1029: Kelly O’Neil: Building Relationships with Builders

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

Today With Kelly O’Neil:

Welcome to a Well-Designed Business. I have heard from so many of you interested in design-build—and most importantly, how to start building those relationships that bring you into the industry and position you as a go-to trusted designer.

My guest today, Kelly O’Neil, has a lot of insight to share on that topic. She has cultivated strong relationships with builders, found ways to prove her value, and used processes not just in her design, but even in the way she networks and builds relationships. Today, she’s here to share how she did it and what she learned along the way.

LuAnn Nigara and Kelly O’Neil's Ah-Ha Moments

“You have to handle both sides, the client and the builder, and keep both sides happy. But sometimes their lack of communication with each other puts you in the middle. So you find a way to smooth everybody out and make everybody happy.” -Kelly

“I love that you know that it's the value of always keeping the pipeline going. You can't just rely on what happened last week, last month, last year. You've always got to be building it.” -LuAnn

More About Kelly O’Neil

In the ever-evolving world of design, one name stands out – Kelly, the creative force behind Kelly O’Neil Design. With a mantra of “I’m in the business of making people happy,” Kelly has carved a niche for herself in the industry, transforming spaces into beautiful, functional homes that reflect the unique style and personality of each client.

Kelly’s journey in interior design began at Fairfield University, where she honed her skills and cultivated a passion that would propel her to create stunning homes across eight different states. From the vibrant energy of Florida to the cosmopolitan charm of New York, Kelly has left her mark, crafting spaces that seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality.

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AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project

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