Episode 8 - Kate Regan of The Sitting Room
Episode #8 | Kate Regan | Into the World of a High-End Boutique Design Firm
In episode 8, Kate Regan from The Sitting Room shares her journey and insights over her career helping clients achieve their goals and "trust the process". We talk about the emotions and dynamics involved with our clients and how Kate's phycology degree gets a lot of work! Operating a space with 10 other designers and promoting the family network that keeps them together and fulfilled.
Listen to the full episode:
About Kate Regan
Founded by Kate Regan in 2003, The Sitting Room is a design studio serving the Minneapolis-St. Paul area and beyond.
Our studio specializes in full-service residential interior design for new builds and remodeling projects. With a glowing reputation among local builders, remodelers, and architects, the studio takes projects through every phase of design, from initial concepts and selections to project management and final installation.
Thoughtful reflections of our clients' lives and aesthetic preferences guide our design. Our portfolio is a compilation of a broad range of styles, however, our projects all have a few things in common – a commitment to high-quality materials and craftsmanship, an impeccable attention to detail, and a focus on functionality. Our personalized approach means we spend time getting to know who we're designing for, translating clients' desires and needs into warm and inviting interiors. We know we've done our job well when our clients return to us for all of their future design projects.
Along with our design studio, our boutique offers an inspiring and highly curated shopping experience, bringing together unique items from around the globe, timeless pieces, and the best of industry trends sourced from furniture and accessory markets around the country. Learn more by navigating to "Boutique" in our main menu. "
Resources
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00:00
Welcome to the curious builder Podcast. I'm Mark Williams, your host, I'm here today with Kate Regan from the sitting room, or an operator. Kate, welcome to the show.
00:08
Thanks, Mark. Thanks for having me. This is so fun.
00:11
Now even though our offices are like 100 yards apart, I'm glad that you're still willing to come on to our podcast for us make it official out of the bubble. I know how long have we worked together now?
00:21
I think seven, eight years maybe
00:24
I can't believe it's been that long. I know. So you want to interior design studio. I and we've worked together for this many years. But actually don't know your origin story. One of the enjoyable parts about having you on is I'd like to hear how you started in design. How did you get to where you are now
00:40
for sure. So I started in my mid 20s, I was planning on going back to school for social work was going to get my master's. And I wanted just a fun creative job while I was going back to school, and so this furniture store and interior design firm in Uptown was hiring. And on a whim, I went in was hired, started working there and just like fell in love with the environment. And so I was selling furniture for a while. And then the principal designer landed these big projects and said, I need a design assistant. I'm going to give you a try threw me in I had no training. Totally not prepared. And this guy was very fun, very energetic and would just take anything on. So threw me in and after a couple years I was running my own projects and just learning a ton. Was that
01:34
commercial or residential? Or was all residential. Okay, yeah. So new, new homes, remodels or what kind of residential project were you working? It
01:42
was more like refresh. I mean, we did some remodels, some really cool projects, we had a private island in Canada that we did, he had some really cool connections. So I learned a ton from him. I mean, probably made a lot of mistakes. But he was super patient who was a great mentor. And so I did that and then learned, you know, all aspects of the business from visual merchandising went to market design work, of course. And then decided after four years with my I was newly engaged, and my future husband said, you know, why don't you start your own business? And I was like, I'd never really thought about doing that and just kind of took the
02:20
leap. How old were you at that time?
02:22
I was 27. That's amazing. Yeah. And I'm, like, 29 now. So it's like, you know, it's just lapse. But yeah, so I just took this leap and said, I'm gonna try it. And I started out kind of working out of our basement and was generating leads and figuring out how I wanted to run the business. And then I had a remodeler that I'd worked with in the past, and called me up and said, I'm looking to have a space and I want someone to share it with me. And so he had this little space in Deephaven. And said, let's, you know, have independent businesses, but we'll work out of the same space. And so I did that. And it was the best move. I mean, I had really good walk ins that transitioned into big projects. Those clients then referred me to their friends, I can go back and like picture, these five different clients that sort of launched me into the successful business
03:20
isn't amazing. I think they call him the silent salesman, you're basically it's people that are out there, you know, banging the drum for your respective company that are essentially selling for you because of the experience that you you gave them. Yeah, it's incredible. And how often would you see those people even today? I mean, are they still clients,
03:36
clients, it's amazing. After 20 years, I mean, I have one client that I remember doing her daughter's bedroom, and she was maybe 10. And now she's married, and I'm helping her with her house. So it's, it's really cool to be in this business that long and retain those same clients. I
03:52
mean, obviously, from a business standpoint, it's nice to have residual clients and have projects that continue. But on a personal level, it's gotta be very rewarding to see families, you know, when you met them, you know, they either weren't married or they didn't have kids. And now in this case, you just told the story of this kind of this coming of age family where everything has changed. And now you're doing it for the next generation. Yeah.
04:12
And it's fine. I mean, she knew me before, I think I was newly engaged, didn't have kids, you know, she's watched my girls grow up, and my girls occasionally work. I've twin girls that are 16 the work at the store on a Saturday, and she's come in and seeing them. So it's just fun to have that personal connection.
04:29
Do you think it's an overstatement? Saying that it seems like interior design, from my experience and working with interior designers, that it seems to be a more personal business than transactional? Is that a fair statement?
04:41
100% Absolutely.
