In this episode of the OLISE Podcast, Annie White sits down with Vanessa Brady OBE, founder of the Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID), to explore her extraordinary journey through the design industry, from its unregulated early days to today’s global, professionalised landscape.

Vanessa reflects on resilience, integrity, and the importance of standing up for yourself in business. She shares candid stories from working with global clients, navigating cultural complexity, and building an organisation that protects and elevates designers worldwide.

Together, they discuss why boundaries matter, how the industry has evolved, and what young designers need to succeed in an increasingly competitive environment.

In this episode:

• Vanessa’s unconventional path into interior design
• Building SBID and professionalising the industry
• Navigating power, culture, and global clients
• Women in leadership and industry inequality
• Why boundaries protect creativity
• Advice for young designers and growing studios
• The importance of standing up for your value

Headline Sponsor:

This episode is supported by Moroso, the luxury Italian design house renowned for turning furniture into works of art. For over 70 years, Moroso has collaborated with leading designers to create bold, expressive pieces that define contemporary interiors.
https://www.moroso.it

Perfect for:

Interior designers, architects, students, studio founders, creative entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in leadership, resilience, and building a meaningful career in design.

Listen & Watch:

Full video available on YouTube
Audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms

Guest Links:

Society of British and International Interior Design (SBID)
https://www.sbid.org
Vanessa Brady OBE
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-brady-obe

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