developing systems that allow her business to thrive while maintaining work-life balance.This episode explores Mia's journey from traditional design education to business ownership, her approach to sustainable design practices, and insights on employee development and systems creation. We dive deep into how she's built comprehensive processes using tools like Asana and Materio to support her firm's growth while preparing for maternity leave.2025-02-0651 min
Designing Tomorrow#3: Hema Persad — Scaling a Bi-Coastal Design Practice Through Intentional SystemsSend us a textHema Persad is principal designer and founder of Sagrada Studios, a bi-coastal design firm known for its systematic approach to growth and operations. Named one of Architectural Digest's New American Voices in 2023, she brings strategic thinking from her previous careers as an attorney and celebrity stylist to create efficient, scalable design processes.This episode covers Hema's journey to interior design, her approach to scaling operations across multiple locations, and insights on PR strategy and business development. We explore how she's built robust systems using tools like Materio to support her firm's...2025-01-3055 min
Designing Tomorrow#2: Nile Johnson — Process, Teaching, and Building a Design Business Your WaySend us a textNile Johnson is principal at Nile Johnson Interior Design and co-host of To-The-Trade podcast. His work has been featured in HGTV, Architectural Digest, and Business of Home. With degrees in interior design and interior architecture and experience teaching at multiple design institutions, he brings a unique perspective on process, education, and technology to the design industry.This episode covers Nile's path from visual merchandising to interior design, his approach to teaching and mentorship, and insights on building a successful design firm. We explore how he's developed robust processes using technology while...2025-01-301h 07
Designing Tomorrow#1: Anthony Carrino — Technology, Transparency, and the Evolution of Design-BuildSend us a textAnthony Carrino is a builder, designer, contractor and owner's rep with over 25 years of experience in historic renovation and adaptive reuse. From early boutique development projects to hosting multiple HGTV series to creating his own educational content through The Build TV, he brings a uniquely transparent and technology-forward approach to high-end residential and commercial projects.This episode covers Anthony's journey from web design in college to property development, all the way to his systematic approach to design-build, and practical insights on project management and client relationships. We explore how he leverages...2025-01-301h 15
Designing TomorrowDesigning Tomorrow Intro to Season 1Send us a textWelcome to Designing Tomorrow. I'm your host Mary Beth, and in my day-to-day life, I am the CEO and co-founder of Materio. One of the best parts of my job is that I get to talk to interior designers all day long.I am so excited to bring you season one of Designing Tomorrow, where I will dive deep with some of the most innovative interior designers. We're going to get into their challenges, pivots, and breakthrough moments. From Los Angeles to New York, these designers have built thriving firms in...2025-01-2200 min