04:43
What do you think? Why do you think it is that way compared to other industries? I mean, there I think there's plenty that are but let's just narrow it down to like building in the trades, right? Yeah. I mean, like, you hire a plumber, he comes in, he does a plumbing job and then he does a great job. It's just but it's more of a transaction. It's not right you know, your waters on the waters off Add does other things. I mean, obviously, they have to be competent in their field, but seems like interior design is much more personal. Yeah, for
05:06
sure. Well, I think the process is longer. I mean, we often start with, you know, the architectural plans and see it through to the end of a new build. That can be over a year. So we spend a lot of time together. I think that's part of it. But also, I think maybe some of the clients that we attract, maybe are also, you know, we're open to that we want to have that established relationship. And I don't know that it's like that for every designer, necessarily. But I would say in our experience, it certainly is, and we really enjoy what we do. So we make the process fun. And I think then the clients are enjoying themselves and, you know, just develop a really nice rapport and level of trust,
05:44
I think it speaks also to how intimate the relationship can get not that it is with every single client to that depth, but I think it goes as deep as they want it to go. Because the more you know, of a client, the more you know, what their needs is their lifestyles. I mean, obviously, if you have young kids, you're probably pitching different fabrics, or different textiles that are going to hold up better two decade of destruction, right?
06:05
Or even just how, you know, meeting with the husband and wife, right? You've seen that, that dynamic and trying to navigate that. And you do you learn so much about how people live and how they function. And which I find fascinating. Back to my background, I have a degree in psychology initially. So that was gonna be very helpful. And yeah, so for me, it's really interesting to just kind of analyze how, you know, I think they're the how they would view this process or how they'd like to move forward with things. So yeah, it kind of comes full circle. I
06:38
feel like I have an honorary degree in psychology, but you have a formal one. So I'll defer to you now. Yeah, all things as well. I should honestly, designer rules the rules, right? Yeah, exactly. Oh, that's funny. Yeah, it is, it is amazing, as we often will say, in these meetings, right? Because it's, you know, very personal building a home you are building, whether it's a high end custom home or remodel, it's still your home, it's where you live. And so people are, you know, if they're living in the space, while you're doing it, there's a heightened sense of, you know, the awareness of what you're doing in their space. And if it's a new home, oftentimes the you know, the label of the dream home, or all their, all their goals, and anything that they've saved a clip for the last however many years is being isolated, like, I really want to do it right. This time. I often want to build a home will tell people, you know, there's no such thing as anything being perfect. And so you understand, like, this is art, we're creating it with you, how do you when people come to you, and they have this idea, you know, because a lot of a lot of how a home looks, and I often will tell my clients this, it's like I can build your beautiful home. And architecturally, when we partner with architects and designers, that's really important. But the feeling of the home, I feel like it has a lot to do with what you do the interior design side of it. How do you how do you reassure clients that they're going to feel, you know, whether they're spending a large amount or a small amount of what are some things that you've experienced over your career where you're like, you need to trust me, and you obviously have to gain that trust. But I guess how have you seen that process unfold? Because, you know, I'm saying people will feel so sometimes they get very tense and want to be to be perfect, right out of the gate? How do you combat that? Exactly.
08:05
That's, I mean, we experienced this all the time. And having I've done this for 20 years now. And I what I encourage clients to do is just respect the process, right? We've, we've done the homework, we know what you want, we know the direction, we have a really good sense now trust that it's going to all fall into place. And you're gonna go through bumps in the road, if it's new construction, where they the cabinet's go in, but they're not finished. And they, they get nervous, because it doesn't look like how they anticipated. So really being able to trust the process, trust the designer. And then when it's all said and done, we're there to make sure that it's exactly how they want it. If we have to tweak things and change things. We're always willing to do that, at that I feel like design is always evolving. And so it's the process, I guess, then
08:49
how often, you know, kind of jump to the end, before we get to the beginning, classic, Mark Williams, I think we're still at the origin story, we're gonna go right to the end, how often once a house is completed, how long before you hear from the client, again, saying they want a question of veracity before like I need, you know, new pillows, or I need a new update what would be like a normal timeframe before people start accessorizing and updating again, I feel
09:13
like it just continued. I mean, so it never really stopped really doesn't I mean, it gets to a point, obviously, oftentimes, where they say, Okay, we're done. We've, you know, it feels finished, and we don't want to spend any more money on this. But yeah, I mean, it's definitely with a new build. I mean, we're finishing one right now. And we'll be doing window treatments and, you know, some of those things that they didn't need initially, but as they live in the house, they realize, you know, they have a need for privacy in certain rooms, or they really don't know until they live there. And so then their needs kind of evolve.
