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Alexa Stevenson began her career as a magazine editor in New York City, working for Oprah Magazine, Women's Day, and luxury shelter publications before launching her interior design firm in 2010. Today, she runs her thriving practice while also co-founding Lex & King, a table linens and home accessories business.

In this conversation, Alexa shares how her journalism background shaped her approach to design, the evolution of her business from her dining room table to multiple office spaces, and why she believes in nurturing young designers. She discusses her signature style of combining pattern and texture, her practical approach to client relationships, and why she's passionate about creating intentional spaces that reflect how people actually live. Alexa also opens up about the business challenges she's faced, her thoughts on technology in design, and why she's advocating for the return of separate rooms over open concept living.

This episode is brought to you by Materio – the first true end-to-end operating system for interior designers who are ready to scale. Materio turns complex design projects into organized, repeatable systems. Stop spending your nights updating spreadsheets and searching through endless email threads. With Materio's visual workspace, everything from floor plans to mood boards, to selections (and approvals!) lives in one place, keeping your team and clients perfectly aligned. Ready to scale your design business with complete confidence and control? Visit materio.co to see how you can get your nights and weekends back.

Key Topics:

• Transitioning from journalism to interior design
• Developing a signature style influenced by family aesthetics
• Growing a design business and team structure
• Building vendor relationships and negotiating better margins
• Client consultation process and understanding how clients live
• Remote design work and technology in design
• The return of separate rooms vs. open concept living
• Managing client expectations and building confidence as a designer
• Mentoring young designers in the industry

Follow Alexa Stevenson
Website: https://alexastevensonid.com/
Instagram: http://instagram.com/alexastevenson

Designing Tomorrow with Mary Beth Chau explores conversations with visionary interior designers about building thriving businesses and shaping the future of design. New episodes every Thursday.

Follow Mary Beth Chau
Instagram: http://instagram.com/maryb_chau
Website: http://materio.co