EP 018 | How Interior Designers Avoid Project Horror Stories with Kimberley Seldon

Every interior designer has a project horror story.

No matter how talented, organized, or experienced you are, mistakes, miscommunications, and unexpected setbacks are part of managing complex projects. The goal isn’t to avoid every problem—it’s to recognize the common pitfalls and put systems in place to minimize their impact.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon shares some of the most common ways designers create project disasters and, more importantly, how to avoid them. Through candid stories and hard-earned lessons, Kimberley reminds us that mistakes are part of the journey—and that every challenge presents an opportunity to improve.

In this episode, we learn:
• The ten most common ways designers unintentionally create project problems
• Why even experienced professionals encounter setbacks and mistakes
• How better systems and procedures reduce risk
• Why communication failures are often at the root of project challenges
• How learning from mistakes strengthens your business over time
• Why successful designers focus on solutions rather than blame

Takeaways:
• You’re not alone. Every designer faces challenges, whether they stem from clients, trades, vendors, or their own decisions.
• Sharing mistakes openly helps the entire design community learn and improve.
• Reflecting on past challenges can help you create better systems and make stronger decisions in future projects.
• The most successful professionals aren’t those who never make mistakes—they’re the ones who learn from them. 

Recommended Reading

Volume 1: Have the Professional Life You’ve Always Wanted. Start at the very beginning and make sure you have a solid foundation to run your business from.

Business of Design® & You

As interior design professionals, we LOVE our work because it matters so much. We want our clients to get our best every time, because it’s going to affect the way they live for years to come. But doing our best work isn’t possible if we can’t dedicate ourselves to it. And we can’t dedicate ourselves to it if doesn’t earn us a living.

Business of Design® is the best professional advice and business coaching available, and it’s just for you. Our mission is to liberate your talent and skill by showing you how to run a business that supports you, empowers you, and lets you love your work again.