EP 425 | IP and Succession: How Interior Designers Protect Value and Plan Ahead with Wendy Estela

Succession planning can feel like a distant concern—but in reality, it’s one of the smartest ways to strengthen your design business right now. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with attorney Wendy Estela to unpack what intellectual property really means for interior designers and why protecting it is essential to long-term value. Wendy explains how thinking about succession early—whether or not you plan to sell—forces clarity around ownership, worth, and structure. A business designed to be transferable is also a business that’s more resilient, more profitable, and less dependent on you personally. This conversation is a wake-up call for designers who give too much away, undervalue their expertise, or delay protecting what they’ve built. If future-proofing your business is on your mind—or should be—this episode will help you understand where to start and why it matters. What you’ll learn in this episode: - What intellectual property really means in an interior design business - How to recognize and protect your value as a designer - Key succession planning options and when to start thinking about them - Why building a sellable business makes your business stronger today - How knowing what a “good deal” looks like prevents long-term regret Ready to build a business that supports your talent? Join us at Business of Design®. https://businessofdesign.com