Malia Lindeberg, Owner and Founder of Urban Aspect Build Planning + Interior Design proves that it is never too late to follow your dreams, launching her business from a side hustle to a full-time gig with a recent re-brand to boot!
Tell us about yourself and Urban Aspect Build Planning + Interior Design.
I grew up with a love of all things residential construction. I spent school holidays sketching local buildings and rendering what I thought the interiors should look like. I loved visiting display homes and collecting the floor plans to analyse. Floor plans fascinated me, the way each room interacted with the next. I loved to sit and visualise walking through each space! Architecture and interior design were my passion, but life took me in another direction and it wasn‘t until my maternity leave was about to run out after the birth of my first son, that I realised it was time to follow my dream.
I studied a Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration and gained years of valuable residential construction experience while assisting hundreds of new home builders select their interior and exterior materials and finishes. I launched a little side hustle at the start of Covid and became so busy trying to do it all – mum, wife, employee, and small business owner, that I knew it was time to take the leap and make my passion my full-time gig. Urban Aspect Interiors & Design was born, and I have never looked back!
At the start of 2023, I rebranded to Urban Aspect Build Planning + Interior Design with a focus on educating new home builders or renovators to perfect their home design, right from the very first stages of planning. This “early intervention” ensures the plan reflects the homeowner’s requirements and how they intend to live in the home, along with considerations for passive solar design. It’s about ensuring the space works functionally before diving into the aesthetics of the home with selections of materials, fittings, and finishes.
I also offer 3D photorealistic renders which help the homeowner visualise their selected materials and finishes in the 3D realm. This is valuable to ensure they are happy with the chosen materials and finishes, but also to be confident that the spaces will flow and avoid miscommunication with their trades.
What has been the most challenging aspect of starting/owning Urban Aspect Build Planning + Interior Design?
The most challenging aspect of being a solo business owner would be learning all the “things” and wearing all the hats. They certainly didn’t teach me how to market myself, manage my business finances or even how to build a website when I went to design school!
At first, I thought I had to learn and excel in it all. But I have learnt the hard way that it’s OK to ask for help and outsource some of the tasks that take the joy away from your running your business. I’m more than happy to leave the experts to do what they do best!
Also, the interior design industry is forever changing so I need to be constantly researching to stay on top of new resources, suppliers, and technology…..it’s a good thing I LOVE what I do!!
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I have a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Whilst I’ve never actually worked as an engineer, the degree certainly balances my creative side with an analytical side and has been beneficial in the construction and build planning aspect I offer my clients. I am very much about functionality and flow, as I am about the colourful pretty things!
Oh, and I met my husband at uni so if I didn’t do that then I wouldn’t have the amazing partner and boys that I have now 😊
What is the best piece of career or business advice you have ever received?
The best piece of advice I have ever received was that building a successful business is a marathon and not a sprint. It’s about setting short- and long-term goals, celebrating the wins and not letting roadblocks get in the way.
I know I have such a long road ahead of my but looking back at what I have already achieved, I’m proud of my journey, moulding and adapting my business model to suit my clients’ needs and defining a unique niche.
Going forward, what is next on the cards for Urban Aspect Build Planning + Interior Design?
My recently launched Build Planning service is a new and unique concept, particularly for those in our local region. I know this will help thousands of new home builders or renovators save time, money, and stress, throughout their build journey.
Everyone I talk to about this service says they wish they had something like this when they were building or renovating. I want to focus on developing and marketing this service, with the goal to run in-person and online workshops.
Experience shows that many people “don’t know what they don’t know” when it comes to building their new home, so having someone on their side who can be their advocate and help build the gap between their building designer or builder is advantageous, saving lots of money and heartache in the long run!
For more information, follow Urban Aspect Build Planning + Interior Design via Facebook or Instagram.
Main image – Malia Lindeberg, Owner & Founder of Urban Aspect Build Planning + Interior Design.
Images Credits – All images supplied.
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