Podcast
Designer Discussions : Remodeling Business Marketing
Hosted by Mirjam Lippuner, Jason Lockhart, Maria Design Appy · EN
Welcome to Designer Discussions, where kitchen and bath business owners get the latest training, education, and industry news to elevate their brands and attract high-quality clients. We go beyond surface-level strategies, offering proven tactics to help you stand out and succeed.
Our expert hosts—Jason Lockhart, Maria from DesignAppy.com, and Mirjam Lippuner—bring insider tips, interviews, and best practices to ensure your business thrives. Whether you’re looking for expert guidance on marketing, securing premium clients, or staying ahead of industry trends, we provide the knowledge you need to confidently implement changes that boost your success.
Are you looking to take it a step further? Our monthly training and mentoring services offer hands-on, practical solutions—whether you prefer a do-it-yourself approach or a done-for-you service. Say goodbye to uncertainty and hello to a strategic plan that guarantees growth. Tune in, take control, and make the impactful changes you aim for.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Top 10 Social Media Tips For Designers in 2026
1w ago00:08:56Tap to summarizeSocial media has never offered more ways to reach clients & it has never been easier to waste an entire afternoon scrolling. We break that tension down with 10 practical social media tips for 2026 built specifically for design professionals who need results without burning out.We start with the foundation, consistency. If a potential client checks your Instagram or Facebook and your last post is months old, trust drops fast. We talk about what “consistent” actually looks like, why one strong post per week can be enough, and how a simple schedule keeps your brand visible while you stay focused on projects. We also share a batching workflow that takes about an hour a month.From there, we get into community and content strategy for design and remodeling businesses growth. We explain how joining the right groups and engaging with like minded pros helps you earn shares, comments, and long term momentum. The goal is to give people a real reason to keep coming back to your page. We close with the part nobody talks about enough: your relationship with social media. We share how to avoid spreading yourself too thin, set a weekly engagement window, & stop the death scroll so you can stay sharp, healthy, and consistent.Subscribe, leave a review, & share the show with a friend. See all 10 tips below:Trust-First Content — Authentic content that builds credibility and trust now outperforms overly promotional posts. Short-Form Video Storytelling — Educational and story-driven short videos generate the highest engagement and reach. Authority-Based Content — Businesses that consistently teach and share expertise attract higher-quality leads. Local SEO + Social Integration — Local keywords, geotags, and city-focused content are critical for visibility in 2026. Personal Branding — Owners and leadership teams who are visible online build trust faster than company brands alone. AI-Assisted Content Creation — AI tools are helping businesses create faster, more consistent, and scalable content. Community Engagement — Meaningful interactions and conversations matter more than follower count. Educational Carousel Posts — Informative carousel posts are driving strong saves, shares, and audience retention. Consistency Over Virality — Consistent posting and messaging outperform occasional viral content. Full Buyer Journey Content — Successful brands create content that supports every stage from awareness to conversion.Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.htmlDesigner Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. Download our FREE Client Avatar GuideDesigner Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
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Learn How to Get Found In AI Search
3w ago00:18:01Tap to summarizeAI search is quietly reshaping how homeowners choose a designer or remodeler, and the rules are not the same as traditional SEO. If you want your business to show up when someone asks ChatGPT or Perplexity for “the best kitchen remodeler near me,” you need more than a pretty website and a few keywords. You need content that answers the questions people actually ask and signals that you’re a credible expert worth quoting. We talk through the website moves that make you easier for large language models to understand clear service pages, tight structure, and FAQ-style answers around the big trust questions like cost, scope, and timeline. We also explain how to share pricing without boxing yourself into a single number by using ranges and real examples that add context. If your homepage is a wall of text, we explain why that hurts both humans and AI and what “organized” really looks like. Then we get into why PR is having a real moment. Earned media creates third-party credibility, and that validation is exactly what AI systems tend to rely on when they build answers. We break down how smaller local mentions, trade publication quotes, and smart press release distribution can put your name in more places AI looks. We also share what not to do, including publishing generic AI-written website copy that gets ignored instead of rewarded. If you want more designers and remodeling leads from AI search, subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a review so more pros can find it.If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:https://auditsky.ai (Website AI Audit)https://answerthepublic.com/ (Find out what questions people are asking AI)Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.htmlDesigner Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. Download our FREE Client Avatar GuideDesigner Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
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Modern Systems And Pricing Strategies For Remodelers
