Reflecting on Our Journey with Design Dash
Bryan and I recently had the opportunity to sit down with the team from the Design Dash podcast and talk openly about our journey with Yates Desygn.
It was such a fun and honest conversation that gave us a chance to reflect on where we started, how far we’ve come, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.
Thanks to Laura Umansky and Melissa Grove for inviting us along and making it such a fun conversation!
From Humble Beginnings to a Studio That Tells Our Story
We spoke about our early days working from a 500-square-foot shared office and how that chapter laid the foundation for the studio we now call home. Today, at 3,500 square feet, our Dallas Design District space is a living expression of our design philosophy. Clients can experience firsthand how light, materials, and atmosphere come together. In many ways, the studio is one of our proudest design projects because it tells our story as much as it supports the work we create for others.
The Realities of Growth
Building Yates Desygn hasn’t always been seamless. On the Design Dash podcast, we opened up about the complexities of running a business: knowing when to walk away from projects that don’t align, redefining how we collaborate with vendors, and finding ways to rebuild morale after challenging seasons. Growth is rarely linear, but every pivot has made us stronger leaders and more intentional designers.
Why Design Is Emotional
We also touched on how our own personal projects – even those that came with obstacles – shaped the way we guide clients. Design is inherently emotional, and our role is often about shepherding clients through that journey with clarity and care. Details such as the play of natural light or the balance of scale are essential to creating spaces that feel authentic, livable, and deeply human.
Looking Ahead
We ended by sharing our excitement for the upcoming Kips Bay Show House. Opportunities like this allow us to push creatively, connect with peers, and give back to a design community that continues to inspire us daily.