AVD INSPIRE with Aly Velji

About AVD INSPIRE with Aly Velji

AVD INSPIRE is where global interior design meets unfiltered creativity. Hosted by designer and creative director Alykhan Velji, this podcast goes behind the scenes of the design industry with editors, makers, and artists redefining the spaces we live in. Each week, Aly lights a candle to spark the creative process and dives into raw, inspiring conversations about staying creative through the chaos. From big wins to flops—this is interior design with heart, humor, and zero ego. Think weirder. Design better. Trust your gut again. This isn’t just a podcast—it’s your creative spark.

Publisher

Alykhan Velji Designs

Category

arts

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Jun 2025

Latest episode

11 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

26 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Jun 2026

   The Power of Community, Staying Individual, and Navigating Market like a Pro — with JULIANA EWER

   Season 3 of AVD Inspire continues from the heart of High Point Market. This week, Aly sits down with Juliana Ewer—the award-winning powerhouse behind J Squared Home Designs, President of the Interior Design Society (IDS) Houston Chapter, and a 2026 HPMKT Style Spotter. In this lively and insightful conversation, Juliana shares her fascinating pivot from a background in communications to building a thriving, multi-award-winning design firm after a twist of fate involving a hurricane rebuild. Aly and Juliana dive deep into why Market is a life-changing trajectory for designers, the resurgence of individuality and heritage pieces in interior spaces, and why a community-over-competition mindset is the ultimate key to business growth. Whether you’re looking to navigate your first High Point Market or want to inject more personal instinct into your projects, this episode is packed with practical wisdom. About Juliana Ewer Juliana Ewer is the Owner and Principal Designer at J Squared Home Designs, a Southwest Houston-based firm founded in 2018. A nine-time National Award-Winning residential interior designer, speaker, and design influencer, Juliana is deeply passionate about curating elevated, livable spaces tailored to her clients' personal aesthetics. Her sophisticated work has been featured in premier publications including Forbes, Architectural Digest, Luxe, Modern Luxury, Kitchen & Bath Design, and Designers Today. An active leader in the design community, Juliana serves as the President of the Interior Design Society (IDS) Houston Chapter and sits on the national IDS committee. Vetted as an Architectural Digest PRO, she was named a 2026 Style Spotter for High Point Market. Her industry influence extends across major markets, having served as a High Point Market Insiders Tour Host, a Dallas Market "Style Eye," and a featured panelist at KBIS, ICFF, and Dallas Market. She holds professional memberships with NKBA, IDS, and ASID, and was recently selected to design the prestigious ASID Show House Lanai in River Oaks, Houston. Connect with Juliana Ewer Website:https://www.j2homedesigns.com (https://www.j2homedesigns.com) Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/JSquaredHomeDesigns (https://www.instagram.com/JSquaredHomeDesigns/) Special Thanks to Our Sponsors COSENTINO Innovative Surfaces for Architecture and Design. Cosentino Group is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high-value innovative surfaces for architecture and design. As an industry leader, Cosentino imagines and anticipates, together with its customers and partners, design solutions that offer value and inspiration to people’s lives. This goal is made possible by pioneering, technologically advanced brands that are leaders in their respective segments, such as ÉCLOS®, Silestone®, Dekton®, and Sensa by Cosentino®. From high-performance kitchen and bath surfaces to breathtaking architectural facades, Cosentino brings sustainable luxury, durability, and endless creative possibilities to every modern dwelling. Sign up for a Cosentino trade account or connect with a local showroom to elevate your next residential or commercial project. Website: https://www.cosentino.com (https://www.cosentino.com) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosentinocanada (https://www.instagram.com/cosentinocanada/) MOE’S HOME Design for the Modern Home. Moe’s Home believes your home should be your oasis—a place that reflects your personality and unique sense of style. A family-owned business since 1986, Moe’s focuses on creative expression and quality craftsmanship, designing the majority of their pieces in-house at their Vancouver headquarters. From bold, artful statements to warm, textured neutrals, Moe’s brings style, ease, and flexibility to every modern dwelling. Sign up for your Moe's Home Trade account and use the code AVD10 for your first purchase. Website: https://www.moeshome.com  (https://www.moeshome.com) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moeshome (https://www.instagram.com/moeshome) Follow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designs_av (https://www.instagram.com/designs_av) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlykhanVeljiDesigns (https://www.youtube.com/@AlykhanVeljiDesigns) Website: https://www.alyveljidesigns.com (https://www.alyveljidesigns.com)

2. 

