Interior Design San Diego - Presented by ASID San Diego
First Episode launches on September 18th, 2025! Interior Design San Diego - Presented by the ASID San Diego Chapter is your local hub for inspiration, connection, and growth in the design community. Created to support our chapter members, this podcast shares practical business practices, insights from fellow designers, and the many benefits of being part of ASID. Listeners will also stay in the loop on upcoming events, gain valuable product knowledge from our industry partners, and hear the stories that shape our design community. Each month, we’ll also feature a special student-led episode—where the next generation of designers brings fres...
035: Color Is Personal: Our Color Mix 2027 "Rewild" Wrap-Up
Celery is the color of the year, wood is back, and human-made is the new luxury. Here's everything you need from Color Mix 2027, whether you were in the room or missed it.
On October 21, our design community packed the room at Daltile for Color Mix, where Ashlyn Bork presented Rewild, Sherwin-Williams' 2027 color and trend forecast. In this episode, Rachel recaps the highlights: one unifying palette of 48 colors, the 10 new continuity colors that can anchor any project, and Celery (SW 6421), the color of the year. She walks through the four drivers shaping design right now (past renewal, creative...
034: Designing Hospitality from the Inside Out With Tina Marie Koch
What happens when you combine a love of design, years of hands-on food service experience, and a deep understanding of how a restaurant actually operates? In this episode of Interior Design San Diego, Rachel sits down with Tina Marie Koch of Design Perspectives to talk about her unexpected path into hospitality design, the mentors who helped shape her career, and why the most successful hospitality spaces aren't just beautiful—they work. Tina shares her approach to designing from the inside out, the importance of flow and function, and how authenticity, community, and thoughtful operations are shaping the future of ho...
033: Designing a Career with Purpose with Rick Hess
In this episode of Interior Design San Diego, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with Rick Hess, Director of Career Services at NewSchool of Architecture & Design and lead designer of Illume Design.
This conversation is part of a special series leading up to ASID San Diego’s August chapter meeting. The intention is to help listeners get to know Rick, the panel moderator, along with the other panelists before the event. By learning more about their backgrounds, perspectives, and experience in advance, attendees can arrive with more context, feel more connected to the conversation, and come prepared wi...
032: The Builder's Perspective: What Every Designer Should Know
The Builder's Perspective: What Every Designer Should Know
Guest: Chad Arendsen, COAT Design Remodel
What happens when an interior designer and a general contractor truly work as partners?
In this episode of Interior Design San Diego, Rachel sits down with Chad Arendsen, owner of COAT Design Remodel, for an honest conversation about collaboration, communication, and creating exceptional client experiences.
As a fifth-generation builder, Chad shares his unconventional path into construction, from renovating a trailer in Leucadia to leading a design forward remodeling company known for its systems, craftsmanship, and collaborative approach...
031: Building Your First Team: Lessons Learned Growing a Design Business
Growing a design business doesn't start with hiring a full-time employee—it starts with building the right support system.
In this solo episode, Rachel Larraine Crawford shares her personal journey of growing Tiger Veil from a one-person operation into a collaborative team. From hiring an accountant as her very first business investment to bringing on a full-time team member and mentoring emerging professionals, Rachel offers an honest look at the lessons, mistakes, and mindset shifts that shaped her approach to building a team.
Whether you're wondering if you're ready to hire, feeling overwhelmed by wearing ev...
30: Building Relationships, Luxury, and Legacy with Russ Diamond of Snyder Diamond
Building Relationships, Luxury, and Legacy with Russ Diamond of Snyder Diamond
In this episode of Interior Design San Diego, host Rachel Crawford sits down with Russ Diamond, President and CEO of Snyder Diamond, to talk about what it really means to build a legacy brand in the design industry.
From traveling through Milan and touring Bertazzoni’s factory to discussing the evolution of luxury, mentorship, and the power of relationships, Russ shares decades of insight from one of the most respected kitchen and bath companies in the country.
With over 77 years in business, Sn...
