Interior Design San Diego - Presented by ASID San Diego

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...

Duration: 01:10:34

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...

Duration: 00:26:18

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...

Duration: 00:16:35

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...

Duration: 00:36:36

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...

Duration: 00:16:43

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...

Duration: 00:56:36

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...

Duration: 00:26:02

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...

Duration: 00:29:40

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...

Duration: 00:30:38

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...

Duration: 00:21:17

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...

Duration: 00:25:32

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...

Duration: 00:12:12

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...

Duration: 00:36:54

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...

Duration: 00:33:31

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...

Duration: 00:13:51

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...

Duration: 00:19:51

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...

Duration: 00:14:06

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...

Duration: 00:04:18