EP 419 | Embrace the Challenge: How Interior Designers Grow by Taking Smart Risks with Kim Allen
Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon explores what happens when an interior designer says yes to a project that stretches their experience—and how that decision can open unexpected doors. Kim Allen shares her story of taking on a large, unfamiliar project and using it as a catalyst for professional growth.
You’ll also hear from her PR team, who explain how they leveraged that bold move to gain visibility and recognition in the industry. Together, they highlight the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and strategic risk-taking in a changing market.
If you’ve been hesitating to take on a project that feels just slightly beyond your current scope, this episode will help you rethink what’s possible—and how to approach it with confidence.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
- How to leverage your expertise to bring fresh insight to new project types
- Why embracing market changes quickly creates opportunity
- When and why to outsource work outside your zone of expertise
- Why planning for lighting early improves outcomes and reduces risk
DESIGN INTERVENTION
A former boss told me Kim, “the most important client you have, is the one you don’t have yet”. In other words, always be in business development mode. Don’t ever get too comfortable with the status quo.
About Kim Allen
Kim Payne Allen is the co-founder and design director of Studio BKA, a New Orleans-based architecture and interior design firm. For her firm, she leads project conceptualization, planning, design, and marketing. With 22 years of experience, her portfolio spans multifamily, commercial, residential, and hospitality projects in her former home of New York City and current home base of New Orleans. She founded Studio BKA in 2016 with her husband. Her dream project is designing a Caribbean resort.
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Legal Disclosure | This podcast is for educational purposes only and provides general business advice for interior designers and design professionals. It is not intended as individual legal, accounting, or professional guidance. Kimberley Seldon and Business of Design® make no guarantees regarding accuracy and are not liable for how information is used. Strategies shared may not apply to every situation—listeners should seek qualified legal, financial, or professional advice before making business decisions. References and resources mentioned may change over time.
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