1033: Ann Kottler: From Cold Calls to Custom Homes: How to Build Trust with Luxury Builders.

A Well-Designed Business® | Interior Design Business Podcast

LuAnn Nigara

Business, Design, Arts

4.8 • 786 Ratings

🗓️ 5 November 2024

⏱️ 68 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Today With Ann Kottler: Today with Ann Kottler, we're learning all about designing for elite home builders and managing luxury residential projects. Ann is the founder and principal designer of her namesake firm based in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where she's established herself as the go-to expert for 7-8 figure new home construction and remodeling projects. In this episode, Ann shares her strategies for building strong relationships with custom home builders, mastering material selection, and creating comprehensive spec books. She reveals how her sales background has been crucial in positioning herself as an invaluable asset to both builders and clients. Ann also offers insights on embracing trades, establishing trust on job sites, and effectively translating complex building information to clients. LuAnn Nigara and Ann Kottler's Ah-Ha Moments “You really need to know your way around a job site. You really need to know how to read a blueprint. You need to understand an electrical plan. You need to understand the HVAC plan. You need to understand the window schedule, all of the things.” - Ann “I'm here to help you and make you look good and make this a positive experience for the homeowner.” - Ann “Your rate goes up because you are getting better. You're worth more” - LuAnn “I'm passionate about this and we're gonna have fun and you're gonna love it when it's done. That's the value that a professional designer provides. But you have to be confident in saying it.” - Ann More About Ann Kottler This Wisconsin girl had big shoes to fill. As a Business graduate from Marquette University in Milwaukee, I knew my dreams went beyond just business and into design. Thus back to school I went to the Illinois Institute of Art where I acquired my Residential Interior Design degree. I’ve been a professional designer for close to a decade now, and it’s been a lifelong passion. I love each and every project from remodeling bathrooms, to helping select materials for gorgeous Lake Geneva vacation retreats. As an interior designer, my goal is to always deliver a space that exceeds client expectations. That includes all phases of a project from concept to installation. My focus is You and our relationship—a relationship which reflects good listening on my part and also building trust so that you know I will deliver something beyond your wildest dreams or hopes. Connect with Ann Kottler Website Instagram What’s new with LuAnn Nigara The Power Talk Friday Tour Watch the Docuseries! http://www.luannnigara.com/cob Get The Goodies! For checklists, resources, and extra goodies from A Well-Designed Business sign up for free here. To Get on LuAnn’s Email List, text the word designbiz to 444999! Purchase LuAnn’s Books Here: Book 1: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Audiobook: The Making of A Well – Designed Business: Turn Inspiration into Action Book 2: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Book 3: A Well-Designed Business – The Power Talk Friday Experts Volume 2 Connect with LuAnn Nigara LuAnn’s Website LuAnn’s Blog Power Talk Friday Like Us: Facebook | Tweet Us: Twitter | Follow Us: Instagram | Listen Here: Podcast Other Resources: This podcast supports the Savvy Giving Design Coalition. Learn more about it here! AWDB #717 Susan Wintersteen: Interior design firm standards in a nonprofit passion project AWDB #164: Susan Wintersteen- Savvy Giving by Design Kravet Workspace in Basking Ridge, New Jersey Other Shows: AWDB #683: Jessica Matteson: The Client Experience Is #1 in Design AWDB #1018: Power Talk Friday: Connie Whitman: Heart-Centered Strategies to Successful Selling

Transcript

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0:00.0	Have you heard about the exciting new exhibit by the Black Artist and Designers Guild, which was commissioned by the Cooper Hewitt's Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City?
0:11.0	Big news, right?
0:12.5	The Cooper Hewitt's exhibition is called Making Home, Smithsonian Design Triennial.
0:18.1	Now, the batch designers exhibit is titled the Underground Library,
0:23.7	inspired by the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad is the clandestine network
0:28.5	established in the early 19th century through which many enslaved African Americans
0:33.6	traveled in search of freedom. This library installation represents a 21st century sanctuary
0:40.5	surrounded by art, objects, artifacts, and books of black legacy. In reimagining and repurposing
0:49.6	the Andrew Carnegie Personal Library, Badge invites you to examine the power of home libraries
0:56.0	and the significance of literacy, remembering that African Americans were denied the right to read
1:02.2	under slavery. I'm honored to share that Window Works in Livingston was asked by badge to create
1:08.6	the flat panels for the windows. We used a custom design fabric
1:12.4	by badge members, and the fabric was fabricated by Stacey Garcia's team at Libatex. So please make
1:19.8	a point to visit this inspired space the next time you are in New York City. The exhibition
1:25.0	runs from November 24 all the way through August 10th,
1:30.0	2025. So you have plenty of time to get this on your calendar. We will put links in the show notes.
1:49.8	Welcome. Welcome to a well-designed business.
1:53.7	My name is Luann Nigara, and I'm so glad you found this podcast.
1:59.7	Together with my husband, Vince, and our partner, Bill, we have grown our company Windowworks from the ground up, so I know and I understand the
2:02.1	challenges you face in running your interior design business.
2:05.6	I also know that your talent alone isn't enough to ensure your success.
2:10.6	So on this podcast, we talk about strategies and practical steps to help you grow your business. But make no mistake about it,
	...

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