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

Podcast Information:

• Title: Trade Tales
• Host: Caitlin Petersen, Editor in Chief of Business of Home
• Episode: Considering a sabbatical? Chloe Redmond Warner did it—and shares how you can, too [Rebroadcast]
• Release Date: July 16, 2025

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of Trade Tales, Caitlin Petersen revisits a previous conversation with Oakland-based interior designer Chloe Redmond Warner. The focus revolves around Chloe’s transformative decision to take a sabbatical, the subsequent evolution of her design firm, Redmond Aldrich Design, and the profound personal and professional insights she gained along the way.

Chloe's Early Career and Background

Chloe Redmond Warner's journey into interior design is unconventional. Initially aspiring to be an architect, Chloe realized early on that her passion lay elsewhere.

[02:37] Chloe Redmond Warner: “From a pretty young age... interior designer was like a little bit not taken seriously... I just want to make, like, really beautiful spaces that make people feel a certain way.”

After graduating from Harvard Architecture School in 2005, Chloe felt the need to realign her career towards her true passion—creating aesthetically pleasing and emotionally resonant spaces.

Starting Redmond Aldrich Design

Launching her own firm, Chloe faced the typical challenges of a budding entrepreneur. Despite early successes, such as a feature in Domino magazine that provided crucial exposure, financial stability was not immediate.

[04:20] Chloe Redmond Warner: “I didn't make money for years. I just had very low overhead... many years of doing nice projects but not making very much money.”

Her perseverance paid off as Redmond Aldrich Design gradually grew into a thriving operation, emphasizing quality and client satisfaction over rapid financial gains.

Growth and Team Building

A pivotal moment in the firm’s growth was the influence of her first employee, Maria, who not only brought technical skills and taste but also introduced essential business systems from her previous workplace.

[07:19] Chloe Redmond Warner: “Ever since Maria, I feel like I look for taste... temperament... and technical skills... the three T's.”

This foundation allowed Chloe to expand her team thoughtfully, ensuring that each new hire embodied the firm's core values of taste, technical proficiency, and a collaborative spirit.

The Impact of a Sabbatical

Feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, Chloe decided to take a four-month sabbatical in 2022—a decision that initially seemed daunting but ultimately proved transformative both personally and professionally.

[22:55] Caitlin Peterson: “How did you decide to do it? How long did you go away for? How did you prepare?”

[22:57] Chloe Redmond Warner: “I was in a very dark place... I saw an ambulance and I was like, oh, that would be nice to just be taken away.”

During her sabbatical, Chloe completely disconnected from work, avoiding emails and focusing on personal growth and rejuvenation. This break allowed her to return with a fresh perspective and the realization that her firm could operate smoothly without her constant oversight.

[24:44] Chloe Redmond Warner: “I never came back feeling refreshed, but I saw that the office was solid and everyone, including clients, didn’t miss me.”

Post-Sabbatical Development: Product Lines and Book

Upon returning, Chloe leveraged the stability of her firm to explore new creative avenues. She launched a fabric and wallpaper line and embarked on writing a book that encapsulates her firm’s design philosophy.

[12:17] Chloe Redmond Warner: “I sold the book to Abrams... it's the book of Rad's work and our strategy for making beautiful atmosphere.”

These initiatives not only diversified her business but also reinforced her brand’s identity, allowing for more creative expression within the company's framework.

Coaching and Personal Growth

Recognizing the need for personal development, Chloe enlisted the help of a coach after a transformative trip to Egypt, where she met fellow designer Barry Benson. This coaching relationship became instrumental in helping her set healthy boundaries and approach business challenges with confidence.

[30:03] Chloe Redmond Warner: “She taught me to be more optimistic and confident... It’s been profoundly helpful.”

Chloe learned to handle difficult situations, such as setting boundaries with clients who exhibited toxic behavior, and shifted her approach from reactive to proactive management.

[34:45] Chloe Redmond Warner: “How about if we make a boundary that you don't let people be an asshole to you on the phone?... because it's your boundary.”

Aesthetic Intelligence (AQ) in Practice

A recurring theme in Chloe’s approach is the concept of Aesthetic Intelligence (AQ) — a unique form of intelligence that involves connecting with the senses to create environments that feel right for clients.

[00:02] Chloe Redmond Warner: “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.”

Chloe integrates AQ into her client interactions by creating playlists and mood boards that help clients articulate their desired atmospheres, thereby fostering a deeper connection and ensuring that the final design aligns with their sensory preferences.

[38:13] Chloe Redmond Warner: “If you're able to tap into that and be aware and maximize it where you can, you're going to enjoy your life more.”

Financial Strategies and Billing

Chloe discusses her firm’s financial strategies, particularly emphasizing the importance of transparent and honest billing practices. Redmond Aldrich Design primarily uses an hourly billing structure, which Chloe prefers over flat fees to maintain flexibility and ensure fair compensation for the team’s efforts.

[47:46] Chloe Redmond Warner: “We've always done hourly... Part of what that means is we say yes, if somebody has a request or an issue... a flat fee doesn’t work because people add requests.”

She also addresses the emotional challenges of billing, especially when clients dispute charges, and highlights how coaching has helped her approach these situations with confidence and professionalism.

Challenges and Entrepreneurial Growth

Running a design firm is fraught with challenges, from managing a growing team to handling difficult clients. Chloe candidly shares her struggles with letting employees go and maintaining emotional resilience in the face of business setbacks.

[51:46] Chloe Redmond Warner: “The very few people that I have had to let go, it just destroys me... I've never come back from an awareness that this person should probably go to, maybe they can stay.”

Through these experiences, Chloe has learned the importance of aligning team members with the firm's values and the necessity of making tough decisions for the greater good of the business.

Definition of Success

For Chloe, success transcends financial metrics. She aspires to build a firm that outlasts its founder, ensuring that Redmond Aldrich Design continues to thrive and inspire long after her tenure.

[55:10] Chloe Redmond Warner: “I would like to figure out a way to have a business that outlasts its founder... I would like to be a firm that does that.”

This vision underscores her commitment to creating a sustainable and impactful business that prioritizes quality, creativity, and longevity.

Conclusion

Chloe Redmond Warner’s story is a testament to the power of introspection, strategic growth, and the courage to take a sabbatical. Her journey offers invaluable insights for interior designers and entrepreneurs alike, emphasizing the importance of balance, personal well-being, and innovative approaches to business management.

Notable Quotes:

• 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.”
• Chloe Redmond Warner [04:20]: “I didn’t make money for years. I just had very low overhead...”
• Chloe Redmond Warner [22:57]: “I was in a very dark place...”
• Chloe Redmond Warner [34:45]: “How about if we make a boundary that you don't let people be an asshole to you on the phone?...”
• Chloe Redmond Warner [55:10]: “I would like to figure out a way to have a business that outlasts its founder...”

This comprehensive summary encapsulates Chloe Redmond Warner’s pivotal experiences and the lessons gleaned from her sabbatical, providing a roadmap for designers seeking similar transformations in their careers.