165: We're not in the business of decorating assholes with Heather KW Styles & Studio Laloc

165: We're not in the business of decorating assholes with Heather KW Styles & Studio Laloc

Author: Hot Young Designers Club February 27, 2026 Duration: 1:36:23

In this episode, Shaun and Rebecca are joined by returning favorites Heather of Heather KW Styles and Lauren of Studio Laloc for an unfiltered designer roundtable. What starts as a chat about Danish hardware and custom furniture quickly spirals into tariffs, turning down nightmare projects, presentation strategies, ideal clients, and—yes—an unforgettable handyman story.

From navigating red flags on discovery calls to debating whether we’d decorate a Miami Vice mansion for the right price, this episode is equal parts business strategy and design therapy. If you’ve ever questioned a client fit, struggled with pricing under tariffs, or wondered how other designers hold their boundaries, this one’s for you.

In this episode they discuss:

  1. Why presenting one strong design concept can lead to fewer revisions and stronger client trust
  2. How tariffs are impacting pricing, sourcing, and designer-client conversations in real time
  3. When it’s smart (and necessary) to turn down a high-paying project
  4. The red flags that show up during discovery calls—and how to handle them professionally
  5. Why ideal clients often have collections, strong opinions, and shared values
  6. Flat fee vs. hourly structures and how that affects presentation strategy
  7. The power of designer friendships and creative accountability groups
  8. A truly unhinged handyman story that proves vetting referrals matters

Mentioned:

  1. Studio Laloc (https://www.studiolaloc.com/)
  2. Heather KW Styles (https://www.heatherkwstyles.com/)

Our links:

  1. Subscribe and leave a review - Apple Podcasts
  2. Like, Comment, & Follow - Hot Young Designers Club Instagram
  3. Rebecca’s Instagram
  4. Shaun’s Instagram
  5. For more information - Check out the website
  6. Become a “Loyal Hottie” - Support us on Patreon
  7. Design Resources - Check out our shop


Ever wondered what it really takes to run a creative business beyond the beautiful mood boards? Hot Young Designers Club pulls back the curtain on the interior design industry, one candid conversation at a time. Hosts Rebecca Plumb and Shaun Crha-practicing designers themselves-bring their combined experience from Studio Plumb and Wrensted Interiors to the table. They’re here to discuss the unglamorous details, the client negotiations, and the small victories that define a modern design practice. Each episode feels like grabbing a coffee with colleagues who aren’t afraid to be honest about the emotional rollercoaster, the practical logistics, and the outright funny moments that happen behind the scenes. This podcast serves as a weekly check-in for anyone navigating the business of aesthetics, offering a sense of community and shared understanding. You’ll hear real stories about pricing projects, managing workflows, setting boundaries, and maintaining a creative spark amidst the administrative tasks. Tune in for a blend of strategic advice and personal reflection, all delivered with a dose of humor and relatability. The Hot Young Designers Club is essentially your audio companion for building a more sustainable and joyful design business, proving that success isn’t just about taste-it’s about resilience, adaptability, and a good laugh along the way.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Hot Young Designers Club | Interior Design Business Podcast
Podcast Episodes
167: Birdhouse for the Soul [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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162: Getting out of our own way and other business goals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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161: 2025 Reflection, it wasn't as bad as we thought [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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160: Renee Biery, “The Only Girl on the Job Site” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:38:32
Shaun and Rebecca sit down with guest Renée Biery of deVignier Design and host of the podcast Only Girl on the Jobsite. With a career spanning over 30 years, Renée has worked on complex construction‑heavy design projects…
158: Why You Shouldn't Photograph Every Project with Jessica Burke [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:36
In this episode of the Hot Young Designers Club, Rebecca and Shaun welcome interior‑photographer turned editor and marketing strategist Jessica Burke to unpack when and why designers should not photograph—or publish—ever…
157: Las Vegas Market, Logistics for Designers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:25
In this episode, Rebecca and Shaun dive into everything designers need to know about attending Las Vegas Market — from travel logistics to strategy, networking, sourcing and setting up your post‑market follow‑up. Whether…