EP 176 | How Interior Designers Can Create Meaningful Design with OMFGCO

June 23, 2020

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Beautiful design is important — but meaningful design creates lasting impact.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by guests Fritz Mesenbrink and Melinda Turner of OMFGCO to discuss how interior designers can create work that goes beyond aesthetics to truly connect with clients and solve meaningful problems.

By choosing aligned clients, staying curious, and embracing collaboration and unexpected challenges, designers can create projects that are both beautiful and deeply purposeful. This conversation explores how thoughtful design begins with listening, adaptability, and a willingness to approach every project with fresh perspective.

In this episode, we learn:
• Why interior designers should seek clients who share similar values and vision
• How defining success early improves project clarity and outcomes
• Why approaching projects with a beginner’s mind leads to stronger creative solutions
• How good ideas can come from unexpected places and collaborators
• Why flexibility and adaptability are essential in the design process
• How challenges within projects often lead to the most creative and meaningful solutions
• Why thoughtful, client-centered design creates deeper emotional impact and long-term success
• How intentional design helps interior designers stand out in a competitive marketplace

 

Design Intervention

Our friend, Donald, is the GM at Ace Hotel Portland, and we always admired his ability to run complex operations with multiple teams with very little stress, and we wondered how he did it. He said the secret was simple: lead with generosity. Hire competent people that you trust, and allow them to own their job.

 

 

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR!

About Fritz Mesenbrink

Co-Founder & Creative Director

Fritz hails from the tiny town of Forks, Washington, the home of evergreens, rain, and the occasional vampire. He cut his teeth as a designer at Wieden+Kennedy’s Portland office, and quietly freelanced with Stumptown Coffee in his downtime. He’s taller than average and frustratingly good at just about everything he does. In 2009, Fritz joined forces with friend Jeremy Pelley to create The Official Manufacturing Company—more affectionately known as OMFGCO—a small but mighty creative studio that believes every decision is a brand decision.

About Melinda Turner

Director of Architecture and Interiors

Melinda grew up in Tuscon, AZ, the home of cacti, sunshine, and the occasional golfer. She spent her formative design years in San Francisco working at award-winning architecture firms, such as WRNS Studio and Aidlin Darling Design; she also operated a solo practice specializing in hospitality and residential design. After 14 years, she flew the coup to Portland, which she unapologetically loves way more. She thinks about contrast more than food and would rather paint shapes on walls than sleep. Melinda leads OMFGCO’s interior design team—more affectionately known as the Department of Interiors.

www.omfgco.com

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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.

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