Starting an interior design business is exciting—but if you’re like most designers, the legal side of things can feel overwhelming. Should you stay a sole proprietor, form an LLC, or register as an S Corp? What does any of that even mean for your taxes, liability, or peace of mind?
In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Feniak, attorney and co-founder of LLCAttorney.com, to talk about how to choose and form the right business entity for your interior design business. Jonathan breaks down the legal side of starting and running a design firm, explaining how to protect yourself with the proper business structure and why liability protection and insurance are essential for every designer. He also walks us through the natural progression many creatives take, from sole proprietorship to forming an LLC or S Corp, and how to know when it’s time to make that shift.
Whether you’re just starting your design journey and ready to set up your business the right way, or you’re an established designer questioning whether your current setup still fits, this episode will help you get clear and confident. You’ll walk away knowing exactly how to protect your assets, stay legally compliant, and make smarter financial decisions for your interior design business.
Featured Guest
Jonathan Feniak is the lead attorney behind LLCAttorney.com, a company dedicated to making quality legal guidance accessible to small business owners. Specializing in LLC formation, business compliance, and asset protection, Jonathan helps entrepreneurs create strong legal foundations that empower their businesses to thrive. With decades of experience across finance, operations, and law, he combines real-world business insight with expert legal advice to simplify complex legal decisions for creatives and entrepreneurs.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✳️ The difference between a sole proprietorship, LLC, and S Corp—and how each affects your taxes and liability
✳️ Why insurance often matters more than your business entity when you’re just starting out
✳️ How to know when it’s time to switch from a sole proprietor to an LLC or S Corp
✳️ Why forming an LLC can make your design business look more professional and credible
✳️ The most common mistakes designers make when setting up their businesses legally
✳️ Simple steps to stay compliant and protect your personal assets
✳️ How to avoid piercing the corporate veil and losing your liability protection
Read the Blog >>> >>> LLC or S Corp? How to Choose the Right Business Entity for Your Interior Design Business
NEXT STEPS:
🎯 Join the waitlist for Launch Your Business Bootcamp
Check out our Designer's Playlist!
*️ Start Your Interior Design Journey
*️ From Newbie to Confident Designer
*️ Switching Gears to Interior Design
Grab your freebies:
📌 Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
🎨 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Connect With Me:
📧 Email: podcast@rwarddesign.com
🔆 Instagram: @rwarddesign
🌎 Website at rwarddesign.com
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week...
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Jonathan Feniak and His Background
06:35 The Typical Path of Interior Designers: From Hobby to Sole Proprietor
07:40 How to Evaluate Your Risk Before Forming a Business Entity
10:45 When Insurance Is More Important Than an LLC
12:50 What an LLC Really Is and How It Protects You
16:56 Understanding S Corp Tax Classification and When It Makes Sense
21:00 Why Most Designers Should Start With an LLC Instead of a Corporation
24:00 Using DBAs (Doing Business As) For Multiple Design Brands
25:20 How to Sign Contracts Properly to Protect Yourself Legally
26:00 The Importance of Separating Business and Personal Finances
28:30 Keeping Records and Exercising Business Judgment to Stay Compliant
30:00 Why Having a Lawyer-Drafted Contract Is Essential as You Grow