Designing with Heart: Michelle Rohrer-Lauer on Collaboration, Gratitude & Building a Business

In Episode 40 of the PowerHouse SMART® Cool Collabs Podcast, Wendy Cohen welcomes dear friend and respected interior designer Michelle Rohrer-Lauer, Principal of Michelle’s Interiors, for a heartfelt conversation centered around mentorship, teamwork, gratitude, sustainability, and the human side of design. Michelle shares her inspiring journey from being encouraged by her artist aunt to pursue interior design, to launching and growing multiple successful businesses — including a specialty nursery design showroom, The Stork Room, before evolving into full-service residential and light commercial interiors. Throughout the episode, Michelle reflects on the profound impact mentors had on her career, the importance of building strong teams, and why collaboration — not competition — creates lasting success within the luxury design and construction industry. Wendy and Michelle also explore: • The power of mentorship and learning from others • Building a business through trusted teams and relationships • Why listening deeply to clients matters • The importance of sustainability and indoor air quality • How networking and mastermind groups helped shape Michelle’s leadership • Designing homes that truly support lifestyle and wellbeing • Gratitude, loss, and living a meaningful life centered around people and connection Michelle’s warmth, wisdom, and collaborative spirit shine throughout this inspiring conversation, reminding us that beautiful design is ultimately about caring deeply for people and creating environments that support how they live, feel, and connect. Where to Find Michelle Rohrer-Lauer: Email: [email protected] Phone: 847.223.2660 Michelle’s Interiors Studio Address: 518 Barron Boulevard Grayslake, IL 60030 Michelle’s Interiors Website: https://www.michellesinteriors.com/ Instagram:   / michellesinteriors   Facebook:   / michellesinteriorsdesigngroup   LinkedIn:   / michellerohrerlauer   Michelle’s Interiors LinkedIn:   / michelles-interiors   Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/dreamypie/m... HGTV: https://www.hgtv.com/profiles/profess... About the PowerHouse Cool Collabs Podcast: The PowerHouse Cool Collabs podcast, hosted by PowerHouse CEO Wendy Cohen, highlights inspiring leaders in luxury design, building, development, and real estate who exemplify gratitude and give back to humanity. Each episode features stories of success, philanthropy, and groundbreaking collaborations that are making a positive impact on communities and the industry as a whole. Where to find the Host: PowerHouse Companies: Visit PowerHouse Companies Website: www.powerhouse-co.com Podcast on the Website: https://www.powerhouse-co.com/podcast Podcast on YouTube:    • PowerHouse Cool Collabs with Jonathon Crem...   Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7LTIH1m... Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... PowerHouse SMART Instagram:   / powerhousesmart   PowerHouse SMART Facebook:   / powerhousesmart   Wendy Cohen LinkedIn:   / powerhouserecruiting