EP 166 | Taking Ownership in Your Interior Design Business with Christie Leu

April 20, 2020

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What if taking responsibility for every challenge in your business was actually the key to growth?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Washington DC designer and BOD™ member Christie Leu to discuss the mindset shift that helps interior designers build stronger systems, improve communication, and create more successful projects.

Christie shares why adopting an “it’s all my fault” mentality is not about blame — it’s about ownership. By taking responsibility for what goes wrong, designers gain the power to improve processes, avoid repeat mistakes, and create healthier client and contractor relationships.

In this episode, we learn:
• Why reviewing projects that went wrong creates valuable business insight
• How identifying your role in problems helps improve future outcomes
• Why stronger written systems improve communication with clients and contractors
• How taking ownership leads to better project management and leadership
• Why carefully choosing clients, trades, and collaborators protects your business
• How recognizing red flags early helps interior designers avoid costly mistakes
• Why knowing when to walk away is an important business skill
• How accountability and strong systems create more profitable, efficient interior design businesses

 

Design Intervention

Not everyone will like you and that’s ok.

 

We transform homes into sanctuaries for successful professionals and their families in Northwest DC, suburban Maryland and Virginia with the help of our A-team of architects, contractors and designers.  Our attention to detail and expert processes ensure happiness during construction and for many years to come. We merge classical architecture with a contemporary aesthetic and adaptations for a modern lifestyle.

Christie Leu is an artist – turned interior designer who has triplets +2 AND a triplet mom design assistant! For 15 years, Christie made original, functional, fine crafts. After completing several major renovations to a series of her own homes, she turned her expertise with color, composition and organization into an Associate Degree of Applied Sciences in Interior Design with a specialization in Kitchen & Bath Design from Montgomery College. She is now honored and excited to help others through the sometimes daunting and complicated process of home improvements. Christie grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio where she developed an appreciation for wonderful architecture and design. She graduated from Purdue University with majors in French and Psychology and a minor in Art. She currently lives in Chevy Chase with her husband David and their 5 children.

www.christieleuinteriors.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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