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Kate Nixon went from Interiors Editor at Australian House and Garden to running her own design studio, bringing her storytelling skills along. She's not your typical interior designer—Kate runs her creative business using the Entrepreneurs Operating System and believes that systems will set you free, proving you can blend beautiful design with smart business structure. We're diving into her transition from magazines to design studio owner, how she's built a sustainable creative practice, and her philosophy on finding joy in the everyday. For anyone wondering how to turn creative passion into a thriving business, this conversation delivers.

Key Takeaways:

• The EOS Framework: Learn how the EOS model has provided Kate Nixon with an efficient, systematic approach to managing and scaling her interior design business, amidst the challenges of entrepreneurship.
• Vision and Values in Business: Nixon emphasises the importance of clearly defining and integrating core values into business processes and team culture, ensuring alignment and fostering a positive work environment.
• Balance of Creativity and Structure: Discover how systems and structure can enhance rather than limit creative freedom, allowing for more intuitive and impactful design work.
• Client and Team Dynamics: Effective client relationships and teamwork are built upon transparent communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision, all of which are vital for successful project execution.
• Continuous Learning: Embrace the pivotal role of lifelong learning and adaptability in personal and professional growth, through identified blind spots and constructed feedback systems.

Notable Quotes:

• "Businesses are business regardless of the industry you're in; the same principles of discipline and accountability apply."
• "Systems will set you free. It's about repeating success and filtering out what doesn't work to liberate time for creativity."
• "We are all on the same team, working together to make it better, which requires no ego."
• "Transparency around fees is crucial in ensuring clients understand the value exchange in service-based industries."
• "If you look for the good, you'll find it; if you look for the bad, you'll find it. It's about gratitude and finding everyday joy."

Resources:

• Kate Nixon Studio
• EOS (Entrepreneurs Operating System): Learn more about this business model by reading "Traction" by Gino Wickman.

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

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Jane Langof is a renowned feng shui consultant and author with a rich background in finance. Having transitioned from a career as an accountant in corporate Australia, Jane found her calling in the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui, complementing her interest in interior design. She has penned the book "Feng Shui: A Homeowner's Guide to Abundance," and collaborates with architects and designers to harmonize energy flow in homes and community spaces. Jane advocates for creating environments that support personal well-being and prosperity, blending technical expertise with intuitive insight.

Key Takeaways:

• Transition from Corporate to Feng Shui: Jane Langof shared her inspiring career transformation and the pivotal moments that guided her towards feng shui.
• Understanding Feng Shui: Discover how feng shui focuses on optimising energy flow in living spaces to enhance well-being and harmony.
• Applications in Design: Insights into how feng shui principles can be effectively integrated into architectural and interior design projects.
• Misconceptions Clarified: Jane addresses common misconceptions about feng shui and offers clarity on its practical and aesthetic integration.
• The Role of Intuition and Technical Skill: The balance between technical aspects of feng shui and personal intuition plays a crucial role in maximising its benefits.

Notable Quotes:

• "I just had to kind of block out that noise and unlearn… that other people's opinions are not as important as my own."
• "Feng shui is about your relationship with your environment and how the energy in your surroundings can impact you on a mental, physical, and spiritual level."
• "I've worked in spaces before where people… lived not like normal people because their feng shui consultant didn't consider practicability."
• "The ideal is to have a space that is practical and beautiful… feng shui should really enhance your life, not create fear."
• "Creating an environment that doesn't let you get derailed… that's what living in alignment feels like to me."

Resources:

• LinkedIn: Jane Langof
• For more information on feng shui practices and consultations, visit Jane Langof's website.

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

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Storytelling in interior design isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about emotion, intuition, and the courage to create a life of meaning. In this episode of Build Beautiful, London-based AD100 designer Peter Mikic joins Linda Habak to share his remarkable journey — from growing up in Queanbeyan, Australia, to becoming one of the most celebrated names in luxury interior design.

From his early days in fashion at RMIT to designing hotels, homes, yachts, and private jets, Peter’s story is one of elegant risk, creativity without borders, and a deep belief that beauty is both art and feeling.

He opens up about imposter syndrome, creative leadership, and what it takes to build a studio that honours craftsmanship, intuition, and soul.

This is a conversation about courage, colour, and creating from the heart — one that reminds us that to build beautifully is to live beautifully.

Key Takeaways:

• Storytelling in Design: Peter emphasises the importance of storytelling in interiors, drawing from his experiences in fashion and a life full of rich cultural influences.
• Creative Freedom: A central theme is the value of creative freedom, explored through Peter's work on diverse and ambitious global projects, including high-end residential and commercial spaces.
• Influence of Origin: Peter attributes his unique design perspective to his upbringing in Australia, highlighting the role of vibrant colors and natural light.
• Lessons from Fashion: The years spent in fashion taught Peter how to push creative boundaries, a skill he carries into his interior design projects.
• Embracing Imperfection: Despite his success, Peter discusses the importance of embracing self-doubt and imperfection as drivers of personal and professional growth.

