EP 498 | How Interior Designers Can Make Better Business Decisions with Jodi Cook Monts

Indecision is expensive—and in an interior design business, it can cost you far more than time.

In this episode, Kimberley Seldon talks with interior designer Jodi Cook Monts about the power of making decisions quickly and confidently. They explore how hesitation can affect profitability, project timelines, client relationships, and business growth—and why indecision is often a symptom of a deeper lack of trust and confidence.

Jodi also shares how she expanded her design business beyond her local market, why existing clients are one of the best sources of new opportunities, and how a collaborative mindset can transform relationships with builders and other project partners.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why indecision is often a trust and confidence problem—and how it can cost your interior design business time and money
• How making decisions earlier can protect project timelines, profitability, and client relationships
• Why your existing clients may be the best source of second homes, vacation properties, and commercial design projects
• How to successfully work on projects outside your local market—and why strong systems become even more important as you expand
• Why approaching builders and project partners as collaborators, rather than adversaries, can lead to better projects and stronger relationships

Design Intervention:

Indecision is usually most expensive than the wrong decision.

Remember that the opportunity you lose by waiting can cost you more than the risk of making the wrong decision.

👉 Watch on YouTube >>

About Jodi Cook Monts

Jodi Cook Monts is the founder and principal of Cook Design House, established in 2016. With over 20 years of experience in interior design, her award-winning work has been featured in Luxe Magazine, Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, 5280 Home, and Denver Life. She has earned prestigious accolades including the ASID Crystal Award, multiple Luxe RED Awards, and the ICAA Jacques Benedict Award for Interior Design. In 2020, she was named “Top Denver Designer” by 5280 Home, and in 2021, one of Colorado Homes & Lifestyles’ “5 Under 40.”
Cook Design House is a regular on Luxe’s Gold List and Colorado Homes & Lifestyles’ The List.

Originally from Wisconsin, Jodi holds a B.S. in Interior Design from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and earned her NCIDQ certification in 2012. She’s a proud mother of two young children and one energetic Portuguese Water Dog. When not at work or cheering on her kids at sports and chess tournaments, she enjoys traveling with her husband or curling up with a good book.

www.cookdesignhouse.com

Instagram

Thank you to our podcast sponsor, Daniel House Club!

Stop managing logistics and get back to designing. Daniel House Club gives interior designers a dedicated Concierge to handle procurement and sourcing across 200+ brands—saving time and helping you increase your margins.

Plus, receive 15% off your first custom order from exceptional lines like Wesley Hall, Rowe, Thayer Coggin, Ambella Home, Massoud, Theodore Alexander, and more.

Visit danielhouse.club/bod and use code BOD2026 to save on your Signature Membership.