Business Coaching for Design-Led Businesses in the Built Environment

19th&CO is a business coaching firm that works exclusively within the built environment, partnering with design-led businesses across the country.

We provide strategic clarity and consistent accountability to owners of creative firms who are navigating growth, complexity, and leadership responsibility. Our work is designed to help business owners make better decisions, stay focused on what matters most, and follow through over time.

This page exists to clearly explain what business coaching looks like in the context of design-led businesses, who we work with, and how our approach supports long-term progress.

What We Do

We partner with owners of design-led businesses as a strategic thought partner.

Our role is not to run our clients’ businesses for them or prescribe a rigid system. Instead, we help business owners slow down enough to see what’s actually happening, clarify priorities, pressure-test decisions, and stay accountable to the choices they make.

Our work focuses on:

  • strategic clarity

  • grounded judgment

  • real-time problem solving

  • consistent follow-through

We work alongside our clients over time, adjusting strategy as conditions change and supporting decision-making as new challenges arise.

Who We Work With

We work exclusively with design-led businesses across the built environment, including:

  • interior designers

  • architects

  • landscape architects

  • lighting designers

  • showrooms

  • other creative firms whose work is rooted in the built environment

Our clients range from early-stage firms establishing structure to established businesses navigating growth, leadership transitions, or increased complexity.

The Problems We Help Solve

Design-led business owners often face challenges that are less about capability and more about clarity and capacity.

We commonly support clients who are experiencing:

  • decision overload

  • difficulty prioritizing competing demands

  • stalled momentum despite effort

  • growth without clear structure

  • pressure associated with leadership and responsibility

  • uncertainty around what to focus on next

Our work helps reduce noise so owners can make decisions with confidence rather than urgency.

How Our Work Is Different

Our approach combines strategy and accountability in a way that supports real progress.

We do not rely on rigid frameworks, generic programs, or one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we adapt our work to each business and support decision-making in real time as circumstances evolve.

Clients work with us because we offer:

  • strategic thinking grounded in industry experience

  • accountability that supports follow-through without pressure

  • ongoing partnership rather than episodic advice

  • space to think clearly while still moving forward

You can learn more about our approach on our How We Work page.

What Clients Experience Over Time

Over time, clients typically experience:

  • clearer priorities and decision-making

  • stronger focus and fewer distractions

  • improved follow-through and momentum

  • greater alignment between vision and execution

  • more ideal clients and healthier pipelines

  • businesses that feel more manageable and resilient

Examples of outcomes can be found on our Client Results page.

Why 19th&CO

Our perspective is shaped by deep industry experience and long-term work alongside hundreds of design-led businesses across the built environment.

19th&CO was founded by Christine Woodward, whose background spans design, business strategy, and leadership advisory work. Our team brings complementary experience across strategy, management consulting, and the creative industries, allowing us to support clients with both rigor and empathy.

We understand the realities of creative businesses because we work within this ecosystem every day.

You can learn more about 19th&CO and our leadership on the main site.