In an industry where burnout is practically a rite of passage, Jake Arnold is flipping the script.

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During our inaugural Office Hour—a digital panel series offered exclusively for Trade Perks members—The Expert co-founder and celebrity designer shared wisdom that had attendees eagerly taking notes. Hosted by Olivia Black, VP of Trade, and featuring Jessica Romm Perez, VP of Partnerships, the conversation quickly evolved from casual shop talk to a masterclass in design entrepreneurship.

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From charging what you're actually worth (hint: more than you think) to knowing when to recycle your best ideas, Jake's candid insights challenged conventional wisdom. "Finding individuals who can help shape your business is crucial," he revealed, addressing the packed virtual room. Whether you're running a budding design business or managing an established firm, these 10 game-changing takeaways promise to transform how you operate—without working harder.

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Operate Like a Founder

Design firms in their early stages operate like startups. Typically running on a bootstrap budget, having a team that recognizes and nurtures the entrepreneurial spirit of building a business from the ground up is essential: “Invest in people who are excited about the nature of a new organization,” says Jake. “Finding individuals who can help shape your business is crucial.”

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Feel Confident In Your Design Fee

Transparency is crucial when it comes to design fees. Jake encourages designers to establish a rate that accurately reflects their value and considers their time and effort. “People either get it or they don't,” he states. “Sometimes you need to push back and say: you've seen my work—this is how much it costs to get there.”

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Work Smarter, Not Harder

With so many online choices available, sourcing can feel overwhelming for even the most experienced designers. That’s why Jake and his team use The Expert’s marketplace, which features vetted brands and curated selections, to optimize their time effectively. "I always encourage the team to visit the site. It saves them a significant amount of time,” he says.

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Always on the lookout for unique makers and curated collections, Jessica echoes this sentiment: “It’s something we take very seriously,” she explains. “The concept of our website is that these brands are vetted by top designers."

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Embrace Individuality

Homeowners and designers are increasingly attracted to unique, personalized spaces that reflect individuality. Jake and Jessica both anticipate a wave of anti-trend designs that resist conformity: “People are feeling bolder and more confident in taking risks and not strictly following certain trends," says the VP of Partnerships. “Because people have access to much more information, consumers are becoming savvier about how they want to live.”

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Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

There's no shame in relying on tried-and-true elements. Jake has found that reusing successful design components in different contexts can save time and resources while still creating unique and personalized spaces. “It’s the whole reason we created The Expert Collection,” he says. “It’s like the bread and butter of a room that you can build on and customize with different fabrics and finishes.”

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Invest in High-Quality Photography

Professional photography of your work is essential for marketing and attracting clients. Hiring a skilled photographer whose work you admire to capture your projects is an investment that always pays off. “Hire the best photographer you can,” advises Jessica.

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Jake supports this point by recommending that designers invest in usage rights. "Make sure you own the rights to your photography,” he says. “Whether you’re working on a book or not, owning images enables you to make decisions and enjoy that freedom.”

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Let Your Projects Breathe

Jake advises photographing a project a few months after installation, once the art has been added, styling is complete, and the space has had time to evolve. “I used to shoot on the last day of an installation, but returning a few months later is the best time,” he says. “It allows the house to breathe.”

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Look to the Past

As awareness of sustainability grows and the demand for unique, character-rich spaces rises, incorporating vintage elements is becoming increasingly popular. “Everyone is thinking about adding a vintage or antique element to their projects and homes,” says Jessica. Jake agrees, noting an uptick in the value placed on craftsmanship and enduring designs: “There’s a renewed appreciation for quality and artistry."

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Think Like an Editor

Media coverage is essential for any design firm's visibility, enabling them to reach new clients and cultivate a broader audience. “A significant aspect of how I built my business is recognizing the value of PR,” says Jake. “If a project comes your way that might not make financial sense, but could present a major opportunity for press–I always say to take it.”

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Connect Via Social Media

Social media serves as a powerful tool for connecting with audiences and showcasing your work. By sharing behind-the-scenes insights into your design process, you can cultivate authentic relationships with followers. “There’s so much value in the connection it fosters," says Jake. “Whether it's revealing a sneak peek or seeking people’s advice, it nurtures a rapport with your audience.”

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Want to attend our next Expert Office Hour and gain valuable industry insight? Sign up for our Trade Perks program.