In this episode, you're going to discover how to harness the power of AI to create a "digital twin" — a smart, always-on brand ambassador that mirrors your tone, values, and voice. Rather than fearing technology, you're invited to design with it, intentionally shaping your AI to sound and look like you so it can consistently communicate your design genius even when you're off the clock.

Melissa walks you through how to capture your unique brand DNA — from your tone and vocabulary to your values and visual identity — and teach it to AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, or Gemini. You'll learn how to build a core brand library, train your digital systems, and safeguard your brand integrity while leveraging automation for consistency, scalability, and profitability. If you've ever wished you could be in more than one place at once, this is your blueprint.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (03:13) What a digital twin really is — and why your design brand needs one
• (05:29) How to define your brand tone, vocabulary, and values for AI use
• (08:06) The secret to identifying your brand DNA with your own content
• (09:59) What belongs in your core brand library to train your AI tools effectively
• (13:27) Automating without losing your voice — how to maintain soul in scale
• (17:29) Why regular audits of your AI-generated content are essential to brand integrity

If you're ready to build your own digital twin — one that reflects your design genius, amplifies your brand voice, and runs while you rest — let's talk.

Head to melissagalt.com/DBA and book your 1:1 confidential Zoom Design Business Assessment. Or DM me with DBA and we'll share a link.

Because your best business partner might not be a person — it might be the smarter, faster, AI-powered version of you, that amplifies your talent to capture better clients, bigger projects and more profit.

You've got this: I've got you always!

In this episode of Design Business Freedom, you're invited to reframe the AI conversation and lean into what makes you irreplaceable as an interior designer. Melissa explores how, in an increasingly automated industry, your real value lies in being profoundly human—tapping into empathy, intuition, and sensory design to create transformation, not just transactions. This episode is a call to deepen your client connections and showcase your unique touch in ways AI can never replicate.

Melissa walks you through the three core areas where the human advantage shines: design discovery, design delivery, and client experience. From reading body language on Zoom to curating sensory design reveals and hosting unforgettable completion celebrations, you'll learn how to make clients feel truly seen, valued, and celebrated. This is how you set yourself apart in a sea of sameness and attract the luxury clients who crave personal connection and presence.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (02:14) Why AI can replicate images, but not the emotion or transformation behind your designs
• (03:35) The three stages of your business where your human advantage matters most
• (04:41) How emotional intelligence turns your discovery calls into loyalty-building conversations
• (05:51) Elevating your design delivery through sensory experiences clients will never forget
• (09:03) The power of completion celebrations and how they drive referrals and client advocacy
• (12:06) Where to draw the line between automation and personalization for a high-touch, high-profit business
  
  

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

Do you know exactly what's holding your firm back from those six- and seven-figure projects and the design fees and profit that go with them?

Most interior design firm principals don't. That's why I invite you to schedule your complimentary Design Business Assessment, a confidential 1:1 with me on Zoom.

It's the first high-impact step to diagnosing your bottlenecks—from pricing to process—and getting absolute clarity on the bold action required. Stop working harder, start working smarter.

Take the assessment today at melissagalt.com/DBA. When you're ready to reveal your firm's growth opportunities and work with me to get there, let's go.

AI isn't here to replace you—it's here to release you from the repetitive, time-sucking tasks that drain your creativity and cut into your margins. In this episode, you'll discover how the most successful designers are already leveraging AI to reclaim hours in their week, streamline operations, and ignite their creative process—all while keeping the human touch at the forefront of their design business.

Melissa breaks down the 15 most impactful ways you can use AI right now across four essential areas of your practice: design discovery, administration, marketing, and design delivery. You'll walk away with actionable strategies and inspiring ideas to automate smarter, serve your clients better, and create more space to enjoy your life and business. AI isn't the future—it's your secret weapon now.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:23) How AI can enhance your design discovery process without losing your personal intuition
• (07:32) Why admin is costing you time, energy, and profit—and how AI can take it off your plate
• (16:33) An invite to the VIP Designer Branding and Marketing Reboot Retreat in Scottsdale
• (18:21) The best AI tools for content ideation, SEO, and video script support that match your tone
• (24:40) How AI can accelerate rendering and visualization while enhancing your design process
• (29:11) Use AI for FF&E specs and product recommendations to save hours on sourcing

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• Inbox Zapper
• Unroll.Me
• VIP Designer Branding and Marketing Reboot Retreat

When you're ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

In this essential episode, you're diving into the new frontier of AI-powered search and learning exactly how to make your interior design firm not just visible but preferred by ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and other AI search tools. Melissa walks you through why traditional SEO is no longer enough and shares the top 10 strategies to ensure your design business shows up when future clients ask AI who the best designer in their city is.

You'll discover the importance of authority language, consistent branding, optimized metadata, and content that educates (not just inspires). Melissa also shares how to audit your online presence and provides a simple way to test your current AI visibility. With the rapid evolution of AI, you've got a narrow window to get ahead—and this episode is your roadmap to owning that competitive edge.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (04:08) Why AI search is fundamentally different from Google—and what it means for designers
• (07:37) The 10 keys to getting your design firm found by AI, starting with brand positioning
• (09:00) How weak language (like "help") is killing your credibility and visibility
• (14:19) The power of location anchoring and why geography now matters more than ever
• (15:13) How press and media mentions now signal authority to AI tools
• (23:43) Why AI-readable assets like transcripts and consistent formatting boost your searchability

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• MelissaGalt.com/events — VIP Designer Branding Retreat and Marketing Reboot in Scottsdale, November 12–14, 2025

When you're ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

In this insightful episode of Design Business Freedom, Melissa challenges the growing trend of over-automation in interior design businesses. While automating certain processes can be a major time-saver, she reminds you that design is a high-touch, sensory-driven, and deeply personal service. Melissa walks you through how automation can subtly erode client trust and connection if you're not using it with intention.