09:42
Interesting. Yeah, I mean, we're obviously we stay with in touch with them, you know, after 30 days after they're moving in, we'll handle kind of a punch list, if you will. And then at one year, we'll come back and check in and we'll check in with him periodically as well just as you know, we see him around town or we see him at our events and but you know after let's say two years, you know it definitely is quieter building standpoint they've moved in if they have questions on something, obviously, but a lot of times if someone has, let's say, a basement unfinished, you know, it'd be like I would say anywhere between three to five years after we finish the initial build, where we'll give that call and say, you know, hey, we'd like to bring it back to do you know, finish up the space. So right, it seems like it's somewhat analogous to what you do, except yours is more continuous, like the relationship never really stops,
10:22
right? Oh, wait, it can be small things mean, I have clients that will text me and say, I want a new centerpiece for my table for the holidays. What do you think of this? I mean, there's a lot of that consulting, because they do. You know, at the end of it, hopefully, they really appreciate the vision that you had, and they trust you. And so any decision that they make regarding their home as small as that may be, they consult with us, which is great. I love keeping that connection. So
10:46
interesting. Going back to where you were in Deephaven. So was it a retail store? Was it only interior design, like? Well, you mentioned that that was kind of a breakout decision for you to be there. Tell us a little bit about that. So
10:58
it was a tiny space next to a gas station or an auto body shop had an outdoor bathroom. I mean, it was like tiny, but this remodelers super talented and just decked it out with reclaimed wood floors, beautiful millwork. So it was kind of like this unexpected jewel box. Right on a busy intersection. So good exposure. And I had, I had some for like I had a furniture vignette. And so that would be what would draw people in, you know, they'd see something in the window, come in, and then I could talk to them about who I was and what I was doing. I think I was there for maybe a year and then outgrew that space, hired, my first employee saw the business was growing. That was around the time that I got pregnant with twins. And you know, my life was crazy. And so I thought this is a good time to bring someone else on. And so I hired my first designer, and then it just the business grew organically. And then I hired another designer, and it's just kind of has grown over the years. And now I have a team of 10
12:00
Oh my Yeah, yeah, no, I've seen him be very talented. And yeah, it's, you know, sometimes when I have a project, it's hard for me, you know, as a partner of yours do like which designers the right fit a lot for me ultimately, because they're all talented. I've worked with most of the people at your, at your, at your studio, it's a lot of it ends up being who do I think is the right personality match and then checking in with you right now saying like, hey, who has time in their schedule to take this client? This is roughly how long it's gonna take, because I assume you have to manage? You know, God leads us to a question that, you know, that I'm curious about, how do you manage, you know, 10 designers? I mean, how does, how does their workflow get managed?
12:35
Yeah, it's interesting. So I've five designers, then I also take on projects myself, so then we have a great team of assistants, and Expeditors, and all the support people behind the scenes. But personality is key. Yeah, I mean, first workload, obviously, we need to make sure that they're able to fully commit to that project. But again, going back to that psychology, like I love, you know, meeting a new client and hearing what they're looking for just getting a sense of who they are. And I can usually within the first 30 seconds, say, Oh, this is a perfect job for Nan, this is perfect for, you know, to Hana, whoever. So it's fun to be able to make that match. And on the flip side, we've had situations where maybe it wasn't a good match, and the designers feeling it, and the clients feeling it. And they've been able to come to me and say, I really want to work with your firm, but this just isn't right. And we've made that transition. And everybody, I think when you've been in the business long enough, you realize that it's if it's not a good fit, it's not going to work for anyone. And so we've been able to kind of transition that over to somebody else. And we
13:37
had that with you actually. So I think in this was it the six years we've been building with you, I think I've always essentially sat down with you and one of your designers interview with the client. And it's always been a fit in all that time. And all those projects, we've never had anyone switch, but just recently, we had somebody switch. And it was really a neat process to watch. Because at the end of the day, we have a responsibility to our client, and in this case that our joint client, right, and so they're trusting, you know, my recommendation of the sitting room, and I love how mature and how really ease and really even the staff that was essentially determined that it wasn't a good fit for that client. Yeah, they handled it extremely gracefully, at least from my perspective, and also the client, and then they transition to someone else in your firm. And, you know, it's been a great transition. And so I don't think that would happen as seamlessly as it did if there wasn't maturity, you know, and the leadership.
14:26
Well, and just, I mean, I have great designers, right? They I mean, I have two designers that have been in the industry for over 30 years. And then I have up and coming designers and then I have design assistant right out of design school still in their 20s. And you've you've kind of experienced right up the road. So you pop in and you can see I mean there's a lot of different personalities, a lot of talent and it's just a great collaborative environment. So I love it. I mean, I look back to when it was just me in that first small studio and I just, I really feed off of the energy of all the designers and I learned from them they learned for me, it's just it's a really great.
15:03
How do you do? How do you handle like the team building and then camaraderie between, you know, the all the people that you would that you work with?
15:14
You know, I think the biggest thing, and we work in a kind of tight quarters, right? So I've been we're all we're all together and it's like a family, there are days where somebody's in a bad mood, and we, you know, we accept that. And I just, I encourage communication, it sounds so basic, but really, it's, it's what makes it work. And if somebody's frustrated, or it's not working, they're workstyle. And, you know, I encourage come to me, let's talk about it. Let's sit down. And so we've been able to just address things head on versus allowing things to fester. So it sounds pretty basic. But I think that's just how we make it work.
15:49
Yeah, and I would imagine, correct me if I'm wrong, I have five people that work with, you know, our inner team. But I would imagine with 10, you get some of the younger ones that somehow without even direction kind of pair themselves with someone that may be older or more experienced than you, you kind of feel like, hey, they are going out for coffee more often. Or, you know, they seem to be chatting more often. I mean, obviously, just like no different than, let's say high school or college, you end up kind of clicking with certain people, and then they kind of formed their own relationship outside of even work. Has that happened?
16:18
Yeah, I think so. And it's interesting, because I'll pair you know, the design assistants are paired with a designer, so they spend a lot of time together. And those designers are mentors to these, you know, young design assistance. So yeah, I mean, it's it's interesting to watch that and how they sort of figure out ways to work together. And yeah, definitely, relationships are formed, what is the
16:41
path for people that are listening and interested in interior design? I mean, it's, I think you can go to school for it, you can obviously go to school for psychology
16:48
than I did go back to school design while I was still working in the industry.
16:52
And having a kid totally Yeah. Wow. Yeah. Adult, same time. Totally. So that Yeah. Let's, let's take one of your junior assistants that is working with more experienced assist designer, walk us through that path? Like how long is that mentorship program, if you will last? And how do you know when they're ready to kind of take flight and lead their own projects? Yeah,
17:11
that's a great question. I mean, it varies, certainly, but I have, you know, just watching how the industry where we are right now, all of the design assistants that I hire have a degree in interior design. So that is something that I look for. And then again, it's that hands on training as a design assistant, they are learning so much under, you know, the guidance of a senior designer. So it depends, I mean, but I would say, at least two years, I think it's important because there's again, there's so many, so many situations that we encounter that you can't even anticipate, right. I mean, we see that every project we've been doing,
17:47
I'm under 18. And I'm encountering something new, you know, this week, and I'm like, wow, that would have been nice to know, 18 years ago, and you still are learning it. Yeah.
