Do you feel stuck in your current job, wondering if it is too late to follow your dream of becoming an interior designer?
In this episode, you will hear how Steve Saide made a bold career switch after 30 years as a lawyer and found his passion in hospitality design. Now leading the design team at Furnished Quarters, Steve shares how he designs beautiful, livable spaces for corporate travelers who stay for weeks—or even years—at a time.
Steve’s story proves it is never too late to start fresh, and that design does not have to follow a traditional path. So, if you are unsure about how to make the leap or where your design career could lead, this episode gives you real answers and encouragement.
💡 If Steve can do it, so can you! Tune in now to learn how to start your path into interior design—no matter your background.
✨ Want help starting your design career? Check out My Design Mentor!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
Be inspired on how to pivot into interior design even after a long career in another field
Get insights on where real design inspiration comes from (hint: not always magazines!)
Discover what makes hospitality design different from regular home design
About the Guest:
Steve Saide is the Executive Vice President of Interior Design at Furnished Quarters, a company that provides stylish, fully furnished apartments for corporate travelers. After a 30-year career as a lawyer, Steve made a bold career shift into interior design. His eye for creativity and passion for functional, home-like spaces now help shape the unique design style of the company’s long-term stay residences.
Connect with Steve Saide:
Website: Furnished Quarters
Instagram: @furnishedquarters
Check out these episode highlights
02:00 Redefining Hospitality Design
03:13 Steve Said’s Career Transition from Law to Interior Design
His father’s artistic hobby and how it influenced his creative side
His law career as creative, involving problem-solving and client management
Interest in design grew through interactions with clients in the fashion and design world
Meeting Steve Brown, co-owner of Furnished Quarters, who encouraged him to join the company, leading to his transition into design
09:00 About Furnished Quarters
Provides furnished apartments mainly for corporate travelers
The company operates globally with a focus on New York, Boston, SF, and more
Some clients stay 60-90 days; others stay for years
Services include not only owned units but also partner units across the world
10:30 Approach to Design for Corporate Apartments
Made design decisions after reviewing the building’s architecture and ambiance
No cookie-cutter approach: each building has a distinct design theme
Lobby design, existing finishes, and overall vibe shape preferences
12:10 Quantity and Design Execution
Takes 5-10+ units per building to make operations viable
Designs are tailored based on unit type (studio, 1BR, 2BR) and line layout
Uses a general scheme and then customizes per unit
14:30 Design Limitations & Smart Solutions
Cannot alter finishes, so work around them with furnishings
Uses peel-off wallpaper to add texture without damage
Avoids live plants and books (practicality and theft concerns)
Finds warmth through accessories like bowls, candlesticks, and decorative items
17:30 Keeping Up with Trends
Frequent trips (e.g., Paris, Milan, High Point Market) for inspiration and sourcing
Emphasis on visiting design hubs, antique stores, and walking cities for real-world inspiration
High Point is their main U.S. furniture-sourcing event
18:30 Impact of COVID and Economic Uncertainty
Tariffs, shipping costs, and global sentiment (anti-Americanism) affect travel and demand
Furniture vendors increase prices; some businesses close due to unsold high-priced stock
The company is cautiously optimistic but closely watching industry signals
24:55 Creative Inspiration Sources
Steve finds design inspiration everywhere: street fashion, art museums, restaurant plating, gallery shows. Example: A flower-themed gallery in Paris inspired a new view of floral patterns and wallpaper
Believes inspiration isn’t always found in traditional design magazines and influences
27:25 Advice for Aspiring Hospitality Designers
To gain experience through internships with well-known designers to understand the industry and develop the necessary skills
Develop strong computer skills and understanding of design software for the modern design industry
Understand the business side of the industry (project management, client interactions, etc…) not just the creative
Be open to inspiration from various sources
Develop a strong foundation in design principles
Next Steps
- Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Grab your freebies:
- Furnishings Investment Guide
- Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide
- Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
- 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Take a Quiz!
- Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style
- Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!
Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.
Email me at [email protected] if you have suggested topics
DM me on Instagram at @rwarddesign if you have a burning question
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Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week…