Notable Quotes:

• "Design is about storytelling. It's about building something lasting and doing it with heart."
• "Honestly, I think once you sort of train your own eye and you sort of believe in what you believe in, things sort of come together."
• "I always want everything to be just perfect… I must do better."
• "I like to understand what their skills are, the team, the team skills, because everyone has different skill sets."
• "I think Build Beautiful means to me it means to create a space that you feel safe in and a place where you can think."

Storytelling in interior design, hotel interior design, imposter syndrome, interior design podcast, interview podcast Build Beautiful, luxury interior design, hotel design, Peter Mikic, Queanbeyan, AD100 designer, London interiors, creative leadership, design storytelling, interior architecture, craftsmanship, design thinking, colour and pattern, designer interview, fashion to interiors, Linda Habak

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Female Property Developer Jenn Sinclair shares how she moved from architecture into small-scale development, built a record-setting duplex on the Gold Coast, and why human-centred design beats square-metre maths. We unpack how to start in property development, building your A-team, feasibility basics, and the resilience it takes to thrive as a female property developer.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How to become a property developer (real steps for property development for beginners)
• Finding and evaluating sites, reading demand, and trusting your instincts
• The A-Team: builder, town planner, broker, accountant — who to call first and why
• Designing for families vs retirees: floor plans, multi-gen living, and ROI-driven finishes
• Record-breaking duplex: the Gold Coast case study and lessons learned
• Community impact: turning a meth-damaged house into a street that thrives
• Confidence & imposter syndrome: navigating a male-dominated industry

Female Property Developer
Property development for beginners
Successful women in property,
Gold Coast + female property developer
How to become a property developer
Property development for beginners
How to start in property development

#FemalePropertyDeveloper #PropertyDevelopmentForBeginners #SuccessfulWomenInProperty
#GoldCoastProperty #HowToBecomeAPropertyDeveloper #HowToStartInPropertyDevelopment
#ArchitecturePodcast #DesignPodcast #DuplexDevelopment #BuildBeautiful

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About the Guest:

Caron Grunschlag is the co-founder of KE-ZU, an iconic designer furniture business to Australia's refined office, hospitality and commercial furniture spaces. With a unique background that spans psychology and finance, Caron has seamlessly transitioned into the design industry, bringing a blend of emotional intelligence and business acumen. She plays an integral role in nurturing cultures within the design community through initiatives like the indie group, where she creates supportive networks for architects, designers, and creatives.

Key Takeaways:

• Emotional Intelligence in Business: Caron emphasises the profound role of emotional intelligence in fostering trust and managing relationships within professional settings.
• Embracing Failure: Viewing failure as a "First Attempt in Learning" contributes to personal and organisational growth, encouraging a mindset shift toward opportunities rather than setbacks.
• Community Building: Initiatives like the indie group highlight the importance of nurturing networks where professionals can connect, share insights, and grow together.
• Legacy and Advocacy: Caron's advocacy for neurodiversity through personal experience echoes the significance of building purposeful legacies in business and personal life.
• AI and the Future: Embracing AI as a transformative tool can lead to enhancements in business operations and strategy, requiring adaptability and strategic input.

Notable Quotes:

• "Anxiety comes from not knowing what's expected. So, we work on systems so people know what's expected of them."
• "I don't want you to sell, do not sell. I just want you to ask questions. I just want you to understand the needs and match them."
• "I want to sleep at night. Integrity means the ability to rest, for goals for the long term, and fostering trust."
• "It's about assessing risk. You must pivot in adversity, examine losses, and remain adaptable to change."
• "Build Beautiful means momentum moving forward… with our senses and aesthetics and purpose and intelligence."

Resources:

• KE-ZU
• Book: "Mindset" by Carol Dweck
• Marshall Rosenberg's Non Violent Communication

To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials:

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

Send us your feedback, thoughts or comments!

About the Guest:

Tammy Miconi believes your home should tell your story, not follow trends. As founder of Lot One Design, this talented interior designer's soulful approach prioritises emotional connection over Instagram-worthy aesthetics—and it's earning serious recognition, including her 2024 Interior Excellence Award nomination.

Tammy's career journey hasn't been linear, but that's exactly what makes her design philosophy so authentic. Her work focuses on restraint, intention, and genuine client connection, ensuring every project becomes a deeply personal experience rather than just another beautiful space.

Key Takeaways:

Intention in Design: Tammy highlights the importance of basing design decisions on a comprehensive understanding of client needs rather than following trends, ensuring every aspect of a project is purposeful and relevant.

Emotional Resonance: Creating spaces that feel right emotionally is as crucial as their physical appearance, focusing on how environments support and reflect the inhabitants' true selves.

