EP 286 | Decision Fatigue for Interior Designers with Nika Kabiri

August 16, 2022

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Are constant client and project decisions draining your energy and confidence?

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon is joined by Nika Kabiri to explore the science behind decision-making and how interior designers can reduce the mental exhaustion that comes from making hundreds of choices every day.

From selecting finishes to managing client expectations, decision fatigue can quietly impact productivity, creativity, and leadership. Learn how to simplify your process, reduce pressure, and make clearer decisions with greater confidence.

If you feel mentally overwhelmed by the nonstop demands of running projects, this episode will help you work smarter and stress less.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why managing decisions is one of the most valuable services designers provide
• How to reduce the pressure of making the “perfect” choice
• Why presenting pros and cons helps clients make better decisions
• How systems, standards, and protocols reduce decision fatigue
• Why reversible decisions shouldn’t consume unnecessary energy
• When trusting your instincts is the smartest move

 

DESIGN INTERVENTION

Embrace your self-doubt. It’s healthy.

About Nika Kabiri

Nika Kabiri is a decision-making specialist who helps people make hard choices so they can move forward with minimal regret. She’s spent over two decades studying how people make decisions in a variety of contexts, from relationships to politics to business. She’s worked with clients like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, PepsiCo, General Mills, Fitbit, Oakley, and more, including tech start-ups that haven’t been born yet. Currently, Nika serves as Senior Director of Decision Science at Clio, where she’s helping the legal industry to improve access to justice through better decision making. She also advises individuals needing help making the right choices.

Nika earned a PhD in Sociology from the University of Washington, where her academic focus was on choice theory and institutional analysis. She’s a former faculty member at the University of Washington, where she taught decision science. She also has a JD from the University of Texas.

www.yournextdecision.com

 

Thank you to our Sponsor!

Daniel House Club

Created by designers for designers, Daniel House Club maximizes your potential for profits and creative satisfaction by providing everything you need to source the products you want and manage your design business.

Visit danielhouse.club/bod to save 50% off your first year of Pro or Pro+ membership.

 

What DHC members are saying:

“Daniel House Club has been a game changer for me. It’s so quick and easy with a lot of brands that we’ve wanted to use but didn’t have accounts with. Their customer service is top notch whenever I have questions. It also keeps my clients happy because I can manage their expectations on shipping with the Daniel House Club 10% flat rate.”  ~ Pro+ Member, Trish Bonney

“I have come to totally rely on Daniel House Club for my business. They are my first stop to source a variety of items for each project. I know their customer service team will help me with any obscure questions and even go the extra mile to ensure items arrive at the right time.”  ~ Pro+ Member, Rose-Marie William

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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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