A Dialogue with Residence Studio

How Two Different Personalities Created One Thriving Design Business

Episode 113

In this episode, I sit down with Tara Debozorghi and Laure Bebbington, the dynamic duo behind Residence Studio. Despite being "chalk and cheese" with completely different personalities, they've built a thriving design business by leveraging their complementary strengths. From their partnership origin story to their approach to team building and client management, Tara and Laure share candid insights about what it takes to run a successful design studio in today's market.

Hope you enjoy the episode

Beth xx

When it comes to business partnerships, conventional wisdom often suggests finding someone similar to yourself—someone who shares your approach, your work style, and your vision. But what if the secret to a successful design partnership isn't similarity but complementarity?

In this conversation from the Design Dialogues podcast, Tara Debozorghi and Laure Bebbington of Residence Studio reveal how they've built a thriving interior design business despite being "chalk and cheese"—complete opposites in many ways.

"Laure and I are actually complete opposites. Like we are chalk and cheese to totally different personalities," Tara explains. Yet this difference has become their strength, allowing them to create a business that leverages both their unique abilities.

Their story offers valuable insights for designers considering partnerships, solo practitioners looking to grow their teams, and anyone interested in the business side of interior design.

The Unexpected Beginning: Finding Strength in Differences

Like many successful partnerships, Residence Studio began with a connection formed in a previous workplace. Tara and Laure met while working at another design firm and recognised something special in each other, despite their different personalities.

"We both knew it was something that we wanted to eventually do. And it was just finding, I guess, the right person and the right time to do it," Tara shares.

What makes their story particularly interesting is that they decided to partner despite not knowing each other extremely well. They recognised their complementary strengths and shared values, which proved more important than personal similarity.

This willingness to embrace their differences rather than seeing them as obstacles has been fundamental to their success. Laure tends to focus on operations and the backend of the business, while Tara gravitates toward PR, marketing, and social media.

Dividing Responsibilities: Playing to Your Strengths

One of the most valuable aspects of Tara and Laure’s approach is how they've structured their roles within the business. Rather than both trying to do everything, they've created a division of responsibilities that plays to their individual strengths.

"I tend to like working behind the scenes and doing more things like operations in the backend of the business. And then Tara, has a love for PR and social media, and I am not good at that. You can take the reins please," Laure explains.

This clear delineation allows each partner to focus on areas where they excel and enjoy the work, while still maintaining oversight of the business as a whole.

This approach offers several benefits:

• Each partner can work in their zone of genius

• Clear ownership reduces confusion and overlap

• Both partners remain informed about all aspects of the business

• The business benefits from specialized expertise in each area

The Strategic Approach to Growth and Hiring

When it came time to expand beyond the two founders, Tara and Laure took a thoughtful approach to hiring that differs from what many design studios do. Instead of immediately bringing on administrative support, they prioritised design help.

"I think my number one tip when it comes to expansion is know what your role in the business is going to be moving forward. So I had to make a conscious decision about that first hire and what was really important to the business. And it was design support at that time, because you can get people to do admin," Tara explains.

This strategic decision was based on a clear understanding of where they wanted to focus their own time and energy. They recognised that their unique value was in client relationships and creative direction, so they prioritised hiring support that would free them up for those areas.

Their hiring philosophy emphasizes the importance of understanding your own role before bringing on team members:

• Identify what aspects of the business only you can do

• Determine where your time is most valuable

• Hire first for the areas that will give you the biggest return on investment

• Consider your long-term vision for your role in the business

Setting Clear Boundaries with Clients

Another key to Residence Studio's success has been their approach to client relationships. They emphasise the importance of setting clear boundaries from the beginning.

This boundary-setting extends to all aspects of the client relationship, from communication expectations to pricing transparency. They're particularly clear about their approach to trade pricing and markup.

"We are not running charities. We're not doing this as a hobby. We are here to run profitable businesses," Tara emphasises, highlighting the importance of valuing your expertise and services appropriately.

This clarity around boundaries and expectations creates several benefits:

• Clients understand the process from the beginning

• There's less room for misunderstandings or scope creep

• The designers can work more efficiently without constant interruptions

• The relationship is built on mutual respect and clear communication

Finding Your Authentic Design Voice

For new designers struggling to define their style, Tara and Laure offer clear advice: focus on authenticity rather than following trends.

"Really hone in on what it is that you love, what it is that you're really good at. Don't get caught up in trying to do what everyone else is doing," Tara advises. "The people that love what you do will gravitate to you."

This commitment to authenticity has been key to their success and longevity in the industry. Rather than chasing every trend, they've developed a distinctive design voice that attracts clients who appreciate their specific aesthetic and approach.

"Follow your niche. Hone in on what it is that you bring to design, what it is that you know, that you do well and communicate that just time and time again, show people how you do it and that you know what you're talking about. Because when people want that, they'll come to you."

The Reality of Running a Design Business

Beyond the beautiful spaces they create, Tara and Laure are refreshingly honest about the realities of running a design business.

"Design is only about 20% of running a successful studio," they note, highlighting the importance of business systems, client management, and operational efficiency—areas that many creative entrepreneurs struggle with.

This balance of creative vision and business acumen has been crucial to their success. While many designers focus exclusively on the creative aspects, Residence Studio has built a sustainable business by mastering both the design and operational elements.

The Evolution of Design Trends

As experienced designers, Tara and Laure have observed significant shifts in design preferences over the years. They're particularly excited about current trends moving away from minimalism toward more expressive, personality-filled interiors.

"I think there's so much to look forward in interior design, especially in Queensland. Perhaps I'm a little biased because we're located here, but it's actually really good because we have so much development happening. I just love that everything's not the same, which is good. There was a stage there for years, especially in Queensland, where everything was the same. It all looked the same."

This evolution reflects their own journey—maintaining core values while embracing growth and change. Their ability to adapt while staying true to their vision has been key to their enduring success.

Lessons for Design Entrepreneurs

The Residence Studio story offers valuable insights for anyone in the design industry:

1. Partnership Foundations

• Look for complementary skills rather than similar personalities

• Establish clear roles while maintaining shared oversight

• Communicate openly about expectations and responsibilities

• Build on shared values and vision, even if your approaches differ

2. Strategic Growth

• Understand your own role before making hiring decisions

• Consider which hires will give you the biggest return on investment

• Be intentional about where you want to focus your time and energy

• Build a team that complements your strengths

3. Client Relationships

• Set clear boundaries from the beginning

• Be transparent about pricing and processes

• Communicate expectations confidently

• Value your expertise and charge accordingly

4. Design Philosophy

• Develop an authentic design voice rather than following trends

• Communicate your unique strengths consistently

• Attract clients who value your specific approach

• Allow your style to evolve while maintaining core values

The journey of Residence Studio demonstrates that with the right partnership, a clear vision, and the courage to embrace your differences, it's possible to build a design business that not only survives but thrives.

Whether you're considering a partnership, looking to grow your team, or simply seeking to refine your business approach, their story offers both inspiration and practical guidance for the road ahead.