What They Don’t Teach In Design School With Guest Kate Lester

Interior Design with Kandrac and Kole

Design schools tend to focus on the creative process in interior design, but fall short when it comes to teaching the business side of the industry. In this episode of Inside Design, our incredibly talented friend and colleague, Kate Lester, shares valuable insights to help you run a more successful design business.

Listen to today’s episode here: https://spoti.fi/3I46Lve??

Watch today’s episode on YouTube: https://bit.ly/InsideDesignYouTube

Key Takeaways:

1. Get at least 5 years of real world experience before you even THINK of going out on your own. Make mistakes on someone else’s dime first.

2. If your scope of work is very fluid and your efficiency is at the mercy of others (i.e. contractors), billing hourly vs flat fee is the smarter way to go.

3. Above all, stay in your lane and remain true to yourself no matter what your creative peers are doing!

SPONSOR: Norwalk Furniture

Norwalk builds heirloom quality furniture rather than landfill quality furniture. You know what that is also called? Sustainable! Doing their part to create healthy homes and environments is a core principle at Norwalk and we want to be a part of that.

Unlike many other manufacturers, Norwalk has a particularly fabulous array of patterns and bright, fun fabrics to partner with performance fabrics, leathers, and textures like boucle and velvet.

If you are in the Trade, you really must be sourcing Norwalk Furniture. Check out their website – norwalkfurniture.com and especially their 360-Design tool to help visualize pieces. They are shipping in under 8 weeks!

KANDRAC & KOLE BIO

Voted one of “Atlanta's Top 20 Residential Interior Designers” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs is an acclaimed design firm with two decades of experience serving residential and commercial clients. Their work has been featured in leading publications across the US.

Since 2005, Joann and Kelly have built a respected partnership. They are renowned for their dynamic personalities, distinctive use of color, and unique custom designs. Frequently invited to share their insights at industry events and on design panels, they are recognized as diligent business operators who remain approachable and genuine, radiating constant positive energy.

In 2018, they used their infectious energy to launch their podcast, “Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole.” This lively, weekly conversation, where Joann and Kelly share design and industry insights, became so popular that they introduced a series of bonus episodes, “The Inside Scoop with Joann and Kelly,” in 2024.

Their dedication to the power of interior design also extends to their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala.

KATE LESTER BIO Kate Lester is the creative director and CEO of Kate Lester Interiors & Kate Lester HOME. With a diversely talented design team in her studio, and two retail stores in Southern California, Kate is thrilled to be spreading her unique design vision with the masses. Her style ethos is all about creating spaces that weave classic lines, vintage finds, modern moments, and an infusion of at least “one weird thing.”

Kate attended USC’s prestigious Marshall School of Business and went on to study Design and Architecture at Otis College in Los Angeles. Her industry experience includes working for some of Hollywood’s most famous designers before launching her own firm in 2010.

Thriving at the intersection of livable luxury, humor, and realism, Kate believes that the homes she designs should always be carefully crafted, thoughtfully curated, and a direct reflection of the people who inhabit them.

When not designing, Kate can be found in Southern California dragging her family to flea markets, running on the beach, or hesitantly participating in a plethora of extreme sports with her extremely persuasive (and brave) husband and daughter.

FUNNY QUOTE:

“I am not that friend who will tell you to stop travelling to save money. I will tell you to call in sick and lead us both into financial ruin but at least we’ll have the memories.”

SERIOUS QUOTE:

“The next time you feel afraid to leave what’s comfortable in pursuit of what’s meant for you, remember this: the goal is not to fit in, the goal is to expand.” @powerhouse_women

Social Media Handles

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