We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Brian Weathers a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Brian, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

Design & Manage came from when I started an Airbnb business and I was not only doing the interior design for my business partners properties but also managing the listings and day-to-day operations. We opened 23 Airbnb‘s together prior to Covid and had a great business going for seven years. Interior design and project management was the idea behind the name, Design & Manage. Clean and simple!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I began my career in Los Angeles while working in the music industry. I realized how much love and passion I have for interior design. I love the process from concept to completion and seeing a clients face at the end result. Inspiration for me comes from materials, textiles, art, custom furniture and creating a beautiful environment. Together, with the clients vision I incorporate interesting new and vintage furnishings and decor.

I think what sets my process apart from other designers is I put a strong focus on creating inner balance in the home. Not just with furniture but with energy. Feeding off the clients interactions + needs and wants. Wellness and mental health is a big part of my thought process in terms of selecting items around the design. Finding pieces that are both functional and beautiful but specific to the home. Enjoyment to me is seeing a clients smile during and after completing a project! That’s really the reason I do it all. For creative expression, lifestyle, wellness and design as a tool for inner piece and family enjoyment for years to come.

Based in Chicago now, I’m most proud of the self growth I’ve experienced and taking the design process I’ve learned over the last 10 years to a new level. Design is a subjective topic. But the feeling of getting better and growing on each project we touch is the idea. A home is personal to its owner. I take pride in putting the clients vision first and supporting that vision with a custom design that the clients can be proud of. Asking questions and learning throughout the process is necessary to curating something special and unique specific to the client I’m working with. So the idea of mindfulness and being present in every interaction is necessary.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I’m currently reading a book called The Artist’s Way. It’s kind of interactive and you have to keep a journal and write morning pages as well as take notes on other topics. It’s been very informative and interesting. I also signed up for Tony Robbins Unshakable a five day seminar based around creating breakthroughs and changing your patterns or state of mind. I’m on day 3 and it’s been really great! I highly recommend his books and audio tapes. He has a great quote “change your story change your life!” I love that. He also says “make your worst day your best day.” Rethinking the terminologies we’ve learned and how energy is the strongest force to success. Get moving!

I plan to do another Tony Robbins seminar called Unleash The Power Within next.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Growing up in Chicago I think a huge lesson that I’ve had to unlearn is regarding communication. It’s a tough city and I truly love it here so much however, I grew up thinking the idea of showing emotion or weakness wasn’t an option. And I communicated when I was younger in a way that I do not communicate anymore. I think being open and honest with your feelings and driving your business from your heart helps to create authentic and lasting relationships. I’d like to mention that I’ve spent many years working on communication. Meditation has also been huge for me. The idea of listening first and building trust within a team is essential. All of us is smarter than one of us. I try to keep an open mind as I grow older and mainly remind myself; I should be learning something new every day. Surrounding myself with people better or smarter than me contributes to my self growth. Don’t get me wrong, I grew up in Chicago and I can be a smart ass! But never disrespectful. Communication is key to everything. Not just business but of course relationships with those we love. This point of view has helped me retain clients who like me and not just my design eye. That’s very important in my opinion! Especially if you want to create beautiful work and lasting relationships with people.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.designandmanage.com
• Instagram: @beatsdesignlife
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/bpweathers
• Linkedin: www.linkedIn.com/in/brianweathers
• Other: www.brianweathersdesign.com

Image Credits
Photos are mine.