Business and Interiors Podcast

In this episode of the Business and Interiors podcast, we welcome Rob Burton, co-founder of Dapa Atelier, an award-winning interior design studio specializing in commercial interiors, show homes, and private residences.Rob shares his journey from a business graduate with limited design experience to establishing a successful design studio known for high-end, tailored interiors. He talks about Dapa Atelier's origins and the challenges he faced breaking into the London market, especially when working with property developers and building a team.Rob discusses the evolving demands of property developers, balancing creative design with functional requirements, and maintaining the delicate balance between appealing to a broad market while injecting personality into each project. He highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless focus on quality - values that have helped Dapa Atelier secure long-term partnerships with top developers. Rob also provides insights into his approach to working with developers, from pitching concepts to understanding how show homes can serve as both a sales tool and a brand-building asset.Our conversation also delves into the logistical and creative challenges of delivering interiors on tight timelines, managing a growing team, and adapting to shifts in the market and buyer preferences. Rob explains how Dapa Atelier stays ahead of trends while remaining grounded in client needs, and he shares how his team’s commitment to quality and innovation has shaped their design philosophy.JOIN BUSINESS AND INTERIORS - The Membership Community for Interior Designerswww.businessandinteriors.comCONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: www.instagram.com/businessandinteriorsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-and-interiors/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@business.and.interiors

In this episode of the Business and Interiors podcast, we sit down with Chloe Bullock, founder of Materialise Interiors and author of Sustainable Interior Design.With 30 years of design experience, Chloe explains how her formative years at The Body Shop, working closely with Anita Roddick, instilled in her a commitment to ethical practices. This experience laid the foundation for her approach to sustainable design, emphasizing the importance of transparency in material sourcing and production processes.Chloe talks about her book, Sustainable Interior Design, which serves as a practical guide for interior designers looking to embrace sustainability in their work. She highlights eleven key principles, including conscious supply chains, healthy buildings, biophilic design, and ethical business practices. The episode also explores the challenges Chloe faced in pioneering vegan and sustainable design, particularly in an industry where these concepts were not initially mainstream. She discusses how the demand for sustainable products has increased in recent years, with clients becoming more conscious of their environmental impact. However, she emphasizes the need for designers to be proactive in offering sustainable solutions and educating their clients on eco-friendly alternatives.Chloe also touches on the misconceptions surrounding sustainable interior design, such as the idea that it is always more expensive or less aesthetically pleasing. She advocates for sustainability as a means of enhancing creativity, encouraging interior designers to view it as an opportunity to solve problems in innovative ways. Ultimately, Chloe’s message is one of empowerment - encouraging designers to take small, actionable steps toward sustainability while educating clients on the long-term benefits of eco-friendly design.JOIN BUSINESS AND INTERIORS - The Membership Community for Interior Designerswww.businessandinteriors.comCONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: www.instagram.com/businessandinteriorsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-and-interiors/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@business.and.interiors

In this episode of the Business and Interiors podcast, we catch up with Sam Fisher, the event director of Decorex - the UK's leading exhibition for interior design professionals.Sam shares her journey of over 15 years at Decorex, highlighting how the event has evolved to remain a cornerstone of the interior design industry. She reflects on Decorex’s strong community roots and how the show has maintained its reputation as a hub for high-end luxury and craftsmanship, drawing interior design professionals from across the UK and beyond.She explains the show's growth, including its transition to London Olympia in 2019, which significantly improved accessibility for both exhibitors and visitors. Sam discusses how Decorex has continued to innovate by introducing new collaborations, feature areas, and interactive spaces that keep the event fresh and exciting. With about 30% of exhibitors being new each year, Decorex ensures attendees are always inspired by new ideas and trends.Sam also delves into Decorex’s larger role in the interior design industry, offering unparalleled networking opportunities and a platform to showcase craftsmanship. She emphasizes the show’s commitment to sustainability, highlighting initiatives to promote reuse and eco-friendly practices as a core part of its modern approach.Looking ahead, Sam teases future plans for Decorex, including potential networking events in Olympia’s newly developed space. She portrays Decorex not just as an exhibition, but as a key experience where designers and industry professionals can connect, get inspired, and explore new ideas, solidifying its place as a must-attend event in the design calendar.JOIN BUSINESS AND INTERIORS - The Membership Community for Interior Designerswww.businessandinteriors.comCONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: www.instagram.com/businessandinteriorsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-and-interiors/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@business.and.interiors

In this episode of the Business and Interiors podcast, we sit down with Rose Murray, founder and CEO of These White Walls.Rose discusses her journey of shifting her focus from commercial and hospitality design to residential interiors during the pandemic, a move that required significant adaptation and resilience.With a background in anthropology and scenography, Rose explains how her years in set dressing and event design have profoundly influenced her unique approach to interiors.Rose also explores the challenges and rewards of pivoting her business to take on high-end residential projects worldwide, highlighting how she maintained her studio's creative integrity while adapting to new demands. Additionally, she delves into her design philosophy, which centres around bold femininity, unconventional beauty, and the importance of working closely with artisans to create bespoke, tailored pieces.Throughout the conversation, Rose emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's values, advocating for authenticity over fleeting trends, and continuously seeking inspiration from diverse sources such as travel, poetry, and the natural world. She also shares her perspective on the role of AI in the design industry, seeing it as a tool that, when used correctly, can enhance creativity and efficiency without replacing the human touch essential to truly bespoke interiors., seeing it as a tool that, when used correctly, can enhance creativity and efficiency without replacing the human touch essential to truly bespoke interiors.JOIN BUSINESS AND INTERIORS - The Membership Community for Interior Designerswww.businessandinteriors.comCONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: www.instagram.com/businessandinteriorsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-and-interiors/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@business.and.interiors

In this episode of the Business and Interiors Podcast, we’re joined by Samantha Pope, founder and creative director of Samantha Pope Interiors. Samantha shares her inspiring path from studying interior architecture to establishing her own luxury interior design studio. She highlights the crucial role that a deep understanding of building structures has played in her unique approach to interior design.Samantha also opens up about the personal challenges she encountered while balancing motherhood with her professional aspirations. She discusses how working alongside her husband, a property developer, provided her with the flexibility to gradually return to the design industry after becoming a mother. Over time, as her confidence grew, she successfully launched her own company, distinct from her husband’s business.A key focus of the conversation is the importance of developing and maintaining a strong mindset. Samantha speaks candidly about her experiences with anxiety and the strategies she has used to cultivate a positive outlook, including daily practices like meditation. She underscores the significance of self-awareness and the value of a supportive environment in achieving and sustaining mental well-being.JOIN BUSINESS AND INTERIORS - The Membership Community for Interior Designerswww.businessandinteriors.comCONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: www.instagram.com/businessandinteriorsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-and-interiors/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@business.and.interiors

In this episode of the Business and Interiors Podcast, we sit down with Brian Woulfe, founder of Designed by Woulfe.Brian shares his journey from being a musician to establishing an award-winning interior design studio. He discusses learning on the job, building a strong team, and delegating tasks to focus on client relationships and creative direction. Brian emphasizes designing with the client in mind rather than imposing a specific style, managing diverse projects, and the significance of maintaining client trust. He also highlights the challenges and rewards of taking on unique design briefs, such as his controversial design for the Decorex VIP lounge.JOIN BUSINESS AND INTERIORS - The Membership Community for Interior Designerswww.businessandinteriors.comCONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: www.instagram.com/businessandinteriorsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/business-and-interiors/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@business.and.interiors