029: Inside Milan Design Week: ASID San Diego Takes Italy
In this episode of the Interior Design San Diego Podcast, Rachel Crawford welcomes back Kendra Araujo of K2 Interiors to recap ASID San Diego’s unforgettable Design Gems journey through Italy during Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile.
From immersive showroom experiences and trend forecasting to Carrara marble mines and late-night dinners with fellow designers, this conversation dives into why travel remains one of the most powerful tools for creative growth.
Kendra shares behind-the-scenes moments from organizing ASID San Diego’s first international design trip, what designers can learn from European culture, and how mean...
028: Show Up & See What Happens: A Student’s Path into Design
In this student spotlight episode, Rachel sits down with emerging designer Sam Iacometti, a fifth-year architecture student at the NewSchool of Architecture & Design, to talk about what it really looks like to step into the design industry.
From attending events solo (and why that matters) to designing an elementary school rooted in sensory experience, Sam shares a thoughtful, grounded perspective on creativity, community, and designing with intention.
This conversation is a reminder that the design journey doesn’t start after graduation—it starts the moment you decide to show up.
Stay Connected:
Sign...027: Sales, Listening, and Money: My Takeaways from LuAnn at UP Expo
At the IP Expo, LuAnn Nigara shared a message that felt equal parts business coaching, mindset shift, and reality check—and it’s one I knew I wanted to bring back to our podcast community.
In this solo episode, I’m reflecting on the biggest takeaways from her talk and why they matter for interior designers at every stage of business. From embracing the idea that sales is part of service, to setting real revenue goals, to having clearer conversations about money, this episode is all about building a design business with more confidence and intention.
I al...
026: Behind the Scenes of My Interior Design Business
On this solo episode of the Interior Design San Diego Podcast, Rachel Larraine Crawford pulls back the curtain on the reality of running a full-service interior design business.
After years of being asked by students and fellow designers what her days actually look like, Rachel walks you through her weekly rhythm—from focused admin days in her 500 sq ft ADU studio to client meetings, sourcing sessions, job site visits, and everything in between.
With 8–10 active projects at any given time—including a Brazilian steakhouse, second homes, kitchen remodels, and a one-of-a-kind astrology reading room—this episode...
025: From Concept to Creation: How Tecture Brings Custom Design to Life with Brittany Cartwright
What happens when interior design and fabrication live under the same roof?
In this episode of the Interior Design San Diego Podcast, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with Brittany Cartwright, Design Studio Director at Texture, a Barrio Logan–based design and fabrication studio known for bringing bold, custom ideas to life.
Texture has been shaping some of San Diego’s most memorable hospitality spaces—from beloved restaurants like Nolita Hall to cutting-edge installations for biotech campuses. What sets them apart is their unique ability to design, engineer, and fabricate complex elements all in-house, giving design...
024: From San Diego to Global Stage: Lorena Gaxiola's Journey in Design, Licensing, and Creative Expansion
This week on Interior Design San Diego, Rachel sits down with Lorena Gaxiola—San Diego native and global design force—whose career spans luxury hospitality, high-end residential, product licensing, and international practice. Lorena shares how curiosity, systems, and a whole lot of courage helped her scale from local projects to designing around the world—while staying grounded in purpose, people, and energy.
What you’ll hear in this episode
How Lorena’s architecture-rooted upbringing shaped her “superpower” in designThe real reason merchandising/model homes became her masterclass in branding + emotional connectionHow she landed opportunities with major retailers and...023: Teaching Tomorrow’s Designers: Jessica Newman on What’s Changing in the Classroom
In this episode, Rachel sits down with educator and designer Jessica Newman to talk about the evolving world of interior design education—and why students today are uniquely positioned to lead the future of the industry.
Jessica shares her journey from fine arts to hospitality design (including time at Hirsch Bedner Associates) and into academia, where she now champions sustainability, technology, and inclusive pathways into the profession.