   4 Jun 2026

   Style Spotting, Community, and Design with a Purpose — with RHOBIN DELACRUZ

   Season 3 of AVD Inspire continues from the heart of High Point Market. This week, Aly sits down with Rhobin DelaCruz—founder of Rhobin DelaCruz Designs, co-founder of the award-winning nonprofit The Design Besties, and one of High Point Market's newest Style Spotters. In this candid conversation, Rhobin shares the decisions that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, the importance of building genuine relationships in the design industry, and why community will always be more powerful than competition. Together, Aly and Rhobin explore the evolving role of designers, the value of mentorship, and how purpose-driven work can create impact far beyond beautiful spaces. In this episode, we talk about: The career decision that ultimately led Rhobin to pursue design full-time Navigating the realities of entrepreneurship and knowing when to ask for help Building meaningful relationships with vendors, brands, and industry partners What it means to be selected as a High Point Market Style Spotter The mission behind The Design Besties and supporting educator wellness Designing for people rather than chasing trends Practical advice for growing your confidence, network, and business A rapid-fire round covering inspiration, creativity, and career lessons About Rhobin DelaCruz With major commercial and residential clients like GQ, TED, and MTV, Rhobin DelaCruz is a seasoned design talent with a reputation for creating inviting contemporary spaces marked by edgy sophistication. Originally hailing from Southern California and now based in New York City, Rhobin brings a unique blend of West Coast ease and East Coast sophistication to every project. This bicoastal influence—along with a rich tapestry of cultural insights from his global travels—infuses his work with a distinctive joie de vivre that transcends fleeting trends. With a background in corporate advertising, Rhobin understands business strategy and connects deeply with business leaders and commercial clients to build spaces that achieve their physical and emotional goals. Driven by boldness, curiosity, and individuality, he embraces his inner badass in all he does and encourages his clients to do the exact same. He is also the co-founder and President of The Design Besties, an award-winning nonprofit that creates wellness spaces for educators across the country. Connect with Rhobin DelaCruz & The Design Besties Websites: https://rhobindelacruz.com/ (https://rhobindelacruz.com/) |https://thedesignbesties.org/ (https://thedesignbesties.org/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rhobindelacruzdesigns/ (https://www.instagram.com/rhobindelacruzdesigns/) |https://www.instagram.com/the_designbesties/ (https://www.instagram.com/the_designbesties/) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhobindelacruzdesigns/ (https://www.facebook.com/rhobindelacruzdesigns/) Mentioned & Promoting: The Design Besties Collaborations: The Design Besties are actively looking to connect with design brands that share their community-first mentality. If you are interested in collaborating or partnering with them to support wellness spaces for teachers, head to their website to get in touch Special Thanks to Our Sponsor MOE’S HOME Design for the Modern Home. Moe’s Home believes your home should be your oasis—a place that reflects your personality and unique sense of style. A family-owned business since 1986, Moe’s focuses on creative expression and quality craftsmanship, designing the majority of their pieces in-house at their Vancouver headquarters. From bold, artful statements to warm, textured neutrals, Moe’s brings style, ease, and flexibility to every modern dwelling. Sign up for your Moe's Home Trade account and use the code AVD10 for your first purchase. Website: https://www.moeshome.com  (https://www.moeshome.com) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moeshome (https://www.instagram.com/moeshome) Follow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designs_av (https://www.instagram.com/designs_av) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlykhanVeljiDesigns (https://www.youtube.com/@AlykhanVeljiDesigns) Website: https://www.alyveljidesigns.com (https://www.alyveljidesigns.com)

3. 

