Designing a Life You Love: Kristi Hopper's Creative Journey

Designing a Life You Love: Kristi Hopper's Creative Journey

On this episode of The Design Center: Student Edition, host Christine Gee welcomes designer Kristi Hopper for a conversation about creativity, career reinvention, and building a successful design business. Kristi shares how her path into interior design was not a straight line. After working in corporate management and facing an unexpected career change, she reconnected with her passion for design and founded Kristi Hopper Designs. That decision led to the creation of a full-service interior design firm that has served clients across North Texas for more than two decades. Throughout the episode, Kristi emphasizes that great design is deeply personal. Rather than focusing on a single signature style, she explains the importance of listening to clients, understanding how they live, and creating spaces that support connection, comfort, and everyday life. This philosophy has become the foundation of her work in residential and commercial design. Kristi also discusses the realities of entrepreneurship, including learning to value her work, balancing creativity with profitability, and building a team that allows her to focus on her strengths. Her experience offers an honest look at the challenges and rewards of running a design firm. For students interested in interior design, product development, or creative entrepreneurship, this episode is both inspiring and practical. Kristi's story demonstrates that successful design careers are built through curiosity, resilience, relationship-building, and a commitment to creating spaces that truly improve people's lives. Read more about Kristi on her website www.kristihopper.com [https://www.kristihopper.com] Want to learn more about Christine Gee and G-Interiors? Visit her website at https://g-interiors.com [https://g-interiors.com/] Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! Join our Community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/ [https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition]

From Student Weaver to Design Innovator with Scottie Collins

What does it take to turn creativity into a successful career? On this episode of Design Center: Student Edition, host Christine Gee sits down with Scottie Collins, a creative and product development expert with more than 20 years of experience in the fashion and home industries. Scottie shares how his journey began at the University of North Texas, where he started weaving placemats and table runners—an experience that sparked a career filled with innovation, product development, and collaborations with well-known brands such as Kate Spade and Jack Spade. From creating samples to developing products for major retailers, Scottie reflects on the opportunities that helped shape his path. Throughout the conversation, Scottie emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer and the purpose behind every product. He explains why successful design goes beyond aesthetics and requires a deep understanding of how people live, use, and connect with the products they bring into their homes. For students and emerging professionals, Scottie offers practical advice on building a career in the design industry. He highlights the value of networking, attending industry events, seeking mentorship, and remaining curious throughout every stage of your professional journey. Continuous learning, he says, is one of the most important tools for long-term success. The episode also explores Scottie's latest venture, Ellora Casa, a brand centered on timeless design and the concept of "future heritage." His vision is to create beautiful, functional products that stand the test of time—pieces designed to be used, cherished, and passed down for generations. Want to learn more about Christine Gee and G-Interiors? Visit her website at https://g-interiors.com [https://g-interiors.com/] Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! Join our Community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/ [https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition]

The Art of Window Treatments with Sammi Day

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:547a581c-c793-4639-bea7-3f23b0ec171d-0" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:547a581c-c793-4639-bea7-3f23b0ec171d-0" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode of The Design Center: Student Edition, host Christine Gee sits down with Sammi Day, founder of Day Drapery, to discuss her unexpected path from accounting aspirations to becoming a respected leader in the custom drapery industry. With more than 15 years of experience, Sammi shares how Day Drapery has become a trusted behind-the-scenes partner for interior designers, specializing in high-end custom window treatments. She explains the level of precision, craftsmanship, and attention to detail required to execute luxury drapery projects successfully — from fabric selection and hardware decisions to measurements, installation, and motorization options. Sammi also gives listeners an inside look at the business side of running a custom workroom, including the time-intensive quoting process and the importance of maintaining strong relationships with designers. She emphasizes that professionalism, communication, and reliability are essential in an industry built heavily on referrals and repeat partnerships. Throughout the conversation, Sammi reflects on the growth of her company, the increasing demand for motorized treatments, and the value of networking within the design community. Her insights offer students and emerging designers a realistic look at the collaboration, technical knowledge, and trust required to bring beautiful interiors to life. Want to learn more about Christine Gee and G-Interiors? Visit her website at https://g-interiors.com [https://g-interiors.com/] Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! Join our Community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/ [https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition]

Inside Heritage School of Interior Design with Founder Kim Bailey

In this episode of The Design Center: Student Edition, Christine Gee sits down with Kim Bailey, founder of Design Lifestyles and the Heritage School of Interior Design, to discuss her journey and her unique approach to design education. Kim shares how she transitioned from a business administration background into a successful career in interior design, ultimately building both a thriving design firm and a school dedicated to preparing the next generation of designers. She challenges the traditional education model, emphasizing that real-world experience is essential — and that many programs fall short by lacking instructors with true industry backgrounds. At the Heritage School, Kim has created a hands-on learning environment, offering a 12-week foundational program and an advanced master's program. Students gain practical experience through industry visits, workshops, and direct exposure to how the design business actually works. Throughout the conversation, Kim stresses the importance of networking, gaining applicable skills, and getting involved in the industry early. She also highlights the accessibility of her program, which attracts both career changers and recent graduates, along with its strong job placement success. This episode is a must-listen for students and aspiring designers looking for a more practical, experience-driven path into the design industry — and a reminder that success comes from doing, learning, and building real connections along the way. Want to learn more about Christine Gee and G-Interiors? Visit her website at https://g-interiors.com [https://g-interiors.com/] Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! Join our Community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/ [https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition]

Breaking into the Luxury Appliance Industry with Savannah Lindeau

In this episode of The Design Center: Student Edition, Christine Gee sits down with Savannah Lindeau, a representative for the luxury appliance brand Signature Kitchen Suite, part of LG Electronics. Savannah shares her unique journey from growing up on a cattle ranch in Nebraska to building a career in the design and appliance industry. She reflects on how her early experiences shaped her strong work ethic, emphasizing the importance of grit, integrity, and a willingness to continuously learn and grow. Her path took a pivotal turn when she began working in Ferguson showrooms, where she discovered her passion for appliances and the role they play in design. Today, she represents SKS, a rapidly growing luxury appliance brand that has expanded its product line significantly in recent years. Savannah also highlights the importance of mentorship, networking, and staying curious throughout your career. She shares her commitment to personal and professional development, including pursuing her Executive MBA at Southern Methodist University. This episode is full of encouragement for students and emerging designers — a reminder that career paths aren't always linear, and that success often comes from embracing opportunities, building relationships, and continuing to invest in yourself. Want to learn more about Christine Gee and G-Interiors? Visit her website at, https://g-interiors.com [https://g-interiors.com/] Remember to like, share, and subscribe to our show! Join our Community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/ [https://www.instagram.com/designcenter.tx/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition [https://www.youtube.com/@TheDesignCenter-StudentEdition]