As we bid adieu to 2024 and are already nearing the end of the first quarter of 2025, we spoke to several design and construction professionals about lessons learned, innovative solutions they implemented and goals moving forward.
Lessons Learned in 2024
Rima Nasser, Owner & Principal Designer, Tew Design Studio, Apex, N.C.
The pandemic forced us to rethink our approach when lead times became unmanageable. Tapping into the potential of local craftsmanship, we discovered that our artisans and manufacturers could deliver exceptional quality, often rivaling major brands and exceeding expectations with more complex builds. This realization sparked the idea for an in-house furniture line, TEWlines. Furniture making and design are part of my family’s legacy; I’m thrilled to see this vision take shape and can’t wait to share it with the world in early 2025. Photo credit: Allie Mullin Photography
Claire Jefford, Owner, Claire Jefford Inc., Ontario
This past year and as I approach the big 5-0, I’m reminded of the importance of being intentional in everything we do. With so much happening, all the noise around us and the feeling of being pulled in so many directions all the time, my greatest lesson has been about rediscovering and leaning into what I love most. What I feel is most important right now is to continue making meaningful connections and creating trusting relationships. Experiences and human interaction are everything. Photo credit: Romy Riley Photography
Brenda Helms, Owner, Edmond Kitchen Bath Home, Edmond, Okla.
We have been blessed with a backlog of business and a large portfolio of projects with 22 years under our belt, but we have not done a good job of keeping up with our showroom displays over the past 15 years. Because of this and regardless of any concerns, we are happily motivated to pull the trigger on two new displays (and vendor partnerships, which are important too!) in the first quarter of 2025. Photo credit: David Cobb
Teresa Mack Noval, Principal Owner, A Design Company, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
In 2024, I learned the importance of introducing stronger design elements into kitchens and bathrooms – spaces that traditionally focus on functionality but are now evolving into areas for creative expression. Thanks to advances in materials and cutting-edge appliances, these rooms are more versatile, water resistant, organized and durable than ever. My message to fellow designers: Embrace these innovations and let design flourish! Don’t shy away from bold choices, such as wallcovering on the ceiling or using flat paint on the walls. Enjoy the idea of having a fireplace at the kitchen island or in the bathroom by the tub. Photo credit: A Design Company
Patrick Cunningham, AIA, C&C Partners, Redondo Beach, Calif.
One of the most valuable lessons we continue to learn as a team each year is the value of open dialogue with our clients. In the design-build world, homeowners come to us with their aspirations for their dream home, but translating that into reality – against the constraints of budgets and timelines – requires a shared understanding. There are a million-and-one decisions when it comes to designing and building a custom home, and if we do not have clear communication or are not transparent and honest, we cannot foster trust and confidence when discrepancies or hard decisions arise. Photo credit: C&C Partners
Sheryl Steinberg, LEED GA, President, Sheryl Steinberg Interior Design, Bethesda, Md.
I was at a pivotal point in my interior architectural design business. I wanted professional guidance, focused direction and clarity to realign and redefine my design firm in an evolving industry. So, I joined a highly recommended, intensive interior design business coaching program. its impact has been tremendous – significantly transforming my business structure and streamlining how I deliver design solutions – both of which have provided me the tools to reach new goals. Specifically, I restructured my processes, established detailed systems for successful project outcomes, developed and introduced additional design services for both homeowners and contractors, implemented focused marketing strategies and created new and meaningful connections. Photo credit: Sandy Kavalier
Nicholas Blavat, AIA, Partner/Senior Project Architect, Deep River Partners, Milwaukee
In the Midwest, contractor scheduling and availability have been a struggle. At our firm, we have seen this labor challenge build over the years, but the issue was amplified in 2024. To counteract this, we set realistic expectations for construction timing with our clients. We also advise them to plan a grace period at the end of a remodel before major holidays or family events to prevent potential heartache if their project is not completed on time. We create a complete set of construction documents and educate our clients on how this initial work helps them understand the design, prevents construction delays and allows the contractors to order materials at the beginning of construction so product and material availability does not cause delays. Photo credit: Pat Goetzinger
Kailee Klevan, CMKBD, Lead Designer, Beyond Kitchens, Rochester, Minn.
