Episode 40 - Designing with Heart: Michelle Rohrer-Lauer on Collaboration, Gratitude & Building a Meaningful 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.