In this continuation of our conversation with Bruce Philp, we dig deeper into what it means to step fully into your brand and the confidence it inspires in clients. When you downplay your value or operate under the shadow of imposter syndrome, you risk signaling uncertainty. But by embracing your brand with intention, you not only earn client trust—you grow into a bigger, brighter version of yourself.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Practical ways to combat and outsmart imposter syndrome.
- What it looks like when clients have total confidence in you and your expertise.
- Why clients want you to step into the role of “the answer”.
- How brand improvements help you grow into the leader your clients need.

Become a Member

EP451 | You are a Brand with Bruce Philp - Part 2

If you've been curious about how AI will impact your design practice (and who isn’t?), this episode is a must-listen. Kimberley sits down with Nithya Subramaniam, a trained architect who’s transitioned into product and experience design. Nithya shares how design professionals can harness AI to boost creativity, streamline workflows, and maximize profitability. Rather than replacing us, AI is here to enhance our work—helping you create smarter designs, automate repetitive tasks, and elevate the client experience. AI is here to stay, and you’ll want to be ready to embrace it.

In this episode we learn: 
- AI in design supports—not replaces—designers through automation, better workflows, and smarter features.
- AI tools generate spatial solutions that meet specific needs, from light exposure to landscaping.
- Unlike traditional design, AI lets you iterate and adapt in real time.
- With data integration, AI enables future-focused design, from climate adaptation to sustainable materials.
- AI agents optimize resources, track carbon impact, and streamline timelines for efficiency.

EP 452 | AI and Interior Design with Nithya Subramaniam

In this episode, we delve into the critical role of professional photography in the world of interior design. Join Kimberley Seldon and Candice Brooke as they explore how high-quality images can elevate your design projects, attract new clients, and enhance your marketing efforts. Discover the secrets to capturing stunning interiors and learn why investing in a skilled photographer is a game-changer for your business.

In this episode we learn: 
•	The impact of professional photography on business growth and client acquisition. 
•	Essential tips for preparing a space for a photo shoot, including lighting and decluttering. 
•	How to create a strategic shot list tailored to your project's needs. 
•	The importance of collaborating with photographers who have industry connections. 
•	Insights into leveraging social media and websites for maximum exposure. 
•	The evolving role of AI in interior design photography and its limitations. 
•	Practical advice for new designers on working with limited budgets


EP 453 | Power of Photography with Candice Brooke

In the design industry, clarity is power. Whether you’re running a firm with a business partner, leading a solo practice with or without a team, or collaborating with your spouse, like today’s guests, how you divide tasks can make or break your projects and your business. Marli Jones and Michael Kreuser share how they define their roles, delegate responsibilities like procurement and project management, and rely on trusted team members to keep every project running smoothly. There’s real value in having clear job descriptions—for project managers, operations managers, and even for yourself—so that creativity can flourish without chaos.

In this episode:
- Establish clear roles and responsibilities—clarity eliminates confusion.
- Define ownership and decision-making authority from the start.
- Use contracts and agreements to keep partnerships clean and professional.
- Build systems and processes before you delegate.
- Separate creative work from operations for balance and efficiency.
- Foster a culture that accepts mistakes and learns from them.
- Choose clients based on fit, not just project size or budget.
- Let process create space for creativity and innovation.
- Empower your team with trust, autonomy, and shared accountability.
- Nurture strong relationships with clients, trades, and vendors.

EP 454 | Your Ops Manual Is More Valuable Than You with Michael Kreuser & Marli Jones

Kimberley sits down with a favorite past BOD™ member, designer Lori Steeves, who discovered that less hustle can mean more joy. Lori shares how she traded high-stress renovations for the decorating work she truly loves—and in doing so unlocked greater creativity, profitability, and fulfillment. Tune in to learn how saying no strategically, leaning on systems, and trusting your team can free you from unnecessary busyness. Stop measuring success by hours worked and start designing a business that works for you. Whether it’s reclaiming your afternoons, reigniting your passion, or streamlining your processes, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and inspiration for interior designers at any stage. By the end, you’ll see that sustainable success isn’t just possible—it’s incredibly rewarding.

