Thrive In Design

Marketing in the built environment is evolving quickly—and interior product brands that want to grow must rethink how they approach storytelling, PR, and go-to-market strategy.

In this episode of the Thrive In Design Podcast, host Nicole Lashae Hall sits down with Susan Fernandez, Senior Vice President of Marketing at UpSpring, to unpack how manufacturers and building product brands can stand out in an increasingly competitive mark...

Many interior product brands believe they have a visibility problem. But according to Nicole Lashae Hall, the real issue is something deeper: a strategy gap.

In this episode of the Thrive and Design Podcast, Nicole explores how the design industry has quietly but permanently shifted — and why many brands are still operating with outdated sales and marketing assumptions. Designers are discovering products digitally, forming opinions...

In season 9, episode 2 of the Thrive In Design Podcast, host Nicole Lashae Hall welcomes Cheryl Durst, Executive Vice President and CEO of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), for a powerful conversation about expanding the role of interior design beyond aesthetics and into measurable business and human impact.

With more than 30 years in the industry, Cheryl shares her journey from educator and journalist to global...

Welcome to the Thrive in Design Podcast, hosted by Nicole Lashae Hall, founder of Thrive in Design. This podcast is for interior product brands ready to move beyond scattered marketing, outdated sales tactics, and visibility for visibility’s sake—and into clarity, alignment, and real momentum.

In this opening episode of Season 9, Nicole reintroduces the podcast, shares her personal and professional evolution, and clearly defines wh...

Season 9 of Thrive In Design is here — and it’s an invitation to rethink how we build our businesses, our careers, and our lives in the design industry.

Hosted by Nicole Lashae Hall, this season continues the conversation around what it truly means to thrive as a designer, creative entrepreneur, or industry leader. In this trailer, Nicole shares what’s ahead for Season 9, including deeper discussions around sustainable growth, alig...

When you have your own business, you have to do everything—from designing and selling to marketing and growth. But the real power lies in building a brand that goes beyond products or services. It’s about creating spaces and experiences that are meaningful, where people feel connected and inspired. Branding for designers isn’t just about visuals; it’s about telling a story that reflects your values, resonates with your audience, an...

Beauty has always spoken to us—but today, its voice is louder, clearer, and more essential than ever. As the language of design evolves, we are beginning to understand that beauty is not just a visual luxury but a biological necessity. Hardwired into our DNA, aesthetic experiences shape how we feel, think, and heal. From the calming repetition of patterns to the nurturing presence of natural elements, design has the power to transf...

From the buzz of innovation to the quiet power of intentional design, NeoCon 2025 revealed a future where design, human connection, and technology converge. The conversation is no longer just about products—it’s about how environments shape behavior, how data informs design, and how workplaces can foster both safety and creativity. This year’s show spotlighted a growing emphasis on “placefulness”—the emotional and functional resona...

NeoCon 2025 is paved with more than just innovative products—it’s built on meaningful relationships, bold storytelling, and brands that lead with purpose. In today’s design landscape, simply showing up isn’t enough. Reps must deliver real value, spark genuine conversations, and create experiences that resonate long after the event ends. Authenticity, honesty, and human connection are the new currency. When done right, events become...

As the most anticipated design event continues to evolve, one thing remains timeless: the power of well-crafted experiences—those that begin long before the showroom doors open and continue long after the last badge is scanned. From smarter collaboration and strategic storytelling to thoughtful product launches and unforgettable touchpoints, brands now have the opportunity to engage the A&D community in deeper, more impactful w...

Ever wondered why some podcasts thrive while others vanish into digital silence? In 2025, podcasting has evolved far beyond a casual hobby—it’s now a dynamic engine for personal branding, thought leadership, and evergreen content creation. Starting and growing a successful podcast means more than just plugging in a mic; it requires intentional strategy, authentic storytelling, and smart marketing. From defining your niche to design...

When the headlines change overnight, so must your strategy. In a world where tariffs can reshape budgets and uncertainty dominates decision-making, the brands that rise aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets—but the ones that know how to pivot fast, stay visible, and lead with purpose. This isn’t just about reacting; it’s about anticipa...

Season 7 Recap: Winning Strategies for Interior Products with Nicole Lashae (Ben) Hall 

Designing and selling interior products isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a strategic game where creativity meets precision and innovation fuels connection. In today’s competitive landscape, the brands that thrive are those that know how to combine compelling visuals with functionality, personalize their approach through technology, and tell stor...

Becoming a successful interior designer is about thinking outside the box and staying true to your authentic self. Creativity thrives when you embrace your unique perspective and align it with what truly resonates with you. Success lies in blending authenticity with innovative design principles—crafting sensory-driven spaces that tell meaningful stories, staying ahead of the latest trends in luxury, and addressing client pain point...

Trade shows have been a game-changer for brands looking to gain visibility, build strategic partnerships, and drive sales—but standing out in a sea of exhibitors requires more than just showing up. To make a lasting impact, you have to be strategic in how you network, market, and follow up. Planning your approach before the event, focusing on creating memorable interactions during it, and maximizing post-show follow-ups are essenti...

Your creativity is the spark that transforms ideas into inspiring spaces, breathtaking visuals, and unforgettable experiences. But what happens when that spark meets the hurdles of procurement—delayed timelines, endless paperwork, and brand inconsistencies? Bridging the gap between design and procurement isn’t just about fixing processes; it’s about amplifying your brilliance. By aligning your artistic vision with efficient, techno...

Customization is transforming the interior design industry, making it easier than ever to bring unique visions to life. With the rise of digital galleries and on-demand printing, clients can now browse designs online, select what resonates with them, and have it tailored to their needs without the usual concerns of high costs or long wait times. This approach is shifting interior design away from generic templates, offering a seaml...

Imagine stepping into a room filled with interior designers and buyers, only to be met with blank stares because they don’t quite understand what you’re offering. Even the most innovative interior product can struggle if its value isn’t communicated effectively. Selling interior products isn’t just about listing materials and specifications—it’s about crafting a compelling story that resonates with your ideal audience.

In this solo...

Design has the power to influence the way we live and interact with the world. When guided by principles of equity and inclusion, it has the potential to make a profound difference in people’s lives. As a designer, you create for everyone, and your work should reflect the rich diversity of the people who will use it. By embracing and respecting different perspectives, design can create spaces that are welcoming, accessible, and fai...