17:56
So there's that. So it's like, I want to make sure they have that experience. So when they get to that point, but I also, you know, with one of my up and coming designers, I mean, we'll I'll I've been working with her on some projects, and we work together. And it's nice that I can allow them to have that independence and work on projects, but I'm still there to oversee it. If there's something that happens, they can come to me or another designer, and we can talk through it and you know, get them on the path to success. So
18:22
I have to believe that just like any path, some people are more aggressively pursuing a certain destination than others. And some are, may be happy where they're at, or walk me through, like, even like pairing a junior designer with a senior designer, that interview process has to play a role and who you're comparing them with? Yeah, it's all right.
18:40
Yeah, absolutely. And for me, too, because it's, you know, we are a team of 10. But it's a small environment. I mean, hiring the right person is critical. I have a new designer starting next month, and I'm really excited about her background, and I think she's going to be a really great addition. But it's something I really have to think about not just in terms of their talent and what they can bring to the firm, but how they're going to fit into our culture and, you know, work with the other, the rest of the team.
19:08
How do you transition a little bit? How do you network with other designers, you know, you obviously have competition, you know, like, for instance, you probably end up doing about 40% of all or 50% of all our design work, right? So, and I have, you know, maybe two main designers that I or houses that I work with you being one of them, and it's relationship based. How do you you know, your work retail versus being builder and remodeler? I'd be interested to know like, what's your split on those two? And then I've got a secondary question after that. Okay. Yeah.
19:37
So question I'm where we get our leads. Yeah.
19:39
Where do you get your leads? And, you know, how do you you know, how much of it is retail coming in off the store? versus, you know, partnering with somebody like ourselves, like a builder or remodeler?
19:49
I'm gonna say it's probably 5050. Okay. We do. I mean, as we've been doing more new builds and, you know, focusing on the relationships that we have with builders and there's it's you repeat business that you get with builders alike with you and so that's a really great way for us to generate new leads but then having the retail store has been really key so that's the other component when we move to Excelsior you know we have a studio but then we also have a separate retail space on the main kind of retail Avenue. So we get walkins there but also you know, social media and parade homes and then I would say maybe 30% is repeat business referrals and that's the best right I mean, that's that's for sure to look for. So
20:33
yeah. How you so when you move from Deephaven to Excelsior, why did you choose Excelsior?
20:39
we outgrew the space, I wanted to be part of a retail community or just even I mean, I love the feel of Excelsior. Its has its Yeah, it's charming. It has its own vibe. It's authentic. It's and it was it was 2010 when I moved, and Excelsior was really turning over. So it was perfect timing and found this great space. It's in a historical building. So the space itself is really cool. Do you
21:03
know I actually looked at that building? Oh, you did before I ended up because I'm just down the street from you, obviously. But yeah, I loved it. But at the time, it was just myself. So it was much too small. Take that big of a space. Right. And so but now obviously in hindsight is 2020. I would love to be in that building. It's extremely charming. Yeah.
21:21
Well, it's funny because we took on the the space on Second Street, and then we moved to the space on Water Street became available, which is connected through the backhaul, but it has its own entrance, which was ideal. I got
21:31
2010 on the main on the main, what did you get the Waterstreet? One, I
21:35
think like 2015, so five years track? Yeah. Had that. And then we took a conference room upstairs. So we're slowly just kind of taking over the building. Because I don't want to move. It's just such I can't imagine being in another location. So
21:52
if you had more space, I mean, would you bring in more designers? Or would you bring in more like vignettes or in more places to you know, house? I think one thing that people would be interested in knowing is, how much time do you spend sourcing materials and then pitching it to clients like in your studio? versus taking them you know, out to you know, the tile tile different showrooms or, you know, countertop showrooms? Walk them through that process a little bit.
22:16
Yeah. So we, we try to do everything in house, we make it easy for the client. So back to your question of what would I do with more space? Yeah, I don't, I really, I feel like I've hit the sweet spot with the number of designers that I have in the size of the team, and allows us to still be really connected with all projects for me to be connected with all the projects. Having more space, I think would be amazing. You know, we could spread out. It would be nice to have more, you know, furniture on the floor. But also, you know, just just to have more space, I guess. But yeah, so we we use our studio for working meetings, we'll have clients come in, we'll go to the tile showrooms. We'll go, you know, select all of those building materials from various showrooms, bring them in, lay them out along with our, you know, lighting and our fabrics and rugs, so that they get to see the whole picture. It's hard for clients to make a decision when it's just isolated, right?
23:08
So it's kind of like a storyboard essentially, I think that would go a long way to reassuring the client too, that you're seeing their vision, right? Yeah. And how will you? Will you present multiple storyboards? Or like, either or I cuz I know, oftentimes, you'll pitch something and they'll be like, you know, yes, yes. No, yes. Yes. How walk me through that presentation process. So you you meet with them, you understand what they want? Yeah, they they come in for that first, sit down, they're gonna see all their fabrics and stuff. How often do you actually have to switch things out?
