EP 490 | AI, Delegation, and Hiring an Assistant for Your Interior Design Business with Gina Cotner
From Business of Design® Podcast | Grow a Profitable Interior Design Business with Kimberley Seldon by Kimberley Seldon
July 20, 2026 · 37 min
About this episode
In this episode, Kimberley Seldon and Gina Cotner discuss the importance of delegation and the evolving role of AI in supporting interior design businesses.
Are you trying to do everything yourself in your interior design business? As AI tools become more powerful, many designers are wondering whether they still need an assistant or additional support. In this episode, Kimberley Seldon sits down with Gina Cotner, founder and CEO of Athena Executive Services, to discuss why delegation remains one of the most important strategies for growing a profitable interior design business. Together, they explore how AI is changing the role of executive assistants, why accountability matters, and how the right support can help you reclaim your time and focus on the work only you can do. If you've ever said, "It's faster if I just do it myself," this episode is for you. What you'll learn in this episode: - Why AI won't replace great assistants in an interior design business - How to know when it's time to hire support for your design firm - Why delegation is essential for scaling your business and reducing overwhelm - How to create accountability without micromanaging your team - Questions that help employees and contractors think like leaders - Why giving work away creates more freedom, profitability, and growth Special for listeners of Business…
People in this episode
Host: Kimberley Seldon
Guest: Gina Cotner
Topics covered
- AI in interior design
- delegation
- hiring assistants
- business growth
- accountability
- time management
Keywords
- interior design
- AI tools
- delegation strategies
- executive assistants
- business profitability
- time management
- accountability
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Athena Executive Services
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