The experts we spoke to agree: Surrounding yourself with the right people as your business grows is one of the most important steps to success. So what do seasoned design-business owners value most in a candidate? “Passion is No. 1,” says Julie Cavanaugh, founder and principal designer at Design Matters, which operates five studio showrooms in Northern California; Jackson, Wyoming; and Park City, Utah. “If a candidate has a resume that is not exactly what we are in need of but [the skills] can be trained and developed, then I evaluate that candidate based on passion, commitment, team approach and overall fit for culture. If the passion is there, the rest can be taught.”

Alex Secki, operations coordinator at Muse Residential in Concord, North Carolina, says: “I look for candidates who demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to collaborate across departments. Additionally, I seek individuals who are adaptable, capable of working in fast-paced environments and have a willingness to learn.”

15 Lasting Design Ideas From the Best of Houzz 2025 Award Winners