23:38
Depends on the client, right? I mean, I think we usually have a really good read, after we've had our first consultations and sort of go through that lookbook that we put together, we always we sort of lead with what we think is our best we lay it out. And then we always have backups just tucked away. So the client, you know, isn't reacting strongly to that. And you know, we're not getting the excitement. It's like, oh, well, how about this, let's pull this in. So we're always ready for that. But we find that it's less distracting for the client if we can kind of lead with a comprehensive plan versus showing multiple options that they have to choose. And
24:10
are you watching their face like? Yeah, absolutely. Because they're, I imagined that their face kind of lights up and they're kind of like, you get me you see me,
24:17
and I'm the one when I'm working with clients. They just kind of and I will push and say, Do you like that? Do you love that? Right? Okay, if you don't love that, let's find something else like that must
24:27
need to be encouraged to say no, yeah, exactly. You know what last thing we want to do is build you a beautiful home and then you know, Minnesota Nice you never said no the whole time. You just said maybe a lot. We don't want zactly
24:37
No, no, I make sure that the clients are fully engaged and that they're really love it.
24:43
What can you tell me a funny story like have you ever had anywhere like you have someone that was just like, Ah, yes, like slap the table or stand up or have you ever had, you know, just something ridiculous as anything ever happened like that where they're just like, you nailed it.
24:54
We've had clients cry because they were so happy with the results which is The best right where it's I mean, so we've had that we probably have had the enthusiasm. Yeah, it might even be more, me and my team kind of doing that. We just get so excited about what we do. But yeah, I mean, it's, it's an emotional thing. It's, it's your home. And so especially when you're working with clients that are very visual, and when they see it come together, it's exciting. And so, you know, the meetings get louder and more animated. And I love that
25:26
I often will get that way and architectural design when they started designing the first pitch when architects are showing the plans, you know, that's like, I'm reacting before the client does. I'm so giddy about it, like after remind myself like, this is not your home? Yes, this is their home. Yeah, but I still get really excited about it. i That's
25:40
funny, I have to do the same thing where it's like, okay, I don't want them to react to my reaction. So I'm gonna wait, then. Yeah, but it's fine. I mean, when you do something that you really love, and are excited about it? Yeah, it's hard not to be enthusiastic.
25:53
One thing that, you know, we just recently went through a branding, kind of regroup for my own company deciding whether to rebrand keep the name change the name I've been building for 18 years. And this was like, Well, you know, 20 years from now, is someone going to buy my company? Because it's called Mark D. Williams, custom homes. And long story short, we decided to keep it. But I see, obviously, yours is the sitting room. Tell me about the origin of your name, did you? I mean, you have to make this name when you're very young, right? Well, you're in your young 20s. When you decided to make this and you're, if you're anything like me, you probably weren't thinking about selling it. 40 years from the time you make it. You're like, can I make it one year? Right, right, exactly. What How did you come up with this? Very fitting name?
26:33
I'm glad you think so. Because it sort of happened by default. I mean, really, it was. So I when I started my business. I went through that whole exercise and I was young, what am I going to call it I decided, KR design, Kate Reagan design, pretty basic. And then when I shared the space with the remodeler, he said, We need to have a sign, you know, we need to sign we need just a generic name for both of our businesses. It's not going to be our legal business name, but it's just the name of our space. So he was throwing out all these names that just weren't heading, like, Oh, that's not working. And he, he mentioned the sitting room, and I said, Okay, I can live with that. Yeah, we'll keep that. So it
27:10
was kind of like a joint space name.
27:12
Yeah, it was really bizarre. I mean, it was so then he left the space. And so then I just took it up. So then it was just me. So then I had a choice to make, do I want to keep the name and I've been there long enough. And when I moved to Excelsior, I thought maybe now's the time for a name change. And, you know, people, when you've been in business for a while, they recognize the name. And I thought, well, there's value to that. I'm going to keep it and so it's just that's, that's how it came to be. Yeah, it's
27:39
funny. How long has the so your logo because I like your logo? You have the bird? Yeah. On the sitting perch up in the logo since day one?
27:48
Um, no, the logos of I've had that for quite a while different iterations. It's funny, you talk about rebranding, because now after 20 years, I'm thinking, Gosh, my business is not what it was 10 years ago, I have, you know, new designers, new team. So kind of going down that path myself. And it's, it's interesting. It's an interesting exercise.
28:08
Yeah. So since because I've kind of shared this thought that, you know, for me anyway, you know, I hope my kids don't want to become builders, because it's very difficult, very rewarding, but it's a very difficult industry, we're in very, very emotional, but it's also it's really neat to be able to drive by a home and say, you know, you built that share. And so there's, it's a, it's a very, it's a hard thing to let go of, but also difficult career, I guess my question to you is, what are your long term ambitions? You know, would you ever sell your business? And if so, who would be the right? Would it be someone from the internal team? Would I mean, how I'd never actually asked this question before, because so many designers like builders, you know, I think of other designers, I know, what's their name? Sure. And, you know, I have to imagine, you know, that's got to be a difficult thing. But in your case, you have a studio storefront, you have, you know, retail, and you have a very established brand. And Excelsior. I've got to believe that's very appealing to someone that would like to, you know, move in. Have you ever had anyone try to try to offer your?