What we cover:
How today’s design students are reshaping the industry with ethics, sustainability, and tech-forward thinkingWhy associate degrees and community college pathways deserve more respectHow AI i...022: Designing for Healing with Julia Savas
In this episode, Rachel chats with Julia Savas, a fourth-year interior architecture student at San Diego State University, about following a clear design calling, discovering a passion for healthcare and wellness spaces, and finding confidence as an emerging professional in the San Diego design community.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How a fifth-grade dream became a focused path in interior architectureWhy personal experiences in healthcare spaces shaped Julia’s design lensThe gap between design school and business—and how internships helpHow students are actually using AI in their projectsJulia’s advice for new design students: say yes...021: From Concept to Check-In: Inside the Sophia Hotel with Anjum Razvi
In this episode of Interior Design San Diego, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with the incredible Anjum Razvi, founder and principal of Razvi Design Studio, to explore her dynamic 40+ year design journey from architecture in India to boutique hospitality design in San Diego.
Anjum shares how motherhood, resilience, and a passion for creative freedom shaped the evolution of her studio—and how a single ASID showcase bathroom led to her biggest project to date: the iconic Sofia Hotel. If you’ve ever wondered how small residential jobs can lead to big opportunities, or what it takes to t...
020: Spring Spruce Up: 3 Years In, Here’s What I’ve Learned
In this solo episode, host Rachel Larraine Crawford pulls back the curtain on one of her favorite community-driven events: ASID San Diego’s Spring Spruce Up. Now in her third year of participating, Rachel shares how this one-hour consultation event has helped her generate real leads, deepen community ties, and give back in a meaningful way.
Whether you're a seasoned designer or just stepping into the field, this episode is packed with practical advice for making the most of your Spruce Up experience—from tools to bring, how to prep, and the key to turning consultations into long...
019: Design, Community & Change: Lauri Howell on Leading Through Transitions in ASID + Industry
Today on Interior Design San Diego, host Rachel Crawford sits down with Lauri Howell, a designer, community-builder, and longtime ASID leader who has navigated big career shifts — from running her own design firm, to leading chapter boards, to her current role connecting design professionals with resources at Sunset West. Lauri dives deep into why community truly matters in design, how leadership transitions shape us, and what the future holds for designers at all stages.
💡 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Lauri’s Path Into Design
Lauri shares her winding journey from communications school (t...
018: Laura Abrams - The Power of Presence: Building a Design Business with Heart.
In this episode of Interior Design San Diego, host Rachel Lorraine Crawford is joined by Laura Abrams, founder and creative force behind Laura Abrams Design. Laura shares her journey from early design instincts to building a boutique design studio rooted in “livable luxury” — a philosophy centered on comfort, function, and elevated living.
Laura opens up about what it takes to run a small design firm with intention, how to shape meaningful client experiences, and how she maintains creativity, balance, and joy in her business. This conversation dives deep into systems, process, boundaries, burnout, and evolution — offering practical insights...
017: How I Got Here: A Real Talk Design Career Deep Dive Student Edition w/ Lynn SalbatoS
In this special episode, we’re flipping the mic! Interior design student Lynn Salbato from Mesa College joins me for a candid Q&A that started as a school assignment—and turned into one of my favorite conversations about business, balance, and building a career in design.
We cover everything from how I landed my first client (hi, Thumbtack!) to what I really wish someone told me before starting my own firm. Lynn brings the smart questions—and I’m sharing it all: the messy parts, the wins, and why community and mentorship (hello, ASID!) have mattered most alo...
016: Design Trends vs. Design Truths: What Matters in 2026
Design Trends vs. Design Truths: What Really Matters in 2026
Hosted by Rachel Larraine Crawford, ASID Allied
Happy New Year, design community! In this solo episode, Rachel kicks off 2026 with a fresh (and grounding) perspective on what’s actually worth paying attention to—beyond the “what’s in / what’s out” lists flooding your feed every January.
You’ll hear the trends showing up in meaningful ways this year, a handful of unexpected aesthetic shifts worth watching, and the timeless design truths that never go out of style. Rachel also shares ASID San Diego chapter update...
015: Design Your Dream Year – A Guided Planning Session for 2026
What if instead of winging it into 2026, you actually carved out time to design your business—and your life—with clarity, calm, and creative purpose?
