What happens when you take an international business background, mix in a love for design, and layer it with over a decade of experience in luxury interiors? You get Shannon Smith — our rockstar Director of Interior Design at Laura U Design Collective.
Melissa is off on vacation today, but I’ve got you covered! In this episode, I’m sitting down with Shannon to dive into the world of high-end interior design, from creating stunning spaces to managing client expectations and leading a powerhouse design team.
What you’ll discover in this episode:
– The secret sauce behind luxury interior design—what really makes a space feel elevated
– The biggest misconceptions about working with a designer
– How Shannon transitioned from a career in sales to becoming a sought-after interior designer
– Why delegation and leadership in a creative firm are game changers
– Client horror stories (ever seen a couple actually fight over furniture?)
– The role of coaching and mentorship in the design world
– The one industry event Shannon never misses & where she’s traveling next
Whether you’re an aspiring designer, a homeowner dreaming of a curated space, or just someone who loves the behind-the-scenes of the design world, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and real talk.
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:

The DesignDash Podcast is sponsored by Monogram Luxury Appliances.
Monogram is a long time partner and go to for us at DesignDash, as well as our design firm, Laura U Design Collective. We love them because they believe in three main pillars that we, as creatives, can easily get behind: sourcing superior Materials, offering high-quality Performance, and taking Ownership. Each of these upholds their commitment to high quality, innovation, and homeowners.