Apr 900:40:11Tap to summarizeIf your design studio feels busy but the bank account never seems to agree, it’s time to zoom out and look at operations. We’re joined by Diane Welhouse of Wellhouse Consulting Services, a certified kitchen and bath remodeler and longtime remodeling professional, to talk about what actually makes a design or remodeling business durable in a tough marketplace.We start with the unglamorous stuff that changes everything: replacing outdated, paper-based workflows with modern business systems, choosing scalable technology, and building processes your team can follow. Diane explains why “mainstream” tools like QuickBooks and supported project platforms often beat proprietary setups, especially if you want to grow, hire, or eventually sell.Then we get into pricing strategy, budgeting, and cash flow. Diane breaks down how to use real numbers, not “industry standard markup,” to set rates and margins, track billable hours, and aim for true profit. A big takeaway is reserve planning in three buckets: operating reserves for downturns, capital reserves for future investments, and “human reserves” so you can hire without fear during that 60 to 90 day ramp-up window.We also connect operations to marketing and PR: defining your mission, values, and ideal client profile, building trust through thought leadership on LinkedIn, working with local media, and using awards plus before-and-after photos as credibility and content. Hit play, then subscribe, share the show with a friend, and leave a review so more design pros can find it.Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.htmlDesigner Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. Download our FREE Client Avatar GuideDesigner Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
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The Commercial Design Crossover with Marcy Sagel
Mar 2600:34:23Tap to summarizeIf you’ve ever thought, “I can design a beautiful space, but commercial feels like a different language,” today’s guest is here to change that. Marcy Sagel is the founder of DesignerBank and principal of MSA Interiors, with 25 years in commercial and multifamily interiors. She helps interior designers build practical skills in Revit, Enscape rendering, and large-scale space planning using real project workflows. In this conversation, you’ll learn what truly separates residential from commercial, and how to level up fast withoutguessing.Commercial interior design can look mysterious from the outside, but once you understand the workflow, it becomes a realistic next step for residential designers who want bigger projects and a wider career runway. We sit down with Marcy Sagel, founder of MSA Interiors and Designer Bank, to unpack what actually changes when you move into multifamily and other large-scale commercial work, and what skills help you contribute fast without feeling overwhelmed.We get specific about the tools and the expectations. Marcy explains why so many commercial teams rely on Revit, how interior designers use it inside an architectural model, and why firms often require Revit proficiency before they hire. We also talk about the real payoff: stronger job placement, more opportunities across architecture and design firms, and the career leverage that comes from production-ready software skills. On top of that, we explore why rendering matters so much for client buy-in, plus how learning lighting, materials, and presentation techniques can make your ideas land faster.Then we zoom out to the business side of commercial interiors: working with big teams, staying aligned through schedules and phases, doing early space planning for amenities, and handling value engineering without sacrificing the look. Marcy also shares practical marketing and PR advice for designers who want to break into commercial work locally, often starting with the same residential clients who own businesses and need offices or facilities designed.If you’re ready to expand your portfolio and design career, subscribe, share the episode with a designer friend, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:https://designerbank.com/https://msainteriors.com/Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.htmlDesigner Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. Download our FREE Client Avatar GuideDesigner Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
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KBIS 2026 Trends from the Show Floor
Mar 1200:41:01Tap to summarizeSurprise: the star of KBIS wasn’t a futuristic gadget but the return of character. We dive into a wave of “what’s old is new again,” where doors get beaded and chamfered profiles, mullions and mesh come back with purpose, and stained glass quietly flexes in kitchens and baths. After years of flat fronts and white shaker, this shift doesn’t feel fussy—it feels intentional, with cleaner proportions, smarter materials, and a warmer, crafted vibe.We break down the material story driving that warmth: rift-cut white oak, walnut, and even revived cherry, paired with natural stone that’s reclaiming space from quartz. Countertops move beyond the square edge to ogee, double ogee, and bullnose, while thin 1–2 cm slabs unlock thermoformed curves and softer geometry. We tackle the practical side too—how to maintain ergonomic heights with thinner tops and how new textured finishes manage cleanup. The room expands beyond cabinets as arches, wide crowns, paneled walls, and bold trim treatments turn kitchens into cohesive architectural statements. Color’s still surging, but now in matte appliance finishes—hot pink, mauve, navy, and leafy greens that sit comfortably next to honest wood and stone.There’s a fresh frontier as well: luxe closets. We’re seeing full-on kitchen-level detailing in wardrobe spaces, from fluted panels and glass doors to island-grade surfaces and lighting. Tile tech adds drama with oversize “wallpaper” porcelains and custom-printed trims that match pattern and tone. And for anyone heading to a massive trade show, we share our battle-tested plan to see more, stress less, and actually capture what matters—when to walk which hall, how to avoid the mobbed booths, and how to mine your photos for early trend signals. The industry mood is upbeat, even as hiring remains tough and AI enters the chat; the real opportunity lies in pairing human craft with better tools and a sharper eye for detail.If this kind of design intel fuels your work, follow along, share the episode with a colleague, and leave a quick review so others can find it. Got a favorite comeback trend or a question about specifying thin slabs, matte finishes, or closet systems? Tell us what you’re testing next.If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-162-KBIS-2026-Trends-from-the-Show-FloorTransform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.htmlDesigner Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. Download our FREE Client Avatar GuideDesigner Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
