148 | How a Lawyer Became a Designer and...

Do you feel stuck in your current job, wondering if it is too late to follow your dream of becoming an interior designer?

In this episode, you will hear how Steve Saide made a bold career switch after 30 years as a lawyer and found his passion in hospitality design. Now leading the design team at Furnished Quarters, Steve shares how he designs beautiful, livable spaces for corporate travelers who stay for weeks—or even years—at a time.

Steve's story proves it is never too late to start fresh, and that design does not have to follow a traditional path. So, if you are unsure about how to make the leap or where your design career could lead, this episode gives you real answers and encouragement.

💡 If Steve can do it, so can you! Tune in now to learn how to start your path into interior design—no matter your background.

✨ Want help starting your design career? Check out My Design Mentor!

Featured Guest:

Steve Saide is the Executive Vice President of Interior Design at Furnished Quarters, a company that provides stylish, fully furnished apartments for corporate travelers. After a 30-year career as a lawyer, Steve made a bold career shift into interior design. His eye for creativity and passion for functional, home-like spaces now help shape the unique design style of the company’s long-term stay residences.

Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode:

📌 Be inspired on how to pivot into interior design even after a long career in another field

📌 Get insights on where real design inspiration comes from (hint: not always magazines!)

📌 Discover what makes hospitality design different from regular home design

Check out the show notes >>> How a Lawyer Became a Designer and Found His Dream Career

NEXT STEPS:

🎯 Join the My Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!

Grab your freebies:

📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design

🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career

Connect With Me:

📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com

🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign

🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com

Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...

Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction & Redefining Hospitality Design

03:13 Steve Said's Career Transition from Law to Interior Design

09:00 About Furnished Quarters

10:30 Approach to Design for Corporate Apartments

12:10 Quantity and Design Execution

14:30 Design Limitations & Smart Solutions

17:30 Keeping Up with Trends

18:30 Impact of COVID and Economic Uncertainty

24:55 Creative Inspiration Sources

27:25 Advice for Aspiring Hospitality Designers