In this solo episode, I’m walking you through the exact process I use to plan my year—not just for projects and profits, but for alignment. This isn’t a rigid goal-setting workshop or a “new year, new you” kind of vibe. It’s a cozy, journal-in-hand moment to reflect on what worked (and what didn’t) in 2025, dream into what’s possible for 2026, and make a plan that feels like you.
Whether y...
014: A Sales Manager’s Path into the Design Industry with Ximena Harmer
In this student-focused episode of the Interior Design San Diego podcast, we sit down with Ximena Harmer, a sales manager and active ASID San Diego industry partner, to talk about what it really looks like to build a career on the sales side of the design world. Ximena shares how she found her way into the industry, what designers actually look for in product reps, and how students and emerging professionals can start building relationships now that will support them for years to come.
If you’ve ever wondered how industry partners fit into the design ecosystem—or h...
013: Designing from the inside out
In this solo episode of Interior Design San Diego, host and designer Rachel Larraine Crawford speaks directly to the ASID San Diego community about what is unfolding in the chapter and what it really means to build a brand that feels as good as your best designed space.
Rachel opens with exciting chapter announcements for the year ahead including travel, study, and community events then guides you into a heartfelt conversation about brand, intuition, and identity as a designer. She also shares details about her live workshop, Designing From The Inside Out Build Your Brand With Soul...
012: From Homeless to Home - ASID San Diego x Humble Design with Shannon Rice
In this episode of Interior Design San Diego, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with hospitality designer, educator, and ASID leader Shannon Rice to explore how design can literally change the trajectory of a family’s life.
Shannon shares her journey from 20-year-old receptionist at a flooring company to hospitality-focused designer, business owner, long-time instructor at Design Institute, and past president of ASID San Diego. From there, the conversation dives into the heart work: Humble Design—a nonprofit that fully furnishes homes for individuals and families emerging from homelessness.
You’ll hear how ASID San Diego...
011: Student Edition with Anna Wright. Theresa Staine's Post-Grad Design Journey
In this special Student Edition episode, we’re passing the mic to Anna Wright, a junior at San Diego State University and student rep on the ASID San Diego board. Anna shares her journey from STEM to design and opens up a real, relatable conversation with fellow student and ASID committee member Theresa Staine —who brings a unique blend of business savvy and design passion to the table.
Theresa spent a decade thriving as a fashion buyer in New York City before answering the call of her creative roots. Now, she’s deep in her master’s studies...
010: Behind the Board- Meet ASID San Diego President‑Elect Kristy Kropat
In this episode of Interior Design San Diego, host Rachel Crawford sits down with Kristy Kropat, the incoming President‑Elect of the ASID San Diego Chapter, to explore her journey, design philosophy, and her vision for the chapter.
Key Topics Covered:
Kristy’s unconventional path into interior design: from a decade as a software and embedded systems engineer to retraining at the Design Institute of San Diego and starting her own studio.How her technical/engineering background informs her design process — especially problem solving, usability, organization.Founding her design firm in San Diego in 2008; moving the business...009: Designing More Than Interiors: How Heather Vitti Built Two Income Streams
What do you do when the dream job isn’t hiring yet—or doesn’t exist at all? You build your own path, one floor plan at a time.
In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Vitti Pruett of Vitti Interiors—a San Diego-based designer who turned her love of design into a multi-stream business that blends creativity, construction, and serious adaptability. From working in flooring and high-end residential to landing military contracts and launching a rendering side hustle, Heather shares how she grew her design career by staying flexible, saying yes to new skills, and following h...
008: Behind the Board - Mallory Duran - How Showing Up Built My Design Career
Welcome back to Interior Design San Diego! In this episode of our “Meet the Board” series, we sit down with Mallory Duran—our newly‑appointed Finance Director at ASID San Diego. If you’ve ever wondered how someone with a music major and a retail‑management background ends up influencing budgets and design‑industry partnerships, you’re in for a treat. Mallory shares her circuitous journey into design, how she re‑entered the workforce as a single parent of four, and how she’s now helping connect designers, builders, and industry partners in the San Diego region. Join us as we explore creativity...
007: Designing Without Borders with Kendra of K2 Interiors
This is the second episode in our ASID San Diego Board Member Spotlight Series — and today we’re shining a light on someone who’s all about connection, color, and community: Kendra from K2 Interiors, our current Membership Director.