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Listen to this before setting your 2026 Marketing Goals
Feb 2600:14:02Tap to summarizePlanning your 2026 marketing but not sure where to start—or how to fix what’s not working? We break down a practical path that helps design professionals win more of the right projects without burning hours on tactics that don’t convert. It begins with the must-have foundations: a clear ideal client and a website that proves credibility in seconds. From there, we show how to get discovered locally and convert interest into consultations with a few focused moves.We walk through the top channels we track each year for designers and remodelers, then spotlight the ones that deliver reliable lift on normal budgets. You’ll hear why Google Business Profile is the smartest entry point for local SEO, how to fully complete and optimize your listing, and how posting a couple times a month can nudge you into the map pack. We also tackle social media with a calm, sustainable plan: four strong posts a month, a clear message about who you serve, and project-driven storytelling that builds trust. No daily grind required.You’ll learn how to turn ongoing jobs into content—before-and-afters, process snapshots, and client outcomes—and how to use a fast competitor scan to spot service gaps you can own. We touch on connected TV advertising too: when it makes sense, what it costs, and why most firms are better served mastering the basics first. By the end, you’ll have a checklist to align your message, update your proof, and focus your time where it actually moves the pipeline.If this helped, follow the links in our show notes for the CEU replay and our social masterclass, then subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a quick review so more designers can find the show.If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:https://www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-161-Listen-to-this-before-setting-your-2026-Marketing-GoalsNKBA PresentationTransform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.htmlDesigner Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. Download our FREE Client Avatar GuideDesigner Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
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Lessons From 37 Years In Remodeling with Jeff Russell
Feb 1200:30:00Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to build a resilient remodeling business that lasts? We sit down with Jeff Russell of Russell Room Remodelers to trace a 37-year journey from a broadcasting grad to a trusted contractor serving the Twin Cities. The conversation moves from hard-won lessons on pricing and financial literacy to the everyday choices that shape trust inside a client’s home.Jeff breaks down why many new remodelers undercharge and how to fix it with real numbers: account for every cost, include the life you need to fund, and divide by true billable hours. We dig into the difference between a P&L and a balance sheet, why the balance sheet is your scoreboard, and how those insights guide margin, markup, and cash buffer decisions. A candid story about a flooded kitchen becomes a masterclass in client communication, accountability, and turning a setback into advocacy.On the growth side, Jeff shares how he hires for values first, uses strengths tools to place people where they thrive, and taps associations and roundtables for mentorship, shared labor, and practical frameworks. We talk about marketing that evolved from newspapers to the Remodelers Showcase, a modern website, and social content that documents real work. You’ll hear a simple shift that changes everything: aim to make marketing a vending machine, not a slot machine, and keep testing channels like Google Local Services with a clear eye on lead quality and cost.Finally, we explore smart uses of AI—from drafting sensitive client emails to modeling compensation—while stressing verification on technical topics like codes. If you’re a remodeler, designer, or contractor looking to price correctly, hire wisely, market with intention, and communicate under pressure, this conversation is your field guide.Enjoyed the episode? Follow and subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a quick review to help more remodelers find the show.If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-160-Lessons-From-37-Years-In-Remodeling-with-Jeff-RussellRussell Room Remodelers WebsiteTransform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.htmlDesigner Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. Download our FREE Client Avatar GuideDesigner Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
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Stop Random Acts Of Marketing In 2026
Jan 2900:12:38Tap to summarizeTired of starting the year with big marketing goals and slipping back into guesswork by spring? We’re laying out a simple, durable framework to end random acts of marketing and build steady momentum into 2026, designed specifically for design and remodeling professionals who need results without burnout.We break down the five pillars that keep your pipeline healthy: a rock-solid foundation with clear ideal client targeting and a trustworthy website, focused visibility where your clients actually are, real authority through case studies and PR, steady nurture that turns interest into action, and a clean sales process that converts projects without pressure. You’ll hear why short sprints on social, SEO, or ads rarely stick, and how a quarterly plan gives you time to execute well, measure honestly, and improve with each cycle.Together we map practical examples you can copy: polishing your home, services, and portfolio pages; keeping Google Business Profile fresh with reviews and updates; setting a weekly rhythm on one primary social channel; turning finished projects into pitchable case studies; and launching a simple monthly email that educates and builds trust. We also dig into intake scripts, proposals that set expectations, and the accountability systems that protect your marketing time when client work gets busy.If you’ve tried before and stalled, you’re not alone—and you’re not done. Steal the quarterly structure, apply the five pillars, and give each tactic enough runway to compound. Subscribe, share this with a colleague who needs a sane plan for 2026, and leave a quick review to tell us which pillar you’ll focus on first.If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-159-How-to-Stop-Random-Acts-of-MarketingTransform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.htmlDesigner Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. Download our FREE Client Avatar GuideDesigner Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