   28 May 2026

   Building a Business Brain in Interior Design — with ANASTASIA CASEY of THE INTERIOR COLLECTIVE

   Season 3 of the AVD Inspire podcast continues from High Point Market! In this episode, Aly is joined by Anastasia Casey—the powerhouse founder and CEO of The Interior Collective, IDCO Studio, Kwin Made and Design Camp. Anastasia has dedicated her career to helping interior designers transition from passionate creatives to highly profitable, system-driven CEOs. In this candid conversation, Aly and Anastasia pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to scale a modern design studio. From a sudden corporate firing that catalyzed her entire entrepreneurial journey to navigating the current industry economic shift, Anastasia shares the exact frameworks designers need to thrive today. They dive deep into the power of fixed-rate pricing models, why high-end photography is a non-negotiable investment, and how community and collaboration will always beat out competition. Whether you are looking to find your "business brain," rethink your client proposals, or scale your operations, this episode is an essential masterclass in operational excellence and female financial independence. In this episode, we talk about: The Firing that Sparked a Movement: Anastasia shares her defining moment—being fired just 30 days into a major corporate role—and how it forced an epiphany that led to her matching her annual salary in a single month. Finding Your Business Brain: Why vital business, branding, and operational systems aren't taught in design school, and Anastasia’s mission to champion female financial independence. Navigating the Industry Slowdown: An honest look at the current market shift, why clients are demanding flat-rate pricing, and how to structure fixed-rate proposals that protect your profit margins. The ROI of Photography: Why you must cover your bases in your flat rate to ensure you can invest heavily in top-tier project photography to build your legacy portfolio. Why physical networking and experiencing the quality, scale, and comfort of furniture firsthand is an irreplaceable asset for your design firm. About Anastasia Casey Anastasia Casey is the founder of The Interior Collective, a leading editorial platform and podcast focused on the business of interior design, and IDCO Studio, a digital agency providing tools, templates, and creative direction for designers building modern firms. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Anastasia has worked alongside some of the most recognized names in interior design while building multiple companies that support designers at every stage of business. Her work is rooted in the belief that strong creative businesses are built through clear systems, intentional positioning, and thoughtful client experiences. Through Design Camp, Anastasia brings a strategic, operations-focused lens to the industry, translating complex business concepts into actionable frameworks that designers can immediately implement. Websites: (https://www.idco.studio) https://www.idco.studio (https://www.idco.studio) https://theinterior.co (https://theinterior.co/) https://www.design-camp.co (https://www.design-camp.co/) https://www.kwinmade.com (https://www.kwinmade.com) Instagram: Personal: https://www.instagram.com/anastasiacasey_ (https://www.instagram.com/anastasiacasey_) Podcast/Editorial: https://www.instagram.com/theinteriorcollective (https://www.instagram.com/theinteriorcollective) Design Camp: https://www.instagram.com/design_camp_co (https://www.instagram.com/design_camp_co) Digital Templates: https://www.instagram.com/idco.studio (https://www.instagram.com/idco.studio) Creative Studio: https://www.instagram.com/kwinmade (https://www.instagram.com/kwinmade) Design Camp 2026: Tickets are available NOW! Head over to their website to secure your spot for the ultimate business-and-operations-focused design retreat. Special Thanks to Our Sponsor DIVINE FLOORING The quiet luxury beneath your feet. Divine Flooring is a design-driven flooring brand delivering curated, high-quality collections that bring a thoughtful, elevated approach to every space. Website: https://divinefloor.com (https://divinefloor.com/) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divineflooring (https://www.instagram.com/divineflooring/) Follow Aly Velji Designs & the AVD Podcast: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designs_av (https://www.instagram.com/designs_av) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlykhanVeljiDesigns (https://www.youtube.com/@AlykhanVeljiDesigns) Website: https://www.alyveljidesigns.com (https://www.alyveljidesigns.com)

Who has been a guest on AVD INSPIRE with Aly Velji

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Murray Duncan
• Peter Papapetrou
• Marilyn Denis

Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

75

Social presence

97

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact AVD INSPIRE with Aly Velji

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.