Interior designers have the ability to shape experiences through their work. Whether it’s helping a family feel more connected at home, creating a more uplifting environment in a senior living space, or reducing stress in a healthcare setting, their contributions go beyond merely making spaces look beautiful. They play a vital role in improving people’s lives.
In this inspiring episode, I chat with Blima Ehrentreu, founder and CEO of The Designers Group, who shares how interior design becomes meaningful when driven by purpose. From calming urgent care centers to uplifting senior living communities, Blima shows how thoughtful design can help people feel safe, supported, and inspired.
You’ll discover how designing with empathy and intention can transform everyday spaces into places of healing, comfort, and connection. Blima also shares how she grew her firm across North America, the lessons she’s learned from real-life mistakes like how to handle mistakes and lead a team, and how she now mentors others to do purposeful work through her TDG Insider program.
If you want your work to feel more fulfilling and make a real impact, this episode is for you. Tune in now and discover how to bring purpose into your projects and create spaces that change lives.
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
- Learn how to design with purpose and impact
- Get real-world business and leadership insights
- Discover mentorship and giving-back opportunities
About the Guest:
Blima Ehrentreu, founder and CEO of The Designers Group, is a creative visionary and industry trailblazer. Committed to empowering women and driving philanthropy, Blima’s impact goes beyond traditional design boundaries. Her passion and leadership showcase the transformative power of purpose-driven design in creating a better world.
Connect with Blima Ehrentreu:
Website: The Designers Group
IG: @thedesignersgroup
Check out these episode highlights
02:00 Blima’s Early Interest in Interior Design
Early fascination with construction and design, inspired by watching the demolition and construction of her childhood home
Artistic nature and fascination with the construction process
03:11 Education and Foundational Experience
Earned both undergraduate and master’s degrees in Interior Architecture and Design
Gained technical experience working at an architectural firm while studying
The importance of understanding the technical side of design, including structural components and cost implications
04:41 The Importance of Design Implementation
Design goes beyond aesthetics; it’s about execution and making spaces functional and impactful for end users.
Designers must consider the client’s needs and how designs are brought to life, technically and financially
06:04 Influence of Cross-Industry Design Experience
Describes how working on varied project types allowed her to cross-pollinate ideas (e.g., spa-like design in urgent care centers)
Emphasizes the power of combining hospitality aesthetics with healthcare and other sectors
08:44 The Growth of The Designers Group
Started in Toronto, and expanded to New York and then Miami, with projects across the U.S. and Canada
Growth is driven organically by client locations and opportunities
09:48 Mentorship and Scaling the Business
Blima didn’t have a single mentor but built a network of experts to learn from
Founded TDG Insider, a program allowing aspiring designers to shadow professionals in her Brooklyn office
The importance of delegating and trusting a team as part of scaling
12:14 Overcoming Challenges and Learning from Mistakes
Shares an early mistake: a sofa not fitting through a front door
Lessons learned led to a more comprehensive planning process, like checking furniture delivery logistics in future projects
Talks about the challenges of budgetary constraints, site conditions, and deadlines, and how these lead to innovative solutions
Stresses learning from setbacks and viewing them as innovation opportunities
16:11 Dream Projects and Purpose-Driven Design
Passionate about projects that make an impact such as senior living communities, healthcare facilities, and educational spaces
A personal story about visiting a retirement home and witnessing the positive impact of a well-designed living space
Sees each project as a chance to enhance people’s lives and contribute to their well-being
19:20 Advice to Aspiring Interior Designers
Take the step into the career despite the challenges
Understand the purpose behind their work
Learn the technical side to provide meaningful, impactful design
Stay passionate and inspired by their work
Continuously learn and grow
Have a purpose-driven approach to design and create a better world through their work
20:54 How to Join TDG Insider Mentorship Program
TDG Insider: a program open to anyone interested in experiencing a day in the life of a commercial designer
21:59 Charitable Initiatives of The Designers Group
TDG Furniture Exchange: Platform connecting people donating furniture with those in need
Focus on sustainability and reducing waste while helping underserved individuals
Currently operates in 9 locations and aims to expand
Links Mentioned
- Apply for the TDG Insider program to shadow the team in the New York office
- TDG Furniture Exchange if you have furniture to donate; giving furniture new life rather than disposal
Next Steps
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.
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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…