Kate Robinson - Wild Birch Design
Co-hosts Drew Kinney and Travis Spencer welcome Kate Robinson, founder of Wild Birch Design, to the podcast. Kate shares her journey from upstate New York to Vermont, a move inspired by her family’s search for more inclusive educational opportunities for her brother with cerebral palsy.
In the Vermonter Hot Seat, Kate reveals some of her Vermont favorites—from waffles with Baird Farm maple syrup and summer days on Lake Dunmore to meals at Crooked Ram and a maple-strawberry creamy from Canteen Creemee Company.
Kate discusses the launch of Wild Birch Design in 2020 and her transition from healthcare into the world of hospitality, interior design, and landscape horticulture. She explains how thoughtful design influences the way people experience spaces and why creating authentic, memorable environments is more important than ever for vacation rentals, event venues, and boutique hotels.
The conversation explores branding unique properties, avoiding trendy design mistakes, building local partnerships, balancing aesthetics with durability and accessibility, and making strategic improvements that deliver a return on investment. Kate also shares insights on entrepreneurship, finding community in Vermont, and how guest expectations have evolved toward more experience-driven stays.
Episode Highlights
- Why Kate moved to Vermont
- The story behind Wild Birch Design
- Designing spaces that create memorable guest experiences
- Branding vacation rentals, venues, and boutique hospitality properties
- Avoiding gimmicks and design trends that don't last
- Prioritizing accessibility, durability, and functionality
- Making smart upgrades with ROI in mind
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to the Show
01:26 Meet Kate Robinson
02:44 Vermonter Hot Seat
04:57 Wild Birch Origin Story
17:47 Starting the Business
18:49 Finding Your Community
20:52 Branding Unique Venues
23:21 Avoiding Gimmicky Decor
24:18 Handling Difficult Clients
27:27 Budgeting for ROI Upgrades
29:47 Recommendations and Wrap-Up