In this episode we learn:
- stop confusing busyness with success
- focus on the work you truly love for better profitability and joy
- systems are not constraints—they’re freedom for creativity
- strategic delegation frees your time and energy
- saying no is a superpower, not a weakness
- profitability is about margin, not top-line revenue
- your business can serve your life, not the other way around

EP 456 | From Busy to Bliss with Lori Steeves

To celebrate 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits standout moments from past conversations with illustrators Brian Rea, Maira Kalman, Barry Blitt, Edel Rodriguez, and Christoph Niemann. These excerpts explore how ideas drive style, how collaboration and constraint shape the work, and how a single image can speak fast and stay with you.

20th Anniversary Celebration with visionary illustrators Brian Rea, Maira Kalman, Barry Blitt, Edel Rodriguez, and Christoph Niemann

To mark 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits standout moments with Julia Turshen, Christina Tosi, Gabrielle Hamilton, Fanny Singer, and Will Guidara—voices who reimagined how we cook, write, and welcome. From recipe testing as poetry to tinkering with desserts, from building a neighborhood bistro to building a culture of “unreasonable hospitality,” these excerpts show how design shapes flavor, service, and the shared joy of a good meal.

20th Anniversary celebration with culinary creatives Julia Turshen, Christina Tosi, Gabrielle Hamilton, Fanny Singer, and Will Guidara

To celebrate 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits standout moments from past conversations with photographers Catherine Opie, Albert Watson, Pete Souza, Lynn Goldsmith, and Mary Ellen Matthews. These excerpts explore how they approach craft, capture truth, and use the camera to tell the stories that define us.

20th Anniversary celebration with photographers Catherine Opie, Albert Watson, Pete Souza, Lynn Goldsmith, and Mary Ellen Matthews

Welcome to this episode where we unpack the remarkable redevelopment of Olympia London—an ambitious project that transforms historic exhibition halls into a modern cultural destination. Hosted by Inverness Design Studio, we explore how the glass canopy designed by Heatherwick Studio becomes the central spine of a new “street in the sky,” uniting heritage, performance, hospitality and public realm under one sweeping roof.

We discuss design strategy, sustainability features, urban impact and what this regeneration means for London’s West End. Whether you’re a designer, an architect, a London enthusiast, or just curious about how cities evolve, this episode provides insight into how large-scale developments shape the places we live in.

Explore the article and visuals: https://invernessdesignstudio.com/olympia-londons-new-street-in-the-sky

Connect with us for more stories on design and architecture.

Reimagining Olympia London: The Story Behind the West End’s New Cultural District

As part of the 20th anniversary of Design Matters, Debbie Millman shares Part Two of her most surprising first questions, the curious openings that sparked honesty, humor, and revelation. These excerpts highlight the unexpected moments that shaped some of the show’s most memorable conversations.

Guess the Guest: Surprising First Questions Part Two

The Scottish Design Podcast explores the world of creativity, branding, and web design from the heart of the Highlands. Hosted by Inverness Design Studio, the podcast shares expert insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories to help businesses, designers, and entrepreneurs build stronger brands and smarter digital experiences.

From web design tools and branding strategies to digital marketing and creative innovation, each episode is designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to grow your brand online and offline. Whether you’re a startup, small business, or creative professional, this podcast will guide you through the ever-changing design landscape with a uniquely Scottish perspective.

Business of Design® is the #1 trusted business training resource for design professionals around the world. Join thousands of design professional already using our field-tested project management strategies and enjoy increased confidence, improved client retention, greater profits and a business that thrives.

It’s time to take control of your business. 
Become a member of Business of Design®, today:
https://businessofdesign.com/?ref=2&campaign=podcast

Design Matters by Debbie Millman features interviews with designers, artists and cultural leaders, including Lawrence Weiner, Barbara Kruger, Malcolm Gladwell, Eric Kandel, Stefan Sagmeister, John Maeda, Jonathan Hoefler and Tobias Frere-Jones, Michael Arad, Milton Glaser, Massimo Vignelli, Paula Scher, Steven Heller, Jonah Lehrer, among others.

In 2011, Design Matters received the People’s Design Award from the prestigious Cooper-Hewitt National Design Awards.

Subscribe to Design Matters for free on iTunes, where new episodes are uploaded weekly: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/design-matters-debbie-millman/id328074695

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