You'll learn how to strike the right balance between efficient systems and meaningful moments that foster client loyalty and emotional impact. From the three critical phases where automation should take a back seat to her powerful Five Senses Framework, this episode is your call to reintroduce the magic of real human connection in your design process.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:01) Why automation should enhance efficiency—not erase intimacy—in your design business
• (02:34) The truth behind what clients are really investing in (hint: it's not convenience)
• (03:13) Three high-touch phases in your process where automation should step aside
• (04:43) How to use personal check-ins, video walkthroughs, and voice notes to deepen client connection
• (07:09) The Five Senses Framework to elevate every reveal and create unforgettable client experiences
• (11:07) A simple 10-minute audit to evaluate if you've gone too far with automation

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• VIP Designer Branding Retreat and Marketing Reboot – November 12–14, Scottsdale, AZ

When you're ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

Your design work might be stunning—but what truly sets you apart in a competitive market is the experience you deliver. In this episode of Design Business Freedom, you'll dive into the client journey from start to finish. Melissa walks you through how to turn your design process into an elevated, polished experience that builds trust, eliminates confusion, and leaves your clients raving (and referring).

From the initial inquiry to the final reveal and beyond, you'll discover how every single touchpoint can be an opportunity to wow your clients. Learn how to map your process into a journey that reflects your brand, enhances your value, and runs like a well-oiled (and joyful!) machine. If your current client experience isn't as polished as your portfolio, this episode is a game-changer.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:05) Why clients hire you for more than just beautiful design—and what really separates you in the market
• (05:48) How to confidently introduce your feasibility package or style and comfort assessment
• (12:33) The importance of presenting your proposal live (or via Loom) to avoid the "telephone game" with couples
• (17:35) What to include in your onboarding expectations document to reduce project interference
• (26:14) Why presenting just one confident design scheme is your best move—and how to back it up with expert education
• (34:57) How systems (and support) make procurement smooth and profitable, not stressful
• (39:08) The final step that too many designers skip—client debriefs and staying connected post-project

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• Join Melissa at High Point Market:

  • Saturday, October 25 at 10 a.m. — Universal Furniture: Five Secrets to Scaling Without Sacrifice
  • Sunday, October 26 at 12 p.m. — Antiques & Design Center, Suites at Market Square: Outsource to Escape the Overwhelm

When you're ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

When client demand slows down, it's easy to fall into a mindset of scarcity—but what if these quiet moments are your greatest opportunity to build a profitable future? In this empowering solo episode, Melissa shares exactly how to use any pause in your interior design business as fertile ground for marketing momentum, brand visibility, and long-term demand. You'll walk away with clear, creative strategies that position you as an in-demand designer—even when inquiries are light.

Melissa walks you through actionable steps to fill your profit pipeline through consistent marketing, lead magnets, creative partnerships, and event-driven visibility. From strategic social media content to paid VIP waitlists and completion celebrations, this episode is packed with ideas to create consistent, high-quality client demand on your terms.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (01:21) Why consistent marketing is your key to avoiding the feast-or-famine cycle in your design business
• (03:10) How to create a design ROI post series to highlight the tangible value of your work
• (05:34) Powerful event ideas—from builder lunches to showroom strolls—that increase visibility and credibility
• (08:35) The magic of a paid VIP waitlist to generate cash flow before projects even start
• (13:00) Why hosting a "Completion Celebration" can help you generate referrals from past clients
• (17:01) What to include in a high-converting process download (hint: don't oversimplify!)
• (20:03) How to repurpose case studies for five years of future marketing impact
• (27:43) The importance of keeping your website and footer updated to reflect your professionalism and current offerings

When you're ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.

If you're still billing by the hour, this episode is your wake-up call. Melissa breaks down exactly why the hourly model is holding your design business back—limiting your income, straining client relationships, and undermining your creative freedom. Instead, she introduces flat fees as a smarter, more profitable, and more professional alternative that aligns with the true value of your work.

You'll discover how flat fees are not just a pricing model but a powerful positioning strategy. Melissa walks you through three of her proven flat fee formulas—percentage of project investment, square foot, and per room—showing you when and how to use each. You'll also learn the critical components you need to price flat fees accurately and how to confidently communicate them to clients without ever falling back on hourly justifications.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL HEAR:

• (02:00) Why hourly billing leads to micromanagement, stress, and undercharging
• (04:46) How flat fees bring clarity for clients and consistency for you
• (06:37) The three most effective flat fee models and when to use each
• (13:50) Strategic pricing tips that make your fees sound lower (even when they're higher)
• (17:03) What details you need to run flat fee formulas in under 10 minutes
• (29:53) How to confidently present and position your flat fees as premium and professional

SUPPORTING RESOURCES:

• Loom Video Tool: loom.com

When you're ready to step into a bigger vision in your design business and create exceptional results and celebrations, book-a-call to explore how coaching can take you there faster, with a solid plan, proven process, and smart strategies.