28:59
No, it's, it's funny, because my husband and I talked about this too. He has his own company and talks about, you know, just that being the ultimate goal, right? Develop your company sell it. It's different for designers, because it's, you know, it's they can anybody can go and start their own firm, but it it is, it's a long process. So you're right, there's value in that for somebody to come in and say you have all the resources set up. You have the systems in place, you have the staff. I don't know, I'm not there yet. I feel like I could keep working until I'm 75. I don't know I really love it. And I think I would be just kind of lost without without my business. So and I look at you know, my kids are 16 and two years, I'm going to be an empty nester. And so I'll have you know, even more time, I don't know, it'll and one of my daughters is showing an interest who knows if she'll take this path or not, but that could be kind of a cool thing if that happens, but Oh, well. So that's
29:53
really neat. I mean, it's, you know, I have no interest in selling at this point. Actually, I did have a company approached me about three Four years ago, and they didn't come out and say it, but they basically wanted to know what interest I had in the number came out and set it exactly. But the temperature read I got was, you know, we like what you do there, you know, a pretty big company. And I could tell that they wanted, I felt like they wanted me to lead, you know, a team. And I think they were gauging how viable was I on my own. And it was a time in the market right before we took a kind of, but we had had a few bigger projects. And it was right before I'd say, you know, we really launched wings and kind of went to a different strata where our clients took us. And I took it as you know, as a flattering thing. But I've often wondered that, oh, he's always got my mind kind of spinning a little bit like what is right, what is the long term plan here? Yeah. And so anyway, it's a hard thing to think about it is, you know, it's not like you're selling a building or a set process or a bunch of widgets or a patent on something, it's, you know, we are on break,
30:51
so when you've built it, you know, it'd be a really hard thing to step away from that and watch someone else take it. Yeah, I don't know. Yeah, let's see what happens. Yeah,
31:01
I think for myself, I think what I've come to conclusion, in thinking about is just that with other things, if I could develop a system, and then essentially, if I could find someone, let's say, you know, younger and ambitious, let's say I'm 55, something like that, and 85 I don't know, when I want to retire when I'm like 65. So I'll just say, you know, but 10 years before you want to retire, can you find someone who's kind of up and coming, you know, they're real, you know, you say, Man, this this person really has it going on? And you know, do can you promote them from within? Because it seems like they would have a much better way of keeping the company intact. I'm just thinking, right? You've got a couple of younger designers that grew up become senior designers, they've seen the whole team, do they want to join forces together and say, like, hey, we want to have a partnership and have a design studio together? And I don't know, who knows?
31:46
It's interesting, because the designers that I currently have, yeah, a lot of them have been on their own. Yeah. And they have said, I don't ever want to have my own company again. Because it is it's a lot of work. And I think when you're a designer, you want to focus on designing right. And so for me, I can only take on so many projects a year because I have all the other responsibilities that, frankly, aren't always as fun, right? But right, I'm motivated by it. I love the idea of growing my business and seeing where it's gonna go and new business development. But I think if you know, for designers, it's like they they want to do what they love. So it's
32:20
a great question, how much of your day or let's say a week is spent on running a business versus designing?
32:27
I probably focus more on the designing, because it's what I enjoy whether they should but it's I mean, it's you know, it's daily. I mean, it's calls with the accountant, it's checking your books, it's all that stuff that's managing the team. It's yeah, so it's, it's, every day is different. But yeah, I mean, it's important that I, that I do projects, because it is if I wasn't doing that, and just running the business, I wouldn't have the enjoyment enjoy.
32:50
Yeah. And that's interesting. That's interesting that you've had kind of, you know, Soul operators that have joined a business, because they didn't want to have to deal with the business side. But they want to just design Yeah,
33:00
which I actually appreciate that because they understand what it takes. Right. Right. So it's not like, they just have a good understanding of that. I have,
33:08
actually, both of my project managers have owned their own companies for over a decade, really. And one of them was a framer for 17 years, and decided no 920 years, and then decided, you know, he didn't want to do that anymore. And so we hired him on as a project manager, but, you know, I think he's is skills, as you know, as a framer, obviously, are very advantageous towards obviously running a construction crew, of course, but also an understanding, like, he understands that it's not easy to run a business. If you got a business that operated for 20 years. You're doing something right, right. I mean, that's not that easy. Yeah. And then my other senior pm, I mean, he said, more jobs, then. Yeah, then, but he's like, I don't want my name on the sign anymore. Yeah. He's like, I'm happy to encourage you to do whatever you want. I'll do anything, you know, for you. But you know, my days of owning a business. And so I think it's just the right person at the right time. fit well with what we want to do, too. Yeah. Yes. Interesting. For sure. You know, the location of Excelsior. I mean, I'm drawn towards that as well. It's, it's funny. I've been looking for an office space trying to find someplace to go. And are you wanting to move? Well, I want to I want to hold on. I want to own my building got away. Yeah. And so I went together. I would do that. Let's do it. Why don't you think about that? Yeah. It's actually a great idea. All right.
34:18
We'll talk off. Yeah. Wow. Hey,
34:20
if anyone listening knows. I don't know probably. What about 6000 square foot? We'll split in half. We should get a third tenant. Well, we'll do 5050 partnerships will rent out the third part. Okay. And that way when we do retire, we can can still have some residual income from some extra rental. I like it. I never thought about why didn't I? Why did I never
34:38
think about that. But any realtors out there commercial realtors. All
34:41
right, yeah. Or anyone who wants to sell a building to the sitting room and mark the lambs, custom homes.
34:45
That just happened.
34:47
All right, well, we're gonna buy a building together. Right. What? You know, you'd mentioned a little bit about industry. You know, the design industry. I think the social media Instagram has just exploded. It's good and bad. Obviously you have, everyone has 10,000 pictures at the show you now good and bad. It gets everyone excited. Everyone thinks that everyone thinks they can do it. Same with DIY, you know, I mean, the worst thing for me is when someone comes in and is like, oh, yeah, you know, I watched this on, you know, whatever a home makeover, you know, you should be able to remodel my house for $300. Right? It's so unrealistic over a weekend. Yeah, no prob. So what are some of the design? What are the some design misconceptions that you see in your field, either from clients or from other designers?
