Trade Tales: Considering a Sabbatical? Chloe Redmond Warner Did It—and Shares How You Can, Too

Release Date: September 25, 2024

In this compelling episode of Trade Tales, hosted by Caitlin Peterson, Chloe Redmond Warner, the founder of Redmond Aldrich Design, opens up about her transformative four-month sabbatical. Chloe shares invaluable insights on rekindling creativity, redefining leadership, and restructuring her interior design firm for sustained success.

1. Introduction: Embracing Aesthetic Intelligence

Chloe Redmond Warner introduces a pivotal concept in her design philosophy—Aesthetic Intelligence (AQ). She describes AQ as the innate ability to connect with and enhance the sensory experiences of a space, likening it to talents seen in chefs, perfumers, and fashion designers.

Chloe Redmond Warner [00:02]: "I think it's aesthetic intelligence and I'm going to shorthand it AQ. And I think it's the secret to having a life that feels good."

2. Early Career and Initial Challenges

Chloe’s journey began with a passion for architecture, leading her to Harvard Architecture School. However, she soon realized her true calling was interior design, focusing on creating beautiful spaces rather than theoretical constructs.

Chloe Redmond Warner [02:52]: "I wanted to make, like, really beautiful spaces, make people feel a certain way."

After graduating in 2005, Chloe launched Redmond Aldrich Design. Her early success included featuring her personal apartment project in Domino, which helped secure her first significant client. Despite this, the financial growth of her firm was slow, enduring several challenging years before achieving profitability.

3. Growth of Redmond Aldrich Design

Over nearly two decades, Chloe has grown her Oakland-based firm into a thriving operation. A key turning point was the collaboration with leading architects in California, which elevated the quality and scope of their projects.

Chloe Redmond Warner [05:53]: "We started collaborating with the best architects in California, Really."

4. Building a Strong Team: The Three T’s

Chloe emphasizes the importance of her team, founded on the principles of Taste, Temperament, and Technical Skills—the Three T’s. Her first hire, Maria, exemplified these traits and set the standard for future team members. Today, her team comprises 12 individuals, with a significant portion dedicated to operations and finance, ensuring the firm runs smoothly.

Chloe Redmond Warner [08:54]: "The three T's is what we've looked for. And my first hires embodied them all, and I try to get there with everyone."

5. Expanding Creativity: Product Lines and Publishing

Post-sabbatical, Chloe explored new creative avenues by launching fabric and wallpaper lines, as well as authoring a book. These projects allowed her to diversify her offerings and showcase Redmond Aldrich Design’s aesthetic intelligence beyond client projects.

Chloe Redmond Warner [13:37]: "I sold a book to Abrams, and I loved doing the proposal... it's the book of Rad's work and our strategy for making beautiful atmosphere."

6. The Sabbatical: A Strategic Pause

Burnout and lingering effects of COVID-19 led Chloe to plan a four-month sabbatical. Determined to disconnect completely, she meticulously planned her time off, ensuring her team could operate independently.

Chloe Redmond Warner [23:53]: "I took a sabbatical for four months... I never checked work, email. That would have ruined it."

During her sabbatical, Chloe engaged in personal interests like painting, gardening, and cooking, which revitalized her creativity and provided a fresh perspective on her work-life balance.

7. Transforming Work Habits: Less Email, More Presence

Upon returning, Chloe discovered that her firm thrived in her absence. This realization prompted her to overhaul her approach to communication, significantly reducing email reliance in favor of phone calls and texts, thereby preserving her time and mental energy.

Chloe Redmond Warner [20:15]: "It's so radical. I am no longer responding to email."

This shift not only streamlined her workflow but also empowered her team to take on more responsibility, fostering a more efficient and autonomous working environment.

8. Leadership Development: Working with a Coach

Chloe’s sabbatical experience highlighted the need for personal growth in leadership. She began working with a professional coach, which has been instrumental in redefining her leadership style, setting boundaries, and managing client relationships more effectively.

Chloe Redmond Warner [33:56]: "She was willing to talk to me and now I just can't imagine not being able to hear her take."

Through coaching, Chloe learned to approach her business with optimism and confidence, moving away from fear-based decision-making and fostering a healthier work environment.

9. Setting Boundaries: Navigating Client Relations

Establishing professional boundaries became a cornerstone of Chloe’s renewed approach. She learned to manage difficult clients by setting clear limits, such as handling communications through preferred channels and declining unproductive interactions.

Chloe Redmond Warner [35:29]: "How about if we make a boundary that you don't let people be an asshole to you on the phone?"

This strategy has helped Chloe maintain her well-being and ensure that client interactions remain respectful and productive.

10. Financial Practices: Transparent and Sustainable Billing

Chloe discusses her firm’s billing practices, advocating for transparency and normalization of higher budgets to reflect the quality and scope of their work. She prefers hourly billing over flat fees to maintain fairness and sustainability, despite the emotional challenges it presents.

Chloe Redmond Warner [46:43]: "You got to normalize that big number. And also. Yeah. To, like, know that that's a possibility..."

Chloe acknowledges the difficulties in managing billing but remains committed to honest and accurate financial practices to support her team and business growth.

11. Defining Success: A Legacy of Sustainability

Looking forward, Chloe defines success as creating a firm that endures beyond her leadership. She aims to build a sustainable business model that continues to thrive and innovate in the interior design industry long after her tenure.

Chloe Redmond Warner [56:10]: "I would like to figure out a way to have a business that outlasts its founder."

Key Takeaways

• Aesthetic Intelligence (AQ): Understanding and leveraging AQ is crucial for creating spaces that resonate emotionally and sensorially with clients.

• Strategic Sabbatical: Taking a planned break can provide the clarity needed to implement meaningful changes in business operations and personal well-being.

• Team Empowerment: Building a strong team with the right qualities and delegating effectively can lead to a more resilient and successful firm.

• Leadership Growth: Continuous personal development and seeking mentorship are essential for evolving as a leader.

• Setting Boundaries: Establishing clear professional boundaries enhances client relationships and personal mental health.

• Transparent Financial Practices: Honest and transparent billing fosters trust and ensures the sustainability of the business.

• Long-term Success: Striving to build a legacy through a sustainable business model ensures the firm’s longevity and ongoing impact in the industry.

Chloe Redmond Warner’s journey underscores the importance of self-care, strategic planning, and continuous growth in building a successful and enduring interior design firm. Her experiences offer valuable lessons for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of business leadership and personal fulfillment.

For more insights and inspiring stories, tune into the Trade Tales podcast and stay updated with the latest in the interior design industry.