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How A Houston Remodeler Built Trust, Teams, And A Thriving Pipeline
Jan 1500:25:26Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a remodeling company is born from service instead of sales? We sit down with Houston’s Marlon Stepp to unpack how a volunteer effort after floods and hurricanes became a design-build firm trusted by homeowners, hospitals, gyms, restaurants, and neighborhood nonprofits. The throughline is simple and rare: show up first, do what you say, and put displaced families at the front of the schedule. That relentless focus on people fueled referrals, opened doors to commercial projects, and shaped a brand that leads with integrity.We talk about the early days of small repair jobs and how consistent delivery led to bigger tables and better conversations. Marlon breaks down how his team grew by tapping classmates and long-time friends with deep trade experience, building a bench of subcontractors who are as reliable as they are skilled. When disaster strikes, they flex timelines to get families back home, and that compassion turns into future work. On the business side, we map the shift from painful downtime to a steady pipeline through raw social video, a clear website, and reviews that travel further than any pitch deck.Community impact sits at the center. From outfitting outreach kitchens to installing mini libraries in underserved neighborhoods, Marlon’s crew treats service as part of the job—not a marketing afterthought. We dig into why those stories resonate with media and why PR is a natural next step. Then we look ahead: short-term rentals, flips, and a move toward ground-up development that creates housing, supports local needs, and positions the company as a go-to partner when crises hit.If you’re a remodeler battling slow seasons, a designer eyeing commercial work, or a property owner who values character as much as craftsmanship, this conversation offers a roadmap. You’ll hear how to document your process without overproducing, how to build trust at scale, and how to turn experience on job sites into smart investments and long-term resilience. Enjoy the story, take the tactics, and if it sparks ideas for your own practice, subscribe, share with a colleague, and leave a review to help others find the show.If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-158-talking-with-Marlon-Stepp/Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.htmlDesigner Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. Download our FREE Client Avatar GuideDesigner Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
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What's Next for Designer Discussions Podcast in 2026
Jan 100:05:57Tap to summarizeA new year calls for a smarter format. We’re kicking off 2026 by opening the studio doors to the people building design and remodeling businesses every day—so you hear what’s working, what isn’t, and how to fix it without guesswork or gimmicks. Think of it as a workshop you can return to, with clear steps, practical tools, and honest stories that help you create momentum in your marketing.We share a big update: Maria is shifting from weekly co-host to recurring expert, bringing focused segments on AI and fast-moving tech that actually help designers save time, refine strategy, and tell stronger stories. No hype—just what to use, what to skip, and how to apply it to PR, social, email, and search. Alongside that, we’re expanding guest features from design and remodeling pros who walk through their journeys, the channels they bet on, and the lessons they learned when campaigns missed the mark.You’ll also hear two new formats built for action. First, Business of the Month: candid conversations with firms about positioning, lead flow, and marketing choices, followed by targeted next steps you can adapt to your own studio. Second, Fix My Marketing: you send real challenges—flat engagement, messy websites, cold PR outreach—and we respond with specific fixes you can try this week. We’ll keep host-led episodes tighter and more tactical, focusing on the essentials: better pitches, clearer offers, content that converts, and simple analytics that guide smart decisions.If you want useful tactics, a community of peers, and guidance shaped by what’s happening on the ground, this is your year with us. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge, and join our newsletter to get resources tied to each topic. Got a success story or a stubborn roadblock? Apply to be featured and let’s solve it together.If you would like to get the links and show notes for this episode, click on the link below:www.designerdiscussions.com/episodes/episode-157-Whats-Next-for-Designer-Discussions-Podcast-in-2026Transform your marketing with Designer Discussions Academy. In weekly face-to-face sessions, we equip busy business owners with cutting-edge PR strategies, marketing insights, and time-saving tools to not just work in your business, but on your business. Join us to outshine competitors and elevate your business.Join us for our Academy sessions and workshops:https://www.designerdiscussions.com/academy.htmlDesigner Discussions is an educational interior design podcast on marketing, PR and related business topics. Download our FREE Client Avatar GuideDesigner Discussions is a partnership of three experts: Jason Lockhart, CEO of KABMS; Maria Martin, founder of DesignAppy; and Mirjam Lippuner, founder of Get Ink DIY
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