Bold voices define the future of design.

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When we brought together Brigette Romanek, Jake Arnold, Mike Moser, and Nick Grinder, SVP of Sales at Apparatus, for an intimate conversation during Design L.A., we weren't just gathering big names—we were tapping into raw creative wisdom you won't find in design school. These industry heavyweights cut through the aesthetic chatter to share what drives their success.

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They didn't hold back. From Brigette's take on building the right team and network to Jake's unapologetic approach to client management, their candid advice hits differently than the usual design guidance. These aren't just tips—they're survival strategies for keeping your creative spark alive while running a business that actually pays the bills.

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Embracing unconventionality and safeguarding creative time are just a few insights that provide a roadmap for both emerging talents and established designers alike, and serve as a philosophy for creating a sustainable practice while maintaining the essence of creative work.

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"Real spaces have soul. Computer programs don't." —Brigette Romanek

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Foster Relationships Early On

The panelists credited their success to meaningful relationships with those who recognized their potential before they fully saw it themselves. "The impetus of my career start was human connection—someone reaching out and taking a chance on me,” reflected Mike. “There's power behind what early partnerships can do. It's a butterfly effect."

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Embrace Unconventional Paths

Sometimes the unexpected journey yields the most distinctive perspective. Brigette described her path from Chicago's South Side to becoming the designer of choice for celebrities like Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow. "I had no idea this could be a job," she confessed. "My grandmother worked in a factory that made magazines. When she brought them home at night, I would open the cover and see a window into a different world."

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Her story offers permission for those without traditional credentials to trust their unique vision.

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Expand Your Design Vocabulary

Mike advocated for deeper, more authentic reference sourcing. "Get off Pinterest," he urged. “Don't go on Instagram and reference our contemporaries. I've been investing in a physical library and buying tons of books."

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Practice the Two-Way Interview

Jake compared client meetings to first dates, noting that they are essential mutual compatibility assessments. "You have to get to know someone and see how open they are to you guiding them," he observed.

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Brigette reinforced this philosophy, reminding designers of their agency in client selection: "It's not just them interviewing you. You have to decide whether you'd be a good fit for one another."

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Document Design Magic

Mike revealed that photoshoot days yield some of the most valuable assets for designers. He stressed the importance of capturing authentic moments that reflect a unique vision, regardless of the project. “If something you’re working on doesn't feel like your complete expression, be a shark and find the image in the room,” he advised. “Bring in the quirky, messed-up bowl that makes the space yours, and then take the shot. No one is looking out for you but you.”

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Jake agrees, echoing this advice: "Magic happens when you're shooting. That's when you make it you.” He advises memoing special pieces you know will make an impact in the final photos of your design.

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Add a Human Touch

In an age dominated by AI renderings, Brigette emphasized what truly distinguishes exceptional designers: "You cannot duplicate soulfulness. When I design a room on the computer, I still never know what it's actually going to look and feel like in person. That's why install days are so important,” she says. “There are moments you can't replicate. Human touch is what makes a space great."

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Phone a Friend

All panelists agreed that having colleagues in the community with whom you can brainstorm is crucial to a thriving practice. “You need someone to bounce your ideas off,” says Jake.

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Brigette agrees, noting that decades in design have nothing over the power of multiple minds: “I have friends who have been in the industry for over 30 years, yet we still find ourselves picking each other's brains.”

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Protect Creative Energy

Brigette emphasized the importance of safeguarding your creative hours. Without this intentional protection, that work inevitably gets consumed by administrative demands. "I make sure to have dedicated design days on the schedule. Otherwise, my time gets overtaken," she explained. "If I can't focus on the vision, there's no company."

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Strategically Team Build

Your hiring decisions directly shape your outcomes, Brigette stressed. Each individual should extend the principal’s creative vision rather than fill operational gaps. “You can’t do it all. It’s not possible. Learn to delegate and hire people who share the same mindset and who want to help you execute your vision. Building a team that supports your objectives and long-term goals is crucial," she noted.

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