Personal Growth Through Challenges: Tammy shares lessons learned from business and personal hurdles, advocating for self-forgiveness and growth from failures rather than being defined by them.

Authenticity Over Perfection: The episode underscores the courage required to maintain creative authenticity, particularly in industries that promote perfectionism.

Client Connection: Emphasising the role of trust and open communication, Tammy explains her client-focused approach, anchoring her design process in building meaningful relationships.

Notable Quotes:

"This should be an enjoyable process for you. This should be fun. Most people only ever get to renovate once if they're lucky."

"You're not even sure who you are… you grow up. Not really."

"Build Beautiful means building with honesty and restraint."

"Creating and creating for life."

"My mum always says, don't hate something, it might be good for you."

Resources:

• Tammy Miconi on Instagram: @lot1design
• Lot One Design: Learn more about Tammy's design philosophy and current projects on their website.

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

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Alix Helps breaks down interior design business foundations: profit, pricing, process, and pipeline—how to keep a design studio profitable through feast and famine. We cover P&L, Xero reconciliation, procurement markup, boundaries, and more.

Alix has spent 12 years proving that beautiful interiors and smart business sense aren't mutually exclusive. As founder of Alix Helps Interiors, Alix brings something most designers lack - serious business chops earned from running a successful family enterprise before switching to the creative world.

Her spaces are known for their grace and meticulous attention to detail, but what sets Alix apart is her mentoring approach. She's passionate about teaching fellow designers that creating stunning interiors means nothing if your business is broke. This conversation explores balancing creativity with commercial reality, building sustainable design practices, and why financial literacy matters in Australia's competitive interior design scene.

Key Takeaways:

• Financial Foundations: Alix underscores the importance of financial discipline, maintaining multiple bank accounts for business operations, and scrutinising income and expenditure to build a sustainable practice.
• Creative Endurance: Aligning business management skills with artistic vision is essential to remain relevant and resilient in the fluctuating world of design.
• Mentorship: Alix's commitment to mentoring stems from her desire to guide emerging designers in valuing their worth and realising financial success alongside creative fulfillment.
• Client Relationships: Establishing clear communication and boundaries with clients can significantly impact project success and personal satisfaction in the design profession.
• Authentic Success: Persistence, self-belief, and adherence to a sound structure are indispensable assets in overcoming entrepreneurial challenges and achieving long-term creative success.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Profit is not a dirty word. Profit is actually essential because that's what's going to allow you to endure."
2. "Sometimes the most powerful thing a designer can do is stay true."
3. "Greatness is in the agency of others."
4. "It's going to be harder than you thought, but it's also going to be more rewarding than you thought."
5. "If you aren't here to make money and have fun, what are you doing here?"

#InteriorDesignBusiness #DesignStudioFinance #BuildBeautiful

Resources:

• Follow Alix Helps and her work on instagram
• Book Referenced: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz.

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

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Eva Marie Prineas is proving that sustainable design doesn't mean starting from scratch. As founder of Studio Prineas - a female-led, B Corp certified practice, Eva Marie's made her mark by breathing new life into existing structures rather than bulldozing them. In our conversation she reflects on the entrepreneurial path of building a practice rooted in sustainability, responsibility, and design depth.

Her approach? Honour what's already there while creating something genuinely future-focused. From residential renovations to commercial projects, Eva Marie's team specialises in thoughtful architecture that goes beyond just using eco-friendly materials - it's about cultural and emotional responsibility too. This conversation explores heritage-sensitive design, building with restraint, and why Australia's architectural future lies in respecting its past.

Key Takeaways:

• Restraint as a Design Principle: Eva Marie underlines the significance of restraint in architecture, emphasising that building less is often more impactful.
• Sustainability Beyond Materials: Sustainability is woven deeply into architectural practices, encompassing mindset, usage, and environmental responsibility.
• Heritage and Reinterpretation: Heritage design isn't about replication but creatively reimagining and respecting what already exists.
• Guiding Principal: A well-considered plan is fundamental as "the plan doesn't lie," with comprehensive forethought ensuring functionality and beauty.
• Cultural Connection: Eva Marie shares how her rich cultural upbringing and personal heritage deeply influence her work, creating spaces that resonate with history and contemporary needs.

Notable Quotes:

1. "The most important thing we can do is build less." - Eva Marie Prineas
2. "Restraint is a design principle." - Eva Marie Prineas
3. "It's not trend-driven, it's very much about there's meaning behind it." - Eva Marie Prineas
4. "Sustainability is a mindset, not just a materials list." - Eva Marie Prineas
5. "The plan doesn't lie. Just get the plan right and the rest will come." - Eva Marie Prineas

To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials:

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If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.

To get in touch with Build Beautiful or to follow us head to our socials:

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on Facebook

on LinkedIn

If you'd like to be on the podcast, or want to collaborate with Build Beautiful feel free to contact us on buildbeautifulpodcast@gmail.com.