35:32
I think for clients, I mean, particularly, it's, it's a great tool, right? I mean, we sit down with a client, and they can pull all these photos, they have designers that they follow, they've really been able to develop their style and understand what they want. So it's a great tool. But I think it, it looks very easy. When you're when you're watching Instagram video, or you're watching someone's story, and it, there's just so much more that goes into it. So I think it can be sort of a detriment to us in that respect. And then certainly with, you know, the internet and being able to shop online, and you know, just trying to navigate that as well. That's something that we definitely have to deal with. And, you know, just kind of focus on the fact that, you know, we're here, we're, you know, we're working directly with you, we're making these selections for you. We hand picked that. So, yes, you could find it somewhere else. But we're the ones that are finding that for you and sourcing it.
36:27
Yeah, no, I think that's a great answer. We get that all the time, you know, why can't I buy this? And it's like, well, you know, for instance, plumbing fixtures, as you well know, you know, I've had I had a client one time that wanted to buy this copper sink down in Florida. And in that specific example, we let them do it, it was a handmade sink, we're never gonna get it anywhere else this artists and created it so that it was kind of a one off, but I'll get people that'll say, Hey, there's this light that it's, you know, in this in this plumbing fixture, that's $350 and I can buy it for you know, 298 that great you save $2 and but you know, my plumber won't warranty it, when it comes to the job site? Is it where's it being located, as it lost, you open up the box, there's parts missing? Well, who's gonna get it, it just becomes a colossal nightmare. And one thing I really appreciate worth working with you, you know, let's use light fixtures for an example. You guys come in, you label them for electricians, you walk, you know, you have a big walkthrough with the electrician with the client, you're talking about hanging heights and all your sourcing all of that information. And it makes the build so much quicker. And I think that value doesn't get expressed well enough on the front end to the client. Yeah. Where do you think we fail at that both as a designer and builder to explain the value that we bring outside? Just the cost of XYZ product? Yeah.
37:38
That's, that's interesting, because it would be beneficial, right to be able to lay that out so that they do understand it, I think some people do. But certainly there are other clients that just think, well, if it's just a matter of ordering it, I'll get it sent to me. But what they don't realize is, I mean, I have a full time expediter that all she does is track orders to make sure if there are back orders, we're aware of it because with a build, you know, you have deadlines you have to have your product in. So there's there's a lot of things that go on behind the scenes. Do you
38:08
think when do you think I mean, just think about this out loud in a joint venture? You know, let's say we obviously it's probably not the time to maybe it is the time to do it. The joint the first interview we ever have high, you know, so and so here's Kate Regan from the sitting room, you know, Mark, we'd like to work with Kate, you know, you'll walk through your credentials. Maybe not that right meetings, the last thing you want to do is probably get right into, you know, bookkeeping work. Right. But like, you know, would it be like a common ask question sheet and like, you have to give it with them as a takeaway. Does it live on the website? I mean, I think those two examples that I just mentioned, one with the lighting, yeah, and explaining a little bit, all the things that has to go into that right. It's all part of the service, right? And then and then plumbing. I mean, I think it's important for me, you know, more and more people are saying, well, why can I just buy that online? Right. And, you know, we had someone do that once, and then it came time to deliver it. And they're like, I don't know, when it's coming. And the last thing I want to say is like, See, I told you, you know, that's not really what I'm trying to do here, I'm trying to build your home, you know, with talented partners to make it beautiful, because we are all in we're all have the same common goal, right? You want to design something beautifully. I want to build it, you know, to the best of our ability, and we want to create something right, right, kind of going back to the picture thing. And this is something my architects kind of talk more and more about as I listened to them is sometimes I feel like all the photo generation limits creativity. There is Do you think that's
39:29
true? There's truth in that? Absolutely. Because they're saying, here's the photo build that well. And it's interesting because we you and I have talked about that where you don't want to have a copycat home. And that's what happens people are taking so I think it's our job like the design team to say, I love that that's a great look. But let's just modify it slightly so that it's more custom for your home because you do run the risk. And then where are the new ideas being generated? So I think it's a good launching off point, but I think it's important to modify it so It's custom.
40:01
Do you feel that each client you kind of have to gauge their personality? See how receptive they are going to be towards? You know, a radical idea?
