What is it really like to work for an interior designer? And just as importantly, what does it take to build a healthy, balanced employee-employer relationship that lasts?
As I celebrate 200 episodes of Design Curious, I wanted to pull back the curtain and share a candid conversation with someone who knows my business better than almost anyone—my employee, Lillian Janik. Lilly has worked alongside me for eight years, and together we’ve navigated everything from residential interior design projects and company growth to mentorship programs, commercial work, and the everyday realities of running a creative business.
If you’re an aspiring interior designer wondering whether you should work for a design firm or start your own business, this episode offers valuable insight into the employee-employer relationship. We talk about communication, company culture, leadership, career growth, and the mindset shifts that come with being part of a design team.
We also have some fun along the way. Lily turns the tables and interviews me, asking questions about work-life balance, design trends, my personal style journey, and how I manage everything from mentoring designers to running the Sacramento Design Business Community. You’ll even get a peek at my love of Art Deco architecture, my obsession with historical plaques, our mission to identify the names of Sacramento alleyways, and how a simple wardrobe redesign became its own creative project.
Whether you’re building a creative career, growing a design business, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes realities of working in interior design, this conversation is full of practical wisdom and honest reflections.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Employee versus entrepreneur mindset differences
Building strong workplace communication and trust
Creating a positive company culture in design firms
Work-life balance strategies for busy creatives
Finding community through mentorship and networking
Secrets to Creating a Strong Employer–Employee Relationship in Interior Design Firms
Building a successful interior design business isn’t just about beautiful projects. It’s also about creating healthy relationships, clear communication, and a workplace where both employers and employees can thrive.
Here are some of the biggest lessons Lilly and I discussed.
Know the Difference Between Employee and Entrepreneur
One of the most important mindset shifts in any creative career is understanding the difference between being an employee and being a business owner.
As Lilly explained, employees and employers have different responsibilities and freedoms. Employees gain stability and the ability to “clock out” at the end of the day, while business owners carry the responsibility of leadership, decision-making, and company growth.
As Lilly shared:
“If you are choosing to be in the employee position… then that’s your role.”
Understanding which path aligns with your personality, values, and career goals can help you create a more satisfying career in interior design.
Communication Creates Better Company Culture
Healthy company culture doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentional communication, regular feedback, and mutual respect.
Over the years, Lilly and I have learned that small conversations often prevent larger problems. Annual reviews, ongoing feedback, and open discussions help ensure expectations stay clear and everyone feels heard.
One of Lilly’s observations perfectly captures this idea:
“At the end of the day, we’re in a relationship together.”
Whether you’re an employee or employer, treating your professional relationship with the same care and respect as any important relationship creates stronger teams and better project outcomes.
Understand the Need You’re Being Hired To Fill
One of Lilly’s most insightful points was that employees are usually hired to solve a specific problem within a business.
Maybe a designer needs help with CAD drawings. Maybe they need administrative support. Maybe they need someone to assist with sourcing or project management.
Lilly explained:
“The trick is finding a designer whose stuff that they don’t like to do is stuff that you like to do.”
This perspective can help designers evaluate job opportunities more strategically and identify roles where they’ll thrive long-term.
Build a Strong Support System
When people ask how I manage a design business, a podcast, a mentorship program, community leadership roles, family life, music performances, and everything else, the answer is simple: support.
No successful creative career is built alone.
My support system includes Lilly, my husband, family members, friends, colleagues in the Design Leaders Collective, and members of the Sacramento Design Business Community.
Creating a support network allows you to grow professionally without sacrificing your well-being. For many designers, finding community is one of the most important investments they can make in their career growth.
Q&A With Rebecca: Personal Insights and Creative Growth
One of my favorite parts of this episode was when Lilly asked me questions I don’t normally answer on the podcast.
Q: What do you enjoy most about being a boss, and what do you find most challenging about having employees?
A: The most rewarding part of being a boss is helping people grow and creating a company culture where employees enjoy their work. I love identifying people’s strengths and finding ways to support their career growth.
The challenging part is carrying the responsibility of making sure the business stays healthy, especially during slower seasons. As an employer, I’m responsible not only for my own income but also for supporting my team.
Q: How do you create a positive company culture in an interior design business?
A: Company culture comes from intentional communication, trust, and creating an environment where people feel valued. Small things matter, too—like listening to employee feedback and making improvements that make their work experience better.
Even small requests like adding a space heater or a filtered water dispenser showed that thoughtful details can make a workplace feel more supportive.
Q: What interior design trend are you excited to explore?
A: I’m excited about the return of Art Deco influences. I love the geometric patterns, architectural details, and touch of glamour that come with this style.
While I don’t usually chase trends, I enjoy seeing how design movements evolve and how we can incorporate elements timelessly.
Q: How do you balance running a design business, podcast, mentorship program, and personal life?
A: For me, balance comes from having a strong support system, staying organized, and knowing what truly matters.
Using tools like the Full Focus Planner helps me manage both personal and professional priorities. I also focus on maintaining healthy habits, making time for relationships, and creating space for things that bring me joy.
Q: How has letting go of perfection helped you grow?
A: I’ve learned that progress is often more valuable than perfection. Not every project, meeting, presentation, or podcast episode needs to be perfect.
Sometimes, 80% complete is enough to move forward. Understanding where to focus my energy and where to let things be “good enough” has helped me accomplish more while maintaining work-life balance.
Q: What inspired your personal style transformation?
A: I approached my wardrobe like a design project. I created a vision, collected inspiration, developed a color palette, and intentionally curated pieces that reflected how I wanted to show up.
It reminded me that intentional design isn’t only about interiors—it can influence how we feel and how we present ourselves every day.
Q: Why is community important for interior designers?
A: Interior design can often feel like a solo career, especially for business owners. Having a support system through groups like the Design Leaders Collective and Sacramento Design Business Community provides encouragement, feedback, and shared learning.
Being surrounded by other designers helps us grow, solve problems, and continue improving together.
Final Thoughts
After 200 episodes, one lesson continues to stand out: success in interior design is rarely about talent alone. Strong communication, supportive relationships, mentorship, intentional growth, and community all play major roles in building a fulfilling creative career.
Whether you’re an aspiring designer, an employee, or a business owner, investing in those areas will serve you far beyond any individual project.
Meet Lillian Janik
Lillian “Lilly” Janik brings a thoughtful eye, calm presence, and strong design sensibility to the Rebecca Ward Design team. She is a graduate of CSU Sacramento with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. Lillian first joined the studio as an intern during her final semester and quickly became an essential part of the team. Today, as an Associate Designer, she supports projects through design development, sourcing, documentation, and the many details that help each home feel cohesive and complete.
Your Next Steps
If you’re ready to gain clarity about your creative career, build confidence in your skills, and receive mentorship from someone who’s navigated both sides of the employee-employer relationship, I’d love to invite you to join My Design Mentor.
Inside the program, you’ll find educational modules, coaching opportunities, career guidance, and a supportive community designed specifically for aspiring and emerging interior designers. Whether you’re exploring your first design job or building your own business, you’ll gain the tools and support to move forward with confidence.
Join My Design Mentor and start creating a career you truly love.
Check Out Our Spotify Playlist!
Resources & Freebies
- Free webinar, “From Passion to Profit,” and learn the 5 Money Moves to start your interior design business right
- Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
- Furnishings Investment Guide
- Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide
- 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
- The best books every interior designer should have
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!
Let’s Connect!
- 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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