EP 105 | Shared Workspaces and Buying Groups for Interior Designers with LeAnne Bunnell

March 25, 2019

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Could a shared workspace or buying group help interior designers increase profitability, collaboration, and business growth?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon speaks with LeAnne Bunnell and Swati Goorha about the advantages of cooperative workspaces and collective buying groups for interior designers. From creating a professional environment for clients to sharing resources, ideas, and industry knowledge, these collaborative models offer opportunities to strengthen both business operations and profitability.

For designers seeking community, support, and greater purchasing power, this conversation explores how working together can create benefits that are difficult to achieve alone.

In this episode, we learn:
• Why defining a clear purpose is essential before launching or joining a collective
• How to determine the right size and structure for a shared workspace
• Key considerations when creating a collaborative environment for designers, clients, and vendors
• Why financial planning is critical to the success of a cooperative workspace
• How shared resources and professional communities support business growth
• Why buying groups can increase profitability and strengthen purchasing power
• How collaboration helps designers navigate industry challenges and changing margins

 

Take Aways

LeAnne’s 5 musts for a collective work space

  1. Determine who your ideal collective renters are (your ideal client).
  2. Determine what you can afford to spend on a purchase or lease and whether or not you want this to be a money maker for you.
  3. Consider various zoning ideas (commercial, light industrial, residential) and location for convenience when searching for the perfect space.
  4. Set policies around office behavior; define your expectations.
  5. Always make sure to look after your community. Ask how they like using the space and make changes wherever it’s warranted.

 

Design Intervention

Repeat yourself to ensure clients and trades understand what you are going to do. Tell them what you are going to tell them. Then tell them. Then tell them what you told them.

About LeAnne Bunnell

LeAnne Bunnell Interiors is a full-service boutique interior design studio working in Calgary and around western Canada since 2003. LeAnne and her crack team pride themselves on strong relationships and creating spaces that clearly resonate with the clients they work with. Specializing in everything from full room transformations to large scale builds and renovation projects, LBI is recognized for their creative and tailored approach to design.

‘We believe you should love where you live every day. We believe you shape your home and, in turn, your home shapes you. We believe in luxury and indulgence and that means different things to different people. We believe that it’s never wrong if you love it. We believe in candlelight, fresh flowers and pillows.’ 

www.leannebunnell.com

About Swati Goorha

Swati Goorha is the Principal of her namesake firm Swati Goorha Designs. She manages a team of client-focused, experienced designers and installers. She is an avid global traveler and her exposure to different cultures lends her design innovativeness, best-of-breed quality, and unique perspective. Growing up, she loved running across rooms in her grandfather’s boutique hotel noting the unique decor, antique furniture, and variety of finishes. This exposure to design and architecture brought forth her sophistication in taste and an eye for unique details. Her passion for travel was seeded by her ever-traveling parents: museums, art, and architecture were a huge part of her childhood experience.

Swati has designed residences and commercial spaces all over the country across the coasts. She is a published designer with her projects featured in major publications and interviewed by influential TV journalists. She is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).

Swati is active in the design community attending and presenting at major conferences. Swati is also involved with several nonprofit organizations in an effort to give back to the community and supports multiple charities. She is the President of Summit – New Providence, NJ Rotary Club for 2018 – 2019.

www.swatigoorha.com

Facebook Group: Design Source (Design Buying Group)

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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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