One of my mottos for 2024 was to “let life happen,” which has allowed me to stress less and stay levelheaded throughout the year. The “When will the next project come” or “We have to push to move this project ahead or we are going to miss our deadline” thoughts have been reframed to “It will all work out,” because truthfully, it always does. 2024 was a big year professionally for me, as I received my CMKBD certification and was selected as a KBDN 2024 Innovator – two huge accolades that would not have been possible without a positive outlook and an immense amount of work behind the scenes. Photo credit: Marit Williams Photography
Bill Feinberg, President, Allied Kitchen & Bath, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
One of the biggest challenges we face is getting the right price to do the job, then bringing the project in on budget. To accomplish this, everyone must be on the same page and be willing to spend more time before the project starts to plan properly. That means making sure measurements are correct, all materials are ordered in advance and properly, and everyone who works on the project must fully understand this and be committed to do their job. Mistakes can easily happen, especially when business is good and we are all so busy, and if we don’t check twice, we could easily overlook something. Photo credit: Allied Kitchen & Bath
Amber Guyton, Owner, Blessed Little Bungalow, Atlanta
I’ve been practicing saying “no” to opportunities that are not fully aligned with my values, design style and energy. The wrong client projects can burn you out and exhaust you. Although a scarcity mindset tells every business owner to say “yes,” healthy boundaries and good business practices say to be mindful, intentional and selective. As my business grows and my capacity shrinks, this is an important practice that needs to become a lifestyle. Photo credit: Mecca Gamble Photography
Patti Johnson, Owner, Patti Johnson Interiors, Lebanon, Ohio
I was hired to update a lovely 1800s farmhouse. I brought the contractor and architect out, went over numbers, and the clients agreed to everything. Two days later, I got a call that they were canceling everything because another family member who owned half the farm didn’t want to put any money into it. Lesson learned: Always ask your clients for proof of ownership before you get started on a project. Photo credit: Aaron Stringer
Kelly DuByne, Founder & Designer, Distinctive Interior Designs, Lake Stevens, Wash.
Feeling a need to connect more with local people in the industry, in 2024 I made an intentional effort to attend National Kitchen & Bath Association meetings, discover new-to-me showrooms, enter some design contests (and win!) and collaborate with other amazing women in the industry while attending the NKBA’s W2W women’s mentoring event. These efforts have led to new opportunities working with some local design and build firms, connecting with new vendors and discovering new projects. Photo credit: Kelly DuByne
Antonio Matrēs, Owner, Antonio Matrēs Design, New York & Madrid
One of our projects this year reminded us of the importance of keeping the client always updated. Construction is the most imperfect process; there are many variables that can go wrong. Our success is not delivering perfection, it is anticipating and being prepared for the unknown so we can lead the design and construction process to triumph. A client kept in the dark will become our worst nightmare, but an informed one can be our most valuable asset. Photo credit: Antonio Matrēs Design
Cheryl Clendenon, Owner, In Detail Interiors, Pensacola, Fla.
My right-hand colleague became remote when she needed to move away to help her parents. It was challenging with her not in the office, but we invested in a program called Tandem where everyone on our team can interact with each other every day. We revamped parts of our process to include more Zoom meetings with clients, and I went back to being boots on the ground for project management. All communication goes through our ClickUp project management system and is very easily managed remotely or in the office. We had our best year ever with revenue and were able to pivot with new processes and communication. Photo credit: Sarah Coleman Photography
Samia Verbist, Owner, Samia Verbist Interior Design, Newport Beach, Calif.
This year, the rapid growth of my business pushed me to step back and reflect on what I had already accomplished. One pivotal decision was hiring an experienced full-time interior designer. The idea was daunting and weighed heavily on me, but with the guidance of my business coach and mentors, I found the confidence and strength to take the leap. It turned out to be the best decision I’ve made for my business. This change not only helped us meet the growing demand for large-scale projects but also gave me more time to focus on what I love most – creativity, developing my business and building meaningful relationships with clients and general contractors. Photo credit: Mark Weisberg
Click here for lessons learned in 2023.
