In this episode, we sit down with Molly Kunselman, an experienced interior designer and former interior design program coordinator at Montgomery College, to explore some of the most pressing and often confusing topics in the design world today. We delve deep into the evolving definition of interior design, how it differs from interior decoration, and why understanding this distinction matters for aspiring designers.

Key Discussion Points:

- Designer vs. Decorator: We break down the difference between interior designers and decorators, discussing the roles, responsibilities, and the public’s misconceptions about these terms.

- Certification and Education: Molly shares her journey through the world of interior design education, from earning her Master’s at the Corcoran College of Art & Design to teaching at Montgomery College. She explains the complexities and issues surrounding certifications like NCIDQ and the role of accrediting bodies like CIDA in shaping the future of design education.

- The Evolution of Design Laws: How legal changes have affected the industry, and what these changes mean for designers today, especially those working in places with varying regulations like Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

- The Rise of Interior Architecture: We discuss the increasing popularity of “interior architecture” and how it’s influencing the broader design industry, affecting accessibility and the way we value design work.

- The Path to Certification: Molly offers advice for aspiring designers looking to get certified and the steps involved in pursuing an NCIDQ certification.

- Navigating Industry Changes: We tackle the challenges aspiring designers face when navigating industry jargon, regulations, and professional terms, especially in a rapidly changing field.

- Design Accessibility: How these shifts in education, certification, and legal requirements influence the accessibility of interior design as a career and service.

Whether you're a new designer navigating these industry shifts or a seasoned pro curious about the evolution of design certification, this episode provides valuable insights into the professional and legal landscape of interior design. Tune in to get answers to some of the most critical questions in the design world today!

Connect with Molly:

Instagram: @mkdinteriors

Website: www.mkdinteriors.com

• NCIDQ
• Meet Kia Weatherspoon- The design voice of impact and change Part 1 - Behind the Drapery
• PROFESSOR MOLLY — MOLLY KUNSELMAN DESIGN

Today, we're joined by Katlyn Slocum, a web design expert with a passion for helping custom home builders and designers grow their businesses. Coming from a family in the trades, Katlyn launched her own web design agency after earning her Business degree in 2015. Over the past five years, she’s helped dozens of businesses achieve real results through strategic website design.

Today we talk about how to convert clicks into consults with website strategies that work.

Katlyn has been featured on several top industry podcasts and will be a guest presenter at the BuildHer Retreat in 2025. She lives in Southeastern Ohio with her husband and three boys, where they enjoy exploring local restaurants and the beautiful landscape. We’re excited to dive into her insights on attracting dream clients and booking more projects through your website.

See below free resources we discuss in our podcast episode today including her freebie and website template.

• Free Website Tools for Your Construction and Design Business — Katlyn Slocum Design
• Sanctuary Homes Website Template — Katlyn Slocum Design
• Katlyn Slocum Design - Web Design for Builder & Contractors

Today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Gretchen Everett, of Everett Design, a seasoned custom to the trade workroom owner and a valued trade partner. Gretchen brings a wealth of experience and insights into the intricacies of custom workrooms and the importance of building strong trade relationships with designers.

Born from a desire to find unique, clean, and simple drapery hardware, Gretchen Everett has spent years creating innovative designs for the discerning clientele of her namesake design workroom. Combining her distinctive vision with her early experience in the fashion industry, Gretchen partners with a network of artisans from across the country to bring her hand-cut, hand-polished, metal and acrylic rods and accessories to life. With the introduction of her new line of exquisitely appointed accent furnishings, Gretchen continues to find ways to bring her point of view to life.

• Couture Drapery | Hardware | Furniture - Gretchen Everett