☑️In this episode, Brian sits down with the incredibly talented award winning, magazine cover gracing Nicole Hopper. Nicole is a sought-after luxury interior designer and CEO of Nicole Hopper Interiors known for creating the most stunning transformations of exclusive homes through out the Pacific Northwest. Together, Brian & Nicole pull back the curtain on the synergy between high-end real estate and interior design—revealing the details and process of a well-designed space and the client experience.

🎬 Chapters for Episode 1: Nicole Hopper – Interior Design CEO

0:00 – Intro & Guest Reveal

Brian’s intro, Meet Nicole Hopper, award-winning designer and CEO of Nicole Hopper Interiors.

0:40 – Early Beginnings

How Nicole got started with design (and the $10,000 umbrella story).

2:15 – From Side Hustle to Full Business

Transitioning from small projects to full remodels.

5:00 – Building the Brand

Creating a logo, website, and branding with help from a coach.

6:45 – Finding Confidence Through Coaching

Personal growth and professional breakthrough moments.

8:00 – First Magazine Feature

Landing a COVER & a five-page spread in Portrait Magazine + Kirkland Lifestyle Magazine.

9:15 – Winning Designer of the Year

How local recognition kicked things into high gear.

10:25 – Growing the Team

Nicole's support crew and the roles they play.

14:00 – The Client Experience

Creating personalized, white-glove service in every project.

16:15 – Design Intuition & Discernment

Reading clients, understanding their lifestyle, and nailing the design.

17:55 – The Power of Professional Design

Why even great DIY lacks the magic of a designer’s eye.

19:00 – Project Portfolio Highlights

Nicole shares a peek at some standout projects (Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland).

21:30 – Behind-the-Scenes Process

What happens before the final reveal: renderings, mood boards, and more.

23:30 – From Construction to Reveal

Furniture installation, photo shoots, and the big “wow” moment.

25:00 – Real Estate Meets Design

How Nicole and her husband (Brian) merge their worlds.

26:10 – Buying Our Dream Home

The story of buying a client's house — and making it their own.

28:30 – Expanding to NYC

How the Upper East Side became her next big design canvas.

29:30 – Advice for Aspiring Designers

Nicole’s heartfelt advice to young creatives entering the field.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe so you never miss an episode of Built from the Ground Up.

Follow Brian:

Instagram: @HopperGroup

Website: BrianHopper.com

Follow our guest Nicole:

Instagram: @NicoleHopperInteriors

Portfolio: NicoleHopperInteriors.com

🛠️What is -Build from the Ground Up- all about and what we talk about:

Behind the Empire: The raw truth about what it takes from the ground up.

Power Moves & Success Stories: Real wins from real players.

Mastering Longevity in Business: Strategies to stay ahead.

The Client-First Formula – Mastering customer service, retention, and relationships.

Real Estate: Hustle, Deals, strategies, and PNW market insights.

Leveling Up: Mindset, money, generosity and mastery.

Strength & Stamina: Workouts that build both body and discipline.

Fuel for Greatness: Eating to win in life and business.

#LuxuryRealEstate #InteriorDesign #RealEstatePodcast #LuxuryLiving #DesignInspiration #hoppergroup #Nicolehopperinteriors #HighEndHomes #design #RealEstateTips #businessgrowth