40:08
Yes, absolutely. I mean, some clients will say, I hired you for a reason. I trust you. I love your work. Go for it. Right? Do what you do. Yeah. Which is amazing, right? That's the, that's what you want. And then when it's almost added pressure, because then you just feel like you want to go so far overboard to make sure that they're so happy to prove that you're worthy of that trust. Yeah. So those are really fun. But I also like, I like collaborating with clients. I like it when clients come in with a vision, and it's fun to feed off of each other. And I think that design takes on a life of its own in a way that if I had just been solely responsible for it, it wouldn't have gone there. So I think it's, it's refreshing to have both,
40:47
I would agree with that statement. I love playing off the energy or ideas of another person, right? I don't necessarily feel like an original creator. But there are times where like, someone will say something, and it's like, oh, and you get this great idea. And you're like this may fall on its face. But here you go, what do you guys think of this? Yeah. And then ultimately, as a team, you'll kind of pick it up, and it'll kind of come together. That's why I say building is art. It's not science. So to me, there's not a bunch of zeros and ones that you know, you get an output. Yep. So
41:13
and it evolves, right, like you think you want one thing, and then it can kind of take on a different go down a different path. So again, I think for clients to understand that and after doing this for so long, I try to explain that to clients who like it's okay, it is it evolves, it's a process, and you just have to accept that I think where we get into trouble is if clients are just very rigid with, this is how it's supposed to be and sometimes it it ends up going in a different direction. And, you know, oftentimes for the best, I think
41:40
the most difficult sometimes is not, you know, one person will feel that way. But sometimes if the couple is not in unison, or locked up, and usually they are I mean, you know, they usually at least our clientele to this point, from a demographic standpoint, they've, you know, they've been together usually, for a while we do a lot of stuff for empty nesters, nothing has to be that way. We're doing stuff for younger couples, too. But it just seems like a lot of our clientele are just more mature, they're more relaxed, they kind of know what they want. This is not their first rodeo, either. Not all of them have built before, but they've definitely have own multiple homes. So they feel more settled in what their style is. Right. And I think they also are settled more in who the decision maker is. Some of the projects that have been more difficult are whether some, obviously, contention between the spouses or the partners. And that always is a little uncomfortable of how to navigate those waters, especially if one of them has a good idea. To you like well, and I found that for me. I mean, when you want to be diplomatic, obviously, at the end of day, you just are honest. I mean, today, someone had me out on a remodel appointment. And you know, the architect was really talented architect, and really nice client. And I think they wanted me to listen for a long time. And I listened for a little bit and I said, do you just want me to be how basically on what level of honesty do you want here? And they're like, ah, that's kind of a loaded question. Right? And they're like, oh, no, like, I'm pretty honest. I'm like, This is not a remodel. Yeah, this is a tear down. Yeah. And so I think, you know, obviously, you say it in a nice way, and you say it in a way that can be received. And sometimes you can apply it with a joke or some context that lightens the mood a little bit. But do you find that that's true in design that there obviously you have to be you have to be really honest, I assume there's there's certain things that you're fighting for, right? certain ideas that you're like, Oh, I'm gonna fight harder for this idea for XYZ, then some of those are like, I'm just gonna let that go. I'm not that passionate about it.
43:25
Exactly. And we always say, I mean, there are so many different ways. There's so many options, right? We're even looking at light fixtures. We have five of them, they all work. I like this one in particular, I think this one will be the most successful, but they all work. Yeah. But there are certain things that if a client brings an idea that you just think this is a departure from our overall style, it doesn't fit with the architectural style of the home. That's when it's our job as a professional to say, This isn't right. And here's why think that and let's try to incorporate that idea in a different way. But that's, that's why they hire us. I mean, it's if we didn't do that, ultimately, our name is on the project, and it's not successful.
44:02
I think they also respect you for it, the more Yeah, you kind of fight for it. And I've often told people that, you know, I'll push back about three times, but after that, like, you know, I'll build you anything you want. Right? And so, you know, if you want this, I'll do that. Right? No, but no, I don't think this is a good idea. And here's the reasons why. And at the end of the day, if you're if you're like No, no, the last, those are the three things I want. Okay. Right. And I will build it for you. So I don't have an issue with that. Right. Interesting. What if you could go back to the beginning? This is kind of a tough question sometimes. But you know, what would you tell a younger Kate Reagan about design and owning a business?
44:41
That's a great question. It's interesting, because I just recently talked to someone who's in college and she's thinking about making a shift from our major and to focus on design. And I have said if you I think having a business background, having some experience in that I think that's key. I also think finding mentors It's so important to mean to have someone who is experienced that you can go to for guidance when it comes to the business side of things or design. But for me primarily the business because that's not something I was had a background in. And so you kind of learn as you go. Sure you find that too. And you're in all aspects, HR, accounting, I mean, every single marketing all of it. So I think really just making sure that you, you find your advisors, you find your people, and then really just kind of trusting your gut, and not looking back and not learning from mistakes as they happen. Not beating yourself up and just being willing to learn and, you know, evolve as, yeah,
45:41
as the as the business grows and what to do with it. Yeah. Oh, interesting. Hey, one of my parting questions is outside of work, you know, what do you do for enjoyment or kind of refilling the emotional fuel tank?
45:50
Well, like I said, I have 16 year old twin daughters. And that is a joy and a delight.
45:59
16 Nice. Oh,
46:01
it is great. No, they're fraternal. And they are yin and yang. They're so different. So I'm working full time. So I have to, you know, focus on on that and family stuff. And we love to travel. I mean, I, I need my downtime. So I love to read. I love to binge a good show. So yeah, I mean, that's that's kind of our life. And right now it is very focused on just raising these teenagers and reviving that.
46:28
What is it? That's funny, then, yeah, like you said before, in a few years, it would be empty nesters. All this time. You're like, now what do I know? It's time? Yeah,
46:35
I'll find a hobby. I
46:36
don't know. What from a book standpoint, it's I'm always interested what people are reading? I mean, is it? Do you do pleasure do you do for business? Do you do audiobooks? Do you do a little bit of everything?
46:47
Mostly fiction? I mean, for me, I need to shut it. It's your downtime. It really is. And I I am more of an introvert. So I you know, all day I'm on I'm on I need just quiet time. And I need to distract myself and just kind of go somewhere else. So yeah, that's primarily it's sort of my downtime.
47:05
Yeah, no, I think that's super important. Everyone. I mean, for me, it's, you know, activities, or it's, you know, I need exercise,
47:11
right. I wish I could say I could have lied and said, Yeah, that's what I do. But
47:16
I ran into the other day, you're, you're pretty rip stole from your dancing days. So Right. Well, thank you very much for coming on. Where? Where can our listeners find you in the sitting room.
47:27
So the sitting room is located in downtown Excelsior design studio, 3/82 Street and 206 Waterstreet is our retail boutique
47:36
very good. And then we'll have all the Instagram handles and websites on our show notes. So if you want to know more about Kate Regan in the sitting room, you can look there. Thanks for coming on today. It was great. Yeah, that was fun. Hey, look, let me know when we find a building together.
47:49
I will. All right. I'm on it. Alright, thanks.
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