Designing Tomorrow (Mary Beth Chau, Materio)
Explore every episode of Designing Tomorrow
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Jan 2025 | Designing Tomorrow Intro to Season 1 | 00:00:54 | |
Welcome 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 their unique ways. In this season, you'll be part of an honest conversation about what it really takes to scale a design business, from building strong client relationships to creating systems that work. So whether you're already running a firm or dreaming of starting one, these are the real stories and lessons that you won't hear anywhere else. I am really glad you're here. So please subscribe to join me on this journey, and let's design together tomorrow. | |||
| 30 Jan 2025 | #2: Nile Johnson — Process, Teaching, and Building a Design Business Your Way | 01:07:09 | |
Nile 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 maintaining a commitment to education and sharing knowledge within the design community. This episode is brought to you by Materio – the first true end-to-end operating system for interior designers who are ready to scale. Materio turns complex design projects into organized, repeatable systems. Stop spending your nights updating spreadsheets and searching through endless email threads. With Materio's visual workspace, everything from floor plans to mood boards, to selections (and approvals!) lives in one place, keeping your team and clients perfectly aligned. Ready to scale your design business with complete confidence and control? Visit materio.co to see how you can get your nights and weekends back. Key topics in this episode include:
Designing Tomorrow with Mary Beth Chau explores conversations with visionary interior designers about building thriving businesses and shaping the future of design. New episodes every Thursday. | |||
| 30 Jan 2025 | #3: Hema Persad — Scaling a Bi-Coastal Design Practice Through Intentional Systems | 00:55:15 | |
Hema 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 expansion while maintaining high-touch client service. This episode is brought to you by Materio – the first true end-to-end operating system for interior designers who are ready to scale. Materio turns complex design projects into organized, repeatable systems. Stop spending your nights updating spreadsheets and searching through endless email threads. With Materio's visual workspace, everything from floor plans to mood boards, to selections (and approvals!) lives in one place, keeping your team and clients perfectly aligned. Ready to scale your design business with complete confidence and control? Visit materio.co to see how you can get your nights and weekends back. Key topics in this episode include:
Designing Tomorrow with Mary Beth Chau explores conversations with visionary interior designers about building thriving businesses and shaping the future of design. New episodes every Thursday. Follow Mary Beth Chau | |||
| 30 Jan 2025 | #1: Anthony Carrino — Technology, Transparency, and the Evolution of Design-Build | 01:15:25 | |
Anthony 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 tools like Matterport, Chief Architect, and Materio to streamline operations while maintaining a focus on education and transparency in the design-build process. This episode is brought to you by Materio – the first true end-to-end operating system for interior designers who are ready to scale. Materio turns complex design projects into organized, repeatable systems. Stop spending your nights updating spreadsheets and searching through endless email threads. With Materio's visual workspace, everything from floor plans to mood boards, to selections (and approvals!) lives in one place, keeping your team and clients perfectly aligned. Ready to scale your design business with complete confidence and control? Visit materio.co to see how you can get your nights and weekends back. Key topics in this episode include:
Follow Mary Beth Chau | |||
| 06 Feb 2025 | #4: Mia Whitaker — Building Interior Design Systems While Growing a Family and Team | 00:51:26 | |
Mia 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 is brought to you by Materio – the first true end-to-end operating system for interior designers who are ready to scale. Materio turns complex design projects into organized, repeatable systems. Stop spending your nights updating spreadsheets and searching through endless email threads. With Materio's visual workspace, everything from floor plans to mood boards, to selections (and approvals!) lives in one place, keeping your team and clients perfectly aligned. Ready to scale your design business with complete confidence and control? Visit materio.co to see how you can get your nights and weekends back. Key topics in this episode include:
Follow Mia Whitaker Designing Tomorrow with Mary Beth Chau explores conversations with visionary interior designers about building thriving businesses and shaping the future of design. New episodes every Thursday. Follow Mary Beth Chau | |||
| 13 Feb 2025 | #5: Paul De Andrade — Building A Digital-First Design Firm | 01:09:16 | |
Paul 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 to developing comprehensive training programs, Paul shares candid insights about the realities of scaling a design business. This episode is brought to you by Materio – the first true end-to-end operating system for interior designers who are ready to scale. Materio turns complex design projects into organized, repeatable systems. Stop spending your nights updating spreadsheets and searching through endless email threads. With Materio's visual workspace, everything from floor plans to mood boards, to selections (and approvals!) lives in one place, keeping your team and clients perfectly aligned. Ready to scale your design business with complete confidence and control? Visit materio.co to see how you can get your nights and weekends back. Key Topics
Follow Paul De Andrade Designing Tomorrow with Mary Beth Chau explores conversations with visionary interior designers about building thriving businesses and shaping the future of design. New episodes every Thursday. Follow Mary Beth Chau | |||
| 20 Feb 2025 | #6: Jen Davidson — From Flight Attendant to Design Entrepreneur | 00:54:50 | |
Jen 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. From handling imposter syndrome to setting healthy boundaries, Jen shares candid insights about the realities of running a design business while prioritizing family life. This episode is brought to you by Materio – the first true end-to-end operating system for interior designers who are ready to scale. Materio turns complex design projects into organized, repeatable systems. Stop spending your nights updating spreadsheets and searching through endless email threads. With Materio's visual workspace, everything from floor plans to mood boards, to selections (and approvals!) lives in one place, keeping your team and clients perfectly aligned. Ready to scale your design business with complete confidence and control? Visit materio.co to see how you can get your nights and weekends back. Key Topics
Follow Jen Davidson Website: https://www.interiorsbyjendavidson.com/ Designing Tomorrow with Mary Beth Chau explores conversations with visionary interior designers about building thriving businesses and shaping the future of design. New episodes every Thursday. Follow Mary Beth Chau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryb_chau | |||
| 27 Feb 2025 | Episode #7: Christina & Shawn Taylor — From Corporate Retail & Custom Furniture to Design-Build Entrepreneurs | 01:04:06 | |
Christina 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. | |||
| 06 Mar 2025 | Episode #8: Alexa Stevenson — From Magazine Editor to Design Entrepreneur | 00:46:39 | |
Alexa 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 pattern and texture, her practical approach to client relationships, and why she's passionate about creating intentional spaces that reflect how people actually live. Alexa also opens up about the business challenges she's faced, her thoughts on technology in design, and why she's advocating for the return of separate rooms over open concept living. This episode is brought to you by Materio – the first true end-to-end operating system for interior designers who are ready to scale. Materio turns complex design projects into organized, repeatable systems. Stop spending your nights updating spreadsheets and searching through endless email threads. With Materio's visual workspace, everything from floor plans to mood boards, to selections (and approvals!) lives in one place, keeping your team and clients perfectly aligned. Ready to scale your design business with complete confidence and control? Visit materio.co to see how you can get your nights and weekends back. Key Topics:
Follow Alexa Stevenson Designing Tomorrow with Mary Beth Chau explores conversations with visionary interior designers about building thriving businesses and shaping the future of design. New episodes every Thursday. Follow Mary Beth Chau | |||