In this candid convo, Kendra shares her journey from growing up in Baja to launching a vibrant, soulful design business in San Diego. With a style rooted in maximalism, global inspiration, and deeply personal design, she’s the creative match for clients ready to ditch the cookie-cutter.
Kendra also shares what drew her back into the ASID fol...
006: Imposter Syndrome + The Power of Design Community
Hey friend — let’s get real for a moment.
Have you ever walked into a room and felt like you didn’t belong there? Like you were somehow “faking it,” even though your experience, talent, and heart were 100% legit?
Same. 🙋🏻‍♀️
In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a recent experience that had me deep in imposter syndrome — yes, even after 25 years in the design industry. It was humbling, it was hard, and it taught me a few big lessons I want to share with you today.
Whether you’re just getting started in y...
005: Designing a Firm: Jen Verruto of Blythe Interiors and Her Path to Creative Leadership
In today’s episode, Rachel sits down with Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO of Blythe Interiors, to talk about the evolution of her design business — from freelancing out of her home to leading a full-service firm—and everything that’s required in between: mindset shifts, team building, infrastructure, community, and more.
Why you’ll love this episode
Understand the pivotal moment when hiring your first assistant is no longer optionalLearn how to let go of control without sacrificing qualityGet a behind‑the‑scenes look at structuring a growing design firmDiscover ways to connect with clients and the trade thro...004: Inside the New ASID SD Year with Incoming President Kirsten Recce
In this inspiring kickoff to our chapter’s new year, host Rachel Larraine Crawford sits down with incoming ASID San Diego President Kirsten Recce.
As the first Industry Partner to step into the role of Chapter President, Kirsten brings a fresh, inclusive perspective on what it means to lead, support, and reimagine what our local ASID community can be.
From her journey as a lighting showroom owner to her vision for Design Gems (yes, we’re talking international design trips), this episode is packed with insight, heart, and tangible ways to get involved in the year...
003: Why belonging to a design community matters
Have you ever walked into a design event and instantly felt like the odd one out?
Yeah… same here.
In this solo episode, Rachel Larraine Crawford shares her own winding journey with ASID San Diego—from feeling like a shy, 22-year-old outsider to becoming Communications Director and building lifelong friendships, powerful collaborations, and a true sense of belonging in the design world.
We’re talking about the real reason community matters—not just for your creativity or career growth, but for your mental health, confidence, and joy. If you’ve ever felt like you’re bui...
001: Welcome to the Interior Design San Diego Podcast
Episode 001: Welcome to the Interior Design San Diego Podcast
Welcome to the very first episode of the Interior Design San Diego Podcast, hosted by Rachel Larraine Crawford and brought to you by the ASID San Diego Chapter.
This show was created with one goal in mind: to connect and uplift the San Diego design community. Whether you're a student just starting out, a seasoned designer looking for new inspiration, or an industry partner eager to build deeper relationships, this podcast is for you.
In this kickoff episode, we share:
Who this podcast...002: 5 Ways to get the most out of ASID
Episode 002: 5 Ways to get the most out of ASID
If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most of your ASID San Diego membership (or why it even matters), this episode is your guide. Host Rachel Larraine Crawford shares five powerful and practical ways to tap into the full value of ASID—whether you’re a student, emerging professional, or seasoned designer looking to deepen your roots in the design community.
Rachel walks through actionable tips and real-life stories that highlight how ASID can support your career, your confidence, and your connections. If you're feelin...
Introducing the Interior Design San Diego Podcast
Welcome to Interior Design San Diego, presented by the ASID San Diego Chapter! This new podcast is designed to educate, inspire, and connect our local design community.
In this short trailer episode, host Rachel Larraine Crawford shares what you can expect from the Interior Design San Diego Podcast. Whether you’re a student just beginning, an emerging designer building your career, a seasoned professional, or an industry partner supporting the community—this podcast is for you. Tune in each week for local designer interviews, industry partner spotlights, chapter happenings, and student-led episodes that bring fresh perspectives to the...
