EP 468 | Beyond Beautiful: Why Interior Design Now Carries Responsibility with Megan Reilly

February 17, 2026

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Design doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It responds to real life — and sometimes, real loss. In this thoughtful conversation, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Megan Reilly, co-founder of WestEdge Design Fair, to explore how the role of interior designers is evolving beyond aesthetics and into responsibility.

They discuss how design shows up during disruption and rebuilding, why resilience and smarter material choices are becoming non-negotiable, and how industry platforms like WestEdge are adapting to support designers who want to do meaningful, relevant work without sacrificing business sustainability. This is not about burnout, martyrdom, or working for free — it’s about clarity, education, and community.

If you’ve been feeling the pull toward more impact but aren’t sure how to balance that with running a healthy business, this episode offers a grounded, honest perspective on what it means to be a designer right now — and how to step into a bigger role with intention.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Why design has consequences far beyond aesthetics
  • How designers can contribute meaningfully during rebuilding and recovery
  • What resilience, sustainability, and smarter material choices look like in practice
  • Why in-person events and industry platforms matter more than ever
  • How designers can expand their impact without diluting their business model
  • Why education and community are strategic advantages — not “extras”

DESIGN INTERVENTION

You can have it good, fast, or cheap — but not all three.
Done is better than perfect.

 

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

 

About Megan Reilly

Megan co-founded WestEdge Design Fair in 2013, relocating from New York City to Santa Monica to immerse herself with the West Coast design community. She has extensive experience in brand activations, event management, marketing, programming, project management, and public relations. She now calls Irvine home and, when not looking for new and undiscovered design brands, can be found exploring the many hiking trails throughout Southern California.

www.westedgedesignfair.com

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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be used for any legal decisions. Kimberley Seldon Design Group, Kimberley Seldon Productions Inc., Kimberley Seldon Design and Media, Inc., Business of Design™, or any of its affiliated companies or staff is not responsible for any errors or omissions effecting accuracy in any content, and they will not be held liable for the use or misuse of information, facts, details or any other aspects should there arise any defects, errors, omissions or perhaps inaccuracies. Extensive research has been conducted to put this podcast together for the purpose of educating our industry in order to better serve the public. Care has been taken to acknowledge ownership of copyrighted material. The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. This work is offered with the understanding that we do not render any legal, accounting or other professional advice. Seek the advice of a lawyer and/or other competent professional person in all matters of law. Further, listeners should be aware that internet websites mentioned may change or disappear between when this was recorded and when it was listened to.

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