Meet Jodi Peterman

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jodi Peterman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jodi, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

It was while we were designing and building my personal home that I found my purpose. I had helped countless clients in the middle of their crisis get things back under control. It took me going through my own process to pinpoint the major issues and structure my company process to address the issues, support our clients on their journey, and create documents to bridge the gap of communication between the client and contractor.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m Jodi Peterman, owner of Elizabeth Erin Designs, and for over two decades, I’ve been doing what I love—helping people bring their design visions to life in a way that’s both high-end and completely personalized. Whether it’s a homeowner looking to create their dream space, a vacation rental owner who wants to maximize their investment, or a business looking to elevate their brand through design, my goal is always the same: make the process as seamless and enjoyable as possible while delivering incredible results.

What excites me the most about what I do? The transformation. There’s nothing better than taking someone’s ideas—whether they’re crystal clear or just a general feeling—and turning them into a reality that not only looks stunning but feels exactly right. A well-designed space isn’t just about aesthetics; it should support the way you live, work, and unwind.

One of the things that really sets Elizabeth Erin Designs apart is our Designing in 5D process. I developed this after a particularly terrible experience with my own builder, where communication gaps led to frustration, delays, and unexpected costs. I thought, There has to be a better way! So, I created a process that bridges the gap between clients and contractors by locking in the design and budget before construction even begins—saving time, money, and headaches. Now, this process is at the core of what we do, and it’s even inspired my podcast, “Designing in 5D,” where we dig into the behind-the-scenes of design, construction, and all the unexpected moments in between.

Right now, I’m especially excited about our expansion into vacation rental and boutique hotel design. Creating spaces that enhance guest experiences and drive revenue is a fun challenge, and it’s been incredible to see the impact thoughtful design can have on bookings, reviews, and repeat stays. We’re also strengthening partnerships with builders and real estate firms, helping them streamline the design process and offer a better experience to their clients.

At the end of the day, I believe in livable luxury—design that’s elevated but approachable, curated but functional, high-end but never stuffy. I’m not here to push a signature style; I’m here to bring my clients’ visions to life in a way that fits their lifestyle, their needs, and their budget.

There are so many exciting things on the horizon—new collaborations, upcoming podcast episodes, and fresh opportunities to grow. But what really drives me is the people I get to work with—clients who appreciate design, trust the process, and are just as excited as I am to create something truly special.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three things have made the biggest impact on my journey—communication, adaptability, and understanding the business side of things.

I learned early on that design is only part of the job. The bigger piece is making sure everyone is on the same page. The best design in the world doesn’t mean anything if it isn’t executed properly because of miscommunication. That’s exactly why I developed the Designing in 5D process—to eliminate the back and forth between clients and contractors. No matter what industry you’re in, clear, direct communication will save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration. Setting expectations upfront, documenting everything, and having tough conversations before they turn into bigger issues will always put you in a better position.

Nothing ever goes exactly as planned. It just doesn’t. You have to be able to pivot, whether it’s dealing with delays, unexpected costs, or a client changing their mind at the last second. Instead of getting stuck in the problem, I’ve trained myself to look for solutions. The more you expect things to shift, the easier it is to roll with it instead of letting it derail you. I’ve also learned to trust my instincts and lean on the right people. No one gets anywhere alone, and surrounding yourself with a team that can problem-solve with you makes all the difference.

When I started out, I was a designer first, business owner second. At some point, I realized that if I wanted to grow, I needed to get just as good at running a business as I was at designing. That meant figuring out pricing, contracts, cash flow, marketing—all the things that aren’t always fun but are absolutely necessary. No matter how talented you are, if you don’t understand how to actually run a business, you’ll struggle. There’s no way around it. My best advice? Take courses, ask questions, learn from your mistakes, and never assume you have it all figured out.

At the end of the day, success comes down to being proactive, staying adaptable, and treating your business like a business. If you can do that, you’ll already be ahead of most people out there.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?

When I start feeling overwhelmed, the first thing I do is step back and get some perspective. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and feel like everything is urgent, but most of the time, the stress is coming from the pressure I’m putting on myself, not the actual situation. Taking a minute to breathe and separate what actually needs to be handled right away versus what can wait helps me get back in control.

I’ve learned over the years that I need a whole toolbox of strategies to manage stress, because what works one day might not work the next. Meditation is a big one for me. Taking even five minutes to slow down, clear my mind, and reset my energy can make all the difference. Music is another go-to—putting on something calming or even something upbeat if I need a shift in mood can instantly help. And sometimes, I just need to physically shake off the stress—jumping on a trampoline for a couple of minutes, going for a quick walk, or just moving my body helps snap me out of that stuck feeling. A quick, good distraction always helps.

I’ve also learned that I don’t have to do everything myself. That was a hard lesson, but once I started trusting my team and delegating, things got a lot easier. There’s no award for burning yourself out, and trying to control every little thing doesn’t lead to better results—it just leads to exhaustion. Knowing who I can lean on, whether it’s my team, a mentor, or even just a friend to talk things through, makes a huge difference.

At the end of the day, overwhelm happens to everyone. The trick is figuring out what actually helps you reset instead of just pushing through and hoping it goes away. My best advice? Have multiple tools in your toolbox, give yourself some grace, focus on what’s actually in your control, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Elizabeth Erin Designs

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our

Productivity
Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,

Confidence
Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move