Season 9 of Thrive In Design is here — and it’s an invitation to rethink how we build our businesses, our careers, and our lives in the design industry.

Hosted by Nicole Lashae Hall, this season continues the conversation around what it truly means to thrive as a designer, creative entrepreneur, or industry leader. In this trailer, Nicole shares what’s ahead for Season 9, including deeper discussions around sustainable growth, aligned leadership, and navigating the evolving realities of creative work without burnout.

Whether you’re an interior designer, architect, engineer, or creative professional craving more clarity, intention, and balance, Season 9 of Thrive and Design is designed to meet you where you are — and help you move forward with purpose.

New episodes are coming soon. Welcome to Season 9.

00:00 – Welcome to Thrive and Design 00:18 – Introducing Season 9 00:45 – What this season will focus on 01:20 – Who this season is for 01:48 – What listeners can expect going forward 02:10 – Closing + season launch reminder

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When you have your own business, you have to do everything—from designing and selling to marketing and growth. But the real power lies in building a brand that goes beyond products or services. It’s about creating spaces and experiences that are meaningful, where people feel connected and inspired. Branding for designers isn’t just about visuals; it’s about telling a story that reflects your values, resonates with your audience, and builds trust over time. When done right, branding helps you stand out in a crowded market, sell with purpose, and grow a business that makes a lasting impact.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Ericka Saurit, who shares insights on what interior designers truly need today—from brand strategy and product launches to story-driven marketing that fuels growth. We don’t just talk about branding—we dive deep into the different ways to launch a product collection, how to stand out in a saturated market, and what marketing trends designers need to be paying attention to right now, including podcasting.

Ericka Saurit is a brand strategist, educator, and former interior designer with over 25 years of experience shaping culture through design and storytelling. She’s worked with iconic brands like Airbnb, Tag Heuer, and Estée Lauder, and now empowers interior designers, architects, and creatives to grow their businesses through story-driven marketing that connects and converts.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to refine your message, launch with impact, and future-proof your marketing strategy.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

[00:01] Intro and a bit about your guest, Ericka Saurit

[05:21] Ericka’s background: From interior designer to branding expert

[08:32] How the interior design industry has evolved over the past 18 months

[13:30] Aligning your business strategy with marketing goals

[16:34] Podcasting, storytelling & tools to help you stand out as a designer

[22:30] Revenue streams: What’s working now for design businesses

[25:30] Understanding: Licensing, Private Label, White Label, & Ecommerce

[34:18] What to consider when setting your marketing goals

[39:40] How to build confidence and boldness through market shifts

[46:23] What’s new at Ericka’s company and how she supports clients

[47:59] A quick recap and how to partner with Thrive in Design

[55:58] Wrap-up and end of the show

• “There will always be someone ahead of you who can advise you and give you insights on how to make the best decisions.”

• “You have to have a different strategy when the market shifts; the way you show up to market yourself has to change and evolve.”
• “Having a product line is a great way for a designer to expand their business.”

Connect with Ericka Saurit:

• Websites: https://www.marketingschoolforcreatives.com/ https://www.sauritcreative.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickasaurit/

• Website: thriveindesign.co
• Instagram: @thriveindesign
• Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thriveindesign/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thriveindesign/

🎓 Register for the next Thrive in Design live training: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

📘 Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps

📚Enroll in the School of Strategy by Thrive In Design:

https://www.thriveindesign.co/school

Beauty has always spoken to us—but today, its voice is louder, clearer, and more essential than ever. As the language of design evolves, we are beginning to understand that beauty is not just a visual luxury but a biological necessity. Hardwired into our DNA, aesthetic experiences shape how we feel, think, and heal. From the calming repetition of patterns to the nurturing presence of natural elements, design has the power to transform our spaces into sanctuaries of wellness.

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Mike Peterson to explore how neuroaesthetics and biophilia are reshaping design to support human health and well-being. Mike is a true pioneer at the intersection of design, science, and wellness. With nearly a decade as a publisher at LUX magazine, he helped catapult the brand to international recognition, building deep connections across luxury design firms, design centers, and the broader interior design community.

Now, as the founder of Science in Design, Mike leads a powerful movement that educates designers on how their work directly impacts human health. He is also a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing his message on some of the industry’s most prestigious stages—from High Point Market and the Dallas Market Center to ADAC, ASID, and IFDA events. His message is simple but profound: Design isn’t just about how a space looks—it’s about how it makes us feel, function, and thrive.

🎧 Tune in now!

• [00:01] Introduction and a bit about our guest, Mike Peterson
• [02:24] How Don Ruggles inspired Mike’s shift from marketing to design
• [04:30] Applications of neuroaesthetics and biophilia in interior design
• [06:41] Metrics for measuring beauty’s impact in built environments
• [09:08] Understanding beauty and its power in neuroaesthetics
• [10:44] How neuroaesthetics and biophilia integrate in design
• [14:58] How Science in Design educates designers to promote beauty and health
• [18:27] The extended mind: how environment influences human experience
• [19:46] Success stories from designers applying health-focused design
• [22:33] What interior product companies need to know about neuroaesthetics
• [26:46] About the Science in Design Summit and its impact
• [28:24] Mike’s final thoughts and the future of neuroaesthetics
• [30:26] Wrap-up and end of the show

• “Beauty is the foundation of neuroaesthetics; beauty is a fundamental need to our physical being.”
• “The need for beauty is not an elective or passive interest; it’s a compulsion.”
• “Architects and designers have a greater ability to improve public health than health professionals.” — Dr. Claudia Miller

• Beauty, Neuroscience and Architecture by Donald Ruggles Link »
• Built Beautiful documentary by Donald Ruggles Link »
• Cognitive Architecture by Ann Sussman Link »
• Constructing Health by Tye Farrow Link »
• Mind in Architecture by Sarah Robinson Link »

Connect with Mike Peterson:

• Website: scienceindesign.com
• LinkedIn: @mike-peterson
• Email: mike@scienceindesign.com

Learn more about Thrive In Design:

• Website: thriveindesign.co
• Instagram: @thriveindesign
• Facebook: Thrive In Design
• LinkedIn: Thrive In Design

🎓 Register for the next Thrive in Design live training: https://training.thriveindesign.co/

📘 Get your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to A&D Sales": https://www.thriveindesign.co/brand-reps